Feedforward Member Podcast

Feedforward

Feedforward is a member community for corporate leaders learning about AI. Each episode dives deep into one company or one issue that will help executives make better decisions around AI.

Episodes

  1. JAN 21

    Inside Google's AI Teams: Logan Kilpatrick on Gemini, Builders, and Enterprise Adoption

    In this episode, Adam Davidson goes inside Google’s AI teams with Logan Kilpatrick, who leads developer products including the Gemini API and AI Studio. Logan shares how Google is moving from AI experimentation to real-world deployment—and what’s changed as these tools start to work at scale. They discuss how AI Studio has evolved into a builder-first platform, the rise of “vibe coding” across teams like product, sales, and legal, and why recent Gemini models have crossed a threshold from demos to practical use. The conversation also explores how Google approaches deploying probabilistic systems, and what enterprises need to rethink as they move from pilots into production. Looking ahead, Logan outlines where Google’s AI teams are focusing next—from more capable agents to proactive AI systems that support decision-making rather than simply responding to prompts. Takeaways: AI Studio is a powerful platform for developers, providing useful tools like the Gemini API that streamline the integration of AI models into products.Logan Kilpatrick highlights the significance of Vibe coding, which transforms how people within Google approach their work and enhances productivity.The conversation emphasizes the need for enterprises to shift from deterministic thinking about AI to understanding its probabilistic nature for better deployment outcomes.One key takeaway is the evolving landscape of AI, with models like Gemini 3 showcasing significant advancements that can change how organizations operate.The podcast discusses the importance of a proactive AI that can assist users in making decisions rather than being solely reactive to user prompts.Listeners are encouraged to explore AI Studio for building AI tools, as it now offers a more accessible entry point for developers looking to innovate.

    52 min
  2. 12/16/2025

    Mapping the Future: Tim O'Reilly on AI and Innovation

    Today's chat dives deep into the ever-evolving landscape of AI with none other than Tim O'Reilly, a titan in tech publishing and an insightful thinker. Tim emphasizes that the future of AI isn’t a solo act; instead, it’s an ongoing jam session where everyone contributes to the melody. We explore how our perceptions of technology need to shift, much like the transitions from IBM to Microsoft and the birth of Web 2.0, highlighting that nimble thinkers who adapt quickly will hold the keys to new opportunities. Tim also shares his vision of a multipolar AI world, where collaboration and shared innovation drive progress rather than monopolistic control. It's a compelling conversation that challenges us to rethink how we engage with and shape the future of AI. Takeaways: Tim O'Reilly emphasizes the importance of creating new frameworks to understand rapidly evolving technologies like AI and their societal impacts. The conversation highlights how historical shifts in technology often result in new mental models that broaden our understanding of possibilities. O'Reilly believes that the future of AI isn't predetermined by a single entity but shaped collectively by various players exploring new ideas and applications. A key takeaway is that organizations should focus on how AI can expand their capabilities rather than just increasing efficiency or replacing jobs. The episode discusses the necessity for diverse competition in AI to foster innovation and prevent monopolistic practices that stifle new ideas. Tim argues that the true value in AI is derived from enabling new forms of collaboration and participation across industries, rather than simply optimizing existing processes.

    49 min
  3. 11/20/2025

    AI Madness: Nicolai Tangen's Journey to 100% AI Adoption

    Nicolai Tangen, the CEO of the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, dives deep into his radical approach to integrating AI in asset management, claiming to be the “Madman in Chief” of AI. He shares how he achieved 100% AI usage across the fund, focusing on relentless internal communication and education to drive acceptance and implementation. We explore the transformative impact of AI on productivity, with Tangen citing impressive gains in efficiency that would keep the fund competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. He also addresses common resistance points, emphasizing the importance of understanding and overcoming compliance concerns to harness AI’s full potential. Whether you’re leading an organization or just trying to keep up with the AI wave, Tangen’s insights are invaluable for navigating this new frontier. Takeaways: Nicolai Tangen, CEO of the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, emphasizes the need for relentless advocacy for AI within organizations.He believes that companies must embrace AI fully or risk falling behind their competition, as compliance can kill innovation.Incorporating AI successfully requires a mix of technical knowledge and a willingness to adapt, which can lead to a culture shift in organizations.Tangen highlights the importance of continuous upskilling for employees, indicating that mandatory training sessions have been effective in boosting AI usage. Companies mentioned in this episode: Norwegian Sovereign Wealth FundChatGPTClaudeCursorMorgan StanleyGoldman SachsJP MorganAnthropicOpenAIGoogle

