Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson

Info-Tech Research Group
  • 4.5 (16)
  • TECHNOLOGY

The Next Industrial Revolution is Already Here Digital Disruption is where industry leaders and experts share insights on leveraging technology to build the organizations of the future. As intelligent technologies reshape our lives and our livelihoods, we speak with the thinkers, the doers and innovators who will help us predict and harness this disruption. Join us as we explore how to adapt to and harness digital transformation.

  1. Siri Creator: How Apple & Google Got AI Wrong

    6D AGO

    Siri Creator: How Apple & Google Got AI Wrong

    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 Intro 1:08 Why today’s AI both amazes and frustrates 3:50 The 3 big missing pieces in current AI systems 8:28 What Siri got right and what it missed 11:30 The “10+ Theory”: Paradigm shifts in computing 14:18 Augmented Reality as the next big breakthrough 19:43 Design lessons from building Siri 25:00 Iteration vs. first impressions: How to launch transformational products 30:20 Beginner, intermediate, and expert user experiences in AI 33:40 Will conversational AI become like “Her”? 35:45 AI maturity compared to the early internet 37:34 Magic, technology, and creating “wow” moments 43:55 What’s hype vs. what’s real in AI today 47:01 Where the next magic will happen: AR & collective intelligence 50:51 The role of DARPA, Stanford, and government funding in Siri’s success 54:49 Advice for leaders building the future of digital products 57:13 Balance the hype Connect with Adam: Website: http://adam.cheyer.com/site/home?page=about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcheyer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acheyer Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/ Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG Check out other episodes of Digital Disruption: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIImliNP0zfxRA1X67AhPDJmlYWcFfhDT&feature=shared

    58 min
  2. Next-Gen Tech Expert: This is AI's ENDGAME

    AUG 18

    Next-Gen Tech Expert: This is AI's ENDGAME

    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 Intro 00:24 What is an ‘Organizational Mind?’ 03:44 How fast is this becoming real? 05:00 Early insights from building an organizational mind 07:02 The human brain analogy: AI mirrors us 08:12 What does it mean for AI to “wake up”? 09:51 AI awakening without consciousness 11:03 Should we be worried about conscious AI? 11:59 Accidents, bad actors, and manipulation 15:42 Can we prevent these AI risks? 18:28 Regulatory control and the role of governments 20:03 Cat and Mouse: Can AI hide from auditors? 23:02 The escalating complexity of AI threats 27:00 Will nations have organizational minds? 29:12 Autonomous collaboration between AI nations 35:36 Bringing AI tools together 36:31 Knowledge, agents, personas & oversight 40:11 Why early adopters will have the edge 41:00 Are we in another AI bubble? 45:01 Scott’s advice for business & tech leaders 47:12 Why use-cases alone aren’t enough Connect 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

    51 min
  3. Roman Yampolskiy: How Superintelligent AI Could Destroy Us All

    AUG 11

    Roman Yampolskiy: How Superintelligent AI Could Destroy Us All

    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 Intro 00:45 Dr. Yampolskiy's prediction: AI extinction risk 02:15 Analyzing the odds of survival 04:00 Malevolent use of AI and superintelligence 06:00 Accidental vs. deliberate AI destruction 08:10 The dangers of uncontrolled AI 10:00 The role of optimism in AI development 12:00 The need for self-interest to slow down AI development 15:00 Narrow AI vs. Superintelligence 18:30 Economic and job displacement due to AI 22:00 Global competition and AI arms race 25:00 AI’s role in war and suffering 30:00 Can we control AI through ethical governance? 35:00 The singularity and human extinction 40:00 Superintelligence: How close are we? 45:00 Consciousness in AI 50:00 The difficulty of programming suffering in AI 55:00 Dr. Yampolskiy’s approach to AI safety 58:00 Thoughts on AI risk Connect with Roman: Website: https://www.romanyampolskiy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanyam/ X: https://x.com/romanyam Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/ Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

    1h 13m
  4. Ex-OpenAI Lead Zack Kass Reveals the Societal Impact of AI

    AUG 4

    Ex-OpenAI Lead Zack Kass Reveals the Societal Impact of AI

    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 Intro 00:21 AI's exponential growth and speed of change 02:03 The expanding scientific frontier 03:19 Roger Bannister effect and AI inspiration 04:00 Societal vs. technological thresholds 06:00 The danger of low-resource bad actors 09:00 Psychopaths, crime, and the role of policy 12:00 Freedom vs. security 14:45 The risk of bias and broken justice systems 18:00 The role of AI in decision-making 20:00 Why we tolerate human error but not machine error 20:36 Breaking the fear cycle in a negative attention economy 22:12 Tech-driven optimism 23:55 Finding Happiness 25:32 Community, nature, and meaningful human connection 27:00 The problem with the “more is more” mindset 28:30 Narratives, new media, and information overload 31:09 The Power of local change and good news 33:06 Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and the next wave of innovation Connect with Zack: Website: https://zackkass.com/ X: ⁠https://x.com/iamthezack LinkedIn: ⁠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

    35 min
  5. Pulitzer-Winning Journalist: This is Why Big Tech is Betting $300 Billion on AI

    JUL 28

    Pulitzer-Winning Journalist: This is Why Big Tech is Betting $300 Billion on AI

    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 Intro 02:45 The early promise of Silicon Valley 06:30 What changed in tech: From innovation to power 10:55 The role of venture capital in shaping Big Tech 15:40 Tech disruption vs. systemic control 20:15 The shift from public good to private gain 24:50 How Big Tech wields power over democracy 29:30 Can AI be regulated in time? 33:45 Lessons from tech history 38:20 Government’s role in tech oversight 43:05 Gary’s thoughts on tech accountability 47:30 Future risks of an unchecked tech industry 51:10 Hope for the next generation of innovators 55:00 Tech is at the center of politics 58:00 What should change? 1:09:00 Journalists using AI are more powerful Connect 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

    1h 12m
  6. Ex-CIA Cyber Chief: Here's What Keeps Me Up at Night

    JUL 21

    Ex-CIA Cyber Chief: Here's What Keeps Me Up at Night

    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 Intro 02:45 What the CIA's Cyber Intelligence Center actually does 05:30 Leading transformation across a global enterprise 07:20 Evolution of cyber threats from nation-states 08:15 Building trust and transparency with business stakeholders 11:10 The critical role of data in decision-making 13:00 How the CIA detects and responds to cyber attacks 17:05 Creating a culture of innovation and adaptability 17:45 The private sector as a frontline target 20:40 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 CIOs 29:50 China's cyber capabilities vs. Russia's tactics 35:25 The role of intelligence in election security 40:50 Why disinformation is more dangerous than hacking 45:30 How AI is transforming cyber espionage 50:10 What keeps Andy Boyd up at night 54:40 The importance of public awareness and resilience Connect 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

    1h 4m
  7. Unlocking the Brain: Tan Le on Neurotech, AI & Human Potential

    JUL 14

    Unlocking the Brain: Tan Le on Neurotech, AI & Human Potential

    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 Intro 03:00 Tan Le’s background 06:00 What is Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)? 09:00 The current state of BCI in 2025 12:00 Non-invasive vs. implantable tech 15:00 How BCIs read brain signals 18:00 Real-world applications: Healthcare and beyond 21:00 Consumer use cases and accessibility 24:00 The role of AI in brain signal interpretation 27:00 Ethics of brain data and consent 30:00 Mental wellness and performance insights 33:00 Government and regulatory perspectives 36:00 EMOTIV’s vision and tech stack 39:00 Human enhancement and neuroplasticity 42:00 Risks and misconceptions around BCI 45:00 Collaborations and research partnerships 48:00 Global adoption trends 51:00 Tan Le’s advice to future innovators 54:00 Predictions for the next 10 years Connect with Tan: Website: https://www.emotiv.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanle/ X: https://x.com/TanTTLe Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/ Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

    1h 2m
  8. Taking Back Your Data: Why the Next Web MUST Protect Digital Freedom

    JUL 7

    Taking Back Your Data: Why the Next Web MUST Protect Digital Freedom

    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 Intro 1:25 Rebuilding the Web 3:30 From Tim Berners-Lee to today 5:10 Data ownership vs. data surveillance 7:00 Moving from platforms to people 9:15 What Is an Agentic AI wallet? 11:00 Why consent must be baked into AI and data flows 13:45 Use cases in healthcare, government & enterprise 16:10 “Decentralized” doesn’t mean disorganized 18:30 What leaders get wrong about data control 20:45 Enterprise integration 23:00 The ROI of giving users control of their own data 25:30 Why this moment feels like the early days of the web 27:00 What’s next for Inrupt, Solid, and the Internet itself 29:00 How We rebuild digital trust 31:00 Inrupt's vision beyond 2030 34:00 Partnering with institutions to scale Solid 37:00 Global digital identity and governance challenges 40:00 Building public trust in data ecosystems 43:00 A non-linear view of it all Connect with John: Website: https://www.inrupt.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwbruce/ Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/ Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

    45 min
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4.5
out of 5
16 Ratings

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The Next Industrial Revolution is Already Here Digital Disruption is where industry leaders and experts share insights on leveraging technology to build the organizations of the future. As intelligent technologies reshape our lives and our livelihoods, we speak with the thinkers, the doers and innovators who will help us predict and harness this disruption. Join us as we explore how to adapt to and harness digital transformation.

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