Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson

What risks come with AI systems that can lie, cheat, or manipulate?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Dr. Ayesha Khanna, CEO of Addo AI.Dr. Khanna is a globally recognized AI expert, entrepreneur, and CEO of Addo, helping businesses leverage AI for growth. With 20+ years in digital transformation, she advises Fortune 500 CEOs and serves on global boards, including Johnson Controls, NEOM Tonomus, and L’Oréal’s Scientific Advisory Board. A graduate of Harvard, Columbia, and the London School of Economics, she spent a decade on Wall Street advising on information analytics. A thought leader in AI, Dr. Khanna has been recognized as a groundbreaking entrepreneur by Forbes, named to Edelman’s Top 50 AI Creators (2025), and featured in Salesforce’s 16 AI Influencers to Know (2024). Committed to diversity in tech, she founded the charity 21C Girls, which taught thousands of students the basics of AI and coding in Singapore, and currently provides scholarships for mid-career women through her education company Amplify. Ayesha sits down with Geoff to discuss how artificial intelligence is disrupting industries, reshaping the economy, and redefining the future of jobs. This conversation explores why critical thinking will be the most important skill in an AI-driven workplace, how businesses can use AI to scale innovation instead of getting stuck in “pilot purgatory,” and what risks organizations must prepare for, including bias, data poisoning, cybersecurity threats, and manipulative reasoning models. Ayesha shares insights from her work with governments and Fortune 500 companies on building national AI strategies, creating governance frameworks, and balancing innovation with responsibility. The conversation dives into how AI and jobs intersect, whether automation will replace or augment workers and why companies need to focus on growth, reskilling, and strategic automation rather than layoffs. They also discuss the rise of the Hybrid Age, where humans and AI coexist in every part of life, and what it means for society, relationships, and the global economy. In this video:00:00 Intro00:43 The future of AI and the next 5 years02:16 The biggest AI risks05:25 Fake alignment & governance09:08 Why AI pilots fail15:30 What successful companies do23:14 AI and jobs: Automation, reskilling, and why critical thinking matters most29:39 The Hybrid Age37:09 AI and society: relationships with AI, human agency, and ethical concerns46:13 Global AI strategies54:00 Overhyped narratives and what people get wrong about AI and jobs56:27 The Skills Gap opportunity58:31 The importance of risk frameworks, critical thinking, and optimismConnect with Dr. KhannaWebsite: https://www.ayeshakhanna.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayeshakhanna/X: (21) Dr. Ayesha Khanna (@ayeshakhanna1) / XVisit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

Can automation and critical thinking coexist in the future of education and work?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Bryan Walsh the Senior Editorial Director at Vox.At Vox, Bryan leads the Future Perfect and climate teams and oversees the podcasts Unexplainable and The Gray Area. He also serves as editor of Vox’s Future Perfect section, which explores the policies, people, and ideas that could shape a better future for everyone. He is the author of End Times: A Brief Guide to the End of the World (2019), a book on existential risks including AI, pandemics, and nuclear war though, as he notes, it’s not all that brief. Before joining Vox, Bryan spent 15 years at Time magazine as a foreign correspondent in Hong Kong and Tokyo, an environment writer, and international editor. He later served as Future Correspondent at Axios. When he’s not editing, Bryan writes Vox’s Good News newsletter and covers topics ranging from population trends and scientific progress to climate change, artificial intelligence, and on occasion children’s television.Bryan sits down with Geoff to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace and what it means for workers, students, and leaders. From the automation of entry-level jobs to the growing importance of human-centered skills, Bryan shares his perspective on the short- and long-term impact of AI on the economy and society. He explains why younger workers may be hit hardest, how education systems must adapt to preserve critical thinking, and why both companies and governments face tough choices in managing disruption. This conversation highlights why adaptability and critical thinking are becoming the most valuable skills and what governments and organizations can do to reduce the social and economic strain of rapid automation.In this video:00:00 Intro 01:20 Early adoption of AI: Hype vs. reality02:16 Automation pressures during economic downturns03:08 The struggle for new grads entering the workforce04:37 Is AI wiping out entry-level jobs?05:40 Why younger workers may be hit hardest06:28 No clear answers on AI disruption08:19 The paradox of AI: productivity gains vs. job losses14:30 Critical thinking, education, and the future of learning18:00 How AI reshapes global power dynamics31:57 The workplace of the future: skills that matter most44:03 Regulation, politics, and the AI economy48:19 AI, geopolitics, and risks of global instability57:33 Who bears responsibility for minimizing disruption?59:01 Rethinking identity beyond work1:00:22 Journalism in the AI era: threat or amplifier?Connect with Bryan:Website: https://www.vox.com/authors/bryan-walshLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-walsh-9881b0/X: https://x.com/bryanrwalshVisit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

