See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Zoher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zzkaru/---Everyone talks about AI—but it’s data that still decides what works and what fails.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Zoher Karu, data and analytics leader with a PhD in engineering and experience at McKinsey, eBay, Citibank, Sears, and Blue Shield of California. Zoher now works with Taelor, a men’s clothing rental subscription service using data and AI to personalize style at scale.Zoher explains why “dirty data” remains one of the biggest unsolved problems in business—and why the issue isn’t technology, but how organizations are structured. Teams build data in silos to solve short-term problems, creating fragmented systems that AI can’t magically fix.The conversation moves from fashion and personalization to a much bigger question: what happens when AI quietly takes over everyday decision-making?We cover:- How Taelor uses data, metadata, and human stylists to curate clothing- Why clothing sizes are a data nightmare—and what that teaches us about AI limits- The real reason data quality is still broken across industries- How siloed teams create long-term data problems- Why AI will reduce the effort of finding information, not eliminate thinking -A future where tasks like planning events, shopping, and inventory management become automated- What humans should focus on when machines handle the mundaneZoher’s view of the future isn’t flashy—it’s practical. As AI handles more low-level optimization, human value shifts toward judgment, creativity, and deciding what actually matters.If you’re interested in AI, data, personalization, or the future of everyday decision-making, this episode offers a grounded look at where we’re really headed.
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Ari: https://thetrustbook.com---What if the reason people hate selling… is because selling doesn’t work anymore?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis sits down with Ari Galper, founder of Unlock The Game and pioneer of trust-based selling, to challenge everything we think we know about sales.After 25 years in the field, Ari realized the problem wasn’t technique, persuasion, or closing tactics—it was mindset. Traditional sales methods treat prospects like targets. Ari argues they should be treated like patients.This conversation explores why selling has become commoditized, why buyers are more skeptical than ever, and why trust—not persuasion—is now the ultimate differentiator.We discuss:- Why most sales conversations fail before they even begin- The shift from a sales mindset to a doctor–patient mindset- Ari’s pivotal sales call that changed his philosophy forever- Why qualifying prospects too early kills trust- The difference between the traditional sales funnel and Ari’s “sales cylinder”- How trust-based content builds authority without pitching- What sales will look like in an AI-driven world where automation is everywhereAri predicts that as AI handles more transactional selling, human trust, empathy, and deep listening will become more valuable—not less.If you sell anything—or if you hate selling—this episode will change how you think about conversations, trust, and influence.
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Jared: https://cryptoconfidence.substack.comIs crypto misunderstood—or deliberately misrepresented?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Jared Busby, writer of the Crypto Confidence Substack, about the real differences between crypto and blockchain, why scams dominate the headlines, and what the long-term future of money may actually look like.Jared breaks down why many companies avoid the word “crypto” while still relying on blockchain—and why blockchain without crypto often makes no sense at all. He also explains why scams are a feature of every new technology wave, not a reason to dismiss the technology itself.We cover:- The real difference between crypto and blockchain- Why “blockchain without crypto” is usually pointless- Why scams are common in new technologies—and why crypto is actually traceable- How to store crypto safely using hardware wallets and seed phrases- Why new investors should start with Bitcoin before touching altcoins- The risks of leaving assets on exchanges- Why Jared is skeptical of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)- The long-term risks facing fiat currencies—and why Bitcoin may matter more than everJared’s perspective is pragmatic, grounded, and refreshingly calm in a space full of hype and fear. Whether you’re crypto-curious or deeply skeptical, this conversation offers clarity without evangelism.
Connect with the future: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Kevin: https://www.kevinsurace.com---AI isn’t just changing business—it’s changing everything.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Kevin Surace, a technologist and AI advocate, about how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, creativity, and human life itself.Kevin shares how he uses AI to generate product designs, market analyses, and business insights in hours—work that used to take entire teams weeks. He explains why most companies still lag behind in adoption and how to overcome fear and inertia by showing AI’s power in action.We explore:- How AI is revolutionizing business productivity and product design- Why executives still resist AI—and how to change their minds- How AI is democratizing creative industries like music, film, and podcasting- What happens when anyone can create professional-quality content for free- The coming wave of AI-powered humanoid robots in homes and offices- The loss of shared cultural experiences in a hyper-personalized world- Why nostalgia will always coexist with innovationKevin’s message is clear: AI is not the enemy—it’s the amplifier. The sooner we learn to use it creatively and responsibly, the more we stand to gain.If you’re interested in AI innovation, creative disruption, or the next evolution of automation, this episode offers a glimpse into the near future.
