The Tech Blog Writer Podcast - Inspired Tech Startup Stories & Interviews With Tech Leaders, Entrepreneurs And Innovators

In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Chris Hart, the CEO of Creyon Bio, to dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping drug development. Creyon Bio is pioneering the use of AI to engineer Oligonucleotide-Based Medicines (OBMs), prioritizing safety in their approach to creating effective treatments. By applying cutting-edge technology, the company is able to streamline the identification of safe medicines, offering a more efficient path to drug discovery. One of the most compelling examples of their work is the recent treatment of a baby boy diagnosed with an ultra-rare disease caused by a mutation in the TNPO2 gene. In just 13 months, Creyon Bio developed a tailored treatment that marked a major milestone in the world of personalized medicine. Chris shares the story of this breakthrough, highlighting the role AI played in rapidly creating and testing a selective lock nucleic acid (LNA) antisense oligo, which led to significant improvements in the child's health. We also explore how C

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, Adam Glaser from Appian shares how generative AI is transforming enterprise technology and redefining how businesses operate. As the global appetite for AI grows, Appian’s low-code platform stands out by making AI more accessible, allowing enterprises to build and deploy AI-powered applications without requiring extensive data science resources. Adam dives deep into how generative AI serves as a force multiplier across the board—from developers building and testing applications faster to end users interacting directly with AI-driven chat interfaces. A key focus of the conversation is Appian’s patented data fabric, a virtualized data layer that addresses fragmented enterprise data. This architecture provides the foundation for AI to operate efficiently, pulling together disparate data sources into a unified system. Adam explains how this approach enables businesses to unlock the full potential of AI, helping enterprises tackle complex tasks such as document extraction, PII

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Chris Reddington, Senior Product Manager of Strategy for Developer Relations at GitHub, to explore the transformative role of AI in software development. As AI continues to reshape the way businesses innovate, the conversation shifts beyond the mere integration of new technology. Chris emphasizes that adopting AI-powered software development is a significant cultural shift, requiring more than just technical tools. It demands a top-down approach, where leadership support and change management are critical to fostering a progressive culture within development teams. Throughout our discussion, Chris unpacks why the impact of AI tools like GitHub Copilot should not be narrowly measured by the volume of code produced. Instead, he argues that the true value lies in how these tools free developers to focus on more complex, meaningful work. By automating repetitive tasks, AI helps developers maintain their creative flow, reducing context switching and allowing the

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Matt Gertner, the CEO of Salsita, a forward-thinking startup based in Prague, to explore how conversational AI is set to transform the future of eCommerce. Salsita has made waves by introducing a groundbreaking 3D product configurator equipped with an AI-powered conversational interface. This innovation allows customers to design and customize complex products—ranging from kitchen ranges to holiday decor—through simple, natural language conversations, making the online shopping experience more intuitive and personalized than ever before. Matt shares insights into the development of this technology, which leverages OpenAI's advanced language models to provide real-time, expert guidance as customers navigate through the configuration process. This AI-driven approach mimics the in-store experience, where shoppers typically rely on the expertise of sales reps to help them make decisions. By embedding this configurator directly into retailers' websites, Salsita

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Jon Wolfe, President of Global Systems and Services at Light & Wonder, a leader in the casino technology space. With the casino industry being a $300 billion giant, it's no surprise that it's eager to embrace cutting-edge technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Jon brings deep insights into how AI is poised to transform casino floors, enhance player experiences, and tackle some of the industry's most pressing ethical challenges. Jon discusses how AI is reshaping the traditional casino environment by creating more personalized and engaging experiences for players. From generating real-time rewards based on player behavior to detecting when a player is likely to end their gaming session, AI is making it possible for casinos to respond instantly and keep players engaged. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Jon delves into the importance of ethical AI use, transparency in AI-driven decisions, and the measures Light & Won

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Nauman Hafiz, Chief Technical Officer at Constellation, to explore the cutting-edge intersection of AI, data security, and marketing innovation. With over a decade of experience leading technology teams at R/GA, Nauman now spearheads Constellation’s efforts to revolutionize how Fortune 100 companies approach social listening and data protection. One of the key topics we delve into is Constellation’s proprietary technology, Aurora. Nauman explains how Aurora harnesses the power of AI to perform contextual social listening, enabling companies to refine their marketing strategies and drive significant revenue growth. This AI-driven approach not only offers deeper insights into consumer behavior but also helps brands stay ahead in a highly competitive marketplace. As we navigate through the conversation, Nauman shares his perspective on the rapid advancements in AI by tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. He offers his predictions on how other companie

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Dr. Mfon Akpan, an expert in accounting and finance from Methodist University, to explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in the accounting profession. As AI technologies continue to advance, they are increasingly outperforming humans in various domains, including those within the accounting sector. Dr. Akpan shares insights on how AI is reshaping workflows, boosting productivity, and introducing a new paradigm where AI-generated drafts are refined by human professionals—a process that is not only enhancing efficiency but also challenging traditional approaches. A significant focus of our discussion centers on the ethical considerations that accompany AI's integration into accounting. Dr. Akpan raises critical concerns about privacy, the need for transparency in disclosing AI usage to clients, and the potential for a digital divide created by unequal access to AI tools. As major accounting firms invest heavily in AI, the question of how

