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 Intro
1:08 Why today’s AI both amazes and frustrates
3:50 The 3 big missing pieces in current AI systems
8:28 What Siri got right and what it missed
11:30 The “10+ Theory”: Paradigm shifts in computing
14:18 Augmented Reality as the next big breakthrough
19:43 Design lessons from building Siri
25:00 Iteration vs. first impressions: How to launch transformational products
30:20 Beginner, intermediate, and expert user experiences in AI
33:40 Will conversational AI become like “Her”?
35:45 AI maturity compared to the early internet
37:34 Magic, technology, and creating “wow” moments
43:55 What’s hype vs. what’s real in AI today
47:01 Where the next magic will happen: AR & collective intelligence
50:51 The role of DARPA, Stanford, and government funding in Siri’s success
54:49 Advice for leaders building the future of digital products
57:13 Balance the hype
Connect with Adam:
Website: http://adam.cheyer.com/site/home?page=about
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcheyer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acheyer
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
Check out other episodes of Digital Disruption: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIImliNP0zfxRA1X67AhPDJmlYWcFfhDT&feature=shared
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 Intro
00:24 What is an ‘Organizational Mind?’
03:44 How fast is this becoming real?
05:00 Early insights from building an organizational mind
07:02 The human brain analogy: AI mirrors us
08:12 What does it mean for AI to “wake up”?
09:51 AI awakening without consciousness
11:03 Should we be worried about conscious AI?
11:59 Accidents, bad actors, and manipulation
15:42 Can we prevent these AI risks?
18:28 Regulatory control and the role of governments
20:03 Cat and Mouse: Can AI hide from auditors?
23:02 The escalating complexity of AI threats
27:00 Will nations have organizational minds?
29:12 Autonomous collaboration between AI nations
35:36 Bringing AI tools together
36:31 Knowledge, agents, personas & oversight
40:11 Why early adopters will have the edge
41:00 Are we in another AI bubble?
45:01 Scott’s advice for business & tech leaders
47:12 Why use-cases alone aren’t enough
Connect 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
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 Intro
00:45 Dr. Yampolskiy's prediction: AI extinction risk
02:15 Analyzing the odds of survival
04:00 Malevolent use of AI and superintelligence
06:00 Accidental vs. deliberate AI destruction
08:10 The dangers of uncontrolled AI
10:00 The role of optimism in AI development
12:00 The need for self-interest to slow down AI development
15:00 Narrow AI vs. Superintelligence
18:30 Economic and job displacement due to AI
22:00 Global competition and AI arms race
25:00 AI’s role in war and suffering
30:00 Can we control AI through ethical governance?
35:00 The singularity and human extinction
40:00 Superintelligence: How close are we?
45:00 Consciousness in AI
50:00 The difficulty of programming suffering in AI
55:00 Dr. Yampolskiy’s approach to AI safety
58:00 Thoughts on AI risk
Connect with Roman:
Website: https://www.romanyampolskiy.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanyam/
X: https://x.com/romanyam
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
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 Intro
00:21 AI's exponential growth and speed of change
02:03 The expanding scientific frontier
03:19 Roger Bannister effect and AI inspiration
04:00 Societal vs. technological thresholds
06:00 The danger of low-resource bad actors
09:00 Psychopaths, crime, and the role of policy
12:00 Freedom vs. security
14:45 The risk of bias and broken justice systems
18:00 The role of AI in decision-making
20:00 Why we tolerate human error but not machine error
20:36 Breaking the fear cycle in a negative attention economy
22:12 Tech-driven optimism
23:55 Finding Happiness
25:32 Community, nature, and meaningful human connection
27:00 The problem with the “more is more” mindset
28:30 Narratives, new media, and information overload
31:09 The Power of local change and good news
33:06 Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and the next wave of innovation
Connect with Zack:
Website: https://zackkass.com/
X: https://x.com/iamthezack
LinkedIn: 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
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 Intro
02:45 The early promise of Silicon Valley
06:30 What changed in tech: From innovation to power
10:55 The role of venture capital in shaping Big Tech
15:40 Tech disruption vs. systemic control
20:15 The shift from public good to private gain
24:50 How Big Tech wields power over democracy
29:30 Can AI be regulated in time?
33:45 Lessons from tech history
38:20 Government’s role in tech oversight
43:05 Gary’s thoughts on tech accountability
47:30 Future risks of an unchecked tech industry
51:10 Hope for the next generation of innovators
55:00 Tech is at the center of politics
58:00 What should change?
1:09:00 Journalists using AI are more powerful
Connect 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
In a world of rising cyber threats, what keeps the CIA’s former head of cybersecurity up at night?
