Shift AI Podcast

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Scott Roberts, CISO at UiPath, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy for a deep dive into how agentic AI is reshaping enterprise security and automation—both for customers and inside UiPath itself.Scott shares his 25-year security journey spanning Microsoft’s early Security Response Center days (including the era that produced Patch Tuesday and the Security Development Lifecycle), product security work across Windows and Xbox, time at AWS, and leadership roles at Google where he helped build the Android Security Assurance and Pixel Security teams and the Android Monthly Security Update process. He also discusses his work in security standards across IPsec, HTML5 encrypted media, GSMA device security, and most recently, contributions to emerging agentic AI security standards.The conversation then explores UiPath’s evolution from traditional RPA into a unified platform that combines deterministic automation with agentic workflows. Scott walks through a real-world healthcare billing example where agentic automation increased deduplication accuracy dramatically by handling complex, variable inputs that classic RPA struggled with—while still keeping humans in the loop and feeding outcomes back into the system to improve over time.Boaz and Scott go deep on what’s changed for CISOs in the post-LLM world: the need for guardrails, identity and entitlements for AI agents, and the challenge of end users copying sensitive information into consumer AI tools. Scott explains UiPath’s approach: enable adoption while using nudges and policy controls to redirect sensitive workflows into enterprise-safe environments rather than relying solely on blocks.The episode closes with an eye-opening look at UiPath’s internal “agentic threat analyst” system—an orchestration of 60+ agents that can investigate SIEM alerts end-to-end, generate structured incident writeups, and compress hours of analyst work into roughly a minute and a half. Scott’s future-looking takeaway: as AI models evolve beyond “read-only” into potentially “read-write” systems that can update their foundational knowledge, the acceleration could be truly mind-blowing.This episode is essential listening for security leaders, enterprise operators, and automation teams trying to understand how agentic systems change not just productivity, but the entire security operating model.Chapters[00:01] Scott’s Security Journey: Microsoft, Google, Coinbase, UiPath[01:33] Security Standards Work: From IPsec to Agentic AI Standards[04:08] What UiPath Does: Process Orchestration, RPA, and Enterprise Automation[06:28] RPA vs Agentic Automation: A Healthcare Billing Deduplication Example[09:17] The Agentic Stack: Canvas, Guardrails, and the AI Trust Layer[10:31] How LLMs Change Security: Data Controls, Access, and Governance[12:14] Internal Adoption at UiPath: AI Tooling by Persona (Legal, Finance, Engineering)[13:13] Code Velocity and Security: Agents Generating Code, Agents Verifying It[15:53] Two AI Security Worlds: Orchestration Platforms vs End-User Chat Interfaces[17:11] Securing End Users: Enterprise LLMs, Nudges, and Browser-Based Controls[19:07] Sovereign AI and Data Boundaries: Keeping Data in the Right Region[21:00] Over-Permissioning Meets Agents: Why AI Makes Old Problems Obvious Fast[22:21] The Next Wave: AI Transforming the Entire SDLC End-to-End[24:53] Security Pitfalls in Agentic SDLC: Misaligned Incentives and Permissions[26:02] UiPath’s Agentic Threat Analyst: 60+ Agents, SIEM to Writeup Automation[30:07] What Changes for Humans: Faster “Time to Truth” and Higher-Leverage Work[32:09] Two-Word Future: “Mind Blowing” and Read/Write ModelsConnect with Scott RobertsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottroberts6/Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy/Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Casey Mulligan—former Chief Economist of the White House Council of Economic Advisers and current Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration—joins Boaz Ashkenazy for a timely conversation on how AI is reshaping small businesses, regulation, and the broader labor market.Casey shares his path from University of Chicago professor to serving in two presidential administrations, where he introduced automated reasoning tools into economic policy work well before the rise of large language models. He explains how his office now uses AI to review thousands of federal regulations and ensure small business voices are represented in Washington.The discussion explores accelerating AI adoption among small firms, the recent surge in new business formation, and why smaller companies may benefit more from AI than large incumbents. Casey also addresses concerns about job displacement, drawing lessons from past waves of automation and outlining why he believes the long-term impact will be increased productivity and opportunity.The episode closes with a forward-looking perspective on education, entrepreneurship, and why the “human touch” will remain a critical advantage in the future of work.Chapters[00:00] From University of Chicago to the White House[03:05] Advocating for Small Businesses in Washington[07:29] AI and the Labor Market: Lessons from Economic History[12:14] The Startup Surge and Small Business Formation[13:48] Using AI Inside the Federal Government[17:20] Vibe Coding, APIs, and Custom Productivity Tools[18:07] Automated Reasoning and Microsoft’s Z3[21:23] AI in Education and Learning[24:31] Two Words for the Future of Work: Human TouchConnect with Casey Bryant MulliganLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-bryant-mulligan/Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy/Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Patrick