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Bojan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bojansimic---Passwords were supposed to die 20 years ago—so why are we still using them?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Bojan Simic, co-founder and CEO of HYPR, a cybersecurity company on a mission to finally eliminate passwords for good.Bojan shares how a personal hacking experience early in his career sparked his obsession with fixing identity security. That moment eventually led to the creation of HYPR, a platform that uses biometrics, tokenization, and passwordless authentication to secure users while simplifying the login process.We discuss:- Why the password problem has persisted for decades- How HYPR’s technology replaces passwords with biometrics and cryptographic keys- The challenges of mass adoption across enterprises and consumers- How HYPR is expanding into full identity verification—protecting the entire identity lifecycle- Why “passwordless” isn’t just about convenience, but trust and security- What the future of authentication might look like in 2035- The role AI could play in identity assurance and fraud detectionBojan’s vision is clear: the internet of the future won’t rely on secrets—it’ll rely on proof.If you’re interested in cybersecurity, authentication, biometrics, or the future of digital identity, this episode is a must-listen.
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Greg: https://gregwolford.substack.com---Can AI make you a better writer—or does it risk flattening creativity?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis sits down with Greg Wolford, a writer who uses AI tools like ChatGPT to supercharge his creative process—without losing his human voice. Greg shares how he uses AI to generate plot ideas, refine language, and get feedback while keeping the soul of storytelling intact.Together, they explore why dystopian fiction often outshines utopian storytelling, and how AI might reshape the future of books, film, and entertainment. Could AI-generated art democratize creativity—or just flood the world with formulaic content?We cover:- How writers can use AI tools for brainstorming, editing, and worldbuilding- Why human emotion and personal voice are still irreplaceable- The storytelling tension between utopia and dystopia- How AI might transform filmmaking, acting, and creative industries- The importance of the humanities in an AI-driven future- Why emotion, perspective, and imperfection are the true markers of human artGreg’s take is both practical and philosophical—AI can be a powerful creative ally, but only if we remember what makes art human.If you’re interested in AI and creativity, writing, or the future of storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Olga: https://olia.art---If “success” is just a story we’ve been sold—what does it mean to live on your own terms?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Olga Zalite, illustrator and creative thinker, about how our understanding of success has been hijacked by external forces—and what it means to reclaim it in an AI-driven world.They question whether “success” even exists as a meaningful concept or if it’s just a social construct built on performance, comparison, and approval. Olga and Chris share their personal experiences of chasing externally defined goals—only to realize that fulfillment comes from alignment, not achievement.We cover:- Why “success” is more performance than purpose- How social media and consumer culture shape our desires- The evolving meaning of success through different life stages- The impact of AI on creative professions and artistic value- Why preserving human skills and critical thinking matters more than ever- How to define success on your own terms in an age of automationOlga also shares her perspective as an artist navigating a world where AI-generated art is flooding the market, challenging both value and originality.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re chasing your own dream—or someone else’s—this conversation will make you stop and think.
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Ibby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibby/---Can AI actually be trusted to make decisions? In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis sits down with Ibby, founder of Cotera, a platform making it easier for non-technical people to build powerful AI agents that solve real-world problems—without the hallucinations.Cotera acts as a translation layer between business needs and technical AI capabilities, empowering teams to automate complex workflows safely and effectively. By using multiple AI models to cross-check outputs and a “tiebreaker” model to handle edge cases, Cotera ensures accuracy, reliability, and trust in automation.We explore:- How Cotera enables non-technical users to build their own AI agents- The company’s unique multi-model system to prevent hallucinations- Real-world applications in QA, fraud detection, and chatbot validation- Why critical thinking and creativity will define the future workforce- How education and job design must evolve for an AI-driven world- The balance between automation, human oversight, and trustIf you’re interested in AI safety, workflow automation, or the evolution of work, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful look at how we can make AI useful—without losing control.
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Luke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukearrigoni/---In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Luke Arrigoni, founder and CEO of Loti, a company on a mission to protect your digital identity. Loti scans the internet to find where your face or voice is being used without consent—in scams, deepfakes, or explicit content—and gets it taken down, often within minutes.What started as a side project after Luke’s AI consulting work quickly became a full-scale operation tackling one of the most urgent challenges of the AI era: identity protection.We cover:- How Loti indexes the internet to detect misuse of faces and voices- Why the company achieves a 95% takedown success rate- How AI-generated content is both the problem and the solution- The ethical balance between removal, parody, and fair use- The future of identity, avatars, and personal likeness rights- How individuals could one day monetize their digital selves responsiblyLuke’s vision for 2035 is clear: a world where everyone controls their digital presence, from their face and voice to their virtual avatar—and even profits from it.If you’re curious about AI ethics, identity protection, and the evolving landscape of deepfakes and digital rights, this episode is essential listening.
