Alexa's Input (AI)

Alexa Griffith
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  • TECHNOLOGY
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In a world of constant change, the best engineers never stop learning from their peers. This podcast is your guide to the cutting edge of practical tech. Join host Alexa Griffith, a Senior Software Engineer at Bloomberg building open source AI Platforms, for candid conversations deconstructing complex topics with the engineering leaders and architects building the future. Opinions are my own Website: https://alexagriffith.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/ X: @lexal0u

  1. 12 OCT

    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

    1h 1m

  2. 14 SEPT

    The Marketplace of Minds: Enquire AI with Cenk Sidar

    In this episode of Alexa’s Input AI, I sit down with Cenk Sidar, founder and CEO of Enquire AI, a platform that blends +75,000 vetted experts with generative AI to deliver decision-ready insights. We talk about how AI is reshaping our work, why proprietary data and unique workflows matter more than ever, and what it means to build models that combine AI with human judgment. Cenk also shares the story of starting Enquire AI, how expert interviews became automated through AI agents, and why the last 2% of wisdom still belongs to people. Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffithMake sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (⁠⁠https://x.com/alexasinput⁠⁠)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out. Summary In this conversation, Cenk Sidar, founder and CEO of Enquire AI, discusses his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of his platform, which combines human expertise with AI to provide insights for market research. He explains the necessity of integrating AI into expert consultation, the unique functionalities of Enquire AI, and the future of human expertise in an AI-driven world. The discussion also touches on the recent funding round for Enquire AI and its implications for the company's growth. Takeaways Cenk Sidar's entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity. Enquire AI connects organizations with experts using AI. The platform evolved from a global policy consultancy to a broader expertise provider. AI integration enhances the quality and speed of insights. Human expertise remains crucial in interpreting data and making decisions. The competitive landscape for knowledge professionals is changing due to AI. AI tools can augment human capabilities but cannot replace wisdom. The importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the AI era. Funding will help Enquire AI expand its capabilities and reach. Observing market trends is essential for innovation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Enquire AI and Its Vision 02:11 Cenk Sidar‘s Entrepreneurial Journey 08:23 Understanding Enquire AI's Functionality 11:59 The Value of Expert Insights in Today's Market 20:26 Integrating Gen AI with Expert Consultation 27:38 Evolution of Enquire AI and Decision-Making Process 32:36 Key Components for Success in Gen AI 36:11 Innovative AI Interview Features 40:56 The Hierarchy of Insight and Wisdom 46:24 The Last Mile of Analysis 50:42 The Future of Work in the Age of AI 54:26 Expanding AI Research Capabilities

    59 min

  3. 28 AUG

    Cutting Cloud Costs: How North Cloud is Using AI to Save Companies Millions with Matt Biringer

    In this episode, Matt Biringer shares his journey from a successful career in tech sales to founding North Cloud, an AI-powered platform designed to optimize cloud finances. He talks about the hurdles and prospects in the cloud optimization market, the role of sales skills in leadership, and how he maintains mental clarity by practicing jiu-jitsu. Matt also discusses North Cloud's unique features, like its Green Ops sustainability initiative, and explains how he developed a client-retention strategy through a savings-fee model. This is a great listen and was an enjoyable interview for me - Matt has an impressive story and insights. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tnV8Qk6SEw1Dr9Tqikr0H Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffith You can now watch on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Find more from this podcast at https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/ You can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (⁠⁠https://x.com/alexasinput⁠⁠)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out. Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbiringer/ North Cloud Website: https://www.north.cloud/about X: https://x.com/biringer_ Blogs, Articles Innovation with Purpose: Matt Biringer of North On The World’s Most Successful Purpose-Driven Business Models 5 FinOps Strategies Every DevOps Team Should Adopt Keywords AI, cloud optimization, startup, entrepreneurship, North Cloud, FinOps, sustainability, technology, leadership, business strategy Takeaways Matt Beringer transitioned from a successful tech sales career to entrepreneurship. The idea for North Cloud emerged from recognizing the complexities of cloud financial management. Sales skills are crucial for startup founders, especially in revenue generation. The pressure to maintain growth in a startup can be intense and self-imposed. Practicing jiu-jitsu provides mental clarity and decision-making skills. North Cloud serves as an AI operating system for optimizing cloud finances. Cloud providers often lack incentives to help customers optimize costs effectively. Data analysis is key to understanding cloud usage and costs. Green Ops aims to help companies manage their carbon footprint in the cloud. The future of FinOps will involve multi-cloud strategies and AI-driven solutions. Chapters 00:00 The Leap of Faith: Leaving a Successful Career 03:30 Identifying Opportunities in Cloud Optimization 06:32 Understanding the Cloud Cost Landscape 09:37 Sales Skills that Shape a Startup CEO 12:31 The Balancing Act of Startup Growth 15:29 Mental Resilience Through Jujitsu 18:34 Introducing North Cloud: The AI Solution 21:23 Data-Driven Decisions for Cloud Savings 24:26 Ensuring Security in Cloud Management 34:41 Harnessing Historical Data for Immediate Insights 36:29 User Experience and Simplifying Adoption 39:35 Innovative Pricing Models and Customer Relationships 42:08 The Importance of Sustainability in Cloud Operations 53:53 The Future of FinOps and AI Integration 56:29 Building a Strong Team and Overcoming Knowledge Gaps 01:00:52 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 01:03:22 general_outro.wav