Supanc, Chief Product Officer at Coursera, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy for an in-depth conversation on how AI is transforming education, workforce skills, and lifelong learning at a global scale.Patrick shares his deeply personal and unconventional journey—from growing up as the son of two educators and immigrating to the U.S., to working in public policy at the World Bank, having a formative experience in a rural classroom in Brazil, and ultimately transitioning into education technology. The conversation dives into how baseline AI literacy is rapidly becoming essential for everyone, not just technologists. Patrick explains how learner demand on Coursera has surged, with AI enrollments accelerating and shifting from introductory content toward more advanced topics like agentic AI, orchestration, and role-specific application of AI tools.Boaz and Patrick explore how large language models are being integrated directly into learning experiences through Coursera Coach—an AI-powered tutor designed to deliver personalized, efficient, and high-integrity learning. Patrick outlines why memory, contextual relevance, fast feedback loops, and verified assessments are critical for adult learners who need to upskill quickly while balancing real-world constraints.Finally, the episode looks ahead to the future of education and work, touching on global access, AI-powered translation and dubbing, voice-based interaction, role-play simulations, and the potential role of avatars. Patrick closes by framing the future as “skills-first and accessible,” underscoring Coursera’s mission to ensure that verified, job-relevant skills are available to learners everywhere.This episode is essential listening for founders, operators, educators, and professionals who want to understand how AI is reshaping not just productivity, but the entire learning and workforce ecosystem.Chapters[00:00] From Educators to EdTech: Patrick’s Journey to Coursera[04:24] AI Literacy as the New Baseline Skill[07:18] The Rapid Rise of AI Learning Demand on Coursera[08:17] From Intro to Agentic AI: How Learner Needs Are Evolving[11:22] Tracking Skills at Scale with Coursera’s Career Graph[14:31] Coursera Coach: AI Tutors, Personalization, and Memory[17:32] Learning by Doing: Role Play, Labs, and Real-World Practice[19:41] Anxiety, Relevance, and the Need for Continuous Upskilling[21:31] Helping Learners Navigate an Uncertain Career Future[24:31] Global Access: Translation, Dubbing, and Emerging Markets[26:21] Voice, Avatars, and New Interaction Models in Learning[28:49] Andrew Ng’s Influence on Coursera and AI in Education[30:26] The Future of Work and Learning: Skills-First and AccessibleConnect with Patrick SupancLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricksupanc/Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy/Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Alex Waddell, Chief Information Officer at Adobe Population Health, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy live from Dreamforce in San Francisco for a deep dive into AI adoption in one of the most highly regulated—and most impactful—industries: healthcare.Alex shares his unconventional journey from Salesforce administrator to CIO, and how Adobe Population Health built a custom electronic medical record (EMR) on the Salesforce platform to support population health case management long before it became an industry buzzword. The conversation explores why traditional EMRs often get in the way of care—and how AI can help remove friction so clinicians can focus on patients, not paperwork.Together, Boaz and Alex unpack how AI is being applied today to reduce clinician burnout, automate documentation, improve quality assurance, and deliver the right data at the right time. Alex also explains why “augmented intelligence,” not full automation, is the future of healthcare—and why humans will always remain at the center of care delivery.The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on AI adoption, clinician trust, and why involving end users directly in building AI workflows is essential for success.This episode is a must-listen for healthcare leaders, technologists, and operators who want to understand how AI can drive real-world outcomes—not just efficiency metrics.Key Themes & TakeawaysWhy population health required building a custom EMR from scratchThe hidden cost of documentation and clinician burnoutHow AI can get “the system out of the way” of patient careUsing AI for chart summarization, note generation, and QA auditsOvercoming fear and resistance to AI in regulated environmentsWhy adoption—not technology—is the real challengeThe future of healthcare as augmented intelligenceChapters[00:00] Welcome & Live from Dreamforce[01:30] Alex Waddell’s Journey: From Admin to CIO[03:39] Building a Custom EMR for Population Health[05:45] Data, Interoperability, and MuleSoft[06:45] Reducing Clinician Burnout with AI[08:24] Voice, Automation, and the Future of Admin Work[09:30] Using AI for Quality Assurance at Scale[10:49] AI’s Real Impact on Patient Outcomes[12:20] “Augmented Intelligence” and the Future of Work[14:00] Adoption, Trust, and Bringing Clinicians Along[16:00] Learning More & Closing ThoughtsEpisode Quote“An EMR doesn’t change lives. The human interaction does. AI’s job is to get out of the way so clinicians can actually care.”Connect with the GuestsAlex WaddellChief Information Officer, Adobe Population HealthWebsite: https://www.adobepophealth.