In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Will Jung, Chief Technology Officer at nCino, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the traditionally conservative banking and financial services sector. Jung brings a distinctive perspective from his extensive experience helping financial institutions transition from viewing technology as a cost center to embracing it as a strategic innovation driver, particularly in the highly regulated world of banking.

From fraud prevention using AI agents that actively lure scammers to context engineering that personalizes banking experiences, Jung offers compelling insights into how banks are deploying cutting-edge technology while maintaining trust and regulatory compliance. The conversation examines the delicate balance between rapid technological advancement and responsible innovation, the future of personalized banking relationships, and why staying human remains the most critical factor in an increasingly automated world. If you're interested in understanding how one of the most regulated industries is navigating the AI revolution while serving underbanked populations and protecting customer data, this episode delivers essential perspectives from a technology leader at the forefront of financial innovation.

Chapters:

[02:00] Will's Background in Banking Technology

[03:00] nCino's Mission in the FinTech Space

[04:30] Banks Embracing Technology as Innovation Driver

[06:50] Fighting Fraud with Advanced AI Technology

[09:00] Building Technical and Non-Technical Team Culture

[11:50] Context Engineering in Banking

[14:25] Privacy and Personalization Trade-offs

[19:20] The Future Customer Experience in Banking

[21:30] Societal Implications of AI Technology

[25:50] Cryptocurrency and Banking Technology

[27:50] Two Words for the Future: Stay Human

[30:00] The Human Element in Automated Banking Decisions

Connect with Will Jung

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-jung/?originalSubdomain=au

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Venky Veeraraghavan, Chief Product Officer at DataRobot, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore the fascinating evolution from predictive AI to today's agentic workflows. With 20 years of experience at Microsoft working on everything from Azure Machine Learning to the early days of Azure OpenAI, Venky brings a unique perspective on how AI is truly transforming the enterprise landscape.

The conversation delves into the fundamental differences between predictive and generative AI, how agents will orchestrate complex business processes using multiple AI tools, and what the future holds for the agentic workforce. From warehouse management systems that adapt in real-time to supply chain planning agents that combine forecasting with live data, Venky shares insights on how the orchestration layer of multiple AI tools creates genuinely transformative possibilities.

If you're interested in understanding how enterprises are navigating AI adoption with appropriate caution and what it takes to thrive in an AI-driven workplace, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone at the forefront of enterprise AI transformation.

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction and Background

[02:00] Venky's Journey from Microsoft to DataRobot

[05:00] Predictive vs Generative AI Explained

[09:00] The Evolution of DataRobot's Platform

[13:00] Function Calling and Orchestration Layers

[15:00] The Future of Agentic Workflows

[18:00] Agent Workforce Management and UI Challenges

[23:00] The Human Impact of AI Transformation

[28:00] Enterprise Adoption and Brand Risk

[30:00] Two Words for the Future: Exciting and Disruptive

Connect with Venky Veeraraghavan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/venkyv

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Vik Bajaj, CEO and Co-founder of Foresite Labs and Interim President at Xaira Therapeutics, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how AI is revolutionizing life sciences and healthcare. With a distinguished background spanning physics, structural biology, radiology at Stanford, and pioneering work at Google, Vik brings a unique perspective on the intersection of AI and medicine.

The conversation delves into the stark realities of drug discovery—where 2 million researchers globally struggle against success rates so low that most will be lucky to contribute to one or two successful drugs in their entire careers. Vik explains how AI, particularly David Baker's groundbreaking protein design work, is poised to transform this landscape by enabling drugs for previously "undruggable" targets and moving healthcare from reactive treatment to predictive, personalized medicine.

From genetic tests that could provide actionable insights for 75% of people to AI models that can predict 5-year mortality from a simple chest X-ray, this episode reveals how we're approaching a future where disease prevention replaces disease treatment. If you're interested in understanding how AI will fundamentally reshape healthcare economics and why Vik compares this transformation to the industrial revolution, this episode is essential listening.