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Andy Boyd, former Head of the CIA’s Center for Cyber Intelligence.
Andy was a Senior Intelligence Service officer in the Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations (DO). His most recent assignment was Director of the CIA’s Center for Cyber Intelligence (CCI) which is responsible for intelligence collection, analysis, and operations focused on foreign cyber threats to US interests. Andy has experience leading worldwide intelligence operations and has in-depth knowledge of geopolitics, cyber operations, security practices, and risk mitigation.
Andy sits down with Geoff to discuss the future of cybersecurity in a rapidly evolving digital world. With decades of experience in cyber intelligence, Andy explains how global threats are evolving, from traditional espionage to AI-driven cyberattacks and disinformation. He dives into how intelligence agencies like the CIA assess and respond to state-sponsored cyber threats from China and Russia, and why the private sector is now a primary target. Andy breaks down how emerging technologies like generative AI are changing both offensive and defensive cyber strategies, and what this means for governments, businesses, and people. Andy also shares how one of the world’s leading professional services firms is navigating this new landscape, using culture, data, and innovation to stay ahead of cyber risks.
In this episode:
00:00 Intro
02:45 What the CIA's Cyber Intelligence Center actually does
05:30 Leading transformation across a global enterprise
07:20 Evolution of cyber threats from nation-states
08:15 Building trust and transparency with business stakeholders
11:10 The critical role of data in decision-making
13:00 How the CIA detects and responds to cyber attacks
17:05 Creating a culture of innovation and adaptability
17:45 The private sector as a frontline target
20:40 How Aon is approaching talent and upskilling
23:10 Offensive cyber operations: how far should the U.S. go?
27:30 Key leadership lessons and advice for future CIOs
29:50 China's cyber capabilities vs. Russia's tactics
35:25 The role of intelligence in election security
40:50 Why disinformation is more dangerous than hacking
45:30 How AI is transforming cyber espionage
50:10 What keeps Andy Boyd up at night
54:40 The importance of public awareness and resilience
Connect with Andy:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-g-boyd-12194673/
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
What if you could control technology using only your thoughts?
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by an expert in the space of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), Tan Le.
Tan is the founder and CEO of EMOTIV, a Silicon Valley-based company pioneering EEG-based BCI technology. Her work centers on non-invasive “brainwear” that enables direct interaction between the human brain and computers. Tan is an advocate for democratizing neurotechnology to empower individuals, researchers, and organizations to drive innovation. In February 2020, she published her first book, The NeuroGeneration: The New Era of Brain Enhancement Revolutionizing the Way We Think, Work and Heal.
Tan sits down with Geoff to talk about how her company is making it possible to connect your brain directly to digital systems, no hype, just science. From decoding mental commands to enhancing human cognition, they dive into the ethical challenges of reading brain data, what it really means to give technology access to your mind, and why non-invasive headsets are reshaping human-computer interaction.
In this episode:
00:00 Intro
03:00 Tan Le’s background
06:00 What is Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)?
09:00 The current state of BCI in 2025
12:00 Non-invasive vs. implantable tech
15:00 How BCIs read brain signals
18:00 Real-world applications: Healthcare and beyond
21:00 Consumer use cases and accessibility
24:00 The role of AI in brain signal interpretation
27:00 Ethics of brain data and consent
30:00 Mental wellness and performance insights
33:00 Government and regulatory perspectives
36:00 EMOTIV’s vision and tech stack
39:00 Human enhancement and neuroplasticity
42:00 Risks and misconceptions around BCI
45:00 Collaborations and research partnerships
48:00 Global adoption trends
51:00 Tan Le’s advice to future innovators
54:00 Predictions for the next 10 years
Connect with Tan:
Website: https://www.emotiv.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanle/
X: https://x.com/TanTTLe
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
What if your data worked for you and not the platforms controlling it?
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by John Bruce, CEO and Co-Founder of Inrupt.
With a background as both a founder and an executive at global tech firms, John Bruce is uniquely qualified to help engineer the next phase of the web alongside his co-founder Sir Tim Berners-Lee. He brings to bear decades of successful business leadership and experience creating new markets around innovative software. Prior to partnering with Tim, he was the co-founder and CEO of Resilient, now an IBM company, that developed a new approach to cybersecurity. Through Resilient and four other successful startups, John has experienced first-hand the strategic challenges that the current structure of the web causes for users, developers, and organizations around the world.
John Bruce sits down with Geoff Nielson to talk about a future where individuals and not platforms own their data. John shares how AI, consent-driven data sharing, and a decentralized digital wallet called, Charlie could fundamentally reshape how we interact with technology, institutions, and each other. He explains why we must reclaim personal data from tech giants and what “agentic wallets” are and how they work.