Are we heading toward an AI-driven utopia, or just another tech bubble waiting to burst? Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Dr. Emily Bender and Dr. Alex Hanna. Dr. Bender is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Washington where she is also the Faculty Director of the Computational Linguistics Master of Science program and affiliate faculty in the School of Computer Science and Engineering and the Information School. In 2023, she was included in the inaugural Time 100 list of the most influential people in AI. She is frequently consulted by policymakers, from municipal officials to the federal government to the United Nations, for insight into how to understand so-called AI technologies. Dr. Hanna is Director of Research at the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR) and a Lecturer in the School of Information at the University of California Berkeley. She is an outspoken critic of the tech industry, a proponent of community-based uses of technology, and a highly sought-after speaker and expert who has been featured across the media, including articles in the Washington Post, Financial Times, The Atlantic, and Time. Dr. Bender and Dr. Hanna sit down with Geoff to discuss the realities of generative AI, big tech power, and the hidden costs of today’s AI boom. Artificial Intelligence is everywhere but how much of the hype is real, and what’s being left out of the conversation? This discussion dives into the social and ethical impacts of AI systems and why popular AI narratives often miss the mark. Dr. Bender and Dr. Hanna share their thoughts on the biggest myths about generative AI and why we need to challenge them and the importance of diversity, labor, and accountability in AI development. They’ll answer questions such as where AI is really heading and how we can imagine better, more equitable futures and what technologists should be focusing on today. In this video:0:00 Intro1:45 Why language matters when we talk about “AI”4:20 The problem with calling everything “intelligence”7:15 How AI hype shapes public perception10:05 Separating science from marketing spin13:30 The myth of AGI: Why it’s a distraction16:55 Who benefits from AI hype?20:20 Real-world harms: Bias, surveillance & labor exploitation24:10 How data is extracted & who pays the price28:40 The invisible labor behind AI systems32:15 Diversity, power, and accountability in AI36:00 Why focusing on “doom scenarios” misses the point39:30 AI in business and risks leaders should actually care about43:05 What policymakers should prioritize now47:20 The role of regulation in responsible AI50:10 Building systems that serve people, not profit53:15 Advice for CIOs and tech leaders55:20 Gen AI in the workplaceConnect with Dr. Bender and Dr. HannaWebsite: https://thecon.ai/authors/Dr. Bender LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebender/Dr. Hanna LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-hanna-ph-d/Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