Chapters:

[01:48] From Physics to Life Sciences: Vik's Interdisciplinary Journey

[04:13] The Google Years: Early AI Revolution in Science

[06:56] Xaira Therapeutics and David Baker's Protein Design Breakthrough

[09:28] The Optimistic Future of AI in Drug Discovery

[15:17] The Four-Stage Evolution of AI in Medicine

[19:53] Healthcare Cost Crisis and AI Solutions

[23:27] The Promise of Personalized Medicine

[28:39] Foresite Labs: Specializing in Science and Engineering AI

[32:00] Why Healthcare AI is Harder Than Software Engineering

[36:27] Two Words for the Future: Industrial Revolution

Contact Info:

Connect with Vik Bajaj

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvikbajaj/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

● X: boazashkenazy

● Email: info@shiftai.fm

Shift AI is brought to you by Clause, a legal AI platform, and is syndicated by GeekWire.

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Shalini Agarwal, VP of Product at Salesforce overseeing Slack's AI and search capabilities, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how AI is transforming workplace collaboration from the inside out. With 17 years of experience at Google and now leading AI innovation at one of the world's most widely used workplace platforms, Shalini offers unique insights into how billions of weekly messages are being augmented with intelligent agents and contextual AI.

From her journey as a seasoned product manager to spearheading Slack's evolution into an agentic work operating system, Shalini reveals how teams are already using AI search, channel experts, and multiplayer agents to unlock institutional knowledge and streamline productivity. The conversation dives into the future of human-agent collaboration, the importance of contextual AI that works in the flow of work, and how Slack is positioning itself as the perfect platform for the next generation of workplace intelligence.

If you're curious about how AI agents will reshape team productivity and what the future holds for contextual, collaborative AI experiences, this episode provides invaluable insights from someone building the future of work today.

Chapters:

[02:00] Shalini's Background and Product Management Evolution

[04:43] Slack's AI Vision and Work Operating System

[09:17] Real-World AI Integration Examples at Slack

[12:26] The Power of Contextual AI in Workflow

[13:56] Customer Adaptation and AI Journey Patterns

[16:02] Agents vs Assistants: Understanding the Difference

[18:14] Surprising Customer Use Cases and Open Text Box Innovation

[21:22] Multiplayer AI Experiences and Team Collaboration

[25:20] Security, Privacy, and Enterprise Data Protection

[25:49] Multiplayer Native Agents Preview

[27:44] The Future of Work: Agentic and Contextual

Connect with Shalini Agarwal

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/shaliniprofile/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

Email: info@shiftai.fm

Shift AI is brought to you by Clause, a legal AI platform, and is syndicated by GeekWire.

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Sanjna Parulekar, SVP of Product Marketing at Salesforce, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore the reality of enterprise AI adoption beyond the media hype. With her psychology background and eight years at one of the world's leading enterprise software companies, Parulekar offers a grounded perspective on how large organizations are actually implementing AI agents and what the human side of AI transformation really looks like.

From discussing the courage required to transform workflows to the importance of data strategy foundations, Parulekar shares insights on why some companies are succeeding with AI while others struggle with pilots. She also explores how voice technology fits into enterprise solutions, the evolving role of humans in AI systems, and why the future of work will be both more exciting and more intentional. If you're interested in understanding where enterprise AI adoption actually stands versus the narrative, this conversation provides valuable insights from the trenches.

Chapters:

[00:00:35] Introduction and Background

[00:01:56] Sanjna's Journey from AI Startups to Salesforce

[00:03:52] Enterprise AI Adoption Reality vs. Hype

[00:07:16] How Jobs Are Changing with AI Agents

[00:10:30] The Human Experience in AI Transformation

[00:11:25] Voice Technology in Enterprise Solutions

[00:13:56] Humans in the Loop: When and How

[00:18:08] The Truth About AI Hype Cycles

[00:22:13] Big Enterprise Customer Conversations

[00:26:35] Leadership Changes in the AI Era

[00:29:56] Two Words for the Future of Work

Contact Information:

Connect with Sanjna Parulekar

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjna-parulekar-0248a537/

● Company: Salesforce

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

● X: boazashkenazy

● Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Dr. Vanja Josifovski, CEO of Kumo and former CTO of Airbnb and Pinterest, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses unlock value from their structured data. Josifovski shares his journey from building recommendation systems for millions of users to founding Sequoia-backed Kumo, which is tackling one of AI's biggest challenges: turning business data into actionable insights.