In this video:
0:00 Intro
1:25 Rebuilding the Web
3:30 From Tim Berners-Lee to today
5:10 Data ownership vs. data surveillance
7:00 Moving from platforms to people
9:15 What Is an Agentic AI wallet?
11:00 Why consent must be baked into AI and data flows
13:45 Use cases in healthcare, government & enterprise
16:10 “Decentralized” doesn’t mean disorganized
18:30 What leaders get wrong about data control
20:45 Enterprise integration
23:00 The ROI of giving users control of their own data
25:30 Why this moment feels like the early days of the web
27:00 What’s next for Inrupt, Solid, and the Internet itself
29:00 How We rebuild digital trust
31:00 Inrupt's vision beyond 2030
34:00 Partnering with institutions to scale Solid
37:00 Global digital identity and governance challenges
40:00 Building public trust in data ecosystems
43:00 A non-linear view of it all
Connect with John:
Website: https://www.inrupt.com/about
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwbruce/
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
Is your business ready for a world where AI agents act, adapt, and make decisions for you?
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Global Chief AI Engineer at PwC, Scott Likens.
Scott Likens serves as the Chief AI Engineer at PwC, overseeing both the Global and U.S. teams. He leads the AI Engineering and Emerging Technology R&D groups, driving the firm’s strategy across AI, blockchain, VR, quantum computing, and other disruptive technologies. With over 30 years of experience in emerging tech, Scott has helped clients across industries transform their customer experience, digital strategy, and operations. He began his career in software engineering during the early days of the internet, working with major multinationals to apply a localized lens to global digital and innovation trends. Scott’s diverse technical background spans advanced analytics, digital architecture, AI engineering, and innovation. During his time at PwC, he has lived and worked in both China and the U.S., serving as a global technology leader and advisor to key clients. He is a regular speaker at international conferences on emerging technologies, including AI and generative AI, blockchain and crypto, IoT, quantum computing, and advanced robotics.
Scott Likens sits down with Geoff Nielson for a look into what’s actually happening across the front lines of AI and innovation. Scott shares insights from the edge of tech, from AI agents and embodied intelligence to quantum computing and synthetic identities. He explains why most enterprise AI efforts fail to scale, how to think in innovation “horizons,” and what separates real value from hype. He touches on many topics including, how holographic AI and digital twins are already reshaping communication and the skills, and structures shaping the IT organization of the future.
In this video:
0:00 Intro
1:55 GenAI hype vs. real Value in the enterprise
4:20 Embodied AI and the rise of holographic humans
6:00 Multilingual synthetic avatars
7:30 Deepfakes, trust & the role of blockchain in authentication
9:00 Responsible AI
12:15 Innovation is moving faster than trust
14:00 Speed or scale?
16:00 Defining true innovation vs. incremental tech
18:00 A Framework for emerging tech
20:30 From quantum to satellites: What’s next
23:00 Digital Twins, IoT, and Bipedal Robotics
25:30 AI at the edge
28:45 AI agents in action
30:20 Legacy system modernization without rewriting code
34:00 Enterprise use cases
36:30 What business leaders get wrong about tech
39:00 Moving from pilot projects to organization-wide impact
42:30 Balancing speed, risk & innovation in enterprise ai
44:00 How PwC enables innovation without losing control
47:00 Why “waiting” is not an ai strategy
48:15 The most important investment is your workforce
50:00 Upskilling, hiring, and culture shift at scale
52:00 Quantum, cryptography & the real threat timeline
54:30 What’s next for leaders and innovators
Connect with Scott:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottlikens/
X: https://x.com/ScottLikens
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
Is the Metaverse dead? Why is #OpenAI building jewelry? What happens when AI becomes more emotionally present than people?
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by CEO of Future Dynamics and author, Cathy Hackl.
Cathy is a globally recognized tech and gaming executive, futurist, and keynote speaker specializing in spatial computing, AI, virtual worlds, and gaming platform strategy. She is the co-CEO of Future Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions firm, and a top LinkedIn tech voice. Known as the “Godmother of the Metaverse,” she created the Tech Intimacy Scale and is currently researching the intersection of AI, love, and relationships. Cathy has held leadership roles at Amazon Web Services, Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE, and has guided major brands like Nike, Walmart, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique through their emerging tech and gaming strategies. She has spoken at events hosted by Harvard Business School, MIT, CES, SXSW, and the World Economic Forum. Named one of Ad Age’s Leading Women of 2023 and featured on Forbes Latam’s cover for its 100 Most Powerful Women issue, Hackl is also listed among Vogue Business's 100 Innovators. She hosts Adweek’s TechMagic podcast and contributes to Vogue Singapore. In 2022, she made history as the first human to ring the NASDAQ opening bell both physically and in avatar form on live TV.