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-waddell-066bb914a/Boaz AshkenazyHost, Shift AI PodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy/Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Adam Alfano, Global Head of SMB at Salesforce, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy for a wide-ranging conversation on how AI agents are fundamentally reshaping small and medium-sized businesses.Adam shares his unconventional career journey—from growing up in a steel town outside Toronto to building a global sales career and now leading Salesforce’s SMB organization. From there, the discussion dives deep into how today’s SMBs are navigating constant macro change with resilience, optimism, and an increasingly innovative mindset.The conversation explores how agentic AI is enabling small teams to operate with enterprise-level reach—automating frontline sales development, customer service, onboarding, and even complex workflows traditionally reserved for large organizations. Adam explains why CRM platforms are becoming the operating system for human–AI collaboration, how structured data is the foundation for effective agents, and why managing AI agents increasingly looks like managing employees.Boaz and Adam also examine the growing sense of overwhelm SMB founders feel around AI tooling, why “just help me set it up” is becoming the winning go-to-market strategy, and how natural-language interfaces are collapsing the technical barrier to adoption. The episode closes with a forward-looking discussion on avatars, workforce orchestration, and why the future of work is best described as “limitless potential.”This episode is essential listening for founders, operators, and product leaders who want to understand how AI is moving beyond individual productivity gains to unlock entirely new operating models for small businesses.Chapters[00:00] From Steel Town to Salesforce: Adam’s Career Journey[04:24] The State of SMBs: Resilience, Innovation, and Opportunity[07:18] What Defines an SMB—and Why Size Matters Less Than Ever[08:17] Agentic AI in Practice: Sales, Service, and Infinite Reach[11:22] Why CRM Is Becoming the OS for Human–AI Collaboration[14:44] Data as the Foundation: Structuring Information for AI Agents[17:32] Lowering the Barrier: Natural Language, Vibe Coding, and Usability[19:41] The AI Tool Overload—and How SMBs Actually Want Help[21:31] Where AI Delivers the Biggest Near-Term Impact[24:31] Avatars, AI Teammates, and New Interaction Models[28:48] The Future of Work: Limitless PotentialConnect with Adam AlfanoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-alfano-60ab329/Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy/Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Arnab Bose, Chief Product Officer at Asana, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way teams collaborate and get work done. Bose shares his journey to becoming CPO at Asana and the company's ambitious vision for human-AI collaboration, including their groundbreaking AI Teammates and AI Studio products.From the early days of smartphones reshaping work behavior to today's AI agents that can automate the "toil aspects" of project management, Bose offers a compelling look at where workplace productivity is heading. The conversation dives into how Asana is building a structured approach to work that enables AI agents to seamlessly collaborate alongside human teammates, what customers are actually asking for when it comes to AI tools, and how to build defensible enterprise products through security, governance, and simplicity. If you're interested in understanding how AI is moving beyond individual productivity gains to transform entire team workflows, what it takes to build competitive moats in enterprise software, and what the future holds for managing AI agents in the workplace, this episode offers invaluable insights from a product leader at the forefront of the AI-powered future of work.Chapters[00:00] Journey to Asana: Embracing AI Collaboration[06:22] Transformations in Work: AI's Impact on Productivity[11:50] Asana's Vision: Human and AI Collaboration[17:26] Industry Insights: Customer Needs and AI Adoption[22:25] Building a Moat: Strategies for Competitive Advantage[25:26] Future Predictions: The Evolution of Work and AIConnect with Arnab BoseLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abosesf/Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazyEmail: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Eilon Reshef, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Gong, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing revenue operations and transforming the future of sales teams. Reshef shares the decade-long journey of building Gong from a data-driven conversation platform into what they call an "AI OS for Revenue Teams," serving Fortune 10 companies and pioneering the use of AI in go-to-market workflows.From capturing customer conversations to deploying AI agents that can automate mundane tasks, Reshef offers a compelling vision of where sales productivity is heading. The conversation delves into how AI is making revenue teams more efficient and effective, the transformation of traditional sales roles, and why the biggest shift isn't just in technology but in how quickly organizations can execute and adapt. If you're interested in understanding how enterprise AI is moving beyond hype to deliver measurable productivity gains, how unstructured data creates competitive advantages, and what the future holds for revenue professionals in an AI-driven world, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone building the infrastructure that's reshaping B2B sales.Chapters[00:00] Introduction and Welcome[02:15] Eilon's Background and Journey to Gong[05:30] The Origin Story: Starting Gong 10 Years Ago[08:45] First and Worst Jobs[11:00] The ChatGPT Moment and AI Acceleration[14:30] Gong's