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

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

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

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

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

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 Intro02:45 What the CIA's Cyber Intelligence Center actually does05:30 Leading transformation across a global enterprise 07:20 Evolution of cyber threats from nation-states08:15 Building trust and transparency with business stakeholders11:10 The critical role of data in decision-making 13:00 How the CIA detects and responds to cyber attacks17:05 Creating a culture of innovation and adaptability17:45 The private sector as a frontline target20:40 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 CIOs29:50 China's cyber capabilities vs. Russia's tactics35:25 The role of intelligence in election security40:50 Why disinformation is more dangerous than hacking45:30 How AI is transforming cyber espionage50:10 What keeps Andy Boyd up at night54:40 The importance of public awareness and resilienceConnect 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 Intro03:00 Tan Le’s background06:00 What is Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)?09:00 The current state of BCI in 202512:00 Non-invasive vs. implantable tech15:00 How BCIs read brain signals18:00 Real-world applications: Healthcare and beyond21:00 Consumer use cases and accessibility24:00 The role of AI in brain signal interpretation27:00 Ethics of brain data and consent30:00 Mental wellness and performance insights33:00 Government and regulatory perspectives36:00 EMOTIV’s vision and tech stack39:00 Human enhancement and neuroplasticity42:00 Risks and misconceptions around BCI45:00 Collaborations and research partnerships48:00 Global adoption trends51:00 Tan Le’s advice to future innovators54:00 Predictions for the next 10 yearsConnect with Tan:Website: https://www.emotiv.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanle/X: https://x.com/TanTTLeVisit 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 Intro1:25 Rebuilding the Web3:30 From Tim Berners-Lee to today5:10 Data ownership vs. data surveillance7:00 Moving from platforms to people9:15 What Is an Agentic AI wallet? 11:00 Why consent must be baked into AI and data flows13:45 Use cases in healthcare, government & enterprise16:10 “Decentralized” doesn’t mean disorganized18:30 What leaders get wrong about data control20:45 Enterprise integration23:00 The ROI of giving users control of their own data25:30 Why this moment feels like the early days of the web27:00 What’s next for Inrupt, Solid, and the Internet itself29:00 How We rebuild digital trust31:00 Inrupt's vision beyond 203034:00 Partnering with institutions to scale Solid37:00 Global digital identity and governance challenges40:00 Building public trust in data ecosystems43:00 A non-linear view of it allConnect with John:Website: https://www.inrupt.com/aboutLinkedIn: 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 Intro1:55 GenAI hype vs. real Value in the enterprise4:20 Embodied AI and the rise of holographic humans6:00 Multilingual synthetic avatars7:30 Deepfakes, trust & the role of blockchain in authentication9:00 Responsible AI12:15 Innovation is moving faster than trust14:00 Speed or scale?16:00 Defining true innovation vs. incremental tech18:00 A Framework for emerging tech20:30 From quantum to satellites: What’s next23:00 Digital Twins, IoT, and Bipedal Robotics25:30 AI at the edge28:45 AI agents in action30:20 Legacy system modernization without rewriting code34:00 Enterprise use cases36:30 What business leaders get wrong about tech39:00 Moving from pilot projects to organization-wide impact42:30 Balancing speed, risk & innovation in enterprise ai44:00 How PwC enables innovation without losing control47:00 Why “waiting” is not an ai strategy48:15 The most important investment is your workforce50:00 Upskilling, hiring, and culture shift at scale52:00 Quantum, cryptography & the real threat timeline54:30 What’s next for leaders and innovatorsConnect with Scott:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottlikens/X: https://x.com/ScottLikensVisit 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 Intro1:00 Is the Metaverse dead or just renamed?3:00 Google Beam: 3D communication without a headset5:00 The Apple moment: reaching for a virtual object7:00 Dating, job interviews & presence in 3D9:00 Will this replace video calls? 11:00 Apple vision pro13:00 Memory preservation & future family photos15:00 OpenAI’s hardware push17:00 AI Agents and who controls your data20:00 From ChatGPT to therapy bots22:00 Emotional manipulation, mental health & ai advice24:00 Who owns the virtual air around you?27:00 Virtual real estate, annotations & air rights30:00 The battle for our senses35:00 Tech that arrived too early37:00 Why dating in 2D doesn’t work in a 3D world39:00 Spatial computing in creative industries41:00 Where tech meets intimacy, memory & legacy44:00 The real use case: Human connection47:00 The future of emotional presence and what’s at stake49:00 Getting It Right MattersConnect with Cathy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhackl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathyhackl/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HacklCathyVisit 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 Intro0:24 AI's biggest promise? Strengthening weak links1:33 AI in developing vs developed countries2:12 Should AI replace or empower teachers?3:13 Closing the expertise gap with AI4:18 AI as a safe place to learn without embarrassment5:08 The human side of AI5:32 AI in surprising places6:15 Malcolm’s personal use of AI7:57 Where Malcolm finds ideas and why AI can’t replicate them9:52 Why creativity can’t be automated12:42 Will AI ever replace storytellers and thinkers?14:24 Paul Simon’s genius explained17:27 What makes a great story? Tesla example22:26 Are people the new brand? Apple vs Chevy25:13 The power of "overstories" in shaping behavior26:57 We