Cathy Hackl sits down with Geoff Nielson for an honest conversation about where technology is headed and what’s really happening with spatial computing, AI hardware, and the future of human connection. Cathy unpacks the evolution of the metaverse and why she believes we’re moving toward something bigger: the spatial web. She shares her first-hand experience with Google Beam, a revolutionary 3D communication technology that doesn’t require a headset. This episode dives into OpenAI’s push into hardware, why it’s a data play, and what that means for your privacy. Emotional technologies like Apple Vision Pro and what they mean for memory, grief, and connection, and the future of dating and relationships in a world filled with AI agents and romantic chatbots.
In this episode:
0:00 Intro
1:00 Is the Metaverse dead or just renamed?
3:00 Google Beam: 3D communication without a headset
5:00 The Apple moment: reaching for a virtual object
7:00 Dating, job interviews & presence in 3D
9:00 Will this replace video calls?
11:00 Apple vision pro
13:00 Memory preservation & future family photos
15:00 OpenAI’s hardware push
17:00 AI Agents and who controls your data
20:00 From ChatGPT to therapy bots
22:00 Emotional manipulation, mental health & ai advice
24:00 Who owns the virtual air around you?
27:00 Virtual real estate, annotations & air rights
30:00 The battle for our senses
35:00 Tech that arrived too early
37:00 Why dating in 2D doesn’t work in a 3D world
39:00 Spatial computing in creative industries
41:00 Where tech meets intimacy, memory & legacy
44:00 The real use case: Human connection
47:00 The future of emotional presence and what’s at stake
49:00 Getting It Right Matters
Connect with Cathy:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhackl/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathyhackl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HacklCathy
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
Can generative AI help us close the gap between expertise and access?
This week on a special episode of Digital Disruption, we're joined by New York Times best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell, recorded live in Las Vegas at Info-Tech Research Group's LIVE tech conference.
Malcolm Gladwell is the author of eight New York Times bestsellers, including his latest, Revenge of the Tipping Point. Named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and one of Foreign Policy’s Top Global Thinkers, he is renowned for his unique perspective on the forces shaping human behavior and society. An extraordinary speaker, Gladwell combines eloquence, warmth, and humor to both entertain and challenge audiences. Through masterful storytelling, he unpacks complex and often misunderstood ideas, from decision-making in Blink and the roots of success in Outliers, to our underestimation of adversity in David and Goliath, and the missteps we make when interacting with strangers in Talking to Strangers.
Malcolm Gladwell sits with Geoff Nielson for an engaging conversation on the future of AI, the power of storytelling, and the evolving forces that shape society. From AI’s role in closing the expertise gap to how unexpected narratives drive lasting cultural change, Gladwell offers his signature perspective: thoughtful, contrarian, and always surprising. He talks about why the most transformative uses of AI may be the simplest, how generative tools can elevate human capability, and why culture never changes in ways we expect. Malcolm provides insight into how the media, brands and politics are changing and what that could mean for leadership, while touching on the surprising truth about misinformation, expertise, and AI as a corrective tool.
In this episode:
0:00 Intro
0:24 AI's biggest promise? Strengthening weak links
1:33 AI in developing vs developed countries
2:12 Should AI replace or empower teachers?
3:13 Closing the expertise gap with AI
4:18 AI as a safe place to learn without embarrassment
5:08 The human side of AI
5:32 AI in surprising places
6:15 Malcolm’s personal use of AI
7:57 Where Malcolm finds ideas and why AI can’t replicate them
9:52 Why creativity can’t be automated
12:42 Will AI ever replace storytellers and thinkers?
14:24 Paul Simon’s genius explained
17:27 What makes a great story? Tesla example
22:26 Are people the new brand? Apple vs Chevy
25:13 The power of "overstories" in shaping behavior
26:57 We live in multiple narratives at once
29:26 Can organizational culture be changed?
30:37 How cultural narratives evolve
31:37 Politics, power, and social media’s new role
35:07 We’re still figuring out what tech is for
38:10 Why AI disruption might not be as bad as we fear
39:34 Is Malcolm an optimist or just realistic?
41:22 Can AI restore trust in expertise?
43:43 The power of narrative over facts
44:15 Poking the bear
Connect with Malcolm:
Website: https://www.gladwellbooks.com/
X: https://x.com/Gladwell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malcolmgladwell/
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
Can your organization survive its own hesitation to take bold bets?
