Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson

• Siri Creator: How Apple & Google Got AI Wrong

  What does the future of AI assistants look like and what’s still missing?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Adam Cheyer, Co-Founder of Siri.Adam is an inventor, entrepreneur, engineering executive, and a pioneer in AI and computer human interfaces. He co-founded or was a founding member of five successful startups: Siri (sold to Apple, where he led server-side engineering and AI for Siri), Change.org (the world’s largest petition platform), Viv Labs (acquired by Samsung, where he led product engineering and developer relations for Bixby), Sentient (massively distributed machine learning), and GamePlanner.AI (acquired by Airbnb, where he served as VP of AI Experience). Adam has authored more than 60 publications and 50 patents. He graduated with highest honors from Brandeis University and received the “Outstanding Masters Student” award from UCLA’s School of Engineering.Adam sits down with Geoff to discuss the evolution of conversational AI, design principles for next-generation technology, and the future of human–machine interaction. They explore the future of AI, augmented reality, and collective intelligence. Adam shares insider stories about building Siri, working with Steve Jobs, and why today’s generative AI tools like ChatGPT are both amazing and frustrating. Adam also shares his predictions for the next big technological leap and how collective intelligence could transform how we solve humanity’s most difficult challenges. In this video:0:00 Intro1:08 Why today’s AI both amazes and frustrates3:50 The 3 big missing pieces in current AI systems8:28 What Siri got right and what it missed11:30 The “10+ Theory”: Paradigm shifts in computing14:18 Augmented Reality as the next big breakthrough19:43 Design lessons from building Siri25:00 Iteration vs. first impressions: How to launch transformational products30:20 Beginner, intermediate, and expert user experiences in AI33:40 Will conversational AI become like “Her”?35:45 AI maturity compared to the early internet37:34 Magic, technology, and creating “wow” moments43:55 What’s hype vs. what’s real in AI today47:01 Where the next magic will happen: AR & collective intelligence50:51 The role of DARPA, Stanford, and government funding in Siri’s success54:49 Advice for leaders building the future of digital products57:13 Balance the hypeConnect with Adam:Website: http://adam.cheyer.com/site/home?page=aboutLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcheyer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acheyerVisit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRGCheck out other episodes of Digital Disruption: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIImliNP0zfxRA1X67AhPDJmlYWcFfhDT&feature=shared

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• Next-Gen Tech Expert: This is AI's ENDGAME

  Are we ready for a future where human and machine intelligence are inseparable? Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by best-selling author and founding partner of digital strategy firm, Future Point of View (FPOV), Scott Klososky . Scott’s career has been built at the intersection of technology and humanity; he is known for his visionary insights into how emerging technologies shape organizations and society. He has advised leaders across Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and professional associations, guiding them in integrating technology with strategic human effort. A sought-after speaker and author of four books—including Did God Create the Internet? Scott continues to help executives around the world prepare for the digital future. Scott sits down with Geoff to discuss the cutting edge of human-technology integration and the emergence of the "organizational mind." What happens when AI no longer supports organizations but becomes a synthetic layer of intelligence within them? He talks about real-world examples of this transformation already taking place, reveals the ethical and existential risks AI poses, and offers practical advice for business and tech leaders navigating this new era. This conversation dives deep into autonomous decision-making to AI regulation and digital governance, and Scott breaks down the real threats of digital reputational damage, AI misuse, and the growing surveillance culture we’re all a part of. In this episode:00:00 Intro00:24 What is an ‘Organizational Mind?’03:44 How fast is this becoming real?05:00 Early insights from building an organizational mind07:02 The human brain analogy: AI mirrors us08:12 What does it mean for AI to “wake up”?09:51 AI awakening without consciousness11:03 Should we be worried about conscious AI?11:59 Accidents, bad actors, and manipulation15:42 Can we prevent these AI risks?18:28 Regulatory control and the role of governments20:03 Cat and Mouse: Can AI hide from auditors?23:02 The escalating complexity of AI threats27:00 Will nations have organizational minds?29:12 Autonomous collaboration between AI nations35:36 Bringing AI tools together36:31 Knowledge, agents, personas & oversight40:11 Why early adopters will have the edge41:00 Are we in another AI bubble?45:01 Scott’s advice for business & tech leaders47:12 Why use-cases alone aren’t enoughConnect with Scott:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottklososky/X: https://x.com/sklososky Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

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• Roman Yampolskiy: How Superintelligent AI Could Destroy Us All