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Tiago Cardoso, Group Product Manager at Hyland Solutions, a company known for its industry-leading intelligent content solutions. With a solid background in Computer Science and AI, Tiago brings over a decade of experience in developing cutting-edge interfaces across web, mobile, and 3D applications. Our conversation delves into the transformative power of AI in enterprise content management, particularly in sectors like healthcare, insurance, and banking. We explore how AI is revolutionizing these industries by streamlining processes, enhancing decision-making, and ultimately improving customer experiences. Tiago also shares insights on how AI is reshaping higher education, specifically within computer science programs. He discusses the growing importance of integrating AI into the curriculum, preparing the next generation of tech professionals to meet the demands of an AI-driven world. This naturally leads us into a discussion about AI implementation read

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Niki Manby, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Mutual of Omaha, a company with over a century of experience in providing insurance and financial solutions. Niki, an expert in consumer financial services, shares insights into how Mutual of Omaha, a Fortune 300 company, is evolving to meet the changing needs of its nearly 24 million customers while maintaining its core mission of helping people protect what they care about. We explore how Mutual of Omaha is embracing digital transformation within the insurance industry. As customer expectations shift, driven by tech giants like Meta, Amazon, and TikTok, even traditionally tech-averse demographics, such as seniors, are becoming more digitally savvy. Niki discusses the company’s approach to integrating self-service options and digital learning journeys, all while balancing innovation with the privacy concerns that come with health information. Niki also dives into the emerging trends within the insurance

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I enjoy a conversation with Eddy Badrina, CEO of Eden Green, a company on a mission to reshape agriculture through cutting-edge vertical indoor greenhouse technology. With a focus on sustainability, Eddy shares how Eden Green is pioneering new methods to grow fresh produce more efficiently, using less water, energy, and reducing carbon emissions. We discuss Eden Green's innovative approach, where their patented microclimate technology creates optimal growing conditions for each plant. This precise control over water, light, and nutrients not only enhances the growth process but also significantly reduces resource consumption. The result is fresher, safer produce that reaches grocery shelves within 48 hours, addressing the long-standing issue of food miles and waste in the supply chain. Eddy also introduces us to their groundbreaking herb program, which stands as a first in the industry. Unlike the traditional model that relies on fragmented, global supply chains, Eden Gree

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Blake Johnson, Quantum Engine Lead at IBM Quantum, to explore the recent expansion of Qiskit, the world’s most popular quantum software platform. IBM’s Qiskit has evolved from an experimental tool into a highly stable and reliable platform capable of running complex quantum circuits on processors with over 100 qubits. This conversation dives into how Qiskit is now purpose-built to extract the best performance from real quantum hardware as industries around the world search for quantum advantage—the point where a quantum computer offers the most effective solution to a problem over any classical method. Blake shares insights into how IBM’s collaboration with its global quantum ecosystem of over 600,000 users has driven the development of Qiskit’s new performance capabilities. These include AI-powered tools that help organizations map their problems to quantum circuits, features that simplify interfacing with quantum systems, and new abilities that efficientl

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Artem Kroupenev, VP of Strategy at Augury, to explore the transformative role of AI in today's workforce. Artem brings a fresh perspective on AI literacy, arguing that it is no longer a niche skill but a fundamental competency akin to reading and writing. As AI continues to evolve from behind-the-scenes technology to a consumer-facing tool, the ability to integrate AI into daily workflows is becoming crucial for professionals across all industries. We dive into how AI is reshaping entry-level roles, focusing on the shift from traditional skills and knowledge to real-world task performance and outcomes. Artem explains that AI won't replace jobs entirely but will augment workers' capabilities, enabling them to concentrate on higher-order decision-making and strategic thinking. This shift necessitates a new approach to hiring, where employers will increasingly value the ability to leverage AI tools effectively. Artem also shares his insights on how organizatio

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Nick Gernert, CEO of WordPress VIP, a platform that powers the web for some of the world’s most prominent brands, including CNN, Capgemini, and even The White House. Our conversation dives into how WordPress VIP is leveraging AI to reshape content creation and the broader impact this is having on the web content we interact with daily. We explore the transformative role AI plays in enhancing the content creation process. Nick shares how AI tools developed by WordPress VIP are streamlining tasks like tagging, linking, and categorization, significantly increasing the efficiency of content creators. Yet, as advanced as these tools are, Nick emphasizes that AI is there to complement, not replace, human creativity. The goal is to offload mundane tasks to AI, allowing creators to focus on more value-added activities, ensuring the human touch remains at the heart of editorial judgment. The conversation also touches on the importance of data in guiding content str