See more: thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Shahzeb: https://shahzebali.com/---Meet the world’s youngest certified Python developer—and the founder of an AI startup.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Shahzeb Ali, a 17-year-old entrepreneur from Pakistan who’s already the youngest certified Python developer recognized by the Python Institute and IBM. He’s also the author of Data Science for Teens and the founder of DevelMo, an AI startup helping businesses scale with smart, data-driven solutions.Shahzeb’s story is as inspiring as it is forward-looking. From struggling with Visual Basic as a kid to mastering Python and building computer vision products, he’s proof that the next generation isn’t waiting for permission to innovate.We explore:- How Shahzeb discovered Python and became the youngest certified developer- Why Python’s simplicity makes it perfect for teens learning to code- The story behind his AI-powered product, CrowdIQ, and its real-world applications- The pros and cons of “vibe coding” and AI-assisted development- Why critical thinking still matters—even in the age of AI- How easy MVPs and AI tools are fueling a wave of young entrepreneurs- Shahzeb’s mission to inspire more teens to pursue tech and entrepreneurshipIf you’re passionate about AI, programming, or the next generation of innovators, this episode will leave you feeling optimistic about the future of technology.
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.com
Connect with Maya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackerma/
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Is AI here to replace creativity—or to unlock more of it?
In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Maya Ackerman, generative AI pioneer and founder of WaveAI, one of the earliest startups in the space. Maya has been exploring the frontier of human–AI collaboration in creativity for over a decade, and she shares her perspective on how we should really think about these systems.
We explore:
- Maya’s journey as one of the first generative AI founders (2017)
- Why AI should augment—not replace—human creativity
- How to view AI as an “imagination engine,” not an oracle of truth
- The big questions around consciousness and whether AI can ever be “aware”
- Why expecting AI to deliver objective facts is a dangerous myth
- What the next 10 years could look like for work, art, and human connection
- The potential role of universal basic income in an AI-driven society
- How AI might allow us to shift from machine-like labor to more creative, expressive lives
Maya’s vision is optimistic yet grounded: if we embrace AI as a partner in creativity instead of a replacement, we can move into a future where imagination, art, and human connection become the center of our lives.
If you’re curious about generative AI, creativity, truth, and the evolving role of humans in an AI-first world, this episode is a must-listen.
Google Ads is getting more complex, more automated—and harder for small businesses to control. Can AI level the playing field?
In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis sits down with David, founder and CEO of Groas, to talk about how AI is reshaping advertising and why his company is tackling one of the biggest challenges in digital marketing: optimizing Google Ads for real profitability.
David shares how Groas began as a landing-page optimization tool for advertisers and has since grown into a full AI-powered platform that dynamically adjusts ads and pages to maximize ROI. With Google pushing towards black-box automation, Groas offers a way for businesses to regain control.
We cover:
The origin story of Groas and its growth beyond e-commerce
Why Google Ads keeps getting harder for small businesses to navigate
How Groas optimizes landing pages and ad copy in real time
Why the company chose to remain self-funded and profitable rather than take VC money
The coming shift to AI-to-AI advertising and purchasing
How AI could reshape jobs in marketing, sales, and beyond
Why building a personal brand might be one of the best defenses against automation
If you’re in digital marketing, advertising, e-commerce, or just curious about how AI is reshaping the future of work, this episode is a must-listen.
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Loreta: https://www.loreta.today---As AI-generated content floods the workplace, how do companies keep communication authentic and human?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis sits down with Loreta, founder of Loreta Today, to explore the future of corporate communication, leadership alignment, and the role of authenticity in an AI-driven world.With a background in journalism, corporate video, and now advising executives, Loreta has a unique perspective on how organizations can tell stories that build trust, not erode it. She believes video and human-centric communication will be more important than ever as AI avatars and auto-generated content become widespread.We discuss:- Loreta’s journey from journalism in Lithuania to corporate strategy in the U.S.- Why authentic, relatable communication is the foundation of trust- The risks of over-relying on AI avatars and synthetic content- How to navigate organizational dysfunction and drive cultural change- The need for persistent, data-driven approaches to align leadership- What corporate communication might look like in 2035—and why the human touch will remain essentialLoreta’s work focuses on helping B2B organizations align people, processes, and presence—and she shares strategies any company can use to improve communication, build credibility, and prepare for the future.If you’re in communications, leadership, or simply curious about how authenticity survives in the AI age, this episode is packed with insight.
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.com
Connect with Phillip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-swan/---
Every week, it seems, a new AI demo makes headlines. But as Phillip Swan, co-founder of Iridius, points out—most of these flashy prototypes never make it into production. Why? Because enterprises can’t afford to gamble with compliance, security, and governance.
That’s the problem Iridius was built to solve. In our thinkfuture conversation, Phillip explains how their platform provides a new blueprint for enterprise AI—one that bakes in compliance and scalability from the start. Instead of building “vibe code” that breaks under real-world pressure, Iridius helps companies move from concept to production-ready AI in hours or days, not months.
We covered:
Why most enterprise AI stays stuck in R&D
How compliance and governance can be automated without slowing innovation
The risks of unchecked AI—and the importance of human oversight
How industries and job markets will change as automation accelerates
Why responsible AI isn’t a drag on speed, but the key to scaling it
Phillip also shared his perspective on the future: AI will disrupt traditional industries, but it will also create entirely new opportunities—if we approach it with foresight and responsibility.
For enterprises, innovators, and anyone wondering how to deploy AI without the risks, this episode offers both caution and hope.
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Bruce: https://bruceclay.com---AI is changing search forever—and the old rules of SEO may no longer apply.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Bruce Clay, an early pioneer of search engine optimization who literally coined the term “SEO” back in the 1990s. Bruce has been on the front lines of search since AltaVista and InfoSeek—and now, he’s sounding the alarm about how AI assistants like ChatGPT are rewriting the rules.We explore:- The evolution of search engines, from early hacks to today’s complex algorithms- Why Google updates have made visibility harder to maintain- How AI-powered search assistants are bypassing websites by giving direct answers- The looming decline of traffic to informational sites- How SEO professionals can adapt to the AI-powered search landscape- The role of trust, authority, and structured content in an AI-first world -PreWriter: Bruce’s AI-powered research suite that helps creators identify gaps, generate personas, and streamline content creation- The future of search, advertising, and AI-powered personal assistants handling everyday tasks like booking travel or recommending productsBruce brings a rare long-view perspective—having shaped the early SEO industry—and a pragmatic take on how creators, businesses, and marketers can survive and thrive in the AI era.If you’re in marketing, SEO, content creation, or just curious about how AI is disrupting the web as we know it, this episode is essential listening.
See More: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect With Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-bigdeli-5310b923/---Why the next wave of AI won’t just answer questions—it will explore, sense, and predict.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Sam Bigdeli, co-founder and CEO of KavAI, about his vision for Curious AI—a new approach that moves beyond language models to create AI that actively engages with the physical world.Sam explains why today’s AI systems are like “savants”—brilliant at data recall, but poor at contextual reasoning. Curious AI, on the other hand, is designed to simulate the way humans explore, hypothesize, and learn from limited sensory input.We cover:- Why large language models (LLMs) aren’t enough for real-world intelligence- The importance of embodiment and multimodal sensing for AI systems- How Curious AI actively acquires information instead of waiting to be prompted- Applications in industrial domains like refineries, power plants, and predictive maintenance- The future of AI and robotics—human-like avatars vs. task-optimized systems- Why human creativity and judgment will always remain essentialSam envisions a future where AI isn’t just reactive—it’s proactive, curious, and capable of helping us manage complex, dynamic systems more effectively.If you’re interested in the cutting edge of AI, robotics, and the future of human-machine collaboration, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Jillian: https://tenpermissions.com---Learning how to embrace change, reclaim agency, and build a future on your own terms.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Jillian Reilly, founder of Antacara, about how to navigate profound change in uncertain times and why reclaiming your personal agency is the most important skill of the 21st century.Jillian believes that fear of change keeps most of us trapped in outdated roles and expectations. But by building our “change muscle” through small, intentional choices, we can prepare ourselves for life’s bigger transitions.We discuss:- Why most people doubledown on the familiar—even when it no longer works- How to develop “change readiness” and adapt with confidence- The importance of reclaiming personal agency instead of outsourcing your choices- Navigating social pressure when making unconventional life decisions- Why linear, 20th-century models of success are holding us back- Jillian’s hopeful vision of 2035: portfolio careers, free agency, and lives built on balance, not sacrificeThis episode is both practical and inspiring—a roadmap for anyone feeling stuck, afraid of change, or unsure how to shape their next chapter. Jillian’s work helps people unlock their ability to evolve, create their own path, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.If you’re interested in personal growth, adaptability, future of work, career reinvention, or learning how to navigate change intentionally, this conversation is for you.🔗 Connect with Jillian: https://tenpermissions.com🎧 Subscribe to thinkfuture for more interviews on the future of work, technology, and human potential. https://thinkfuture.substack.com