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by former Amazon exec and bestselling author, John Rossman.
John is an author, business advisor, and keynote speaker. He was an early Amazon executive who played a key role in launching the Amazon marketplace business in 2002. He has served as the senior technology advisor at the Gates Foundation and senior innovation advisor at T-Mobile. His books include “The Amazon Way” and “Think Like Amazon.” His new book, Big Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era, is an actionable guide for leaders who want to succeed in complex transformations.
John sits down with Geoff to unpack why most change initiatives fall short, and what leaders can do to shift the odds in their favor. Looking back on his experience launching Amazon Marketplace and advising top organizations, he shares strategies for scaling effectively, leading through change, and building resilience in today’s digital environment. John explains why traditional transformation efforts often fail, the issues leaders come across, and how to adopt a system of risk-smart decision-making and drive meaningful change. Get ready to challenge assumptions, cut through the hype, and transform the way you lead.
In this episode:
00:00 Intro
01:07 Solving hard problems with an integrated mindset
03:07 Why most companies struggle with change
04:21 The 3 megatrends disrupting business
06:32 Why Back-office productivity must change
07:22 Why Past winners are at risk of losing
09:36 Why big bets often fail
13:30 The three habits of big bet leaders
16:42 Why innovation labs often fail
21:39 Why leaders must design decision points intentionally
25:03 The power of a clear “Big Bet Vector”
31:27 What extreme accountability really means
36:08 Should we abandon silos?
40:25 Advice for how CIOs can unlock progress despite technical debt
46:08 How CIOs can win
51:55 Why Change can’t just be an operator’s job
53:01 The Big Bet Playbook explained
56:27 Active skepticism
Website: https://johnrossman.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rossman/
X: https://x.com/johnerossman
Connect with John:
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
What if the biggest threat to progress isn’t technology?
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Tom Goodwin, Co-Founder of All We Have Is Now.
Tom Goodwin is a four-time LinkedIn “#1 Voice in Marketing.” He is also the Co-Founder of, All We Have Is Now, a digital transformation consultancy helping businesses harness emerging technologies. A sought-after speaker, writer, and advisor, Tom also hosts The Edge, a tech-focused TV series, and My Wildest Prediction, a podcast with Euronews. In 2021 Tom published the second edition of his book “Digital Darwinism” with Kogan Page, in 2023 Tom launched a comprehensive online Digital Transformation course, and has now spoken in over 100 cities in 50 countries around the world.
Tom sits down with Geoff to share his perspective on the evolving digital landscape and how to cut through the noise especially around AI, digital transformation, and innovation — to focus on what truly matters for organizations today. He argues that in a time of rapid technological change, the smartest move may be to slow down, ignore the hype, and prioritize people, processes, and a long-term strategic vision. Tom urges leaders to think critically, stay grounded in fundamentals, and embrace thoughtful, human-centered progress over flashy solutions.
In this video:
00:00 Intro
01:11 Why tech hype needs a reality check
02:06 What actually matters in 2025
03:04 Business first, not tech first
04:11 Why not every company needs to chase every trend
05:16 The problem with constant agility
07:13 Why disruption isn’t always real
10:18 Are we avoiding hard truths about our business models?
12:12 Who wins: legacy companies or startups?
15:28 Will AI-native companies dominate?
17:09 Why real change still takes time
19:07 Hype vs. reality in AI adoption
22:47 Technology adoption is slower than you think
24:02 Advice to leaders on using AI strategically
26:44 Why short-term thinking is overrated
29:05 Planning for what really matters
31:00 A better approach to technology prioritization
33:18 Why digital transformation usually fails
34:49 The Heathrow metaphor: patchwork vs. reinvention
39:06 The promise of AI for real reinvention
42:20 Are IT leaders being left behind?
44:00 Why the CTO must be more strategic
47:03 What it takes to lead digital transformation
48:22 Why we need more ambitious use of existing tech
50:01 Tom’s book: Digital Darwinism
51:40 What happens when AI becomes invisible tech
53:13 We need clearer conversations around AI
Connect with Tom:
Website: https://www.tomgoodwin.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomfgoodwin/
X: https://x.com/tomfgoodwin
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
Is AI coming for your job, or just the parts that you hate doing?
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Rory Richardson, Director of Go-To-Market for Generative AI at Amazon Web Services (AWS).
With over a decade of experience at AWS, she has been instrumental in launching and scaling breakthrough technologies, including non-relational databases and serverless computing. Rory has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of cloud development through her strategic leadership in go-to-market initiatives, empowering developers to expand the boundaries of what’s possible in the cloud. Driven by a passion for innovation, her current focus is on harnessing the potential of generative AI to transform developer tools, enabling more efficient, creative, and human-centered development processes.
