Alexa's Input (AI)

Alexa Griffith

Alexa’s Input is a podcast about how technology actually moves forward. Hosted by Alexa Griffith, it features conversations with engineers, founders, CEOs, and leaders shaping today’s tech landscape. Each episode digs into the decisions behind the systems — what’s being built, what’s being questioned, and why it matters now. Opinions are my own Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alexagriffith Website: https://alexagriffith.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/ X: @lexal0u

  1. Inside the Future of AI Infrastructure with Marc Austin

    5 DAYS AGO

    Inside the Future of AI Infrastructure with Marc Austin

    Most AI infrastructure today is hitting a breaking point. Marc Austin, CEO of Hedgehog, reveals how open source networking and cloud-native solutions are revolutionizing how enterprises build and operate AI at scale. This episode addresses issues many building AI infrastructure today are facing — expensive proprietary systems, overwhelming complex network configurations, and ways to make on-prem AI infrastructure feel just like the public cloud. We discuss how networking is the hidden bottleneck in scaling GPU clusters and the surprising physics and hardware innovations enabling higher throughput. Marc shares the journey of building Hedgehog, an open source, cloud-native platform designed for AI workloads that bridges the gap between complex hardware and seamless, user-friendly cloud experiences. Marc explains how Hedgehog's software abstracts and automates the networking complexity, making AI infrastructure accessible to enterprises without dedicated networking teams. We break down the future of AI networks, from multi-cloud and hybrid environments to the rise of Neo Clouds and the open source movement transforming enterprise AI infrastructure. If you're a CTO, data scientist, or AI innovator, understanding these network innovations can be your moat. Listen to this episode to see how open source, cloud-native networking, and physical innovation are shaping the AI infrastructure of tomorrow. Podcast Links Watch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffith⁠⁠⁠⁠ Read: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alexasinput.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen:⁠⁠ https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/⁠⁠ More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/alexagriffith⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alexagriffith.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about the guest at LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinmarc/ Website: https://hedgehog.cloud/ Github: https://github.com/githedgehog Chapters 00:00 Rethinking AI Infrastructure 02:49 The Role of Networking in AI 05:54 Marc's Journey to Hedgehog 08:46 Lessons from Big Companies 11:38 Requirements for AI Networks 14:48 Advancements in AI Networking 17:33 Future Challenges in AI Infrastructure 20:46 Creating a Cloud Experience On-Prem 23:32 The Shift to Hybrid Multi-Cloud 28:10 Evolving AI Infrastructure and Efficiency 30:57 AI Workloads and Network Configurations 32:41 Zero Touch Lifecycle Management 35:12 Support for Hardware Devices 35:45 Networking Paradigms and Vendor Lock-in 38:42 The Rise of Neo Clouds 41:31 Demand for AI Infrastructure 43:57 Open Source and Cloud-Native Networking 47:27 Challenges of Building a Networking Startup 50:46 Proud Accomplishments at Hedgehog 52:41 Future Excitement in AI Inference

