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In this episode of Open Tech Talks, host Kashif Manzoor sits down with Emily McSherry, founder and CEO of Advise. This career development platform helps university students discover real-world careers through authentic video interviews. Emily shares her journey from recruitment and sales training to launching Advise, a platform now used by leading universities to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-life career paths. Listeners will learn how Advise uses AI-powered recommendation systems to connect students with the right content while preserving authenticity through authentic human voices. Emily discusses what makes today’s students struggle with career choices, how Gen Z approaches work differently, and how universities are adapting to the rise of Generative AI in education. The conversation explores practical lessons for founders and learners alike, from building an MVP and winning the first paying clients to maintaining emotional resilience as a startup leader. Emily also shares actionable c

In this episode of Open Tech Talks, host Kashif Manzoor speaks with Cristian Sibbles, founder of Autograph AI, a groundbreaking platform that transforms personal memories into digital legacies using Generative AI and Voice AI. Cristian shares how Autograph’s virtual interviewer “Walter” calls users weekly to record their life stories, transforming them into searchable biographies and AI-powered avatars that preserve family wisdom for future generations. From his roots in Paraguay to studying Artificial Intelligence at Stanford and working at Google, Cristian’s journey reveals how technology, storytelling, and emotion can converge to build products that outlive trends. The discussion invovlved into AI-driven memory preservation, the technical architecture of voice-based agents, and Cristian’s rapid MVP-to-market strategy, which went viral across nine countries. Listeners will learn practical insights on building AI startups with emotional purpose, designing AI-first workflows, mastering iteration velocity, and

In this episode of Open Tech Talks, host Kashif Manzoor sits down with Maurice McCabe, founder of AIASystems, AI specialist, and software architect with decades of experience in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles. Maurice shares his journey from early machine learning applications in mobile advertising to leading-edge work in Generative AI and Agentic AI systems. The conversation on the concept of the AI Factory, a framework that transforms enterprise workflows and subject-matter expertise into scalable AI startups and SaaS products. Maurice explains how his team is building real-time AI agents, avatars, and voice-based AI systems. He also introduces the ADAPT methodology, designed to help enterprises accelerate AI adoption and move beyond slow, traditional management cycles. Key insights include how to evaluate AI maturity models, integrate generative AI into an enterprise architecture, and address the security challenges posed by unstructured data. Listeners will learn practical lessons for founders, consultant

In this episode of Open Tech Talks, Kashif Manzoor is joined by Bill Kasko, founder and president of Frontline Source Group. With more than two decades in the staffing industry, Bill shares how the talent landscape is shifting as AI, Generative AI, and automation reshape hiring needs. He explains why traditional hiring requirements like expecting years of experience in a new field, don’t always match today’s AI skill sets and how organizations are adapting to this rapid evolution. Bill discusses the challenges companies face in finding AI-savvy talent, the rise of AI agents in products and workflows, and the ongoing evaluation of where AI truly saves time versus where human oversight is still required. He also offers insights into how candidates can stand out by demonstrating adaptability, sharing real project experiences, and even talking openly about failures. The conversation touches on remote vs. hybrid work trends post-COVID, the role of LinkedIn as a talent network, and why employers are taking back con

In this episode of Open Tech Talks, we delve into the critical topics of AI security, explainability, and the risks associated with agentic AI. As organizations adopt Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), ensuring safety, trust, and responsible usage becomes essential. This conversation covers how runtime protection works as a proxy between users and AI models, why explainability is key to user trust, and how cybersecurity teams are becoming central to AI innovation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI Security and eIceberg 02:45 The Evolution of AI Explainability 05:58 Runtime Protection and AI Safety 07:46 Adoption Patterns in AI Security 10:51 Agentic AI: Risks and Management 13:47 Building Effective Agentic AI Workflows 16:42 Governance and Compliance in AI 19:37 The Role of Cybersecurity in AI Innovation 22:36 Lessons Learned and Future Directions Episode # 166 Today’s Guest: Alexander Schlager, Founder and CEO of AIceberg.ai He's founded a next-generation AI cybersecurity company that’s revoluti