    1h 4m

  4. 13 JUL

    Smart Schools: AI & Education with Laura Smith

    In this episode of Alexa's Input (AI), Laura Smith, Principal at ILO Group - a women-owned education strategy and policy firm, joins host Alexa Griffith to delve into the transformative impact of AI in K-12 education. We explore how AI is reshaping classrooms, enhancing personalized learning, and streamlining administrative tasks. Laura shares insights on the challenges and opportunities AI presents for educators and students alike. Discover how AI tools are being integrated responsibly to support teaching and learning, and what the future holds for AI in education. Tune in to understand the balance between innovation and responsibility in this rapidly evolving field. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tnV8Qk6SEw1Dr9Tqikr0H Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffith You can now watch on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠! Find more from this podcast at https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/ You can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (⁠https://x.com/alexasinput⁠)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out. Keywords AI in education, K-12, AI implementation, education technology, stakeholder engagement, data security, AI adoption trends, responsible AI, educational initiatives, technology in classrooms Takeaways AI is transforming education and requires careful implementation. Stakeholder engagement is crucial for successful AI integration. There are risks associated with AI that need to be managed. Professional learning is essential for educators using AI tools. Community feedback shapes how AI is used in schools. Different states have varying approaches to AI in education. Data security is a significant concern with AI technologies. AI can enhance operational efficiency in educational settings. Establishing clear guidelines for AI use is necessary. The landscape of AI in education is rapidly evolving. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Education 01:22 Navigating AI Implementation in Schools 03:12 Current Landscape of AI in Education 05:38 Vision-Driven AI Adoption 08:28 Key Initiatives for AI Integration 10:45 Overcoming Technological Barriers 11:45 Evolution of AI in Education 12:43 Shifts in Educational Approaches to AI 14:38 Diverse Perspectives on AI Usage 17:56 Challenges in AI Integration 19:48 Understanding Data Security Risks 23:10 Engaging Stakeholders in AI Discussions 25:03 Balancing Innovation with Responsibility 26:57 Product Evaluation and Selection 28:47 Successful AI Applications in Schools

    1h 2m

  5. 15 JUN

    Simplifying the Stack with Adam Anzuoni

    In this conversation, Adam Anzuoni, co-founder of an AI onboarding automation startup SimpleStack, shares his journey in the tech industry, discussing his experiences as a CTO and the lessons learned that led to the creation of SimpleStack. We discuss the challenges faced by fast-growing startups in managing their tech stack, how SimpleStack aims to simplify user provisioning and authentication, the integration of AI agents in business processes, the importance of knowledge sharing in tech, and more! This is a great listen for those interested in learning more about building AI solutions, the startup path, and leadership Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tnV8Qk6SEw1Dr9Tqikr0H Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffith Links: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamanz/ Substack: https://substack.com/@adamanzuoni SimpleStack LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mysimplestack/about/ SimpleStack Website: https://mysimplestack.com/ You can now watch on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠! Find more from this podcast at https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/ You can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://x.com/alexasinput)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Adam Anzoni and SimpleStack01:24 Adam's Journey in Tech and Lessons Learned02:40 Launch Experience at Google Cloud Next06:14 Transitioning from CTO to Co-Founder07:47 Understanding SimpleStack's Purpose and Problem Solving10:12 Identifying Market Gaps and Competitors12:49 Target Audience and User Experience15:54 Challenges in Building SimpleStack17:32 Design Principles and Customer Feedback18:53 Building Team Culture and Hiring Plans22:06 Finding a Co-Founder and Networking Benefits26:31 Investment Strategies and Future Plans27:29 Leveraging AI for Enterprise Solutions29:21 The Role of Leadership in Tech31:09 Educating the Community on AI34:29 The Evolution of AI Agents39:02 Automating Onboarding Processes42:31 Building Trust in AI Technologies48:09 Future of AI Integration51:39 Roadmap for SimpleStack's Growth

    49 min

  6. 4 JUN

    Legal AI That Works: Sabih Siddiqi on Founding Iqidis

    In this episode of Alexa’s Input (AI), Sabih Siddiqi, a former Big Law litigator turned legal tech founder, joins to explore the future of AI in law. Sabih spent seven years navigating the complexities of dispute resolution and transactional work before launching Iqidis, a startup on a mission to build the “legal operating system” for modern lawyers. We talk about: • What other legal AI tools get wrong — and how Iqidis is different • The risks and rewards of leaving a successful legal career to build a startup • How legal practice is evolving with AI-powered associates • Why small firms are leading the AI adoption curve • What it means to truly build “by lawyers, for lawyers” Whether you’re a founder, a legal professional, or just curious about how AI is reshaping traditionally risk-averse industries, this one’s for you. Links: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabihsid/ Iqidis Website: https://iqidis.ai/ You can now watch on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠! Find more from this podcast at https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/ You can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input Twitter account⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out.

    45 min

  7. 5 MAY

    Economics of AI Agents with Demetrios Brinkmann of MLOps Community

    On this episode of Alexa’s Input (AI) with Demetrios Brinkmann, leader of the ML Ops Community, talks about the rise of AI agents, why real communities matter more than influencer hype, and how AI’s economics are shifting in surprising ways. We dive into what makes agent UX so tricky, why the cost of AI answers is going up even as token prices fall, and why 2025 is the “year of the agent.” Demetrios also shares advice on creating real impact in AI today - and why now’s the time to share your expertise. You can now watch on ⁠YouTube⁠! Find more from this podcast at https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/ You can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input Twitter account⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out.

    1h 1m

  8. 21 APR

    Platforms, People, and Planet with Max Körbächer

    In this episode of Alexa’s Input (AI), I’m joined by Max Körbächer, Managing Director & Founder of Liquid Reply and author of Platform Engineering for Architects. We cover the real-world challenges of platform engineering, from treating platforms as products to cloud migrations and AI integration. Max also shares insights on the Linux Foundation’s open source efforts, the push for environmental sustainability in tech, how workplace dynamics are evolving with the next generation of engineers, and much more! You can now watch on YouTube! Find more from this podcast at https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/ Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxkoerbaecher/ Company: https://liquidreply.net/en/ Book: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1836203594/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_8ZJWYNK7C2CW0KHX8C5M?skipTwisterOG=1 You can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input Twitter account⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out.

    51 min
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About

In a world of constant change, the best engineers never stop learning from their peers. This podcast is your guide to the cutting edge of practical tech. Join host Alexa Griffith, a Senior Software Engineer at Bloomberg building open source AI Platforms, for candid conversations deconstructing complex topics with the engineering leaders and architects building the future. Opinions are my own Website: https://alexagriffith.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/ X: @lexal0u

Information

  • Creator
    Alexa Griffith
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alexa Griffith
  • Show Website
    Alexa's Input (AI)