Unfair Advantage with Unstructured Data[17:00] Three Pillars of AI Transformation[21:15] The Rev Ops Revolution[24:00] Enabling Sales Teams with AI[27:30] What's Hype vs. Reality in AI for Revenue[31:00] The Future of Sales Roles and Team Structure[33:45] The Platform Strategy and Integrations[36:30] Security and Trust in Enterprise AI[39:00] Gong's Growth Trajectory and Future Plans[41:30] Voice Agents and the Future of Customer Interaction[45:00] Two Words for the Future: Efficient and Exciting[48:00] Connecting with Eilon and Hiring at GongConnect with Eilon ReshefLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/eilonreshefConnect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazyEmail: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Rob Lloyd, Chief Technology Officer of the City of Seattle, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to discuss Seattle's groundbreaking approach to implementing artificial intelligence in municipal government. Lloyd shares his journey from serving multiple cities across America to spearheading one of the nation's most progressive urban AI initiatives, revealing how Seattle is transforming public services through thoughtful technology adoption.From traffic safety innovations to permitting process overhauls, Lloyd offers a candid look at the successes and failures of Seattle's AI pilots, including the surprising revelation that 80% of initial experiments didn't stick. The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Joe Nguyen, Director of Commerce for Washington State, joins to discuss statewide AI efforts, creating a rare dialogue between city and state technology leaders. If you're interested in understanding how government can responsibly deploy AI to serve communities better, this episode provides practical insights from leaders navigating the complex intersection of public service, technology, and trust.Chapters[00:00] Introduction and Rob's Journey to Seattle[03:30] Career Path Through Multiple Cities[06:45] Growing Up in a Military Family[09:15] First Jobs and Character Building[12:00] Seattle's AI Plan Genesis and Evolution[16:30] Policy Framework and Community Trust[20:15] Pilot Programs: Success and Failure Rates[24:45] Traffic Safety and Game Theory Applications[28:00] Permitting Process Transformation[32:30] Special Guest: Joe Nguyen from Washington State[35:15] State-Level AI Implementation at Commerce[38:45] Cultural Shifts and Future VisionConnect with Rob LloydLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rob-lloyd-cto-seattle/Connect with Joe NguyenLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/meetjoenguyen/Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Yash Wagh, Co-Founder and CEO of Gone, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how reverse logistics and AI are transforming the secondhand goods market into a sustainable circular economy. With a background as a rocket engineer, supply chain leadership at Amazon and A.T. Kearney, and a passion for sustainability, Yosh is building autonomous local commerce infrastructure that keeps valuable goods out of landfills and in circulation.From his journey as a mechanical engineer designing rocket propulsion systems to pioneering AI-powered reverse logistics, Yosh shares how Gone is solving the complex challenges of secondhand commerce. The conversation explores the business economics of circular economies, the role of AI in automating pickups and pricing, and a bold vision for a future where autonomous systems connect millions of households through local meshes of commerce. If you're interested in climate-conscious innovation, AI-powered logistics, sustainable consumerism, and the future of work in an AI-driven world, this episode offers invaluable insights from an entrepreneur building the infrastructure of tomorrow's circular economy.Chapters[00:00] Introduction and Welcome[03:15] From Rocket Science to Reverse Logistics[06:30] First Jobs and Career Journey[10:45] What is Gone - Reverse Amazon Explained[16:20] The Problem with Current Donation Models[19:40] Business Economics and Unit Economics[24:15] AI Technology and Automation in Action[29:50] The Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges[35:10] Negotiating the Gone.com Domain Name[37:45] The Future of Autonomous Local Commerce[43:20] How to Connect with GoneConnect with Yash WaghLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yashwagh/ Website: https://gone.com Shop: https://shop.gone.com Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Christian Lund, Co-Founder of Templafy, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how cognitive collaboration between humans and AI is transforming enterprise document creation. Broadcasting from Copenhagen, Christian shares his unique journey from newspaper sales to building one of the leading document automation platforms serving over 800 enterprise clients worldwide, including KPMG and IKEA.From navigating technology shifts spanning on-premise to cloud to AI, Christian offers invaluable insights on what separates successful AI implementations from the 40% of projects that fail. The conversation dives deep into why purpose trumps capability when deploying AI, how Templafy helps companies save millions annually while reducing risk, and the evolution from traditional templates to AI-powered document generation. Whether you're an executive trying to drive meaningful AI adoption or an entrepreneur building in the AI space, Christian's perspective on connecting human intent with AI intelligence offers a roadmap for the future of work.Chapters:[00:00] Introduction and Welcome [02:00] Christian's Background and Journey to Templafy [06:00] What Templafy Does: Enterprise Document Automation [09:00] How AI Transformed Document Generation [12:00] Why 40% of AI Pilots Fail and How to Succeed [17:00] ROI and Multimodal Content Creation [21:00] Advice for Deploying AI Agents [26:00] Cognitive Collaboration: Humans and AI Working Together [28:00] Job Displacement Concerns in Europe [30:00] Two Words for the FutureConnect with Christian LundLinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/christianlundcph Website: https://templafy.comConnect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fmThe Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by Geekwire and produced by Crumpled Ink Media