    41 min
  4. 10/06/2025

    How AI is Transforming Work: A Chat with Rebecca Hinds

    The future of work is a hot topic, especially with AI shaking things up in ways we can't ignore. This episode dives deep into this question with Rebecca Hinds—not just any guest, she’s got a PhD in how AI transforms work and leads the Work Transformation Lab at Glean. We discuss how organizations are currently using AI and what that means for the structure of work in the future. Rebecca shares her insights from research showing that it’s not just about individuals adopting AI, but how teams and entire organizations can leverage it to improve workflows and collaboration. We explore the challenges companies face in scaling AI and how a more integrated approach can change the game for everyone involved. Alongside her research, Rebecca also brings a practical lens to collaboration as the author of Your Best Meeting Ever, a blueprint for transforming meetings from time-wasters into powerful tools for teamwork and innovation. Takeaways: The future of work is heavily influenced by AI, but there's still much uncertainty about its impact on jobs and organizations. Organizations struggle with AI adoption as many employees remain skeptical and are fearful of being replaced by technology. Successful deployment of AI requires understanding workflows and empowering the right influencers within organizations to drive change. The transformation of work is not just about individual tasks but rethinking entire work streams and team dynamics in a collaborative manner. AI has the potential to automate busy work, allowing employees to focus on more strategic and creative tasks, leading to a more engaged workforce. Creating a psychologically safe environment is crucial for employees to share their experiences and ideas about using AI without fear of negative repercussions. Links referenced in this episode: Your Best Meeting Ever, by Rebecca Hinds Companies mentioned in this episode: FeedforwardAsana Glean

    52 min
  5. 08/29/2025

    From Insights to Action: How AI is Transforming Moderna

    We're diving deep into how AI is totally transforming the way Moderna operates. Brice Challamel, the head of AI at Moderna, shares some seriously eye-opening insights into how the company has integrated AI across its processes. He emphasizes that AI isn't just about automating tasks; it's about empowering people to innovate and thrive in their roles. For instance, we talk about how AI tools are being used to connect data across various therapeutic areas, enabling scientists to learn from each other's experiments. Plus, we explore the importance of a supportive environment where employees can leverage AI to elevate their work, rather than seeing it as a threat. This conversation is all about understanding the holistic impact of AI on the future of work—definitely a must-listen if you're curious about the intersection of technology and humanity in the workplace. Companies mentioned in this episode: FeedForward Moderna OpenAI ChatGPT Enterprise M Chat GPT 4.1 Deep Seq Mistral Claude Gemini Llama Takeaways: Moderna has seen an impressive AI adoption rate of 80-85%, enabling transformative uses across the company. The integration of AI at Moderna allows for innovative solutions in biotechnology, impacting various therapeutic areas. Brice emphasizes that AI is not just a technical tool, but a holistic approach to empower people within the organization. The use of AI fosters a culture of curiosity and creativity, leading to new ways of thinking and problem-solving at Moderna.

    1h 1m
  6. 01/28/2025

    Navigating AI Risks: Simon Willison's Take on Security

    Adam Davidson welcomes listeners to a thought-provoking conversation with Simon Willison, a feedforward expert, as they delve into the intricate relationship between AI and security. Their discussion opens with a humorous yet intriguing benchmark—Simon’s whimsical challenge of generating an SVG of a pelican riding a bicycle, which serves as a metaphor for evaluating AI models. This playful examination leads to deeper concerns around the safety and reliability of AI usage, especially within enterprise contexts. Simon articulates the anxieties many organizations face regarding data privacy and the potential risks associated with feeding sensitive information into AI chatbots. A central theme that emerges is the misconception that AI models retain user input in a way that would jeopardize confidential data. Simon clarifies that while the models do not learn from individual user interactions in real-time, there are still significant complexities around data handling and how different AI providers manage user inputs for future training. Takeaways: Understanding the implications of prompt injection is crucial for developers using AI models. AI models are very gullible, which can lead to serious security vulnerabilities. Using local models can mitigate risks associated with data leaving your organization. Open source models are becoming more capable and accessible for organizations concerned about privacy. Jailbreaking models can expose vulnerabilities, but they often lead to harmless outcomes. Security measures should focus on limiting the impact of potential exploits in AI applications. Links referenced in this episode: SimonWillison.net Companies mentioned in this episode: FeedForward SimonWillison.net OpenAI Anthropic Google AWS Nvidia Alibaba

    46 min
  7. 12/04/2024

    Balancing Risk to Reward: How Businesses Can Embrace AI with Legal Confidence

    This podcast episode dives into the intricate relationship between law and artificial intelligence, featuring Angela Dunning, a prominent AI lawyer. One of the main points discussed is the balancing act companies must perform when considering the use of AI: while there are significant opportunities for innovation and efficiency, there are equally important legal risks to navigate, particularly around intellectual property and liability. Dunning emphasizes the need for companies to proactively understand how AI is being used within their operations, as the legal landscape is still evolving. The conversation sheds light on the importance of having clear protocols for AI use, especially regarding copyright issues and compliance with legal standards. As organizations increasingly adopt AI technologies, the insights shared provide a valuable framework for making informed decisions that align with both business goals and legal requirements. The episode features a deep dive into the intersection of law and artificial intelligence, led by Adam Davidson and guest Angela Dunning, a prominent litigation partner with extensive experience in IP law. The conversation begins with an exploration of how AI has increasingly become a part of legal practices, particularly in intellectual property litigation. Angela discusses the varying approaches companies are taking towards AI, with some legal departments adopting a 'stay away' strategy due to perceived risks, while others embrace AI to maximize benefits. This dichotomy highlights the importance of finding a middle ground, where companies can safely experiment with AI while also establishing protocols for its use. One of the key themes in this episode is the importance of tracking AI's usage within companies. Angela emphasizes that even if a company decides to abstain from AI, it cannot ignore the reality of an AI-driven world. She advocates for a proactive approach where companies identify use cases for AI and develop practical monitoring strategies. The conversation also delves into specific risks associated with AI, such as copyright issues and the potential for employees to inadvertently use AI tools without proper oversight. Angela underscores the need for transparency and communication within organizations regarding AI, as this will help mitigate risks and promote responsible usage. The episode wraps up with a fascinating discussion on copyright and the implications of using generative AI. Angela explains the current stance of the US Copyright Office, which asserts that AI-generated content cannot be copyrighted, thus entering the public domain. This creates significant challenges for businesses that seek to protect the content created through AI. The discussion touches upon the famous 'monkey selfie' case, which illustrated the necessity for human authorship in copyright claims. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the legal landscape of AI, offering guidance for businesses navigating the complex world of intellectual property and technology. Takeaways: AI's integration into business creates both opportunities and risks that must be navigated carefully. Legal departments often advise caution with AI, but a balanced approach is essential. Companies need to monitor AI use internally to avoid unintended legal liabilities and risks. Understanding the copyright implications of AI-generated content is crucial for businesses today. There are significant differences in risk levels based on how AI is used across industries. Open communication between legal teams and executives can foster smarter AI deployment strategies.

    28 min
  8. 11/20/2024

    Behind the Scenes: How the Trailblazers Use AI to Enhance Engagement

    The latest episode of the FeedForward podcast dives into how the Portland Trailblazers, an innovative NBA team, are leveraging AI to enhance fan engagement and improve internal processes. Krista Stout, the head of strategy at the Trailblazers, shares insights on their balanced approach to AI, emphasizing that while they embrace new technology, they remain cautious about its risks. The team has developed systems that allow for rapid responses to fan feedback, showcasing a practical application of AI that enhances customer service. The discussion highlights how organizations can democratize AI, empowering employees at all levels to contribute to AI-driven solutions. Ultimately, the episode illustrates that the lessons learned from the Trailblazers can be applied across various industries, demonstrating that AI is not just about advanced technology but about transforming how businesses operate and engage with their audiences. Takeaways: The Portland Trailblazers utilize innovative AI tools to enhance the fan experience and engagement. They focus on internal applications of AI, minimizing fan-facing interactions with AI technology. Key strategies include rapid response systems that use AI for customer feedback management. The Trailblazers prioritize change management over technical expertise in AI implementation and usage. Their approach balances enthusiasm for AI with caution about its risks and implications. AI is seen as a tool to empower employees, enabling them to focus on their strengths. Companies mentioned in this episode: Portland Trailblazers FeedForward Qualtrics Microsoft OpenAI Accenture McKinsey