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I have a conversation with Michael Raduga, the innovative CEO of REMspace, who is pushing the boundaries of brain science and consciousness.  Michael's journey from Siberia to Silicon Valley is nothing short of extraordinary. After experiencing lucid dreams and sleep paralysis as a teenager, he became fascinated with the dream world and its potential. This fascination led him to perform a self-implantation of a neural chip, a bold experiment aimed at exploring the power of REM sleep. We explore how REMspace is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking technologies designed to harness lucid dreaming, with implications that could transform mental health, education, and entertainment. Michael explains how his personal experiences shaped his vision and how his self-experimentation might pave the way for future innovations in neuroscience. We also discuss the ethical challenges that come with such advancements, including the risks of dream "hacking" and the importance of de

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Marna Ricker, EY's Global Vice Chair of Tax, to explore the intersection of emerging technologies, diversity, and the evolving landscape of global tax regulation. With over 28 years at EY, Marna is a transformational leader whose passion for authentic leadership and inclusive empowerment has not only shaped her career but also the future of the tax profession. We begin our conversation by diving into the impact of AI and generative AI on the tax industry. Marna shares insights on how these technologies are revolutionizing the way tax professionals manage and analyze vast amounts of data, automating processes that once required hours of manual effort. However, with innovation comes risk, and Marna highlights the common pitfalls that tax departments face when adopting new technologies without a clear strategy. From getting lost in the allure of shiny new tools to the importance of starting simple and focusing on data standardization, Marna offers a balanced p

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm joined by Dr. Marc Warner, the visionary founder of Faculty, a company dedicated to deploying safe AI systems that merge human expertise with artificial intelligence to deliver exceptional performance. With a rich background that spans over a decade of working with government agencies and leading brands, Marc is at the forefront of helping organizations harness the power of AI to make better decisions. Before founding Faculty, Marc was a Marie Curie Research Fellow in Physics at Harvard University, and his academic work has been featured in prestigious journals like Nature. Recently, he was one of the few London business leaders selected to attend the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park. In our conversation, Marc makes a grounded and pragmatic case for the regulation of AI, emphasizing the importance of what he terms “mundane” or sensible AI regulation. He argues that while AI is often overhyped in the short term, it represents the most significant technological transfo

  In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm joined by Jeremy Epling, the Chief Product Officer at Vanta, a leading trust management platform that has been recognized as the #1 Most Innovative Security Company of 2024 by Fast Company. Jeremy brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, with an impressive career that includes over 16 years at Microsoft and 4 years at GitHub, where he played pivotal roles in product development and innovation. Now at Vanta, Jeremy is driving the company’s AI strategy to strengthen cybersecurity and compliance for organizations of all sizes. During our discussion, Jeremy provides an insightful overview of his journey from major tech giants to his current role at Vanta. He shares how his deep-rooted passion for programming and product development led him to Vanta, where he is now focused on leveraging AI to revolutionize the way businesses approach security and compliance. With AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, Vanta’s solution

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Steven Read, an industry veteran who plays a pivotal role at adMarketplace, a company at the forefront of search advertising innovation. With over two decades of experience, adMarketplace has been instrumental in connecting high-purchase intent consumers with leading global brands like Home Depot, Wayfair, Best Buy, and Samsung through strategic, data-driven advertising. Steven brings a wealth of knowledge on how the rapidly evolving landscape of search advertising is being shaped by emerging technologies like conversational AI, large knowledge models (LKMs), and AI-driven automation. During our conversation, Steven dives into the significant challenges of integrating search ads with conversational agents, a frontier that is both promising and complex. We explore the intricate process of aligning ads with these new AI-driven interfaces, focusing on user experience, alignment, and the critical role of incrementality in measuring success. Steven shares his insi

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm joined by Vishal Garg, the dynamic CEO of Better.com, who is leading the charge to revolutionize the home buying experience. Vishal brings a wealth of knowledge about the mortgage industry and a forward-thinking perspective on how technology is reshaping the future of homeownership. Our conversation delves into his predictions for the housing market in 2024 and beyond, offering listeners an exclusive look at the trends that will define the real estate landscape in the coming years. As we discuss the housing market's current state, Vishal shares his belief that 2024 will be a year of gradual recovery, with the market poised for a strong rebound in 2025. Despite the challenges of high-interest rates and limited inventory, recent improvements in market conditions and potential rate cuts hint at a promising outlook. Vishal contrasts his optimism with more conservative projections, highlighting how recent financial indicators and a potential economic soft landing could spur

How prepared is your organization to tackle the growing threat of client-side attacks? In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I sit down with Lynn Marks, Senior Product Director at Imperva, a Thales company, to discuss the rise of Magecart attacks and the implications of the newly updated PCI DSS 4.0 standards. Client-side attacks, like Magecart, have been a looming threat since 2015, gaining significant traction as digital transformation accelerated during the global pandemic. As more businesses moved their operations online, the landscape for these attacks became increasingly fertile, putting sensitive customer data at risk. With the recent release of PCI DSS 4.0, the stakes have never been higher for organizations processing payments online. Lynn dives into the specifics of how these attacks operate, targeting vulnerable JavaScript to steal data directly from users, often without detection. We explore the key updates in PCI DSS 4.0, particularly the new requirements that demand businesses invento