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Michael Domanic, Head of AI at UserTesting, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how companies can successfully transform their organizations with AI. With over 800 custom GPTs built across UserTesting and nearly every employee actively using AI tools, Michael shares the framework behind one of the most successful enterprise AI transformations happening today.From his early days designing chatbots during the first AI hype cycle to leading transformation at scale today, Michael offers invaluable insights into why AI transformation is fundamentally a change management and creative challenge—not just a technological one. The conversation delves into the responsibility companies have to their workforce during this historic transformation, the importance of democratizing AI access, and why focusing on human creativity and experimentation is the key to unlocking real value. If you're looking to understand how to drive meaningful AI adoption in your organization while keeping humanity at the center, this episode is essential listening.Chapters:[00:00] The Human Side of AI and Creativity[02:00] Michael's Background and the First Chatbot Wave[04:00] First Jobs: From Lifeguard to Telemarketer[05:00] What is UserTesting and How It Works[08:00] The Challenge of Enterprise AI Adoption[11:00] Why Multiple AI Models and 800+ Custom GPTs[15:00] Change Management Over Technology[19:00] AI's Impact on Jobs and Employee Responsibility[22:00] Growth Mindset vs. Scarcity in AI Strategy[24:00] Healthcare and the Future of AI[27:00] Two Words for the Future: Human and Creativity[29:00] Measuring ROI in AI TransformationConnect with Michael DomanicLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michaeldomanic/Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazyEmail: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Jeff Reihl, Technology Chairman at LexisNexis and former CTO, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to discuss how one of the world's largest legal information companies executed a dramatic pivot to generative AI. Jeff shares the remarkable story of how LexisNexis transformed their entire 2023 strategy in response to ChatGPT's emergence, leveraging their 160 billion document repository to solve AI hallucination problems that plague the legal profession.From modernizing mainframe systems written in IBM assembly language to implementing multi-model AI strategies using GPT and Claude, Jeff provides a masterclass in enterprise AI adoption. The conversation explores critical topics including maintaining trust and accuracy in legal AI applications, the evolving role of junior lawyers in an AI-augmented world, and how LexisNexis achieved 300% ROI for their customers while dramatically accelerating their own internal processes. Whether you're leading digital transformation at an established enterprise or simply curious about how AI is reshaping professional services, this episode offers invaluable lessons from the frontlines of the legal AI revolution.Chapters[01:40] Jeff's Background and Career Journey[05:54] LexisNexis, RELX, and the Legal Information Industry[07:21] The ChatGPT Revolution and Strategic Pivot[10:17] Solving the Hallucination Problem with RAG[13:26] Liability, Accountability, and the Role of Legal Professionals[16:16] ROI Metrics and Customer Adoption[21:02] Agentic Workflows and Strategic Partnerships[26:18] The Future of Junior Lawyers and Legal Education[29:05] The Future of Work and Software Development[31:33] Framework for AI Integration in Organizations[34:46] Two Words for the Future: Transformative and PersonalizedConnect with Jeff Reihlhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreihl/Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Alvin Graylin, Digital Fellow at Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered AI and creator of the Abundantism framework, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy for a bold and wide-ranging conversation on the future of AI and humanity. With a background that spans investing, international leadership, and advanced academic research, Alvin offers a rare, global lens on how we can — and must — steer AI toward positive societal outcomes.Together, Boaz and Alvin explore three potential AI futures — from Mad Max to Star Trek — and discuss how we can avoid a descent into dystopia by reframing our economic systems, rethinking employment, and redefining human value. The conversation touches on the AI Bill of Rights, the risks of sovereign “gladiator AIs,” and how a new GI Bill for the AI age could help millions transition into a post-labor economy.If you’re curious about AI’s geopolitical risks, employment disruption, or how we might architect a truly abundant society, this is an essential listen.Chapters[01:55] Alvin Graylin's Background: Stanford, XR, Global Ventures [05:13] Why the Next 5–10 Years Matter for Humanity [08:04] The Three Futures: Mad Max, Elysium, and Star Trek [13:33] “Winning the Wrong Race” — The AGI Race and Policy Pitfalls [17:02] The Real