    38 min
  9. 11/13/2024

    Beyond Use Cases: Rami El Debs Discusses AI Strategy for Businesses

    This episode features a deep dive into the fundamental questions surrounding AI adoption, led by Adam Davidson and Rami El Debs, who runs AI strategy for Accenture. They discuss the common pitfall of jumping straight into tool selection without first understanding the broader context of AI integration within an organization. Rami emphasizes that businesses should focus on identifying their core challenges and how AI can be woven into existing workflows to create real value, rather than merely chasing use cases. The conversation highlights the importance of empowering employees and unlocking insights from within the organization, as well as the evolving role of consulting firms in an AI-driven landscape. Ultimately, they advocate for a proactive approach to AI, urging companies to embrace the technology as an enabler of transformation rather than a separate entity. Takeaways: AI adoption should focus on fundamental business challenges rather than just use cases. Understanding the integration of AI into work processes can lead to real productivity gains. Companies often overlook how AI can unlock employee insights and creativity from within. A holistic view of business operations helps identify where AI can add real value. The future of enterprises involves reshaping organizational structures to leverage AI effectively. AI should be viewed as an enabler, transforming how work is done across teams.

    36 min
  10. 11/08/2024

    Unlocking AI Superpowers: Dan Shapiro on Transforming Glowforge

    Dan Shapiro, CEO of Glowforge, discusses how the integration of AI has transformed his company, enhancing productivity and innovation. He emphasizes that AI is not merely an add-on but a fundamental component that can redefine workplace efficiency and creativity. Shapiro shares insights on the development of their AI-driven feature, Magic Canvas, which has proved to be a significant revenue driver by allowing users to create optimized images for engraving quickly. The conversation also delves into the challenges and strategies of adopting AI tools internally, including fostering a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement among employees. Ultimately, Shapiro highlights the importance of leadership in guiding organizations through the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology, ensuring that every employee can leverage these tools to enhance their work. Dan Shapiro, co-founder and CEO of Glowforge, is one of the most inventive and aggressive business users of AI. He walks through how his company safely and creatively uses AI throughout the enterprise. The inaugural episode of FeedForward's exclusive podcast features an engaging conversation between Adam Davidson and Dan Shapiro, CEO of Glowforge. The discussion unfolds around the transformative impact of artificial intelligence not just on Glowforge's product offerings but also on its internal operations. Shapiro shares how Glowforge, known for its innovative desktop laser cutters, has embraced modern AI technologies to enhance its capabilities and customer experience. Highlighting the launch of their popular subscription feature, Magic Canvas, Shapiro illustrates how generative AI tools have revolutionized the design process, allowing users to create intricate designs without needing artistic skills. This technological leap has not only increased customer satisfaction but also significantly boosted the company's revenue. As the conversation progresses, Shapiro emphasizes the importance of integrating AI within company culture, ensuring that every employee has access to cutting-edge tools to improve productivity and efficiency. By fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to experiment with AI, Glowforge stands at the forefront of innovation in a competitive landscape, illustrating a compelling model for other businesses looking to harness the power of AI. Takeaways: The integration of AI at Glowforge has transformed their operations and product offerings significantly, enhancing efficiency and creativity. Dan Shapiro emphasizes the importance of leadership in adopting AI tools across all levels of a company. Glowforge's 'Magic Canvas' feature, which uses AI to create optimized images, has become a major profit driver. Shapiro discusses the rapid pace of AI advancement and its implications for businesses in the current landscape. AI has not only improved customer-facing features but also internal operations, leading to productivity gains. Encouraging employees to engage with AI tools has created a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Companies mentioned in this episode: FeedForward Glowforge Etsy Dall E Midjourney Stable Diffusion Amazon Costco Google NPR

    36 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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Feedforward is a member community for corporate leaders learning about AI. Each episode dives deep into one company or one issue that will help executives make better decisions around AI.