Rory sits down with Geoff to explain how generative AI can supercharge the developer experience, helping teams write better code, faster, and with fewer headaches. She shares her perspective that AI isn’t about replacing people, but about helping us do less of what we dislike, and why embracing AI now is one of the smartest moves leaders can make.
Rory shares real-world examples from AWS, insights from developer culture, and a human-centered view on the rapidly changing AI landscape.
In this episode:
00:00 Intro
01:04 Recap of Info-Tech LIVE 2024 in Las Vegas
01:35 What’s new in AI & developer tools
02:53 The rise of AI-powered command line tools
03:32 Why Amazon is paying people to play
06:44 “Vibe Coding”
08:10 Differential equations & development tools
12:00 Risks of rapid AI adoption
13:32 What does coding look like in 2028?
16:20 Creativity, context-switching & grit
18:07 How play drives innovation
19:34 Teaching AI in schools
23:10 Is age the biggest barrier to AI adoption?
28:20 What should junior Devs expect?
30:38 Better AI boundaries
35:01 Will AI replace Developers?
37:25 Accelerating innovation, not replacing humans
42:24 Why AI works best on repetitive tasks
44:11 Let AI do the dishes, not the art
46:04 From Paris, Texas to Amazon Web Services
48:19 Everything is learnable
49:09 The grit factor
Connect with Rory:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roryr/
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
Is the real threat of AI the technology or the humans behind it?
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google X.
Mo is the host of the popular podcast Slo Mo: A Podcast with Mo Gawdat, and the author of several international bestsellers, including Solve for Happy, Scary Smart, That Little Voice in Your Head, and Unstressable. He is also the founder of One Billion Happy and currently serves as Chief AI Officer at Flight Story. With a 30-year career in tech, Mo has since shifted his focus to the pursuit of happiness and human well-being. He has extensively researched the science of happiness and engaged in conversations with some of the world’s leading thinkers. More recently, his work has centered on the urgent ethical and societal challenges posed by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.
Mo sits down with Geoff for an unfiltered conversation on the future of humanity in the age of artificial intelligence. Mo explains that we’re living in the early stages of a technology-fueled dystopia, one that is driven not by AI itself, but by humans who shape it by greed, power, and unchecked capitalism. But he also shares a vision for a future of unprecedented abundance, one where AI could solve global challenges, from climate change to poverty, but only if we as humans embrace ethical design and mutual cooperation.
In this episode:
00:00 Intro
01:20 AI, geopolitics, and capitalism
03:05 Is the problem human nature or systems?
06:22 The coming age of abundant intelligence
08:13 AI’s dark side
13:15 Fear-driven ai development
17:10 Handing power to ai
19:14 Why superintelligent ai could save us
21:12 Can we avoid an ai Hiroshima moment?
25:30 Mutual prosperity or destruction
29:11 The age of machine supremacy
31:00 How to influence AI for good
33:12 AI reflects humanity
36:06 What AI is learning from us right now
40:06 Who thrives in the AI era
44:04 The rise of mind manipulation
47:02 How to stay critical in a world of deepfakes
49:12 Use AI to expand your thinking, not replace it
51:21 The leadership skills of the future
54:42 Collaborating with AI as team members
57:20 Will AI want to connect with us?
01:01:06 Could AI become conscious?
01:04:48 AI emotions and the next evolution of intelligence
01:06:32 The role of humans
Connect with Mo:
Website: https://www.mogawdat.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mogawdat/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/mogawdatofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mo_gawdat/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mogawdat
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
Creativity is the key to staying competitive, so why do so many organizations struggle to innovate?
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Duncan Wardle, former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney.
Duncan and his team helped Imagineering, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, and Disney Parks to innovate, creating magical new storylines and experiences. Now a global keynote speaker and innovation advisor, he shares his unique Design Thinking approach to help organizations spark creativity, unlock fresh thinking, and embed innovation into their culture. A TED speaker and contributor to Fast Company, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review, Duncan also teaches innovation Master Classes at Yale, Harvard, and the University of Edinburgh.
Duncan sits down with Geoff to explore how businesses can break down the barriers to innovation by tapping into their most powerful resource: human imagination. Duncan gives a look into the magic of Disney’s approach to creativity and explains how companies can design cultures that foster curiosity, risk-taking, and collaboration. From solving complex problems with simple questions to creating space for disruptive thinking, Duncan shares practical, transformative advice for leaders ready to think boldly and challenge the current workplace roles.