    46 min

  2. 19 JAN

    Beyond the Clouds with Kelsey Hightower

    Five years ago, Kelsey Hightower helped me find my voice in tech as the guest for my fifth podcast episode. Today, the man who taught the world Kubernetes and became a legend for his live demos returns for a conversation that goes far beyond infrastructure and code. Now retired-ish, Kelsey has transitioned into a new chapter. In this episode, we explore what it means to be not only a senior engineer, but also a "senior human" in an industry obsessed with speed. Kelsey shares his unique perspective on: Real vs. Artificial Intelligence: Why we must stop ignoring real intelligence and focus on providing humans with the same context and clarity we give to AI.The Future of Engineering: Why your value will shift from writing code to making stylistic, high-impact decisions as AI levels the technical playing field.Impact Over Activity: How to stop being a "busybot" and start asking the difficult questions about why we are building in the first place.The Senior Human Unit Test: Building communities with integrity, leading with empathy, and staying balanced in a world that always wants more.Whether you are just getting into your career or a seasoned veteran, this episode is a masterclass in curiosity, craft, and the art of staying grounded while building the future. Podcast Links Watch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffith⁠⁠⁠⁠ Read: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alexasinput.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen:⁠⁠ https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/⁠⁠ More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/alexagriffith⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alexagriffith.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about the guest at: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kelseyhightower.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-hightower-849b342b1 GitHub Profile: https://github.com/kelseyhightower Kubernetes the Hard Way: https://github.com/kelseyhightower/kubernetes-the-hard-way No Code (The minimalist project): https://github.com/kelseyhightower/nocode Kubernetes: Up and Running (Book): https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/kubernetes-up-and/9781492046523/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:10 Transitioning from Engineer to Tech Philosopher 04:00 The Importance of Being a Senior Human 07:23 AI's Impact on People Skills 10:12 The Future of Engineering in an AI World 15:04 Navigating the AI Shift 21:21 Finding Impact Over Activity 25:47 Creating Meaningful Products 29:57 The Power of Listening and Connection 35:21 The Importance of Listening in Discussions 35:55 Embracing the Learning Journey 36:58 Understanding Imposter Syndrome 39:33 Creating Supportive Learning Environments 40:31 Learning in Public and Sharing Experiences 41:31 Finding Your Own Voice 43:26 The Power of Emotion in Presentations 47:29 Crafting Engaging Stories 48:40 Improvisation in Public Speaking 55:10 The Evolution of Presentation Styles 01:03:28 Legacy and Impact in the Tech Community

    1h 6m
  3. Building with Purpose: Joe Beda on Systems and Self

    12 JAN

    Building with Purpose: Joe Beda on Systems and Self

    In this episode of Alexa’s Input (AI), Alexa sits down with Joe Beda, co-creator of Kubernetes and one of the key figures behind modern cloud computing. Joe talks through his journey from big tech to founding a startup and back again, and what it actually takes to build systems that scale technically, organizationally, and emotionally. Joe shares the origin story of Kubernetes, what people often misunderstand about open source, and why infrastructure success sometimes comes with unexpected personal costs. They also discuss tradeoffs between shipping fast and getting it right, how incentives shape engineering culture, and why identity standards like SPIFFE/SPIRE is just now getting more attention. Joe gives a wide-ranging, honest look at infrastructure, innovation, and the people behind it. Links Watch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffith⁠⁠⁠⁠ Read: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alexasinput.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen:⁠⁠ https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/⁠⁠ More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/alexagriffith⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alexagriffith.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about the guest at: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbeda/ SPIFFE: https://spiffe.io/Kubernetes: https://kubernetes.io/ Joe Beda Interview – Increment Magazinehttps://increment.com/containers/joe-beda-interview/ Joe Beda on The Podlets Podcasthttps://thepodlets.io/episodes/006-joe-beda/ GitLab Blog: Kubernetes & Community (Joe Beda)https://about.gitlab.com/blog/kubernetes-chat-with-joe-beda/ Keywords Kubernetes, Joe Beda, cloud-native, open source, technology, Google, VMware, Heptio, AI, security standards Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joe Beda and Kubernetes 02:50 Understanding Kubernetes: The Foundation of Modern Computing 04:36 The Birth of Kubernetes: From Idea to Reality 07:38 Internal Debates: Navigating Challenges at Google 10:14 Key Innovations: What Sets Kubernetes Apart 13:30 The Role of Community: Collaborating with Red Hat 15:26 Design Challenges: Networking and Configuration Pain Points 19:28 Joe's Journey: Transitioning from Microsoft to Google 23:02 Navigating Corporate Politics: Influence and Success 25:24 Career Growth: Balancing Company Success and Personal Development 30:44 Navigating Industry Trends and Career Durability 35:46 The Balance of Work and Life 40:40 Understanding Burnout and Personal Ownership 47:49 The Journey of Founding Heptio 54:31 The Acquisition by VMware and Its Implications 01:00:15 Authenticity in Sales and Motivation 01:01:23 Career Transitions: From Engineer to Founder 01:02:11 The Evolution of Perspective in Tech Careers 01:04:26 Navigating the Challenges of Startup Life 01:06:12 Post-Acquisition Dynamics at VMware 01:09:52 Finding Purpose in Corporate Structures 01:11:32 Philanthropy and Personal Values 01:13:02 Open Source Contributions: Spiffy and Spire 01:16:51 The State of Security Standards in AI 01:22:12 Advising Principles and Green Flags in Startups