Threat: Bad Actors and Rogue AI Use [18:40] AI and the Collapse of Traditional Employment [20:39] What 15–25% Unemployment Could Mean for Society [23:02] The AI Bill of Rights and the Need for New Protections [27:10] Surveillance, Data, and Manipulation Risks [29:52] From Scarcity to Abundantism: The Shift in Mindset [32:40] Guardian AI vs Gladiator AI: What We Should Be Building [35:04] The GI Bill for the AI Age and the Need for Soft Landings [42:03] Start / Stop / Keep: Alvin’s Advice to Tech Leaders [45:49] Redefining Value: The Two Words That Shape the FutureConnect with Alvin GraylinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agraylin/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/agraylinConnect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fmThe Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by Geekwire and produced by Crumpled Ink Media. Special thanks to Augmented AI Labs and Clause for sponsoring this episode.

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Court Lorenzini, the founding CEO of DocuSign and now founder of Founder Nexus, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy for a thought-provoking conversation about entrepreneurship, AI, and building a more balanced future for humanity. As a five-time entrepreneur who has experienced both spectacular success and instructive failure, Court brings a unique perspective on how artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing what it takes to build and scale companies today.From the isolation of the founder's journey to reimagining education systems for an AI-driven world, Court shares his vision for creating abundance rather than scarcity. The conversation explores how AI could be humanity's greatest tool for leveling the playing field, the importance of founder communities, and why we need to rethink our approach to work, purpose, and human dignity. If you're interested in understanding not just the business implications of AI but its profound societal impact, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone dedicated to helping founders succeed while building the future we all want to live in.Chapters[02:06] Court's Background and Entrepreneurial Journey[04:27] The First Paycheck and Worst Job Stories[07:34] Introducing Founder Nexus and the Founder's Journey[11:31] How AI is Changing Startup Requirements[14:04] The Challenge of Differentiation in the AI Era[17:11] The Lifecycle of Employment and Societal Impact[20:06] Rethinking Education for an AI Future[26:16] Dystopian vs Utopian AI Futures[30:25] What Court is Most Excited and Scared About[33:30] Creating Abundance Over ScarcityConnect with Court LorenziniLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/court-lorenzini-333447/ Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm The Shift AI podcast is syndicated by Geekwire and produced by Crumpled Ink Media.

In this special live episode of the Shift AI Podcast recorded at Seattle AI Week, Dr. Andre Alfred, who leads threat operations and security for Google Cloud's Fortune 500 customers, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy for an eye-opening conversation about the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. With his remarkable journey from high school help desk operator to earning his PhD and leading security operations at Microsoft, Oracle, and Google, Andre brings a unique perspective on protecting critical infrastructure in an era where adversaries have access to the same powerful AI tools as defenders.From data poisoning threats that could compromise healthcare diagnostics to the challenges of securing physical infrastructure like water systems and power grids, Andre shares what keeps him up at night and why two-factor authentication isn't optional anymore. The conversation explores how AI is transforming both offensive and defensive capabilities in cybersecurity, why the next generation of jobs will be defined by leaders rather than technology, and Andre's commitment to visibility as an African American leader in tech. Through his scholarship program at Western Governors University, Andre is opening pathways for the next generation of cybersecurity and healthcare professionals. If you're wondering about the real security threats we're not thinking about—and why the future of work requires "more focus"—this conversation offers crucial insights from someone defending some of the world's most critical systems.Chapters[00:00] Introduction and Boaz's Journey to the Shift AI Podcast [02:37] Andre's Background and Role at Google Cloud Security [03:44] The Non-Traditional Path: From Help Desk to PhD [06:25] The Decision to Return to College and Transform Your Career [08:41] From Capital One to Microsoft to Google [12:03] What It's Like to Wake Up Every Morning in Threat Operations [14:21] The Bittersweet Reality: When Innovation Can Be Weaponized [15:31] Data Poisoning and Healthcare: The Threat We're Not Thinking About [18:37] Teaching Kids to Question What They See Online [20:06] Physical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities and Social Engineering [24:09] The Future of AI and Cybersecurity in 2030 [26:24] Creating Jobs of the Future Through Education [29:41] The Intersection of Cybersecurity and Healthcare [32:29] Leaders Must Define the Next Jobs, Not Let Technology Define Them [33:36] Being Visible as an African American in Tech [36:11] Two Words for the Future: "More Focus"Connect with Dr. Andre Alfred LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoalfred/Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fmSpecial thank you to Western Governers University for hosting and sponsoring this live episode at the Labor Temple in Seattle WA during AI Week.