live in multiple narratives at once29:26 Can organizational culture be changed?30:37 How cultural narratives evolve31:37 Politics, power, and social media’s new role35:07 We’re still figuring out what tech is for38:10 Why AI disruption might not be as bad as we fear39:34 Is Malcolm an optimist or just realistic?41:22 Can AI restore trust in expertise?43:43 The power of narrative over facts44:15 Poking the bearConnect with Malcolm:Website: https://www.gladwellbooks.com/X: https://x.com/GladwellInstagram: 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 Intro01:07 Solving hard problems with an integrated mindset03:07 Why most companies struggle with change04:21 The 3 megatrends disrupting business06:32 Why Back-office productivity must change07:22 Why Past winners are at risk of losing09:36 Why big bets often fail13:30 The three habits of big bet leaders16:42 Why innovation labs often fail21:39 Why leaders must design decision points intentionally25:03 The power of a clear “Big Bet Vector”31:27 What extreme accountability really means36:08 Should we abandon silos?40:25 Advice for how CIOs can unlock progress despite technical debt46:08 How CIOs can win51:55 Why Change can’t just be an operator’s job53:01 The Big Bet Playbook explained56:27 Active skepticismWebsite: https://johnrossman.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rossman/X: https://x.com/johnerossmanConnect 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 Intro01:11 Why tech hype needs a reality check02:06 What actually matters in 202503:04 Business first, not tech first04:11 Why not every company needs to chase every trend05:16 The problem with constant agility07:13 Why disruption isn’t always real10:18 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 time19:07 Hype vs. reality in AI adoption22:47 Technology adoption is slower than you think24:02 Advice to leaders on using AI strategically26:44 Why short-term thinking is overrated29:05 Planning for what really matters31:00 A better approach to technology prioritization33:18 Why digital transformation usually fails34:49 The Heathrow metaphor: patchwork vs. reinvention39:06 The promise of AI for real reinvention42:20 Are IT leaders being left behind?44:00 Why the CTO must be more strategic47:03 What it takes to lead digital transformation48:22 Why we need more ambitious use of existing tech50:01 Tom’s book: Digital Darwinism51:40 What happens when AI becomes invisible tech53:13 We need clearer conversations around AIConnect with Tom:Website: https://www.tomgoodwin.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomfgoodwin/X: https://x.com/tomfgoodwinVisit 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 Intro01:04 Recap of Info-Tech LIVE 2024 in Las Vegas01:35 What’s new in AI & developer tools02:53 The rise of AI-powered command line tools03:32 Why Amazon is paying people to play06:44 “Vibe Coding”08:10 Differential equations & development tools12:00 Risks of rapid AI adoption13:32 What does coding look like in 2028?16:20 Creativity, context-switching & grit18:07 How play drives innovation19:34 Teaching AI in schools23:10 Is age the biggest barrier to AI adoption?28:20 What should junior Devs expect?30:38 Better AI boundaries35:01 Will AI replace Developers?37:25 Accelerating innovation, not replacing humans42:24 Why AI works best on repetitive tasks44:11 Let AI do the dishes, not the art46:04 From Paris, Texas to Amazon Web Services48:19 Everything is learnable49:09 The grit factorConnect 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 Intro01:20 AI, geopolitics, and capitalism03:05 Is the problem human nature or systems?06:22 The coming age of abundant intelligence08:13 AI’s dark side13:15 Fear-driven ai development17:10 Handing power to ai19:14 Why superintelligent ai could save us21:12 Can we avoid an ai Hiroshima moment?25:30 Mutual prosperity or destruction29:11 The age of machine supremacy31:00 How to influence AI for good33:12 AI reflects humanity36:06 What AI is learning from us right now40:06 Who thrives in the AI era44:04 The rise of mind manipulation47:02 How to stay critical in a world of deepfakes49:12 Use AI to expand your thinking, not replace it51:21 The leadership skills of the future54:42 Collaborating with AI as team members57:20 Will AI want to connect with us?01:01:06 Could AI become conscious?01:04:48 AI emotions and the next evolution of intelligence01:06:32 The role of humansConnect with Mo:Website: https://www.mogawdat.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mogawdat/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/mogawdatofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mo_gawdat/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mogawdatVisit 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 Intro2:00 Time at Disney5:40 Creativity is now the most in-demand skill8:15 Barriers to innovation11:30 Tools for creative thinking14:45 Reframing problems as innovation18:10 The power of naïve experts21:00 Innovation at Disney25:50 Tips for embedding in any organization29:00 How leaders can foster innovation32:00 Tools to think differently33:21 Overhyped tools34:01 What’s different about Gen Z36:03 Duncan’s mission to unlock creativity39:03 Changing cultureConnect with Duncan:Website: https://duncanwardle.com/Twitter: https://x.com/duncanjwardleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncanjwardleLinkedIn: 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 episode0:00 Intro1:14 Enterprise AI2:47 Code and complexity6:07 From Railroad Model to Octopus Organization9:35 AI isn’t just automating work12:03 Why CIOs must lead cultural change18:28 Human intuition is still important20:16 Four leadership traits for the AI era25:32 Executional vs. strategic thinking in IT29:39 The real value of coding in the future35:16 AI’s superpowers38:57 Human vs. machine41:21 Specialists vs. generalists in an AI world47:02 Optimism despite disruption49:48 Governments will shape the pace of change53:04 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_jonathanVisit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG