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Future-Proof by CO/AI

The hosts Anthony Batt, Shane Robinson, and Francesca Vera of The Future-Proof Podcast by CO/AI offer a variety of unique perspectives stemming from their diverse backgrounds in venture-backed technology startups, Stanford MBA entrepreneurship, and advanced Stanford computer science and machine learning research. Their wide-ranging expertise allows them to delve into the rapidly accelerating impact of AI and automation across various industries. Tune in to their insightful discussions on how AI is revolutionizing business, education, the arts, and society as a whole, and gain the knowledge you need to adapt and thrive in an AI-driven world.



Future-Proof Podcast: Career & Business Essential Strategies for the AI Era

Are you ready for the future of work?


The rise of AI and automation is rapidly transforming the business landscape, impacting careers, changing how we work, and even redefining entire industries. In this podcast, we delve deep into the impact of AI on work, careers, and businesses.

Future-Proof is your guide to navigating this exciting yet complex new world. Through in-depth discussions, insightful interviews with business experts and AI practitioners, we explore both broad topics and specific, actionable insights.


Here's what you can expect:

Uncover the latest trends and developments in AI technology.Learn how AI is affecting different industries and job roles.Gain practical strategies to leverage AI for success in your career or business.Explore the ethical considerations and potential challenges of AI adoption.Hear from leading voices in the field, sharing their experiences and insights.


Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, student, or simply curious about the future of work, Future-Proof is your essential resource for staying ahead of the curve.

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Last Episode Date: 12 November 2024

Total Episodes: 21

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12 November 2024
Leaps & Steps: Understanding the Current AI Revolution Through Tech History's Biggest Transformations

Join Anthony and Francesca as they explore how technological revolutions unfold through "leaps" and "steps," using historical examples like the World Wide Web and mobile apps to contextualize our current AI moment. Drawing from their extensive tech experience, they debate whether we're still in the initial ChatGPT "leap" of late 2022 or witnessing a series of incremental steps. The discussion covers key developments in AI, from multimodality to personalization, while examining how businesses should position themselves during this transformative period. Through engaging analogies and personal anecdotes from the early days of the internet to today's AI landscape, this episode offers valuable insights for understanding where we are in the AI revolution and what might come next. Perfect for business leaders, developers, and anyone interested in technology's evolutionary patterns.TakeawaysThe concept of 'leaps and steps' helps frame AI advancements.ChatGPT marked a significant leap in AI accessibility.Generative AI is still evolving and has not yet reached its full potential.The adoption of AI technologies can be parabolic in nature.Productization is crucial for the widespread use of AI.Historical leaps in technology provide context for current AI developments.AI's integration into daily life is still in progress.Consumer experience will dictate the success of AI products.The future of AI may involve more choices for users.Understanding the timeline of technological leaps is essential for anticipating future developments. AI will become more integrated into everyday tasks.User experience will drive the adoption of AI tools.Benchmarking will lead to parity among AI models.Payment models for AI will evolve towards enterprise solutions.Personalization will enhance user engagement with AI.Agentic AI will automate complex tasks end-to-end.The leap in AI technology requires businesses to adapt quickly.More applications will emerge to solve complex problems.AI nativity will reduce the need for intermediary steps.The future of AI is about creating delightful user experiences.Chapters 00:00Leaps and Steps in AI24:50The Evolution of Generative AI30:26Productization and Consumer Experience39:36The Evolution of Payment Models in AI45:02Key Steps in the AI Leap50:40Personalization and Agentic AI56:10The Need for AI NativityJoin our community: getcoai.com Follow us on Twitter or watch us on YoutubeGet our newsletter!

59 min
26 October 2024
AI Agents: The Symphony of Tomorrow's Workflows 🤖

Step into the future as we unpack the revolutionary world of AI agents - the next frontier in how we work, live, and interact with technology. In this eye-opening episode, we explore how 2024 is becoming the defining year for AI agents, moving beyond simple chatbots to orchestrate seamless workflows that could transform everything from your daily schedule to the future of travel.Discover how these digital assistants are already quietly revolutionizing industries, from preserving native languages to reimagining hospitality experiences. Our hosts dive deep into the real-world applications that separate hype from reality, examining how AI agents communicate with each other to create a symphony of automation that works in harmony with human needs.Whether you're a tech enthusiast, industry professional, or simply curious about how AI will shape our future, this episode offers invaluable insights into:The evolution from basic AI to sophisticated agent networksHow personal AI assistants could revolutionize daily life managementThe transformation of travel and hospitality through AI innovationThe delicate balance between automation and human touchJoin us for a fascinating discussion that cuts through the marketing buzz to reveal the true potential - and challenges - of AI agents in shaping our future world.Takeaways2024 is anticipated to be the year of AI agents.AI agents integrate various models into cohesive workflows.The distinction between AI agents and traditional chatbots is significant.Real-world applications of AI agents are already in use, often unnoticed.The future of AI agents is expected to be transformative and profound.Understanding the context of AI agents is crucial for their effective use.Marketing language around AI agents can be misleading and confusing.Personal agents could revolutionize daily life management.AI agents can significantly reduce administrative burdens in professional settings.Agent-to-agent communication may redefine how tasks are completed.  AI agents could revolutionize how we manage our schedules.Automation requires seamless integration of various tools.Current AI tools need significant improvement for better performance.The future will see a symphony of AI agents working together.Voice interaction will become a common way to engage with AI.Travel experiences will be enhanced through AI-driven solutions.Pricing strategies for AI agents will evolve over time.There is potential for free AI agents supported by data monetization.AI could help preserve native languages through translation.The hospitality industry may see a shift towards AI integration.AI agents are integrating models into workflowsJoin our community: getcoai.com Follow us on Twitter or watch us on YoutubeGet our newsletter!

65 min
2 October 2024
Guest Swapnil Shinde, the CEO and Co-founder of Zeni, Discusses Revolutionizing Startup Finance with AI

Revolutionizing Startup Finance: AI Meets Human ExpertiseEver wondered how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of financial management? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Swapnil Shinde, the innovative CEO behind Zeni, who's transforming how startups handle their finances. From encountering personal frustrations with traditional bookkeeping to building a groundbreaking AI-powered platform, Swapnil shares his entrepreneurial journey that's changing the game for businesses everywhere.In this episode, you'll discover:How AI is revolutionizing financial management for modern startupsThe powerful synergy between artificial intelligence and human expertisePractical strategies for embracing AI in your business operationsWhy the future of finance is leaning towards seamless automationGame-changing insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale their financial operationsWhether you're a startup founder, finance professional, or technology enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of financial management and the transformative power of AI. Tune in to learn how the next generation of financial tools is making traditional bookkeeping obsolete while opening new possibilities for business growth.Swapnil Shinde social channels: LinkedInTwitterGet ZeniJoin our community: getcoai.com Follow us on Twitter or watch us on YoutubeGet our newsletter!

62 min
1 October 2024
Outsmarting Paperwork: Conveyor's AI Journey to Streamline Security Processes

In this episode, the hosts Anthony Batt and Shane Robinson with guest Joe Veroneau form Conveyor. "AI is totally changing the way that everyone works"  Joe Veroneau Summary  Conveyor is a company that helps automate security reviews and document sharing between companies. They use AI technology, specifically language models, to automate the process of filling out security questionnaires. This saves customers a significant amount of time and improves the quality of their responses. The company primarily works with software companies, but they have seen an increase in demand from various industries, especially as AI becomes a more important topic in security reviews. Conveyor prioritizes security and confidentiality, ensuring that customer data is protected and only accessible to authorized individuals. They also emphasize the importance of transparency and communication when using AI tools in the workplace. Conveyor is a platform that automates the process of filling out security questionnaires. They use AI models, specifically GPT-3, to generate accurate and efficient responses to the questions. The platform is designed to address two main challenges: the diversity of user profiles and personas, and the need for speed in completing questionnaires. Conveyor allows users to customize the level of control and approval required for generated answers, catering to different user preferences. The company has seen success in improving efficiency and accuracy in filling out security questionnaires, and they continue to innovate and explore new ways to leverage AI in their workflow.TakeawaysConveyor helps automate security reviews and document sharing using AI technology.Their solution saves customers a significant amount of time and improves the quality of their responses.They primarily work with software companies but have seen an increase in demand from various industries.Conveyor prioritizes security, confidentiality, transparency, and communication when using AI tools. Conveyor automates the process of filling out security questionnaires using AI models.The platform addresses the challenges of diverse user profiles and the need for speed in completing questionnaires.Conveyor allows users to customize the level of control and approval required for generated answers.The company has seen success in improving efficiency and accuracy in filling out security questionnaires.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background08:01 The Problem of Security Reviews and Document Sharing15:23 Ensuring Security and Trust with Customer Data23:36 Trends in AI Adoption and Security Reviews26:33 Time-Saving and Quality Improvement with Conveyor32:57 The Decision to Use AI Technology37:26 Product Enhancements and Considerations38:58 Designing Filters for Safety Parameters39:53 Speed and Efficiency in Questionnaires41:20 AI's Impact on Workflows42:14 Efficiency Gains with Rough Drafts49:29 Advising Other Product Teams to Embrace AI50:26 Choosing Commercial Solutions for Language Models01:03:03 Bringing Personal AI Assistants to the Workplace01:06:03 The Changing Nature of Work with AI01:10:23 The Future of AI in the Workplacehttps://www.conveyor.com/https://www.conveyor.com/customers-3/lucid-software-spends-91-less-time-on-security-questionnaires-with-conveyorJoin our community: getcoai.com Follow us on Twitter or watch us on YoutubeGet our newsletter!

74 min
28 September 2024
The Rise of the Chief AI Officer: An Insider's View of the New Executive Role

Move over, CTOs - there's a new C-suite power player in town. 🚀 In this must-listen episode, we reveal why companies are scrambling to hire Chief AI Officers and AI consultants at jaw-dropping salaries. Our hosts break down this seismic shift in corporate hierarchy, exposing the real reasons behind the AI executive boom (and why traditional tech roles might be in trouble). You'll discover what these new-age leaders actually do, whether your company needs one, and the surprising skills that could land you a coveted AI leadership position - even without a tech background. Plus: exclusive insights into the hidden world of AI consultants who are commanding $1000+ per hour. Is this the next big career opportunity, or are we in an AI bubble? Don't miss this insider's look at tech's most coveted new roles.TakeawaysAI is creating new job roles in the marketplace.The Chief AI Officer role is becoming essential for organizations.AI consultants are increasingly in demand to help businesses adapt.Specialization in AI will be crucial for competitive advantage.Companies need to balance generalist and specialist roles in AI.The consulting market for AI is projected to grow significantly.AI tools are becoming more accessible to a wider audience.Understanding AI's impact on workflow is vital for businesses.Future roles will require a blend of technical and strategic skills.Organizations must be proactive in hiring AI talent to stay competitive.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of AI in Job Market02:01 The Evolution of AI Job Roles06:41 The Role of Chief AI Officer23:03 The Rise of AI Consultants32:36 The Future of AI Roles and SpecializationJoin our community: getcoai.com Follow us on Twitter or watch us on YoutubeGet our newsletter!

77 min
14 September 2024
Selling Smarter. How new AI tools are Empowering Sales Teams

In this episode of the Future Proof Podcast by CO/AI, Anthony, Shane, and Elizabeth discuss the transformative impact of AI on sales processes and e-commerce. They explore various AI tools like Seamless and Wallaxi, emphasizing the importance of data enrichment and automation in outreach efforts. The conversation highlights the competitive edge that AI-native companies have over traditional businesses, the evolving landscape of customer interactions, and the potential for AI to streamline workflows and enhance personalization in sales. The hosts encourage companies to embrace AI technologies to stay relevant and competitive in the market.Takeaways- Elizabeth has a diverse background in sales and marketing.- Seamless AI is effective for data enrichment and lead generation.- Automation tools like Wallaxi improve LinkedIn outreach. - Generative AI can enhance email personalization in sales.- Make.com allows for complex workflow automation with AI.- AI is reshaping the e-commerce landscape significantly.- Companies need to leverage their existing data for AI success.- AI-native companies may outperform traditional businesses due to agility.- The integration of AI in sales can lead to better customer experiences.- Investing in AI is crucial for future business success.Review our AI Sales we are tracking on CO/AI https://getcoai.com/the-best-ai-sales...Join our community: getcoai.com (https://www.getcoai.com)Follow us on Twitter (  / getcoai  )Get our newsletter (https://coai.beehiiv.com/subscribe)Join our community: getcoai.com Follow us on Twitter or watch us on YoutubeGet our newsletter!

62 min
2 September 2024
Balancing AI Tools with Human Connection - COAI Future Proof Podcast