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Will Jung, Chief Technology Officer at nCino, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the traditionally conservative banking and financial services sector. Jung brings a distinctive perspective from his extensive experience helping financial institutions transition from viewing technology as a cost center to embracing it as a strategic innovation driver, particularly in the highly regulated world of banking.From fraud prevention using AI agents that actively lure scammers to context engineering that personalizes banking experiences, Jung offers compelling insights into how banks are deploying cutting-edge technology while maintaining trust and regulatory compliance. The conversation examines the delicate balance between rapid technological advancement and responsible innovation, the future of personalized banking relationships, and why staying human remains the most critical factor in an increasingly automated world. If you're interested in understanding how one of the most regulated industries is navigating the AI revolution while serving underbanked populations and protecting customer data, this episode delivers essential perspectives from a technology leader at the forefront of financial innovation. Chapters:[02:00] Will's Background in Banking Technology[03:00] nCino's Mission in the FinTech Space[04:30] Banks Embracing Technology as Innovation Driver[06:50] Fighting Fraud with Advanced AI Technology[09:00] Building Technical and Non-Technical Team Culture[11:50] Context Engineering in Banking[14:25] Privacy and Personalization Trade-offs[19:20] The Future Customer Experience in Banking[21:30] Societal Implications of AI Technology[25:50] Cryptocurrency and Banking Technology[27:50] Two Words for the Future: Stay Human[30:00] The Human Element in Automated Banking DecisionsConnect with Will JungLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-jung/?originalSubdomain=au Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Venky Veeraraghavan, Chief Product Officer at DataRobot, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore the fascinating evolution from predictive AI to today's agentic workflows. With 20 years of experience at Microsoft working on everything from Azure Machine Learning to the early days of Azure OpenAI, Venky brings a unique perspective on how AI is truly transforming the enterprise landscape.The conversation delves into the fundamental differences between predictive and generative AI, how agents will orchestrate complex business processes using multiple AI tools, and what the future holds for the agentic workforce. From warehouse management systems that adapt in real-time to supply chain planning agents that combine forecasting with live data, Venky shares insights on how the orchestration layer of multiple AI tools creates genuinely transformative possibilities. If you're interested in understanding how enterprises are navigating AI adoption with appropriate caution and what it takes to thrive in an AI-driven workplace, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone at the forefront of enterprise AI transformation.Chapters[00:00] Introduction and Background [02:00] Venky's Journey from Microsoft to DataRobot [05:00] Predictive vs Generative AI Explained [09:00] The Evolution of DataRobot's Platform [13:00] Function Calling and Orchestration Layers [15:00] The Future of Agentic Workflows [18:00] Agent Workforce Management and UI Challenges [23:00] The Human Impact of AI Transformation [28:00] Enterprise Adoption and Brand Risk [30:00] Two Words for the Future: Exciting and DisruptiveConnect with Venky Veeraraghavanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/venkyv Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Vik Bajaj, CEO and Co-founder of Foresite Labs and Interim President at Xaira Therapeutics, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how AI is revolutionizing life sciences and healthcare. With a distinguished background spanning physics, structural biology, radiology at Stanford, and pioneering work at Google, Vik brings a unique perspective on the intersection of AI and medicine.The conversation delves into the stark realities of drug discovery—where 2 million researchers globally struggle against success rates so low that most will be lucky to contribute to one or two successful drugs in their entire careers. Vik explains how AI, particularly David Baker's groundbreaking protein design work, is poised to transform this landscape by enabling drugs for previously "undruggable" targets and moving healthcare from reactive treatment to predictive, personalized medicine.From genetic tests that could provide actionable insights for 75% of people to AI models that can predict 5-year mortality from a simple chest X-ray, this episode reveals how we're approaching a future where disease prevention replaces disease treatment. If you're interested in understanding how AI will fundamentally