Today, I have brought you an expert who has invested millions in startups, and he will share insights on the evolving landscape of startup investments, particularly in the realm of generative AI. He discusses his journey from entrepreneurship to venture capital, the importance of learning from failures, and the traits that make startups successful. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring founders on how to improve their chances of success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gabriel Jorsson and Lobster Capital 02:13 The Shift to AI: Observations from Y Combinator 05:40 Investment Strategies: Beyond Y Combinator 06:22 Learning from Failures: Notable Investment Stories 09:06 Key Traits of Successful Startups 10:29 Generative AI: Trends and Insights 11:24 Evaluating Founders: Traits that Matter 11:55 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Episode # 165 Today’s Guest: Gabriel Jarrosson, Managing Partner, Lobster Capital He is the Founder and Managing Partner at Lobster Capital, with over $40 million invested in more th

In this conversation, Aarti Anand shares her journey from a traditional 9 to 5 job to becoming an entrepreneur with Kodenyx AI, focusing on how AI and automation can help businesses thrive. She discusses the importance of identifying business patterns, shares success stories of AI implementations, and highlights the challenges organizations face when adopting AI. Aarti emphasizes the importance of a proactive mindset, the significance of starting small, and the skills necessary for effective AI project management. She also highlights her current business success and future goals, showcasing the potential of AI in transforming business operations. Episode # 164 Today’s Guest: Aarti Anand, Founder, Kodenyx AI Aarti was a product leader for 15 years and one day, decided to let it all go and start Kodenyx AI. Website: Kodenyx AI YouTube: Aarti Anand What Listeners Will Learn: How to identify common business challenges through conversations with other entrepreneurs. AI and automation became tools for creating a

In this episode of OpenTechTalks.tv, we dive into the intricate world of conversational AI with Yam, the founder of Parland. Discover the challenges of managing complexity and uncertainty in AI systems, and explore the opportunities that arise with the advent of GPT-4 and beyond. Yam shares insights on the importance of control in AI development, the role of subjectivity in conversation design, and the potential pitfalls of overhyped expectations. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of AI and its impact on the tech industry. Sound Bites "I wanted to start my own company at that point." "How can we introduce more control into GenAI?" "We felt that things were really overhyped."   Episode # 163 Today’s Guest: Yam Marcovitz, Co-founder and CEO of Parlant Giorgio Natili is a tech leader, author, and advocate for fearless leadership. With over 20 years of experience, he has led teams at companies such as Amazon, Mozilla, and Capital One. Website: Parlant What Listeners Will Learn: A journey

In this conversation, Giorgio Natili discusses the significance of confidential computing in the realm of AI workflows, emphasizing its role in ensuring data sovereignty and security. He explains how confidential computing can reshape AI usage, particularly in sensitive industries like finance and healthcare. The discussion also touches on the challenges organizations face regarding data privacy and the ethical implications of AI. Natili advocates for a balanced approach where AI complements human expertise rather than replacing it, and he highlights the importance of building secure and compliant AI systems. Sound Bites "Data sovereignty is crucial in AI workflows." "AI cannot replace human beings." "The expert in the room is the human being." Episode # 162 Today’s Guest: Giorgio Natili, Vice President and Head of Engineering at Opaque Systems Giorgio Natili is a tech leader, author, and advocate for fearless leadership. With over 20 years of experience, he has led teams at companies such as Amazon, Mozilla,

Join Kashif Manzoor as he welcomes Professor Craig Mattson to discuss the transformative role of generative AI in education. They explore how AI is reshaping teaching methods, the challenges educators face, and the opportunities for personalized learning. Differences in student experiences over the past decade The role of AI in modern classrooms Balancing skepticism and optimism towards AI in education The importance of process and metacognition in teaching Insights from Craig Mattson's book, "Digital Overwhelm" Session # 161 Guest: Professor Craig Mattson, researcher and educator at Calvin University, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of education and the workplace. Connect with Craig Mattson: Website: The Mode Switch Newsletter: Weekly work culture insights Hashtags: #Education #AI #TeachingMethods #GenerativeAI Call to Action: Subscribe to OpenTechTalks.tv for more insightful discussions on technology and education.  