From his early days witnessing the evolution of embeddings and vector representations to today's transformer revolution, Josifovski offers a unique perspective on the AI landscape. The conversation delves into why the current AI boom has largely overlooked structured business data, the future of personalized consumer experiences, and how coding tools are democratizing software development. If you're interested in understanding how enterprise data can drive better business decisions and what the future holds for work in an AI-driven world, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone who's been at the forefront of the AI revolution for two decades.

Chapters:

[02:00] Vanja's Background and AI Journey

[04:00] The Evolution of Embeddings and Vectors

[07:00] Silicon Valley's AI Revolution

[09:00] Founding Kumo and the Enterprise Data Problem

[12:00] The Future of Personalization

[15:00] How AI is Changing Software Development

[18:00] The Optimistic Future of Work

[21:00] Societal Changes and Abundance

[25:00] From Big Tech to Startup Life [00:28:00] Two Words for the Future: "Lots of Fun"

Contact Info:

Connect with Vanja Josifovski:

● Website: kumo.ai

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy:

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

● Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy is joined by Taylor Black, Director of AI and Venture Ecosystems in Microsoft’s CTO Office. With a background as a B2B SaaS founder and deep tech venture studio leader, Taylor brings a rare blend of startup vision and enterprise expertise to the AI conversation.

Together, they explore the rise of agentic workflows, protocols like MCP, and the shifting interface of software in the age of AI. Taylor also reflects on the philosophical and economic implications of AI’s rapid evolution—from abundant intelligence to human decision-making limits. If you're curious about how Microsoft thinks about AI agents, or what the future of work might actually feel like, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Chapters:

[00:00] The Promise of AI and Collective Problem Solving

[00:32] Intro: Meet Taylor Black of Microsoft

[01:54] Inside the CTO’s Office and Innovation Labs

[03:53] From SaaS Founder to Deep Tech Studio Leader

[05:38] Agentic Workflows: Beyond the Hype

[08:46] Ecosystems, Authority, and Agent Infrastructure

[11:12] MCP: The Protocol Standard for AI Agents

[15:24] Microsoft's Vision of Agentic Interfaces

[18:34] Designing for Human Capacity in the AI Age

[23:15] The Hidden Risks and Philosophical Impacts of AI

[27:09] Scarcity vs Abundance: New Frontiers in Work

[29:12] Final Thoughts: A Future of Abundant Intelligence

Connect with Taylor Black

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/blacktaylor/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: @boazashkenazy

Email: info@shiftai.fm

The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs.  Our theme music was created by Dave Angel.

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy sits down with Patrick Jarvis, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Acumino, to explore the cutting edge of roboticstechnology. After two decades building one of the world's most advanced AI labs, helping companies like Apple, Samsung, and major automotive manufacturers solve critical data problems, Jarvis saw an opportunity to revolutionize how robotsinteract with the physical world. He reveals how Acumino is achieving unprecedented reliability in robotic manipulation tasks – from threading screws to fine assembly work – by combining advanced AI with revolutionary force-sensing technology.

The conversation delves into the commercial reality of robotics adoption, where anything less than human-level performance simply won't cut it for businesses. Jarvis shares his vision forthe future of work, emphasizing how robots shouldn't replace humans but rather empower them by removing the need for coding and enabling workers to directly train AI systems for their specific needs. From factory floors today to potential home care applications tomorrow, this episode offers fascinating insights into how ultra-reliable robotics will transform industries and reshape our relationship with technology in ways we're just beginning to imagine.