  Is this a wake-up call for anyone who believes the dangers of AI are exaggerated?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Roman Yampolskiy, a leading writer and thinker on AI safety, and associate professor at the University of Louisville. He was recently featured on podcasts such as PowerfulJRE by Joe Rogan.Roman is a leading voice in the field of Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security. He is the author of several influential books, including AI: Unexplainable, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable. His research focuses on the critical risks and challenges posed by advanced AI systems. A tenured professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Louisville, he also serves as the founding director of the Cyber Security Lab.Roman sits down with Geoff to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time: the existential risks posed by AI and superintelligence. He shares his prediction that AI could lead to the extinction of humanity within the next century. They dive into the complexities of this issue, exploring the potential dangers that could arise from both AI’s malevolent use and its autonomous actions. Roman highlights the difference between AI as a tool and as a sentient agent, explaining how superintelligent AI could outsmart human efforts to control it, leading to catastrophic consequences. The conversation challenges the optimism of many in the tech world and advocates for a more cautious, thoughtful approach to AI development.In this episode:00:00 Intro00:45 Dr. Yampolskiy's prediction: AI extinction risk02:15 Analyzing the odds of survival04:00 Malevolent use of AI and superintelligence06:00 Accidental vs. deliberate AI destruction08:10 The dangers of uncontrolled AI10:00 The role of optimism in AI development12:00 The need for self-interest to slow down AI development15:00 Narrow AI vs. Superintelligence18:30 Economic and job displacement due to AI22:00 Global competition and AI arms race25:00 AI’s role in war and suffering30:00 Can we control AI through ethical governance?35:00 The singularity and human extinction40:00 Superintelligence: How close are we?45:00 Consciousness in AI50:00 The difficulty of programming suffering in AI55:00 Dr. Yampolskiy’s approach to AI safety58:00 Thoughts on AI riskConnect with Roman:Website: https://www.romanyampolskiy.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanyam/X: https://x.com/romanyamVisit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

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• Ex-OpenAI Lead Zack Kass Reveals the Societal Impact of AI

  As AI becomes more capable, how should our social systems evolve in response? Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined once again by Zack Kass, an AI futurist and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI. As a leading expert in applied AI, he harnesses its capabilities to develop business strategies and applications that enhance human potential. Zack has been at the forefront of AI and played a key role in early efforts at commercializing AI and large language models, channeling OpenAI’s innovative research into tangible business solutions. Today, Zack is dedicated to guiding businesses, nonprofits, and governments through the fast-changing AI landscape. His expertise has been highlighted in leading publications, including Fortune, Newsweek, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider. Zack sits down with Geoff to explore the philosophical implications of AI and its impact on everything from nuclear war to society’s struggle with psychopaths and humanity itself. This conversation raises important questions about the evolving role of AI in shaping our world and the ethical considerations that come with it. Zack discusses how AI may empower low-resource bad actors, transform local communities, and influence future generations. The episode touches on a wide range of themes, including the meaning of life, AI’s role in global conflict, its effects on personal well-being, and the societal challenges it presents. This conversation isn’t just about AI, it’s about humanity’s ongoing exploration of fear, freedom, happiness, and the future. In this episode:00:00 Intro00:21 AI's exponential growth and speed of change02:03 The expanding scientific frontier03:19 Roger Bannister effect and AI inspiration04:00 Societal vs. technological thresholds06:00 The danger of low-resource bad actors09:00 Psychopaths, crime, and the role of policy12:00 Freedom vs. security14:45 The risk of bias and broken justice systems18:00 The role of AI in decision-making20:00 Why we tolerate human error but not machine error20:36 Breaking the fear cycle in a negative attention economy22:12 Tech-driven optimism23:55 Finding Happiness25:32 Community, nature, and meaningful human connection27:00 The problem with the “more is more” mindset28:30 Narratives, new media, and information overload31:09 The Power of local change and good news33:06 Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and the next wave of innovationConnect with Zack:Website: https://zackkass.com/X: ⁠https://x.com/iamthezackLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackkass/YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@ZackKassAI⁩ Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

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• Pulitzer-Winning Journalist: This is Why Big Tech is Betting $300 Billion on AI

  What role should government, regulation, and society play in the next chapter of Big Tech and AI.Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative reporter, Gary Rivlin.Gary has been writing about technology since the mid-1990s and the rise of the internet. He is the author of AI Valley and 9 previous books, including Saving Main Street and Katrina: After the Flood. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Newsweek, Fortune, GQ, and Wired, among other publications. He is a two-time Gerald Loeb Award winner and former reporter for the New York Times. He lives in New York with his wife, theater director Daisy Walker, and two sons.Gary sits down with Geoff to discuss the unchecked power of Big Tech and the evolving role of AI as a political force. From the myth of the benevolent tech founder to the real-world implications of surveillance, misinformation, and election interference, he discusses the dangers of unregulated tech influence on policy and the urgent need for greater transparency, ethical responsibility, and accountability in emerging technologies. This conversation highlights the role of venture capital in fueling today’s tech giants, what history tells us about the future of digital disruption, and whether regulation can truly govern AI and platform power. In this episode:00:00 Intro02:45 The early promise of Silicon Valley06:30 What changed in tech: From innovation to power10:55 The role of venture capital in shaping Big Tech15:40 Tech disruption vs. systemic control20:15 The shift from public good to private gain24:50 How Big Tech wields power over democracy29:30 Can AI be regulated in time?33:45 Lessons from tech history38:20 Government’s role in tech oversight43:05 Gary’s thoughts on tech accountability47:30 Future risks of an unchecked tech industry51:10 Hope for the next generation of innovators55:00 Tech is at the center of politics58:00 What should change?1:09:00 Journalists using AI are more powerfulConnect with Gary:Website: https://garyrivlin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-rivlin/Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

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