In this conversation, Jakub shares his insights on the evolution of AI in finance, emphasizing the importance of specialized AI agents and the need for a robust infrastructure. He discusses his transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and rewards of building a startup. Jakub also offers practical advice on team dynamics, customer acquisition, and learning AI, stressing the significance of being customer-obsessed and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the fast-paced tech landscape. Episode # 160 Today’s Guest: Jakub Polec, Head of Quant, AI/ML Research Manager for Systematic Strategies, Quant Journey He has over 23 years of experience in IT and finance, excelling in regional leadership roles at Oracle, Microsoft, France Telecom, T-Mobile, and in hedge funds. He combines a strong scientific background from the University of Warsaw and CERN with deep tech expertise. As an entrepreneur, he has successfully launched, scaled, and exited ventures in AI/ML, MLOps

Evaluating Your Generative AI Maturity From Aware to Transformative Part 2 The last three weeks' articles on the Generative AI adoption Maturity framework sparked discussion within the AI circle. Thank you for sharing your comments and feedback, and for sparking a few thought-provoking views on this topic. We have begun a journey to develop a Gen AI Maturity Model or framework as a joint effort with colleagues, friends, and leadership teams from several organizations. Earlier work: ​Where Are You on the Generative AI Maturity Curve?​ ​Generative AI Maturity Framework for Structured Guidance​ ​Why Maturity matters and levels of Gen AI Maturity model​ ​Mapping Your Generative AI Maturity From Aware to Transformative Part 1​​ We will continue the journey this week, and part 2 covers the transition from Level 4 Integrated to Level 6 Transformative. Part 1: Session# 158 Part 2: Session# 159 Complete details are available over here: https://www.otechtalks.tv/evaluating-your-generative-ai-maturity-from-aware-to-

Generative AI Adoption Maturity Model The last two weeks' articles on the Generative AI adoption Maturity framework sparked discussion within the AI circle. Thank you for sharing the comments and feedback, and even triggering a few thought-provoking views on this topic. We have started a journey to develop a Gen AI Maturity Model or framework as a joint effort with a few organizations' colleagues, friends, and leadership teams. Earlier work: ​Where Are You on the Generative AI Maturity Curve?​ ​Generative AI Maturity Framework for Structured Guidance​ ​Why Maturity matters and levels of Gen AI Maturity model​ This week, we will continue this journey: Generative AI Maturity Model Overview The model defines six sequential levels and six dimensions. The full article with the slide is available here: https://www.otechtalks.tv/mapping-your-generative-ai-maturity-from-aware-to-transformative-part-1/  

Welcome to this edition of AI Tech Circle, brought to you by Open Tech Talks, your briefing on the latest developments in AI technology, strategic deployment, and measurable impact. This week’s focus is on key takeaways from Stanford HAI’s 2025 AI Index Report, which is a comprehensive snapshot of the state of AI across investments, performance gains, enterprise integration, and national-level infrastructure initiatives. AI on the Rise: Global Momentum, Tangible Impact, and Breakthrough Performance The 2025 AI Index Report marks a clear inflection point in the AI timeline. With record-breaking capital inflows, widespread business adoption, and accelerating improvements in model capabilities, AI is no longer speculative. It’s operational. Costs are falling fast, governments are investing at scale, and productivity metrics are beginning to validate the economic promise. The era of “potential” has ended; the execution age is here. Read the full report at AI Tech Circle: https://aitechcircle.kit.com/posts/ai-on

Welcome to Open Tech Talks. This episode features Sébastien Night, Co-Founder and CEO of OneTake AI. He has a strong background in entrepreneurship, having led the Free Entrepreneur Movement, which reached hundreds of thousands across 41 countries. Today, it focuses on building an AI product from scratch, validating the idea, managing development, handling challenges with LLMs, and navigating growth and marketing as a tech founder. This is a hands-on conversation for creating, scaling or optimizing AI-powered products. This episode gives a practical look at how to take an AI product from concept to scale. From validating the idea and building the core system to managing AI challenges and marketing the product effectively, the conversation offers real lessons that apply to any founder or builder. For more structured insights on AI, product growth, and tech leadership, stay tuned to Open Tech Talks.   Episode # 156 Today’s Guest: Sébastien Night, Co-Founder, OneTake AI He is the CEO of One Take, and Before this