Chapters:

[01:41] Patrick's Journey into Robotics

[06:04] Visualizing Fine-Tuned Robotic Touch

[08:05] What Made These Advances Possible

[10:13] The Ultra-High Reliability Threshold

[12:01] Factory Floor Use Cases

[16:07] Future Vision: Robots in the Home

[23:26] Current Stage and Business Progress

[24:39] Finding the Right Team and Contacts

[27:18] AI's Impact on Jobs and Collaboration
Connect with Patrick JarvisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jarvis-a16473aWebsite: https://acumino.ai/

Email: patrick@acumino.ai
Other Resources Mentioned:

Minas Liarokapis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minasliarokapis

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: info@shiftai.fm
The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs.  Our theme music was created by Dave Angel

Follow, Listen, and SubscribeSpotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz welcomes Prem Kumar, CEO of Humanly and GeekWire Award winner for CEO of the Year. With his unique background as both a buyer of HR solutions at Microsoft and a startup leader at TINYpulse, Prem shares how his company is revolutionizing the hiring process through AI-powered solutions that create more human-centered experiences.

Prem dives into the challenges facing today's job seekers and recruiters, revealing how Humanly's technology enables meaningful two-way conversations for every candidate within 24 hours of application. The discussion explores how AI can reduce bias in hiring, improve standardization in interviews, and ultimately create better matches between candidates and companies. Whether you're interested in the future of recruiting or navigating today's job market, Prem's "human first" approach to AI offers valuable insights on how technology can enhance rather than replace meaningful human connections.

Chapters:

[00:00] The Philosophy of Human-Centered AI

[01:39] Professional Journey: Microsoft to Startup Leadership

[04:22] Addressing Recruitment Inefficiencies

[06:35] Humanly's Approach to Streamlining Candidate Experience

[08:42] Combating Algorithmic Bias in Hiring Processes

[11:29] Strategic Job Application Techniques for Modern Candidates

[13:13] Next-Generation Recruitment: Personalized Job Matching

[16:10] Building Trust Through Transparent AI Implementation

[20:49] The Evolution of Workforce Management

[25:19] Influential Mentors and Iterative Culture Development

[26:43] Prioritizing Human Outcomes in AI Development

Connect with Prem Kumar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/premskumar/

Website: https://www.humanly.io

Email: prem@humanly.io

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs.  Our theme music was created by Dave Angel

Follow, Listen, and Subscribe

Spotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy welcomes Brian Buchwald, who leads AI strategy and product development at Edelman, the world's largest communications firm. With his impressive background spanning investment banking, ad tech, digital media, and entrepreneurship, Buchwald offers a unique perspective on how AI is transforming both internal operations and client services at global scale.

Discover how Edelman is implementing AI across its 7,000-employee organization and for its prestigious client roster. Buchwald shares fascinating insights on the balance between automation and human expertise, the evolution of trust in the AI era, and how communications professionals are quantifying their impact. Whether you're interested in AI implementation at enterprise scale or the future of knowledge work, this episode reveals how "curated automation" is redefining an entire industry while keeping the human element at its core.

Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction to Brian Buchwald and Edelman

[03:09] Brian's Career Journey from Ad Tech to Communications

[05:35] Four Lenses of AI Implementation at Edelman

[06:59] Trust Quantification and Research Transformation

[10:17] Trust and AI: The Public Perception

[13:01] Three-Tiered Approach to Client Transformation

[17:55] Measuring Business Value in Communications

[21:48] The Human-Machine Partnership in Creative Work

[24:11] Mentors and Strategic Influences

[29:11] The Future of Work: Curated Automation

Connect with Brian Buchwald

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-buchwald-0447591/

Email: brian.buchwald@edelman.com

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs.  Our theme music was created by Dave Angel

Follow, Listen, and Subscribe

Spotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy sits down with Rohan D'Souza, co-founder of Avante, who is tackling one of America's most complex challenges: the $1.7 trillion employer-sponsored healthcare system. With his unique background as a former competitive swimmer from India and extensive experience in healthcare technology, Rohan brings a fresh perspective to an industry plagued by opacity and inefficiency.

