In this episode of BetterTech, host Jocelyn Houle speaks with Katharina Koerner, Senior Principal Consultant in AI Governance at Trace3. Katharina shares her expertise on bridging the AI governance maturity gap, explaining the challenges organizations face in turning high-level principles into enforceable, monitored practices. She discusses critical topics such as operationalizing governance, managing shadow AI, integrating governance into product workflows, and leveraging tools like DSPM for data security. Katharina also explores the distinctions between ethics, trustworthy AI, and responsible AI, highlighting the importance of privacy-enhancing technologies. Listeners gain practical insights into balancing innovation with accountability, ensuring AI adoption is both safe and strategically aligned.
In this episode of BetterTech, host Jocelyn Houle speaks with Purvag Patel, Head of Engineering and AI at Invisible Universe, a company revolutionizing the animation industry with AI content creation tools. Purvag discusses how AI is transforming content creation, from ideation to final animation, by streamlining traditional workflows. He explains the role of generative AI content in speeding up the animation process, reducing costs, and allowing creatives to focus more on storytelling. The conversation also explores how AI content is used to build consistent character designs, the challenges of integrating human intuition with AI, and the future of AI in animation.
In this episode of BetterTech, host Colin McCarthy chats with Rajesh Solanki, founder of Energos.ai, about how AI and IoT are transforming energy and mobility. Rajesh shares his journey from access control systems to predictive maintenance, exploring how smart systems reduce downtime, boost efficiency, and drive innovation in renewable energy and EV charging. He also highlights the future of AI in asset management and how businesses can leverage technology for smarter operations.
In this episode of BetterTech, we sit down with AJ Cook, Head of Global Agentic and AI at Workato, to explore the powerful intersection of AI, integration, and go-to-market strategies. AJ shares how Workato is helping enterprises simplify complex systems, automate workflows, and now, build intelligent AI agents that drive real business value. From stitching data across SaaS apps to automating sales processes like CPQ in minutes, AJ dives into what it really takes to implement GenAI responsibly. He also unpacks the buzz around "agentic" workflows, the importance of flexibility in tech stacks, and how AI is transforming tasks — not eliminating jobs. A must-listen for CIOs, CROs, and AI-curious leaders.
In this episode of BetterTech, host Colin McCarthy speaks with Indrajit Singh, CTO and Senior Generative AI Architect at CellStrat, the innovators behind Cellverse AI. Indrajit shares how Cellverse is transforming the healthcare research space through generative AI and immersive technologies, addressing core challenges like time constraints, information overload, and outdated tools used by medical professionals. From authentic data sources to intuitive voice-enabled interfaces, Indrajit explains how Cellverse enhances research accuracy, speeds up analysis, and simplifies onboarding. The conversation also explores broader AI adoption, the role of agentic AI, and the future of immersive 3D collaborations in science. A compelling dive into AI’s real-world impact on healthcare innovation.
In this episode of BetterTech, host Jocelyn Houle discusses the future of VR & AR with Mark Nguyen, Founder and CEO of SlideFactory, a cutting-edge digital agency specializing in AR, VR, AI, and immersive design. With nearly 30 years in tech, Mark shares his journey from early software development to leading innovation at SlideFactory. The conversation dives into agentic AI, building VR training solutions, and what it really takes to move from whiteboard to functional 3D experiences. Mark offers insights on hardware limitations, UX in spatial environments, and why "weird" problems fuel true innovation. If you're curious about the future of immersive tech and agentic systems, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode of BetterTech, we’re joined by Lena Levine, CEO of Forcoda, a software development agency that helps founders bring their SaaS ideas to life. Lena shares her journey from being a young coder in Russia to launching a thriving tech business in the U.S., and dives deep into the smarter path to SaaS success. She walks us through common mistakes non-technical founders make, from skipping customer research to building bloated MVPs, and offers tactical advice on product validation, iterative design, go-to-market strategy, and architecture planning. Whether you're a startup founder or an enterprise innovator, this conversation is packed with practical insights.