Welcome to your weekly AI Newsletter from AITechCircle! I'm building and implementing AI solutions and sharing everything I learn along the way... Check out the updates from this week! Please take a moment to share them with a friend or colleague who might benefit from these valuable insights! Today at a Glance: Increasing the adoption and effective use of AI and Generative AI technologies in various use cases or business processes Generative AI Use cases repository AI Weekly news and updates covering newly released LLMs Courses and events to attend How to Grow AI/Generative AI Inference? This week, I read about ​Chet Holmes’s Buyer's Pyramid​. This was my first time seeing it, and its source is 'The Larger Market Formula.' Why did this get my attention? I am linking this to the situation of the Generative AI Landscape, which is going on in the market where we all started realizing sooner enough that whatever investment is   Going on the AI Infrastructure is about what and how we will use it, and

Welcome to Open Tech Talks, where we explore AI, cybersecurity, and the evolving role of technology in businesses. In this episode, we speak with Terry Ziemniak, a Fractional CISO and Partner at TechCXO, who has worked with companies across the healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and government sectors.  The discussion covers cybersecurity risks, strategies for companies of all sizes, the challenges of adopting Generative AI, and governance frameworks for mitigating AI-related risks. Whether you’re a business leader, security professional, or AI enthusiast, this episode provides practical insights into managing security in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape. Before going further, let's understand what these Fractional Roles are: Fractional leadership is an emerging trend that allows companies to hire high-level expertise without committing to a full-time executive role. For example, Fractional CISOs provide the same security leadership as traditional CISOs. Still, they are part-time or project-based, m

Welcome to Open Tech Talks. In this episode, we’re speaking with Mayank Jindal, a Software Development Engineer, about AI's evolving landscape and its impact on software engineering. From AI use cases to challenges in model development, we cover strategies for aligning AI solutions with business needs, tips for staying updated in this fast-paced field, and career advice for aspiring developers. Whether new to AI or looking to refine your skills, this episode delivers insights you can apply immediately. Large language models (LLMs) are transforming software engineering by automating code generation, debugging, and testing. They enable developers to accelerate workflows but require engineers to upskill and adapt. While AI reduces repetitive tasks, developers need to focus on designing architectures, validating outputs, and ensuring AI-generated code meets quality standards. This episode has covered AI's evolving role, its impact on software engineering, and strategies for addressing challenges in AI development

Welcome to your weekly AI Newsletter from AITechCircle! I'm Building, Implementing AI solutions, and sharing everything I learn along the way... This week is a recap of 2024 with some of the key insights and the tools and recipes I have used or learned over the year with you as an AI community. Please take a moment to read and share this with a friend or colleague who might benefit from these valuable insights! Today at a Glance: How to start your journey of AI & Generative AI project implementations in your organization Generative AI Use Cases AI ethics and Governance AI Courses to attend Open Tech Talks with AI industry leaders Full Shownotes are available: https://aitechcircle.com/posts/2024-wrapping-up-a-year-of-shared-learning-and-growth-in-ai  

Dive into this week’s updates, and take a moment to share them with a friend or colleague who could gain from these valuable insights! Today at a Glance: AI Governance Framework AI Weekly news and updates covering newly released LLMs AI Governance Framework in Action A few months back, I had a chance to work with an organization. Their key question was, what should we be doing to ensure AI governance is in place? We had a long discussion on the AI Governance areas, starting with regulations and what any organization should be doing. I thought of expanding this topic and imagining myself as someone responsible for creating AI governance for an organization. What should I be following? So here are my steps and the artifacts for creating an AI Governance Framework or guidelines for a Model organization. I have shared these with them, and after a few sittings and conversations, an early version was ready to baseline as AI Governance Framework. I am sharing the initial work as, in reality, it was improved a lot.