In this episode:
0:00 Intro
2:00 Time at Disney
5:40 Creativity is now the most in-demand skill
8:15 Barriers to innovation
11:30 Tools for creative thinking
14:45 Reframing problems as innovation
18:10 The power of naïve experts
21:00 Innovation at Disney
25:50 Tips for embedding in any organization
29:00 How leaders can foster innovation
32:00 Tools to think differently
33:21 Overhyped tools
34:01 What’s different about Gen Z
36:03 Duncan’s mission to unlock creativity
39:03 Changing culture
Connect with Duncan:
Website: https://duncanwardle.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/duncanjwardle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncanjwardle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanwardle/
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
With all the AI hype, is there still a place for humans in organizations?
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Jonathan Brill, the world’s top-ranked futurist by Forbes, advisor to Amazon, HP, Samsung, and an author.
Jonathan helps executives and audiences spot, prioritize, and act on the forces shaping the next five years — from AI to geopolitical disruption. As the former Global Futurist at HP and a board member of one of the world’s largest private intelligence agencies, he brings unique insights from decades of work in innovation, strategy, and emerging tech. His invention firms have developed over 325 products, generating more than $27 billion in revenue for clients like HP, Samsung, and Verizon. Jonathan is the author of Rogue Waves, praised by The Economist and Adam Grant, offering a practical framework for thriving through disruption. He shares his insights globally on stages like TED, at institutions like Harvard and CERN, and with media outlets including ABC, CNBC, and HBR.
Jonathan sits down with Geoff Nielson to explore what leaders need to do to survive and thrive through the next decade of accelerating technological disruption. They discuss why the traditional organizational model introduced in the railroad era is no longer equipped to handle the complexity of AI-powered transformation. Jonathan speaks on the concept of the "octopus organization," where intelligence, decision-making, and adaptability are distributed rather than centralized. He breaks down AI’s biggest shift not just in task automation, but in decision-making and organizational design and emphasizes the importance of psychological safety in successful AI adoption.
In this episode
0:00 Intro
1:14 Enterprise AI
2:47 Code and complexity
6:07 From Railroad Model to Octopus Organization
9:35 AI isn’t just automating work
12:03 Why CIOs must lead cultural change
18:28 Human intuition is still important
20:16 Four leadership traits for the AI era
25:32 Executional vs. strategic thinking in IT
29:39 The real value of coding in the future
35:16 AI’s superpowers
38:57 Human vs. machine
41:21 Specialists vs. generalists in an AI world
47:02 Optimism despite disruption
49:48 Governments will shape the pace of change
53:04 What’s the hype and what’s real?
58:19 Tech adoption is inevitable
Connect with Jonathan:
Website: https://www.jonathanbrill.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbrill1/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brill_jonathan
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
If you're not ready for the speed of change — you're already behind.
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Steve Brown, a leading voice in the field of artificial intelligence and a former executive at Google DeepMind and Intel.
Steve has delivered hundreds of engaging keynotes and AI innovation workshops across five continents. With over 25 years of experience in AI and emerging technologies, Steve helps organizations build winning strategies that drive innovation, boost productivity, and fuel growth. He has advised leading brands including Nike, JP Morgan, Samsung, Comcast, Audi, Bank of America, PepsiCo, and Disney. Steve is the co-founder of The Provenance Chain Network, a BCG Luminary, and an advisor to multiple AI startups. He has been featured on CNN, BBC, Bloomberg, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. His book, The Innovation Ultimatum, explores how six strategic technologies will reshape every business in the 2020s. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Micro-Electronic Systems Engineering from Manchester University and lives in Portland, Oregon.
Steve sits down with Geoff Nielson to explore how AI, robotics, and automation are reshaping business, education, and the future of work. Steve reflects on the six emerging technologies he forecasted in The Innovation Ultimatum, where he got it right, and what surprised him — from the power of process orchestration and the quiet rise of blockchain, to the next potential “ChatGPT moment.” Steve also shares a preview of his upcoming book, The AI Ultimatum, and what business leaders need to know now to stay relevant and human in an AI-powered economy.
In this episode:
0:00 Intro
0:42 Revisiting 2019's predictions
2:04 The Rise of process orchestration
3:11 Process orchestration
5:12 AI and sales enablement
6:33 Blockchain’s future
11:14 The mixed reality opportunity
13:49 What’s the next “ChatGPT moment”?