    1h 20m
  4. The Hyperadaptive Model for AI with Melissa Reeve

    15/12/2025

    The Hyperadaptive Model for AI with Melissa Reeve

    Why do so many AI rollouts stall right after the tools ship?In this episode of Alexa’s Input (AI), Alexa talks with Melissa Reeve, author of the book Hyper Adaptive: Rewiring the Enterprise to Become AI Native, about what it actually takes to get AI adopted in large organizations. Melissa shares how her background in lean, Agile, and DevOps transformation shaped her view that AI adoption is less about “buying the tool” and more about rewiring how work happens. Together, they break down why many AI initiatives fail (and why ROI is slow), the FOCUS framework, the “AI time paradox,” and how support structures like AI activation hubs, social learning, and better success metrics can raise quality and accelerate impact. A must-listen for engineering leaders, product teams, and executives trying to move beyond pilots and turn AI into real operational leverage. Learn more about Melissa and Hyper Adaptive below. Links Watch: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffith⁠⁠⁠ Read: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alexasinput.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen:⁠ https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/⁠ More: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/alexagriffith⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://alexagriffith.com/⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about the guest at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamreeve/ Book: https://itrevolution.com/product/hyperadaptive/ Keywords AI adoption, enterprise transformation, Hyper Adaptive model, organizational change, DevOps, Lean, Agile, AI integration, customer-centricity, innovation accounting, social learning Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI Adoption in Enterprises 03:00 Melissa's Journey and the Foundation of AI Thinking 06:06 The Analogy of DevOps and AI Implementation 08:47 Cultural Shifts vs. Tooling in AI Adoption 11:49 The Hyper Adaptive Model for AI Integration 14:48 Sociology of Workflows and Organizational Change 17:49 Understanding AI Initiative Failures 21:00 Customer Centricity in AI Solutions 23:58 The AI Time Paradox and Learning 26:58 AI Activation Hubs and Their Role 30:54 The Role of Human Oversight in AI Automation 34:03 Incentivizing AI Engagement in Organizations 35:59 Social Learning and AI: The Power of Collaboration 40:57 Practical Applications of AI in Daily Life 44:44 Quality vs. Productivity: The AI Dilemma 46:13 The Focus Framework: Prioritizing AI Use Cases 48:23 Influencing AI Adoption in Organizations 51:07 The Future of Hyper Adaptive Organizations 55:08 Decision-Making in the Age of AI 57:37 Key Takeaways for Leaders in the AI Revolution

    57 min
  5. Making MLOps Marvelous with Maria Vechtomova

    14/12/2025

    Making MLOps Marvelous with Maria Vechtomova

    What does it actually take to move machine learning from experiments into production reliably, responsibly, and at scale? In this episode of Alexa’s Input (AI), Alexa talks with Maria Vechtomova, co-founder of Marvelous MLOps and an O’Reilly author-in-progress on MLOps with Databricks. Maria shares how her background in data science led her into MLOps, and why most teams struggle not because of tools, but because of missing processes, traceability, and shared understanding across teams. Alexa and Maria dive into what separates good MLOps from fragile deployments, why shipping notebooks as “production” creates long-term pain, and how traceability across code, data, and environment forms the foundation for reliable ML systems. They also explore how LLM applications are reshaping MLOps tooling, and where the biggest skill gaps still exist between platform, data, and AI engineers. A must-listen for anyone building, operating, or scaling machine learning systems and for teams trying to make MLOps less magical and more marvelous. Learn more about Marvelous MLOps and Maria’s work below. Links Watch: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffith⁠⁠ Read: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alexasinput.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/ More: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/alexagriffith⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠https://alexagriffith.com/⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/⁠⁠ Find out more about the guest at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-vechtomova/ Takeaways Maria started as a data analyst and transitioned into MLOps. She emphasizes the importance of tracking data, code, and environment in MLOps. MLOps is a practice to bring machine learning models to production reliably. Good deployment processes require modular code and proper tracking. MLOps differs from DevOps due to the complexities of data and model drift. Education is crucial for bridging gaps between teams in AI. Small steps can lead to better MLOps practices. Scaling MLOps requires understanding the unique data of different brands. The rise of LLMs is changing the MLOps landscape. Effective teaching methods involve step-by-step guidance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to MLOps and Maria's Journey 02:11 Maria's Path to MLOps and Knowledge Sharing 04:41 The Importance of MLOps in AI Deployments 10:12 Defining MLOps and Its Challenges 11:38 MLOps vs. DevOps: Key Differences 13:00 Overcoming Stagnation in MLOps 16:04 Small Steps Towards Better MLOps Practices 19:29 Scaling MLOps in Large Organizations 21:58 The Impact of LLMs on MLOps 23:58 The Shift from Traditional ML to AI Applications 26:51 Evolving Roles in AI Engineering 28:33 Databricks: A Comprehensive AI Platform 31:45 Future of AI Platforms and Regulations 34:26 Bridging Skill Gaps in AI Teams 38:42 The Importance of Context in AI Development 40:40 Foundational Skills for MLOps Professionals 45:43 Integrating Personal Passions with Professional Growth 47:30 Building Impactful AI Communities

    44 min

  6. 07/12/2025

    The AI Operating System for Smart Buildings: Inside B-Line with Aaron Short

    What if your building was smarter and optimized energy, security, and tenant experience in the background? In this episode of Alexa’s Input (AI), Alexa talks with Aaron Short, founder and CEO of B-Line, an all-in-one facility management platform that uses AI to automate building operations. Aaron shares how his early work in urban planning and green building led him to build an “operating system for buildings” that connects siloed systems like access control, visitor management, emergency response, work orders, smart controls, and tenant support, without ripping and replacing legacy infrastructure. Alexa and Aaron dive into how AI agents power 24/7 customer service for property managers, reduce the need for on-site security through biometric access and digital IDs, and use occupancy and sensor data to drive real energy savings and predictive maintenance. They also explore why real estate has been historically slow to digitize, how to win in a legacy-heavy space, and where AI is having the biggest impact across proptech and climate tech. A must listen for anyone interested in the intersection of tech, real estate, urban planning, and building management! Learn more about BLine at b-line.io. Links Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-short-66213641/ B-Line’s Website: https://www.b-line.io Listen, watch, and read more about this podcast at Alexa’s Input YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffith LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/alexagriffith Website: https://alexagriffith.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/ Substack: ⁠https://alexasinput.substack.com/⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Smart Buildings and AI 02:58 Aaron Short's Journey to Founding Beeline 05:18 The Role of Data in Urban Planning and Green Building 06:22 Transitioning from Employee to Founder 08:52 Overview of Beeline and Its Solutions 11:41 AI Integration in Building Management 13:42 The Smart Building Tech Landscape 16:07 Differentiators in the Smart Building Space 18:18 AI's Impact on Energy Management and Security 20:37 The Future of Smart Buildings and Design 22:52 Advice for Founders in Slow-Moving Industries 23:45 Resilience and Learning from Setbacks 26:10 Personal Reflections on Founding Beeline 30:08 general_outro.wav

    31 min

  7. 17/11/2025

    Shift Left Your AI Security with SonnyLabs Founder Liana Tomescu

    In this episode of Alexa's Input (AI) Podcast, host Alexa Griffith sits down with Liana Tomescu, founder of Sonny Labs and host of the AI Hacks podcast. Dive into the world of AI security and compliance as Liana shares her journey from Microsoft to founding her own company. Discover the challenges and opportunities in making AI applications secure and compliant, and learn about the latest in AI regulations, including the EU AI Act. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or a tech professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AI technology. Links SonnyLabs Website: https://sonnylabs.ai/ SonnyLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonnylabs-ai/ Liana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liana-anca-tomescu/ Alexa's Links LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/alexagriffith Alexa’s Input YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffith Website: https://alexagriffith.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/ Substack: https://alexasinput.substack.com/ Keywords AI security, compliance, female founder, Sunny Labs, EU AI Act, cybersecurity, prompt injection, AI agents, technology innovation, startup journey Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Liana Tomescu and Sunny Labs 02:53 The Journey of a Female Founder in Tech 05:49 From Microsoft to Startup: The Transition 09:04 Exploring AI Security and Compliance 11:41 The Role of Curiosity in Entrepreneurship 14:52 Understanding Sunny Labs and Its Mission 17:52 The Importance of Community and Networking 20:42 MCP: Model Context Protocol Explained 23:54 Security Risks in AI and MCP Servers 27:03 The Future of AI Security and Compliance 38:25 Understanding Prompt Injection Risks 45:34 The Shadow AI Phenomenon 45:48 Navigating the EU AI Act 52:28 Banned and High-Risk AI Practices 01:00:43 Implementing AI Security Measures 01:17:28 Exploring AI Security Training

    1h 5m

  8. 12/10/2025

    Architecting Agentic AI for the Enterprise with Swagat Kulkarni

    In this episode, Alexa welcomes Swagat Kulkarni, a Senior Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services, to discuss the intersection of AI, cloud innovation, and enterprise reality. Swagat shares his experience guiding large-scale digital transformations, emphasizing that success often hinges on people and culture, not just technology. They explore the rise of agentic AI, the challenges of moving from proof-of-concept to production , and the surprisingly crucial skill every tech leader needs: storytelling. Tune in to find out more about how to architect resilient systems that balance innovation with reality and why the future of tech depends on our ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. You can also watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffith And listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tnV8Qk6SEw1Dr9Tqikr0H?si=ecU279HXTSa9issXm1jVmQ Links Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swagat-kulkarni/ Blog: https://builder.aws.com/content/2eYN4c5L59qvGZY65RBcdoVtN4t/envoy-ai-gateway-with-amazon-bedrock-getting-started-guide Keywords AI, digital transformation, cloud computing, agentic AI, storytelling, solutions architect, AWS, technology adoption, open source, innovation Takeaways Digital transformation is about creating agility in organizations. Storytelling is crucial for conveying technical concepts to customers. AI adoption requires a clear understanding of the problems to solve. Simplicity in architecture leads to better outcomes. Cultural shifts are essential for successful digital transformation. Open source technologies can accelerate innovation. Customer feedback drives AWS's service development. Continuous learning is vital in the tech industry. Data readiness is critical for AI success. Leadership buy-in is necessary for transformation projects. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Digital Transformation 02:26 Swagat Kulkarni's Journey in Tech 05:24 Role of a Solutions Architect at AWS 08:13 The Importance of Storytelling in Tech 11:10 Understanding Digital Transformation 15:05 Successful Transformation Projects 17:09 Agentic AI and Its Real-World Applications 20:13 Challenges in Adopting Agentic AI 24:05 Customer Feedback and AWS's Approach 29:59 Success Factors in Digital Transformation 32:53 Embracing a Technology Mindset 34:31 The Role of Leadership in Innovation 35:40 Surprises in Customer Awareness 37:52 Knowledge Sharing Dynamics in Organizations 39:26 Cultural Shifts in Knowledge Sharing 40:33 Exciting Tools for Developer Efficiency 42:48 Misconceptions in AI Adoption 44:33 Designing Resilient Architectures 47:27 Feedback Loops and Continuous Improvement 49:03 The Value of Open Source 51:11 The Importance of Documentation in Open Source 52:37 The Power of Storytelling in Tech 57:12 Quickfire Questions and Final Thoughts 01:00:21 general_outro.wav

    57 min
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About

Alexa’s Input is a podcast about how technology actually moves forward. Hosted by Alexa Griffith, it features conversations with engineers, founders, CEOs, and leaders shaping today’s tech landscape. Each episode digs into the decisions behind the systems — what’s being built, what’s being questioned, and why it matters now. Opinions are my own Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alexagriffith Website: https://alexagriffith.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/ X: @lexal0u

Information

  • Creator
    Alexa Griffith
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alexa Griffith
  • Show Website
    Alexa's Input (AI)