In this episode of BetterTech, we sit down with Anagha Nadkarni, CEO of AI Detector Pro, a platform helping students, writers, and professionals detect and humanize AI-generated content. Anagha shares her journey from federal attorney to tech founder, shedding light on bootstrapping a startup, scaling responsibly, and navigating the ethics of AI in education and content creation. With 300,000 users and nearly a million reports processed, AI Detector Pro is redefining how we measure originality and quality in writing. Tune in as Anagha discusses leadership lessons, writing advice in the AI era, and what it really takes to build a user-centered B2C tech product.
In this episode, host Umair Javed interviews Taylor Black from Microsoft’s Office of the CTO,who discusses how their internal incubator drives AI innovation using lean startup methods. Heexplains how teams pitch ideas, access resources, and balance startup speed within a largecompany. Taylor shares success stories, challenges in corporate innovation, and how AI isreshaping product development. He also highlights the importance of trusting the innovationprocess and collaborating with external venture studios. Gain an insider’s view of Microsoft’sapproach to fostering breakthrough technology and driving the future of AI.
In this episode of the BetterTech podcast, host Umair Javed sits down with Chom Chana, Head of AI and Machine Learning for the SCN region at Amazon Web Services (AWS). With a PhD in computer science and years of experience in business development and AI, Chom shares his expertise on the rapid evolution of AI and its real-world applications. He discusses how businesses are adopting AI technologies, from proof of concepts to full-scale implementations, and the challenges companies face in leveraging AI to drive value. Chom also explores key AI use cases, from improving customer experience to enhancing business workflows and personalization.
In this episode of the BetterTech podcast, host Colin McCarthy sits down with Roberto Galdamez, Chief Information Security Officer at Kovac Financial Network. Roberto shares his remarkable journey from working with the Miami Dolphins to leading cybersecurity efforts in the financial sector. He dives into key leadership lessons for aspiring CISOs, the growing impact of AI-powered threats, and why soft skills are just as vital as technical expertise. Roberto also unpacks how the role of the CISO is rapidly evolving, shifting from technical oversight to a strategic, board-level influence. Whether you're early in your cybersecurity career or aiming for leadership, this episode is full of insight.
In this episode, host Jocelyn Houle welcomes, Bennett Borden, CEO of Clarion AI Partners, shares his unique journey merging law, data science, and AI development. Bennett discusses how Clarion combines legal expertise with cutting-edge AI technology to help organizations build compliant, responsible AI systems. Drawing on decades of experience, including his work with government agencies and top law firms, Bennett explains the critical importance of "compliance by design" and the challenges companies face navigating AI regulation in a rapidly evolving landscape. He emphasizes that AI is a transformative opportunity, urging leaders to lean into innovation rather than resist change. Bennett also highlights how AI can augment human expertise, driving efficiency and new business value.
In this episode of Better Tech, host Jocelyn Houle interviews Marc-Antoine Auger, AVP of AI Data Governance and Business Architecture at iA Private Wealth. Marc-Antoine dives deep into how financial institutions can modernize legacy systems by aligning business architecture, data governance, and AI to drive scalable transformation and value. He emphasizes the importance of understanding business capabilities, managing technical debt, and fostering collaboration across business, technology, and risk teams. Marc-Antoine also shares insights on data quality being “fit for purpose” rather than perfect and highlights the challenges and opportunities of AI adoption in finance. Listeners gain practical guidance on navigating complex AI projects and managing up effectively in fast-changing environments.
In this episode of PetrTech, host Haseeb Khan welcomes Eze Lanza, an Open Source AI Evangelist and Developer Advocate at Intel. With over a decade of experience in AI, including classical NLP and modern AI developments, Eze shares insights on the evolution of AI from traditional machine learning to large language models and AI agents. He explains how AI agents are transforming business automation by connecting AI models to external systems, enabling practical workflows with controlled execution. Eze also discusses the future of work shaped by AI, the challenges around ethics and responsibility, and the growing adoption of AI tools among developers. The conversation highlights real-world applications in healthcare, finance, and customer experience, emphasizing an agentic future powered by AI’s evolving senses.
In this episode of BetterTech, Haseeb Khan sits down with Chris Traylor, Global Executive for Employee Experience at ServiceNow, to explore how AI agents are reshaping the modern workplace. Chris shares insights on the evolution from chatbots to fully autonomous AI agents capable of executing complex workflows, enhancing productivity, and transforming employee experience. He emphasizes the importance of integrating AI with governance, contextual awareness, and structured data to ensure relevance and reliability. From explaining AI agents as digital twins, not replacements, to offering a practical roadmap for AI adoption, Chris provides a clear, experience-driven perspective on how businesses can unlock value from AI, starting small but scaling smart.
In this episode of BetterTech, Ismail, CTO and Co-founder of Superagent, joins Haseeb Khan for a deep dive into the evolving role of AI agents in modern work environments. Backed by Y Combinator, Superagent is building a platform where humans and AI collaborate like real teammates. Ismail shares how their approach replaces bloated tools with a single, intelligent agent that operates autonomously across systems. He discusses the shift from “human-in-the-loop” to “agent-in-the-loop,” the importance of context in AI performance, and how lean teams can now achieve massive scale. A must-listen for anyone building in AI, SaaS, or enterprise productivity.
In this episode of BetterTech, Haseeb Khan sits down with Alan Wepener, CEO of Svantero, to dive deep into the future of transforming sustainability. Alan takes us through his remarkable journey from investment banking to founding Svantero, a groundbreaking platform that combines fintech, blockchain, and decarbonization projects. He sheds light on the growing carbon markets and reveals why carbon credits are projected to become a $4.7 trillion industry. Alan also highlights how blockchain and AI are revolutionizing carbon trading and discusses the rise of green finance. Furthermore, Alan explains how Svantero is democratizing carbon neutrality, making it accessible to individuals and businesses, enabling them to offset emissions easily—without needing to change their lifestyle. Tune in for a compelling conversation on how innovation is reshaping sustainability and paving the way for a greener future.
In this episode of BetterTech, Luke Arrigoni, Founder and CEO of Loti, joins Umair Javed to explore how AI is redefining online reputation and identity protection. With a background in data science and a decade of consulting for giants like AT&T and Goldman Sachs, Luke now leads Loti, an AI-powered platform that scans and cleans the internet by detecting and removing deepfakes, impersonations, explicit content, and false endorsements. Luke dives into the tech
behind partial face recognition, takedown automation, and how Loti processes the “daily internet.” Tune in to hear how Loti is helping celebrities, creators, and everyday users regain control over their digital presence.
In this episode of BetterTech, host Umair Javed is joined by Dr. Holger Bartel, Founder of RealRate, to explore how AI is fueling fintech innovation, especially in the domain of financial ratings. With a PhD in statistics and deep expertise in economics, Holger discusses how RealRate is setting a new standard in the industry by combining explainable AI, causal graphs, and small data to build transparent, conflict-free rating models. Unlike traditional black-box systems or GPT-based tools, RealRate’s approach emphasizes clarity, logic, and credibility. The company benchmarks entire industries using publicly available financial data, offering fintech leaders a scalable and ethical path to automation. This episode offers bold ideas and actionable insights for anyone building or investing in next-generation fintech solutions. A must-listen for anyone passionate about driving real change through fintech innovation.
In this episode of BetterTech, host Umair Javed sits down with Umut Eser, Co-founder and CTO of Weave, to explore how AI is transforming the regulatory side of drug development. With a PhD in applied physics and deep experience across biotech, AI, and healthcare, Umut shares how Weave is simplifying FDA submissions using LLMs, document classification, and agentic workflows. He discusses the challenge of hallucination in regulatory AI, the importance of UX-driven verification, and the balance between automation and human oversight. Whether you're a healthtech founder or building AI-first products, this episode offers sharp insights into verticalized innovation and product-market fit.