15:12 Robotics, Quantum & what's next
18:40 The real AI transformation opportunity
20:10 Top 3 areas where AI is impacting businesses
21:37 AI-enabled employee experiences
22:54 From lockdown to enablement
24:36 Getting started with AI transformation
28:01Unexpected use cases
31:29 The education disruption is coming
36:20 Learn to get the most out of AI
37:48 How to become robot-proof
40:39 What gives life meaning
43:20 Creativity in the age of AI
45:42 The rise of one-person enterprise
49:19 Do we need AGI
50:50 Hype vs. reality
52:10 The AI Ultimatum
53:36 Speed of change
Connect with Steve:
Website: https://www.stevebrown.ai/about
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/futuresteve/
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
What does it really take to build a product-driven organization in the age of AI, and are organizations ready for what's coming next?
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Marty Cagan, product thought leader and founder of the Silicon Valley Product Group.
Before founding the Silicon Valley Product Group (SVPG) to focus on helping others build successful products through writing, speaking, advising, and coaching, Marty Cagan served as a product executive at some of the world’s most successful technology companies, including HP Labs, Netscape Communications, and eBay. Through his work with SVPG, Marty is a sought-after speaker at major conferences and leading companies around the world. He is also the author of three influential books: Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love, Empowered: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products, and Transformed: Moving to the Product Operating Model.
Marty sits down with Geoff Nielson to discuss how generative AI is reshaping product management and why organizations need to rethink how they build and lead product teams. He outlines three key models of product management and explains how AI is disrupting each one differently. This conversation dives deep into modern product thinking, as Marty highlights what sets companies like Amazon, Apple, Tesla, and Netflix apart — emphasizing the importance of visionary leadership and product-centric thinking. Marty also gives a look into his latest book Transformed, which explains how even the most traditional organizations can adopt modern product practices.
In this episode:
00:00 Intro
00:30 How generative ai is shifting product roles
01:20 The 3 models of product management explained
03:00 Why product owner roles are most at risk
05:00 Upskilling in the world of AI
06:25 What execution roles must to learn
07:30 The Feature Team Model and its vulnerabilities
09:00 Top product companies getting it right
10:40 What great product leadership looks like
13:00 Bill Campbell’s coaching culture
15:10 Empowered engineers
17:00 The Steve Jobs myth
20:00 Product discovery at Apple explained
21:30 Executive resistance
23:00 Real-world case studies
25:35 The importance of pilot teams
29:00 From surviving to thriving with gen ai
30:30 The 3 Meta questions
33:00 Why transformation takes time
36:00 How to use pilot teams
39:00 The anti-patterns
42:30 Why coaching works better than consulting
45:00 Emerging tech
47:00 Crypto vs. Gen AI
48:00 Enterprise products work
51:00 Can the product model work in government?
Connect with Marty:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cagan/
Website: SVPG: Learn the Product Operating Model : Silicon Valley Product Group
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Ian Beacraft, Chief Futurist and Founder of Signal and Cipher.
He is one of the leading voices in AI and the future of work. As Chief Futurist and Founder of Signal and Cipher, Ian helps organizations become AI-ready through strategic workforce transformation, training, and innovation. Ian has advised top global brands including Samsung, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. A former agency executive, he now pioneers immersive presentations that bring AI and extended reality to life. Ian is also the co-owner of a production studio designing virtual worlds and the first person ever to host a news segment as a synthetic human, streaming to over 100 million devices around the world. A classically trained musician and passionate educator, he champions the responsible, creative use of emerging technologies—and remains an optimist about the future of humanity in a tech-driven world.
Ian sits down with Geoff Nielson to unpack the real impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace. They discuss why outdated leadership mindsets are more harmful than AI itself, how organizations must evolve beyond rigid roles and job descriptions, and why the future of work is less about replacing people and more about reshaping how we define value, productivity, and collaboration. Ian explains that it’s not about eliminating jobs, but about eliminating the artificial boundaries that confine people to specific roles within an organization.
In this episode:
0:00 Intro
0:45 The real threat is not AI, but outdated leadership
2:15 The era of unending exponential growth
4:30 AI is changing the definition of work
8:15 Where leaders should begin with AI
12:35 Using AI tools to align leadership team
15:30 What AI really needs to succeed
17:00 The loss of job descriptions
19:02 The shift in career thinking
21:50 Who’s at more risk – junior roles or long-time workers?
25:30 The future of work in practice
31:00 Digital Twins in the workplace
36:00 Build AI ready teams
41:00 Rethinking education
46:01 What role does Signal and Cipher play to help accelerate traditional enterprises
52:35 What’s next
58:00 Tracking innovation and adaptability
1:04:00 Building a future-ready organization
Connect with Ian:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianbeacraft/
X: https://x.com/Ianbcraft
Website: https://signalandcipher.com/
Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG
