Shift AI Podcast

Boaz Ashkenazy

The Shift AI podcast explores how AI and ML is changing the way that we work in the digital age. The show's creator Boaz Ashkenazy interviews thought leaders who are redefining how businesses and employees will be impacted by emerging technology today and in the future | Visit shiftaipodcast.com

  1. 23 SEP

    Unlocking the Power of Relational Data with Kumo CEO Vanja Josifovski

    In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Dr. Vanja Josifovski, CEO of Kumo and former CTO of Airbnb and Pinterest, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses unlock value from their structured data. Josifovski shares his journey from building recommendation systems for millions of users to founding Sequoia-backed Kumo, which is tackling one of AI's biggest challenges: turning business data into actionable insights. From his early days witnessing the evolution of embeddings and vector representations to today's transformer revolution, Josifovski offers a unique perspective on the AI landscape. The conversation delves into why the current AI boom has largely overlooked structured business data, the future of personalized consumer experiences, and how coding tools are democratizing software development. If you're interested in understanding how enterprise data can drive better business decisions and what the future holds for work in an AI-driven world, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone who's been at the forefront of the AI revolution for two decades. Chapters: [02:00] Vanja's Background and AI Journey [04:00] The Evolution of Embeddings and Vectors [07:00] Silicon Valley's AI Revolution [09:00] Founding Kumo and the Enterprise Data Problem [12:00] The Future of Personalization [15:00] How AI is Changing Software Development [18:00] The Optimistic Future of Work [21:00] Societal Changes and Abundance [25:00] From Big Tech to Startup Life [00:28:00] Two Words for the Future: "Lots of Fun" Contact Info: Connect with Vanja Josifovski: ● Website: kumo.ai Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy: ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy ● Email: info@shiftai.fm

    32 min

  2. 29 AGO

    The Future of Abundant Intelligence with Microsoft’s Dir. of AI & Venture Ecosystems Taylor Black

    In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy is joined by Taylor Black, Director of AI and Venture Ecosystems in Microsoft’s CTO Office. With a background as a B2B SaaS founder and deep tech venture studio leader, Taylor brings a rare blend of startup vision and enterprise expertise to the AI conversation. Together, they explore the rise of agentic workflows, protocols like MCP, and the shifting interface of software in the age of AI. Taylor also reflects on the philosophical and economic implications of AI’s rapid evolution—from abundant intelligence to human decision-making limits. If you're curious about how Microsoft thinks about AI agents, or what the future of work might actually feel like, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Chapters: [00:00] The Promise of AI and Collective Problem Solving [00:32] Intro: Meet Taylor Black of Microsoft [01:54] Inside the CTO’s Office and Innovation Labs [03:53] From SaaS Founder to Deep Tech Studio Leader [05:38] Agentic Workflows: Beyond the Hype [08:46] Ecosystems, Authority, and Agent Infrastructure [11:12] MCP: The Protocol Standard for AI Agents [15:24] Microsoft's Vision of Agentic Interfaces [18:34] Designing for Human Capacity in the AI Age [23:15] The Hidden Risks and Philosophical Impacts of AI [27:09] Scarcity vs Abundance: New Frontiers in Work [29:12] Final Thoughts: A Future of Abundant Intelligence Connect with Taylor Black LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/blacktaylor/ Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X: @boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs.  Our theme music was created by Dave Angel.

    32 min

  3. 4 AGO

    How Robots are Learning to Work Like Humans with Acumino CEO Patrick Jarvis

    In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy sits down with Patrick Jarvis, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Acumino, to explore the cutting edge of roboticstechnology. After two decades building one of the world's most advanced AI labs, helping companies like Apple, Samsung, and major automotive manufacturers solve critical data problems, Jarvis saw an opportunity to revolutionize how robotsinteract with the physical world. He reveals how Acumino is achieving unprecedented reliability in robotic manipulation tasks – from threading screws to fine assembly work – by combining advanced AI with revolutionary force-sensing technology. The conversation delves into the commercial reality of robotics adoption, where anything less than human-level performance simply won't cut it for businesses. Jarvis shares his vision forthe future of work, emphasizing how robots shouldn't replace humans but rather empower them by removing the need for coding and enabling workers to directly train AI systems for their specific needs. From factory floors today to potential home care applications tomorrow, this episode offers fascinating insights into how ultra-reliable robotics will transform industries and reshape our relationship with technology in ways we're just beginning to imagine. Chapters: [01:41] Patrick's Journey into Robotics [06:04] Visualizing Fine-Tuned Robotic Touch [08:05] What Made These Advances Possible [10:13] The Ultra-High Reliability Threshold [12:01] Factory Floor Use Cases [16:07] Future Vision: Robots in the Home [23:26] Current Stage and Business Progress [24:39] Finding the Right Team and Contacts [27:18] AI's Impact on Jobs and Collaboration Connect with Patrick JarvisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jarvis-a16473aWebsite: https://acumino.ai/ Email: patrick@acumino.ai Other Resources Mentioned: Minas Liarokapis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minasliarokapis Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs.  Our theme music was created by Dave Angel   Follow, Listen, and SubscribeSpotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

    31 min

  4. 11 JUL

    Reimagining Hiring in the Age of AI and Bias with Humanly CEO Prem Kumar

    In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz welcomes Prem Kumar, CEO of Humanly and GeekWire Award winner for CEO of the Year. With his unique background as both a buyer of HR solutions at Microsoft and a startup leader at TINYpulse, Prem shares how his company is revolutionizing the hiring process through AI-powered solutions that create more human-centered experiences. Prem dives into the challenges facing today's job seekers and recruiters, revealing how Humanly's technology enables meaningful two-way conversations for every candidate within 24 hours of application. The discussion explores how AI can reduce bias in hiring, improve standardization in interviews, and ultimately create better matches between candidates and companies. Whether you're interested in the future of recruiting or navigating today's job market, Prem's "human first" approach to AI offers valuable insights on how technology can enhance rather than replace meaningful human connections. Chapters: [00:00] The Philosophy of Human-Centered AI [01:39] Professional Journey: Microsoft to Startup Leadership [04:22] Addressing Recruitment Inefficiencies [06:35] Humanly's Approach to Streamlining Candidate Experience [08:42] Combating Algorithmic Bias in Hiring Processes [11:29] Strategic Job Application Techniques for Modern Candidates [13:13] Next-Generation Recruitment: Personalized Job Matching [16:10] Building Trust Through Transparent AI Implementation [20:49] The Evolution of Workforce Management [25:19] Influential Mentors and Iterative Culture Development [26:43] Prioritizing Human Outcomes in AI Development Connect with Prem Kumar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/premskumar/ Website: https://www.humanly.io Email: prem@humanly.io Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs.  Our theme music was created by Dave Angel   Follow, Listen, and Subscribe Spotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

    31 min

  5. 26 JUN

    Humanizing Your AI Communications Strategy with Edelman Global Chair of AI Brian Buchwald

    In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy welcomes Brian Buchwald, who leads AI strategy and product development at Edelman, the world's largest communications firm. With his impressive background spanning investment banking, ad tech, digital media, and entrepreneurship, Buchwald offers a unique perspective on how AI is transforming both internal operations and client services at global scale. Discover how Edelman is implementing AI across its 7,000-employee organization and for its prestigious client roster. Buchwald shares fascinating insights on the balance between automation and human expertise, the evolution of trust in the AI era, and how communications professionals are quantifying their impact. Whether you're interested in AI implementation at enterprise scale or the future of knowledge work, this episode reveals how "curated automation" is redefining an entire industry while keeping the human element at its core. Chapters: [00:00] Introduction to Brian Buchwald and Edelman [03:09] Brian's Career Journey from Ad Tech to Communications [05:35] Four Lenses of AI Implementation at Edelman [06:59] Trust Quantification and Research Transformation [10:17] Trust and AI: The Public Perception [13:01] Three-Tiered Approach to Client Transformation [17:55] Measuring Business Value in Communications [21:48] The Human-Machine Partnership in Creative Work [24:11] Mentors and Strategic Influences [29:11] The Future of Work: Curated Automation Connect with Brian Buchwald LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-buchwald-0447591/ Email: brian.buchwald@edelman.com Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs.  Our theme music was created by Dave Angel   Follow, Listen, and Subscribe Spotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