In this episode, the hosts Anthony Batt, Shane Robinson and Francesca Vera discuss the role of AI in wearables and the potential future of these devices. They explore the different types of wearables available, such as fitness trackers and smart glasses, and how AI is integrated into them. The conversation touches on topics like privacy concerns, the balance between convenience and data collection, and the potential for wearables to become more agentic and proactive in assisting users. They also discuss the fashion aspect of wearables and the importance of design and user experience. The conversation explores the potential of AI wearables to act as companions and coaches, rather than just productivity tools. The demand for companionship and encouragement from chatbots is already high, and it may even surpass the demand for productivity solutions. However, there are limitations to chatbots, such as the inability to provide real-time information and the copy-paste fatigue experienced by users. The open-source nature of some models allows for community engagement and the potential for improvement. The conversation also touches on the future of AI language models, where they may become indistinguishable from human writers. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss their wishlist for AI tools and features that they would like to see. They mention the importance of AI advancements in the medical field, the need for AI agents to automate complex workflows, and the potential for language translation wearables. They also touch on the challenges of planning group trips and events, and the value of human connection in language learning and communication. Overall, the hosts emphasize the importance of considering the human aspect and not becoming over-reliant on technology.TakeawaysWearables, such as fitness trackers and smart glasses, are incorporating AI to provide more personalized and proactive experiences for users. There is a race among big tech companies and startups to integrate AI models into wearables, enabling features like voice assistants and personalized recommendations.Privacy concerns arise with the constant data collection and recording capabilities of wearables, and finding the right balance between convenience and privacy is a challenge.The fashion aspect of wearables is becoming increasingly important, with collaborations between tech companies and fashion brands to create stylish and discreet devices.The future of wearables may involve more agentic AI that can anticipate users' needs and provide proactive assistance, but there are concerns about becoming too reliant on technology. AI wearables have the potential to act as companions and coaches, providing encouragement and companionship to users.The demand for companionship from chatbots is high, and it may surpass the demand for productivity solutions.Chatbots have limitations, such as the inability to provide real-time information and the copy-paste fatigue experienced by users.Open-source models allow for community engagement and the potential for improvement.The future of AI language models may involve them becoming indistinguishable from human writers. Advancements in AI and ML are crucial for solving real medical problems and improving patient care.AI agents that can automate complex workflows and handle multiple systems would greatly benefit office workers and improve productivity.Language translation wearables have the potential to enhance communication by removing barriers and enabling seamless interaction.Join our community: getcoai.com Follow us on Twitter or watch us on YoutubeGet our newsletter!

86 min
13 August 2024
CO/AI - Building A Community of AI Learning and Collaboration

In this episode, the Future Proof Podcast team takes a step back to reflect on their own journeys and how they ended up in the field of AI. Anthony shares his background in software development and his early fascination with AI. Shane discusses his experience in the military and his transition to technology through Wall Street and Stanford Business School. Francesca talks about her love for AI research and her academic journey in computer science at Stanford University. They also discuss the importance of curiosity, self-guided learning, and the need to make AI accessible to non-technical people. CO/AI is a community platform that aims to teach people practical strategies to succeed in the AI industry. It provides news, research summaries, and a directory of AI tools. The mission of CO/AI is to create a fair innovation ecosystem and help AI companies succeed. The community is an important aspect ofCO/AI, with a focus on learning and collaboration. The team intentionally includes young people, particularly undergraduates, to bring fresh perspectives and build the company using AI tools. The goal is to create a community where members can learn, contribute, and connect with others in the AI industry. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the importance of community in their Slack workspace and the future plans to create a public-facing community. They also talk about the value of feedback from the community in product development. The hosts mention their vision of becoming a Stack Overflow-like resource for professionals and the need for a seamless workflow between AI tools. They share their excitement for sports, playing tennis and pickleball, and the mental fortitude of competitive athletes. The hosts also mention upcoming trips and events they are looking forward to.TakeawaysThe team members come from diverse backgrounds, including software development, military, and AI research.Curiosity and self-guided learning are key traits that have shaped their journeys in AI.The team believes that AI should be accessible to non-technical people and aims to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical individuals.They emphasize the importance of making AI understandable and approachable for everyone. CoAI is a platform that provides practical strategies for success in the AI industry.The community is an important aspect of CoAI, fostering learning and collaboration.The team intentionally includes young people, particularly undergraduates, to bring fresh perspectives and build the company using AI tools.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting02:58 Reflecting on Personal Journeys10:23 The Power of Curiosity and Self-Guided Learning19:02 Making AI Accessible to Non-Technical People23:56 The Importance of Understanding AI36:36 Introduction to CoAI and its Mission39:22 Practical Strategies for Success in the AI Industry41:26 The CoAI Platform: News, Research Summaries, and Directory48:49 Creating a Fair Innovation Ecosystem for AI Companies01:06:11 Building a Community of Learning and Collaboration01:09:06 The Importance of Including Young People in the CoAI Community01:14:29 Building a Strong Community01:18:15 Creating a Stack Overflow for Professionals01:32:42 The Need for a Seamless Workflow01:39:48 The Excitement of Sports01:41:33 Upcoming Trips and EventsJoin our community: getcoai.com Follow us on Twitter or watch us on YoutubeGet our newsletter!

105 min
2 August 2024
The Pop Culture Phenomenon of AI

Future-Proof Podcast by CO/AI SummaryIn this conversation, Anthony, Francesca, and Shane discuss the current state of AI research and productization. They explore the history of AI products and how AI has become a pop culture phenomenon. They also discuss the changing landscape of AI research, the compression of research findings, and the increasing accessibility of AI research to different disciplines. The conversation highlights the importance of bridging the gap between research and commercialization, and the potential for millions of creators to emerge in the AI space. They also touch on the characteristics of a great AI product, including a low learning curve, problem-solving capabilities, and a delightful user experience. The conversation explores the features and future of AI products. The key themes include the ease of use, UI/UX design, integration into existing workflows, and specificity to cater to different user personas. The discussion highlights the importance of clear communication and prompt engineering in utilizing AI tools effectively. It also emphasizes the potential for domain specialists to leverage AI tools in their respective fields. The conversation concludes with the optimism that innovation in AI products can come from anywhere, and there is ample room for growth and opportunity.TakeawaysAI has become a pop culture phenomenon, with the introduction of user-friendly commercial AI products like chat GPTAI research is no longer limited to computer science, but is happening in various disciplines and industriesThe compression of AI research has led to increased accessibility and signposting of research findingsThe future of AI lies in the productization of research, with millions of creators emerging to build innovative AI productsA great AI product should have a low learning curve, solve a problem effectively, and provide a delightful user experience AI products should prioritize ease of use and have intuitive UI/UX design to appeal to a wide range of users.Integration into existing workflows and ecosystems is crucial for the seamless adoption of AI tools.Specificity and tailoring AI products to cater to different user personas and domains can provide unique value.Clear communication and prompt engineering are essential for effectively utilizing AI tools.Domain specialists have the opportunity to leverage AI tools to innovate and enhance their respective fields.Innovation in AI products can come from anywhere, and there is ample room for growth and opportunity.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Weather Update02:58 - The History of AI Products and the Productization of Research07:24 - The Progression from Research to Commercialization11:02 - The Changing Landscape of AI Research17:05 - The Convergence of Research and Productization25:11 - The Future of AI: Productization and the Rise of Creators37:29 - Characteristics of a Great AI Product40:38 - The Importance of Ease of Use and UI/UX Design43:33 - Integration into Existing Workflows46:23 - The Power of Specificity51:42 - Clear Communication and Prompt Engineering55:04 - Domain Specialists: Leveraging AI Tools01:02:11 - The Future of AI ProductsJoin our community: getcoai.com Follow us on Twitter or watch us on YoutubeGet our newsletter!

72 min
28 July 2024
The Impact of AI on Jobs in the Creative Industry

In this episode, the hosts: Shane Robinson, Francesca Vera and Anthony Batt discuss the impact of AI in the creative industry, specifically in advertising, film and television, and fashion. They explore how AI tools like Gen.ai can assist in the creative process, from generating images to editing and enhancing them. The hosts also discuss the potential impact of AI on jobs in the creative industry, with some jobs being replaced by AI tools while others require human intervention and curation. They highlight the importance of judgment and taste in the creative process and how AI can augment human creativity. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of AI in social media and other creative domains. The conversation explores the impact of AI on the creative industry, particularly in the areas of image generation, music, and advertising. It discusses the potential of AI to enhance creativity and provide new opportunities for artists, while also raising concerns about the authenticity and ethical implications of AI-generated content. The conversation touches on the role of social media platforms in addressing the misuse of AI and the need for smart regulation. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of human judgment and the coexistence of AI and human creativity in the future.TakeawaysAI tools like Gen.ai are making an impact in the creative industry, assisting in generating and editing images for advertising, film, television, and fashion.The use of AI in the creative process can lower the barrier to creation and empower individuals with limited formal training to produce creative content.While some jobs in the creative industry may be replaced by AI tools, others require human intervention and curation, particularly in the areas of judgment and taste.The future of AI in the creative industry may involve a combination of AI-assisted innovation, human-made premium content, and machines monopolizing creativity.AI is also influencing the content creation process in social media, where understanding and playing the algorithm game is crucial for success. AI has the potential to enhance creativity and provide new opportunities for artists in various industries.There are concerns about the authenticity and ethical implications of AI-generated content, particularly in social media.Smart regulation is needed to address the misuse of AI and protect against harmful consequences.Human judgment and creativity will continue to play a crucial role alongside AI in the creative industry.Familiarizing oneself with AI tools and developments is important for professionals in the creative space.Join our community: getcoai.com Follow us on Twitter or watch us on YoutubeGet our newsletter!

85 min
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