Rohan shares how Avante is leveraging AI to democratize healthcare information, making complex insurance plans understandable for employees while helping employers control costs that are rising 8-14% annually. From his early days working with electronic medical records during the 2008 financial crisis to building a nine-person team that supports hundreds of conversations with AI-powered solutions, Rohan illustrates how productivity and creativity converge in the future of work. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in healthcare innovation, AI implementation in regulated industries, and the entrepreneurial journey of building solutions for massive, entrenched systems.

Chapters:

[01:57] From India to America - The Swimming Journey

[03:57] Early Career in Healthcare Technology During the Financial Crisis

[05:14] Introducing Avante - The $1.7 Trillion Opportunity

[09:10] The Employee Experience Problem

[14:05] AI Agents and Personalized Healthcare Recommendations

[18:25] Privacy Challenges in Healthcare AI

[23:35] Building the Founders Club and Early Customers

[28:07] The Future of Work - Productivity and Creativity

Connect with Rohan D’Souza

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohanpdsouza/

Website: https://avante.ai/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs.  Our theme music was created by Dave Angel

Follow, Listen, and Subscribe

Spotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy welcomes Kunal Chopra, CEO and Founder of Certivo, to explore how AI agents are evolving from assistants to true team members. Kunal shares insights from his experience as a former leader at Microsoft and Amazon, and his current venture tackling product compliance challenges for manufacturers. Through Certivo's AI agent compliance managers can automate tedious regulatory tasks while maintaining strategic control of the process.

The conversation delves into the distinction between AI assistants and agents, examining the collaborative dance between humans and AI that defines today's implementations. Kunal offers a compelling vision of future workplaces where teams consist of both humans and AI agents working in tandem, while sharing candid advice for entrepreneurs and business leaders adapting to this new reality. If you're interested in how AI is reshaping teams and transforming manufacturing industries, this insightful discussion provides a window into what's coming next.

Chapters:

[02:19] Kunal's Background at Tech Giants and as CEO

[05:34] The Pioneer Square Labs Incubation Process

[10:06] Certivo's Origin and the Product Compliance Challenge

[12:35] How AI Agent Cora Solves Regulatory Compliance Problems

[16:59] The Evolution from Assistants to Agents

[21:20] The Human-AI Dance: Autonomy vs. Collaboration

[24:01] Manager Reactions and Changing Workforce Skills

[29:17] The Role of Mentors in Entrepreneurial Success

[31:33] Advice for First-Time Founders

[34:29] The Future of Work: "Agent" and "Team"

Connect with Kunal Chopra

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunalchopra28/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Paul Bingham, Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the College of Technology at Western Governor's University, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore the evolution of education in the digital age. Bingham brings a fascinating background spanning from a full career with the FBI, where he specialized in cybercrime investigations, to his current role pioneering innovative approaches to online education. As an institution designed specifically for adult learners with work experience, WGU has been at the forefront of educational innovation for over 25 years, well before remote learning became mainstream. Bingham shares insights on how competency-based education is transforming career pathways in technology, how AI and decision intelligence are personalizing the learning experience, and why adaptability is crucial in our rapidly changing technological landscape. If you're interested in how education is evolving to meet the needs of today's workforce, you won't want to miss this conversation.

Chapters:

[04:15] FBI Background and Cybersecurity Experience

[07:50] The Origins of Western Governor's University

[10:01] Competency-Based Education and Workforce Preparation

[15:15] AI and Decision Intelligence in Learning

[22:55] The Role of Mentorship in Remote Education

[27:08] Leadership Lessons from the FBI

[28:51] The Human Connection in a Digital World

[29:39] The Future of Work: Faster and Adaptable

Connect with Paul Bingham

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paul-bingham-cpa/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz welcomes Seth Siegel, founder and CEO of Audivi, a groundbreaking company revolutionizing the drive-through experience with voice AI technology. From bootstrapping his startup to achieving industry-leading accuracy in less than two seconds, Seth shares the journey of building a second-generation solution that succeeds where others have failed. As a self-described "blue collar kid from Long Island" turned tech entrepreneur, Seth offers candid insights into fundraising challenges, investor relationships, and the importance of domain expertise in the AI revolution.

Seth's practical wisdom on navigating the startup ecosystem while solving real-world problems makes this episode essential listening for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike. The conversation explores how AI is transforming industries beyond just drive-throughs, with Seth warning that white-collar workers need to adapt or risk becoming "the buggy whip makers" of the modern era. Whether you're interested in AI applications, startup funding strategies, or the future of work, this episode delivers valuable perspectives from a seasoned entrepreneur who's focused on "doing things that are incredibly hard and making them look incredibly easy."

Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction to Seth Siegel and Audivi

[02:50] Seth's Background and Career Philosophy

[04:23] Introduction to Audivi and Its Mission

[06:43] Industry Challenges and First-Gen AI Failures

[11:07] The Boston Mom Test and Technical Expertise

[15:22] Domain Expertise in Fast Food AI

[17:43] Navigating the Startup Fundraising Landscape

[21:22] Fundraising Challenges for Seasoned Entrepreneurs

[28:23] AI's Impact on Society and Future of Work

Connect with Seth Siegel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-siegel1

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs.  Our theme music was created by Dave Angel

Follow, Listen, and Subscribe

Spotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz welcomes Tony Owens, the recently appointed CEO of Amperity, a Seattle tech unicorn revolutionizing how companies leverage customer data in the age of AI. Drawing from over two decades at tech powerhouses Oracle and Salesforce, Tony shares his vision for the intersection of AI and customer data. The conversation explores how the traditional rules-based approach to customer data is being transformed by AI capabilities, enabling brands to create truly personalized experiences that fit into consumers' lives rather than interrupting them.

Description:

[01:30] Introduction to Tony Owens

[03:09] Tony's Journey Through Oracle and Salesforce

[05:18] The Amperity Story and Value Proposition

[07:53] AI's Impact on Customer Data Platforms

[09:38] Personalization and the Evolution of Customer Experience

[16:10 ] Balancing Personalization with Privacy

[18:02] Leadership in the Age of AI and Automation

[21:39] Mentors and Influences in Tony's Career

[25:03] The Future: 'Exciting and Uncertain'

[27:29] Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

Connect with Tony Owens

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-alika-owens-a53a794

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

In this latest episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Roger Connolly (Sitecore CPO) discusses how AI is transforming enterprise marketing with host Boaz Ashkenazy. Drawing from his experience at Victoria's Secret and Sitecore, Roger explains how brands like Nestle use generative AI to enhance marketing while maintaining brand consistency. As a Microsoft partner, Sitecore is developing "Brand Assistant," an AI tool that processes brand guidelines to help marketers create on-brand content and co-creating AI Innovation Lab. Roger shares his vision for the future of content creation, marketers' evolving roles, and how immersive technologies will shape customer experience.

Chapters:

[00:59] Introduction to Roger Connolly

[04:42] Sitecore's Evolution and Microsoft Partnership

[06:38] Delivering Content Across Channels

[07:41] The Nestle Brand Assistant Project

[12:29] Generative AI in Marketing Content

[14:55] Content Volume and Brand Authenticity

[17:15] The Future of Work in Marketing

[19:27] Mentorship in a Remote World

[20:30] Immersive Experiences and 3D Marketing

[24:39]The Future: Seamless and Freeing

Connect with Roger Connolly

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerconnolly/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

EXCLUSIVE AWS ANNOUNCEMENT: Amazon Q Developer now speaks YOUR language! 🌎

In this special announcement from the Shift AI Podcast, we're breaking the news that AWS has launched multilingual support for Amazon Q Developer. This isn't a full episode—it's a direct, exclusive reveal that we're privileged to share first with our global community.