    33 min

  6. 13 JUN

    Democratizing Access to Health Care Benefits with Avante CEO Rohan D'Souza

    In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy sits down with Rohan D'Souza, co-founder of Avante, who is tackling one of America's most complex challenges: the $1.7 trillion employer-sponsored healthcare system. With his unique background as a former competitive swimmer from India and extensive experience in healthcare technology, Rohan brings a fresh perspective to an industry plagued by opacity and inefficiency. Rohan shares how Avante is leveraging AI to democratize healthcare information, making complex insurance plans understandable for employees while helping employers control costs that are rising 8-14% annually. From his early days working with electronic medical records during the 2008 financial crisis to building a nine-person team that supports hundreds of conversations with AI-powered solutions, Rohan illustrates how productivity and creativity converge in the future of work. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in healthcare innovation, AI implementation in regulated industries, and the entrepreneurial journey of building solutions for massive, entrenched systems. Chapters: [01:57] From India to America - The Swimming Journey [03:57] Early Career in Healthcare Technology During the Financial Crisis [05:14] Introducing Avante - The $1.7 Trillion Opportunity [09:10] The Employee Experience Problem [14:05] AI Agents and Personalized Healthcare Recommendations [18:25] Privacy Challenges in Healthcare AI [23:35] Building the Founders Club and Early Customers [28:07] The Future of Work - Productivity and Creativity Connect with Rohan D’Souza LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohanpdsouza/ Website: https://avante.ai/ Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs.  Our theme music was created by Dave Angel   Follow, Listen, and Subscribe Spotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

    32 min

  7. 30 MAY

    Navigating the Enterprise Compliance Journey with Certivo CEO Kunal Chopra

    In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy welcomes Kunal Chopra, CEO and Founder of Certivo, to explore how AI agents are evolving from assistants to true team members. Kunal shares insights from his experience as a former leader at Microsoft and Amazon, and his current venture tackling product compliance challenges for manufacturers. Through Certivo's AI agent compliance managers can automate tedious regulatory tasks while maintaining strategic control of the process. The conversation delves into the distinction between AI assistants and agents, examining the collaborative dance between humans and AI that defines today's implementations. Kunal offers a compelling vision of future workplaces where teams consist of both humans and AI agents working in tandem, while sharing candid advice for entrepreneurs and business leaders adapting to this new reality. If you're interested in how AI is reshaping teams and transforming manufacturing industries, this insightful discussion provides a window into what's coming next. Chapters: [02:19] Kunal's Background at Tech Giants and as CEO [05:34] The Pioneer Square Labs Incubation Process [10:06] Certivo's Origin and the Product Compliance Challenge [12:35] How AI Agent Cora Solves Regulatory Compliance Problems [16:59] The Evolution from Assistants to Agents [21:20] The Human-AI Dance: Autonomy vs. Collaboration [24:01] Manager Reactions and Changing Workforce Skills [29:17] The Role of Mentors in Entrepreneurial Success [31:33] Advice for First-Time Founders [34:29] The Future of Work: "Agent" and "Team" Connect with Kunal Chopra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunalchopra28/ Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

    37 min

  8. 15 MAY

    Adapting Education to the Future of Work with WGU Executive Dean Paul Bingham

    In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Paul Bingham, Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Technology at Western Governor's University, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore the evolution of education in the digital age. Bingham brings a fascinating background spanning from a full career with the FBI, where he specialized in cybercrime investigations, to his current role pioneering innovative approaches to online education. As an institution designed specifically for adult learners with work experience, WGU has been at the forefront of educational innovation for over 25 years, well before remote learning became mainstream. Bingham shares insights on how competency-based education is transforming career pathways in technology, how AI and decision intelligence are personalizing the learning experience, and why adaptability is crucial in our rapidly changing technological landscape. If you're interested in how education is evolving to meet the needs of today's workforce, you won't want to miss this conversation. Chapters: [04:15] FBI Background and Cybersecurity Experience [07:50] The Origins of Western Governor's University [10:01] Competency-Based Education and Workforce Preparation [15:15] AI and Decision Intelligence in Learning [22:55] The Role of Mentorship in Remote Education [27:08] Leadership Lessons from the FBI [28:51] The Human Connection in a Digital World [29:39] The Future of Work: Faster and Adaptable Connect with Paul Bingham LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paul-bingham-cpa/ Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X: https://x.com/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm

    33 min
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The Shift AI podcast explores how AI and ML is changing the way that we work in the digital age. The show's creator Boaz Ashkenazy interviews thought leaders who are redefining how businesses and employees will be impacted by emerging technology today and in the future | Visit shiftaipodcast.com

Información

  • Creador
    Boaz Ashkenazy
  • Años de actividad
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodios
    69
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © Boaz Ashkenazy
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Shift AI Podcast

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