See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcasella/---How hospitality automation is evolving to work with humans, not replace them.When you think of robots in hospitality, you might picture cold, impersonal service. But Matt, co-founder of RichTech Robotics, has a completely different vision—one where automation enhances human connection instead of erasing it.In this week’s episode of thinkfuture, we talked about how RichTech is building AI-powered service robots that work alongside staff to create smoother, more personalized guest experiences.Matt shared:- How the company is helping hotels, restaurants, and venues automate without losing their brand’s human touch- Why many operators resist automation at first—and what changes their minds- How robotics can be customized to fit unique customer experiences- The key to making automation “invisible” so it feels natural to guests- What hospitality (and other service industries) could look like in 2035 when humans and robots truly collaborateThis isn’t about replacing jobs—it’s about creating new kinds of experiences that neither humans nor machines could deliver alone.If you’ve ever wondered what the perfect balance of human warmth and machine precision could look like, this conversation will make you rethink the role of automation in your daily life.
See more here: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Hasmukh: https://www.hasmukhkerai.com/the-learning-curve---In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Hasmukh, founder of The Learning Curve, a business dedicated to helping freelancers, creators, and small businesses rethink their relationship with technology. Hasmukh’s mission? To keep work lean, purposeful, and balanced—while reclaiming control from platforms and building lasting, meaningful connections with audiences.Hasmukh shares his personal journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, a decision sparked by the uncertainty and lack of autonomy he experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, through The Learning Curve, he’s helping others do the same: break free from digital overwhelm, focus on what matters, and take back ownership of their creative and business pursuits.In this episode, we explore:- Why performative social media content is toxic for creators—and what to do instead- The power of building your audience through owned channels like email newsletters- The pros and cons of platforms like Substack for creators and small businesses- Why trust in traditional media is eroding and how to build your own credibility- Predictions for the future of content consumption by 2035, including immersive technologies and post-smartphone experiences- The rising demand for in-person, offline experiences as a counterbalance to digital fatigue- How freelancers and creators can create sustainable, authentic businesses without burning outHasmukh emphasizes that creators don’t have to play the “attention game” to succeed. Instead, he encourages entrepreneurs to focus on direct audience relationships, authentic storytelling, and work that aligns with their values.If you’re a creator, freelancer, or entrepreneur who wants to escape the performative trap of social media and build something real, this episode is packed with insights on how to own your platform, manage tech more mindfully, and create meaningful content that actually resonates.
Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-schwarz-3805b854/Read More: https;//thinkfuture.substack.com---In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Dan Schwarz, CEO and co-founder of FutureSearch, an AI startup on a mission to push the boundaries of forecasting. With a background as a software engineer at Google and CTO of Metaculous, Dan brings deep expertise at the intersection of technology, prediction, and decision-making.Can AI really predict the future? Dan says—yes, but with caveats. He shares FutureSearch’s research into the forecasting abilities of AI models like GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, revealing that while they outperform random chance, they still fall short of skilled human forecasters. However, the gap is closing fast, and Dan expects AI systems to reach—and potentially exceed—human forecasting abilities within the next 10–15 years.In this conversation, we explore:- The state of AI forecasting: where models like GPT-4 shine—and where they fail- How AI compares to human forecasters today- Why forecasting natural events (like earthquakes) is fundamentally different from predicting human behavior- How uncertainty shapes our ability to forecast the future- Techniques for operationalizing forecasts so organizations actually use them- Conditional forecasting and competitor-focused predictions as game-changers for business strategy- The ethical and practical implications of “superhuman” forecasting in politics, business, and society- What the world could look like in 2035 when AI becomes an “Oracle-like” forecasterDan envisions a future where AI-powered forecasting transforms decision-making in politics, business, and beyond—giving us tools to anticipate disruption, prepare for uncertainty, and make smarter, data-driven choices.If you’re interested in the future of AI, predictive analytics, or how technology could reshape our understanding of what’s coming next, this episode is packed with insights.