reshape healthcare economics and why Vik compares this transformation to the industrial revolution, this episode is essential listening.Chapters: [01:48] From Physics to Life Sciences: Vik's Interdisciplinary Journey [04:13] The Google Years: Early AI Revolution in Science [06:56] Xaira Therapeutics and David Baker's Protein Design Breakthrough [09:28] The Optimistic Future of AI in Drug Discovery [15:17] The Four-Stage Evolution of AI in Medicine [19:53] Healthcare Cost Crisis and AI Solutions [23:27] The Promise of Personalized Medicine [28:39] Foresite Labs: Specializing in Science and Engineering AI [32:00] Why Healthcare AI is Harder Than Software Engineering [36:27] Two Words for the Future: Industrial RevolutionContact Info:Connect with Vik Bajaj● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvikbajaj/ Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy● X: boazashkenazy● Email: info@shiftai.fm

Shift AI is brought to you by Clause, a legal AI platform, and is syndicated by GeekWire.In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Shalini Agarwal, VP of Product at Salesforce overseeing Slack's AI and search capabilities, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how AI is transforming workplace collaboration from the inside out. With 17 years of experience at Google and now leading AI innovation at one of the world's most widely used workplace platforms, Shalini offers unique insights into how billions of weekly messages are being augmented with intelligent agents and contextual AI.From her journey as a seasoned product manager to spearheading Slack's evolution into an agentic work operating system, Shalini reveals how teams are already using AI search, channel experts, and multiplayer agents to unlock institutional knowledge and streamline productivity. The conversation dives into the future of human-agent collaboration, the importance of contextual AI that works in the flow of work, and how Slack is positioning itself as the perfect platform for the next generation of workplace intelligence. If you're curious about how AI agents will reshape team productivity and what the future holds for contextual, collaborative AI experiences, this episode provides invaluable insights from someone building the future of work today.Chapters:[02:00] Shalini's Background and Product Management Evolution[04:43] Slack's AI Vision and Work Operating System[09:17] Real-World AI Integration Examples at Slack[12:26] The Power of Contextual AI in Workflow[13:56] Customer Adaptation and AI Journey Patterns[16:02] Agents vs Assistants: Understanding the Difference[18:14] Surprising Customer Use Cases and Open Text Box Innovation[21:22] Multiplayer AI Experiences and Team Collaboration[25:20] Security, Privacy, and Enterprise Data Protection[25:49] Multiplayer Native Agents Preview[27:44] The Future of Work: Agentic and ContextualConnect with Shalini AgarwalLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/shaliniprofile/ Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm Shift AI is brought to you by Clause, a legal AI platform, and is syndicated by GeekWire.

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Sanjna Parulekar, SVP of Product Marketing at Salesforce, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore the reality of enterprise AI adoption beyond the media hype. With her psychology background and eight years at one of the world's leading enterprise software companies, Parulekar offers a grounded perspective on how large organizations are actually implementing AI agents and what the human side of AI transformation really looks like.From discussing the courage required to transform workflows to the importance of data strategy foundations, Parulekar shares insights on why some companies are succeeding with AI while others struggle with pilots. She also explores how voice technology fits into enterprise solutions, the evolving role of humans in AI systems, and why the future of work will be both more exciting and more intentional. If you're interested in understanding where enterprise AI adoption actually stands versus the narrative, this conversation provides valuable insights from the trenches.Chapters:[00:00:35] Introduction and Background [00:01:56] Sanjna's Journey from AI Startups to Salesforce[00:03:52] Enterprise AI Adoption Reality vs. Hype [00:07:16] How Jobs Are Changing with AI Agents [00:10:30] The Human Experience in AI Transformation [00:11:25] Voice Technology in Enterprise Solutions [00:13:56] Humans in the Loop: When and How [00:18:08] The Truth About AI Hype Cycles [00:22:13] Big Enterprise Customer Conversations [00:26:35] Leadership Changes in the AI Era [00:29:56] Two Words for the Future of WorkContact Information:Connect with Sanjna Parulekar● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjna-parulekar-0248a537/● Company: SalesforceConnect with Boaz Ashkenazy● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy● X: boazashkenazy● Email: info@shiftai.fm