This breakthrough feature enables developers to build software using their preferred spoken language, removing a significant barrier for non-English speakers in the tech world. Now you can interact with Amazon Q Developer naturally, without the constant mental translation that interrupts your workflow.

Watch this quick announcement to learn how AWS is making AI development tools more inclusive and accessible for everyone, regardless of what language you speak.

Here are some additional details.

 https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/devops/amazon-q-developer-global-capabilities/

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy welcomes back Varun Puri, founder of Yoodli, for a discussion about his journey transforming a consumer-focused public speaking tool into an enterprise powerhouse. Since his last appearance, Varun has pivoted Yoodli into what he calls "the Grammarly for speech," now serving 50 companies through AI-powered communication training and role-playing scenarios.

With candid reflections on the startup rollercoaster—from the challenges of enterprise sales to building a vibrant company culture—Varun shares his vision of "grounded optimism" for the future of AI. This conversation offers valuable insights for founders navigating the enterprise market, teams adapting to hybrid work models, and anyone interested in how AI tools can enhance human communication while maintaining our essential humanity in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Chapters:

[01:00] Introduction and Welcome Back

[02:43] Varun's Background and Yoodli's Mission

[03:43] Evolution from Consumer to Enterprise

[04:57] The Role Play Revolution

[06:59] Enterprise Deployment and Go-to-Market Teams

[08:43] Startup Journey: Challenges and Wins

[16:44] Team Culture and The AI House

[21:01] Hiring Strategy and Growth Plans

[23:22] The Future: Grounded Optimism

[26:49] Seattle's Startup Ecosystem

Connect with Varun Puri

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-puri001/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Shri Santhanam, EVP and GM at Experian, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how one of the world's largest data companies is implementing AI at scale. From his early days at Stanford to pioneering Silicon Valley-style innovation in large enterprises, Shri shares insights into Experian's transformation from a traditional credit bureau to a data-backed platform company. The conversation delves into the development of the Experian Assistant, an AI-powered tool revolutionizing how businesses interact with complex financial data, and the critical role of trust in AI adoption. If you're interested in how major financial institutions are navigating the AI revolution while maintaining data privacy and ethical standards, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on the future of trusted AI agents in the workplace.

Chapters:

[00:00] The Trust Challenge in AI

[01:00] Introduction to Shri Santhanam

[02:39] Career Journey and Silicon Valley Innovation

[04:08] Experian's AI Evolution

[06:43] Experian's Business Transformation

[10:44] The Experian Assistant

[20:01] Internal AI Implementation

[23:48] Technical Infrastructure and Model Selection

[28:36] The Future: Trusted Agents

Connect with Shri Santhanam

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shriramsanthanam

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating world of AI-powered visual effects and digital humans with Matthias Wittmann, a leading VFX expert from Digital Domain. From his groundbreaking work on films like Benjamin Button to pioneering autonomous virtual humans, Matthias shares unique insights into how AI is transforming Hollywood and beyond. Learn about the challenges and innovations in creating lifelike digital characters, the future of AI in entertainment, and the unexpected applications of virtual humans in education and companionship. If you're interested in the intersection of AI, visual effects, and the future of digital entertainment, this episode offers an insider's perspective from one of the industry's most innovative studios.

Chapters:

[00:25] Welcome and Introduction to Matthias Wittmann

[01:55] Journey to Digital Domain: Early Career and Animation

[05:13] Digital Domain's Legacy in Visual Effects

[06:48] AI and Machine Learning in Facial Capture Systems

[08:31] The Birth of Autonomous Virtual Humans

[15:56] Applications and Future of Digital Humans

[25:37] AI Tools in Visual Effects Production

[29:23] Text-to-Video Technology and Industry Impact

[30:44] Mentors and Career Influences

[33:22] The Future: "Exciting Variations"

Connect with Matthias Wittmann

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthiaswittmann/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy