Talking Innovation

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Talking Innovation is a conversation about what comes next, hosted by Grant Asplund, a four-decade technology veteran who has spent his career arriving in categories before they had names. Each episode brings together the builders, founders, and operators shaping where technology is headed, with candid conversations about the ideas, bets, and hard-won lessons behind real innovation. This isn't a show about hype cycles. It's about the people doing the work: how they see around corners, how they turn conviction into product, and what it actually takes to be early and right. From cybersecurity to AI to whatever category is forming next, Talking Innovation goes past the headlines to the thinking underneath. New conversations on a regular cadence. Pull up a chair.

  1. Aug 30 ·  Video

    113-Talking Innovation with Tom Dager, CISO at ADM

    AI is moving faster than most organizations can govern it, and Tom Dagger, CISO at ADM, explains why that speed is now a cybersecurity, compliance, and business risk problem all at once. If you care about AI in the enterprise, exposure management, or what happens when innovation outruns control, this conversation is essential listening. Tom and I get brutally honest about the reality behind AI adoption at a global enterprise. ADM is already using tools like ADM Chat, Microsoft Copilot, and AI-powered SaaS, but Tom makes the case that the real challenge is not whether to use AI - it is how to manage the constant churn of models, harnesses, data sharing, and operational risk without breaking the business.You’ll hear Tom break down the three buckets of AI usage every security leader needs to think about: personal productivity tools like chatbots and copilots, AI embedded inside third-party SaaS platforms, and enterprise-built AI use cases that create real operational value. We also dig into why “tokenomics,” model switching, and continuous patching are now board-level concerns, especially in regulated industries where a simple software change can mean downtime, lost productivity, or regulatory scrutiny. They unpack why vulnerability ops and exposure management are replacing old-school patch Tuesday thinking, and why security teams can no longer treat AI like just another software upgrade.The conversation gets even sharper when they turn to data governance and accountability. Tom warns that the biggest blind spot may not be model performance - it is the data being handed over to third parties, the hallucinations that can slip into workflows, and the dangerous myth that AI removes human responsibility. From fake legal citations to discriminatory automated decisions, the stakes are real, and the accountability still lands on the organization.They also look ahead at what AI and quantum could mean for transportation, manufacturing, food production, and even the future of entry-level jobs. As AI takes over more routine work, what happens to the ladder people traditionally climb to build experience? We go on to explore the long-term impact on talent pipelines, human judgment, and the roles that will still need a person in the loop. Essential listening for CISOs, security leaders, tech executives, and anyone trying to figure out how to adopt AI without surrendering control. This is a candid, practical conversation about where enterprise AI is headed, what can go wrong, and how leaders need to think now if they want to stay ahead. In this episode we bring cybersecurity, AI strategy, and real-world enterprise operations into one timely conversation. I hope you enjoy it!

  2. Jul 19 ·  Video

    110-Talking Innovation with Dr. Atif Farid Mohammad PhD, Chief AI Office/CISO at Cyquent, Inc.

    Unlock the future where quantum computing, AI, and human intelligence collide—discover why the critical skill of emotional quotient (EQ) may soon trump IQ in this fast-evolving landscape. In this captivating episode, Dr. Atif Farid Mohammed, chief AI officer at CyQuint and author of Least Intelligence, takes us on a journey through the depths of quantum physics, AI’s limitations, and the profound impact of energy and consciousness on our existence. You’ll discover how quantum mechanics reshapes our understanding of reality, the true potential of large language models versus sentient AI, and why learning — in all its forms — remains the ultimate driver of human evolution. We break down complex concepts like decoherence, space folding, and the nature of energy, translating these into practical insights for navigating tomorrow’s technological challenges. If you’re curious about the mysteries of the universe, the future of AI, or how to harness emotional intelligence in an AI-driven world, this episode is essential listening. Dr. Mohammed’s expertise in quantum computing, cybersecurity, and AI ethics provides a rare perspective on the forces shaping our future. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a futurist, or simply intrigued by the big questions of existence, this episode will leave you inspired and enlightened. Get ready to rethink what you thought you knew about intelligence, consciousness, and the endless possibilities of the quantum era. Tap in now - your leap into the future starts here. I hope you enjoy it!

  3. Jun 7 ·  Video

    107-Talking Innovation with Christian Torres, Founder of Stark Analytics

    Most entrepreneurs and business leaders are missing the huge potential of AI because they’re stuck in deterministic thinking—or risking catastrophic mistakes by ignoring probabilistic tools. Christian Torres, founder of Stark Analytics, shares his extraordinary journey from solitary confinement to pioneering decision models that leverage AI’s full power. He reveals how small businesses can build their own AI "advisory boards"—inspired by the masters like Edison and Carnegie—to pressure-test ideas, surface unseen opportunities, and make smarter decisions in real time.In this episode, you’ll discover: How a decade in prison became Christian’s forge for mastering analytics and AI-driven decision-making. Why today’s shift from deterministic spreadsheets to probabilistic AI tools is a game-changer for leaders. The emerging roles of AI orchestrators and human collaborators—and why emotional intelligence (EQ) becomes more critical than ever. Practical frameworks for building AI-powered decision systems that cut costs, increase agility, and avoid costly errors. How to leverage multiple AI tools to create a “shadow cabinet” of expert personas that challenges your assumptions—just like Napoleon Hill’s invisible counselors. You'll learn why ignoring these changes risks falling behind in a fast-evolving landscape. Those who embrace the new AI paradigm can pressure-test ideas, innovate faster, and set the stage for a future where human intuition and AI’s probabilistic insights work hand-in-hand. Whether you’re a startup founder, executive, or curious thinker, this episode is essential listening to understand how AI can elevate your decision-making—not replace it.Christian Torres is the founder of Stark Analytics and a pioneer in decision intelligence systems. His insights come from a mix of real-world experience and cutting-edge AI strategy, helping him craft scalable, actionable frameworks for businesses at all levels.If you’re ready to ditch outdated models, harness the true potential of AI, and prepare for the disruptive wave shaping industries—this conversation is your roadmap. Don’t get left behind—listen now and start building your AI-powered future today.

  4. May 24 ·  Video

    106-Talking Innovation with Venu Rao Koyyada, Co-founder & CEO @ Strobes Security

    Unlock how AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity...and what you must do now to stay protected. If you're a security professional, CTO, or business leader navigating a world where vulnerabilities evolve in seconds and AI accelerates both innovation and threat, this episode is your essential playbook. Venu Koyyada, CEO of Strobes Security, shares deep insights from his decade of experience in exposure management and offensive security. He reveals how the latest AI advancements...like scalable agents that automate vulnerability prioritization and validation...are transforming the security landscape. From the dramatic shifts in attack surfaces to the skyrocketing costs of AI-powered cyber threats, this conversation uncovers the urgent challenges...and opportunities...that define our digital future.You'll discover: The real impact of continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) and how it’s changing the way companies defend themselves How AI agents are automating vulnerability detection, prioritization, and even patching—cutting down weeks to hours The hidden risks of AI-driven tools being exploited by bad actors with minimal skills Why traditional security approaches are no longer enough in a hyperconnected, AI-enabled world The economic and environmental implications of AI-powered computing demand...and innovative solutions like ocean-based data centers This episode is perfect for cybersecurity leaders, DevSecOps teams, and anyone serious about understanding the next frontier of digital defense. Fail to adapt, and you risk being overwhelmed by the increasing sophistication and speed of cyberattacks. Embrace these insights, and position your organization at the forefront of proactive security innovation.Venu Rao is CEO and co-founder of Strobes Security, a pioneer in AI-driven continuous exposure management. With over a decade in cybersecurity, he helps organizations stay ahead of evolving threats by harnessing AI to build smarter, more dynamic defense strategies.If you're ready to turn security from a ticking clock into a strategic advantage, this episode will boost your knowledge and ignite your action plan. Stay prepared—because in cybersecurity, the next breach may already be in progress.

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Talking Innovation is a conversation about what comes next, hosted by Grant Asplund, a four-decade technology veteran who has spent his career arriving in categories before they had names. Each episode brings together the builders, founders, and operators shaping where technology is headed, with candid conversations about the ideas, bets, and hard-won lessons behind real innovation. This isn't a show about hype cycles. It's about the people doing the work: how they see around corners, how they turn conviction into product, and what it actually takes to be early and right. From cybersecurity to AI to whatever category is forming next, Talking Innovation goes past the headlines to the thinking underneath. New conversations on a regular cadence. Pull up a chair.

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