Shows
Pondering AILLMs Are Useful Liars with Andriy BurkovAndriy Burkov talks down dishonest hype and sets realistic expectations for when LLMs, if properly and critically applied, are useful. Although maybe not as AI agents. Andriy and Kimberly discuss how he uses LLMs as an author; LLMs as unapologetic liars; how opaque training data impacts usability; not knowing if LLMs will save time or waste it; error-prone domains; when language fluency is useless; how expertise maximizes benefit; when some idea is better than no idea; limits of RAG; how LLMs go off the rails; why prompt engineering is not enough; using LLMs for rapid prototyping; and w...2025-06-1147 min
Pondering AIReframing Responsible AI with Ravit DotanRavit Dotan, PhD asserts that beneficial AI adoption requires clarity of purpose, good judgment, ethical leadership, and making responsibility integral to innovation. Ravit and Kimberly discuss the philosophy of science; why all algorithms incorporate values; how technical judgements centralize power; not exempting AI from established norms; when lists of risks lead us astray; wasting water, eating meat, and using AI responsibly; corporate ethics washing; patterns of ethical decoupling; reframing the relationship between responsibility and innovation; measuring what matters; and the next phase of ethical innovation in practice. Ravit Dotan, PhD is an AI et...2025-05-2859 min
Pondering AIStories We Tech with Dr. Ash WatsonDr. Ash Watson studies how stories ranging from classic Sci-Fi to modern tales invoking moral imperatives, dystopian futures and economic logic shape our views of AI. Ash and Kimberly discuss the influence of old Sci-Fi on modern tech; why we can’t escape the stories we’re told; how technology shapes society; acting in ways a machine will understand; why the language we use matters; value transference from humans to AI systems; the promise of AI’s promise; grounding AI discourse in material realities; moral imperatives and capitalizing on crises; economic investment as social logic; AI’s claims...2025-05-1447 min
Pondering AIRegulating Addictive AI with Robert MahariRobert Mahari examines the consequences of addictive intelligence, adaptive responses to regulating AI companions, and the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration. Robert and Kimberly discuss the attributes of addictive products; the allure of AI companions; AI as a prescription for loneliness; not assuming only the lonely are susceptible; regulatory constraints and gaps; individual rights and societal harms; adaptive guardrails and regulation by design; agentic self-awareness; why uncertainty doesn’t negate accountability; AI’s negative impact on the data commons; economic disincentives; interdisciplinary collaboration and future research. Robert Mahari is a JD-PhD researcher at MIT Media Lab and th...2025-04-1654 min
Pondering AIAI Literacy for All with Phaedra BoinodirisPhaedra Boinodiris minds the gap between AI access and literacy by integrating educational siloes, practicing human-centric design, and cultivating critical consumers. Phaedra and Kimberly discuss the dangerous confluence of broad AI accessibility with lagging AI literacy and accountability; coding as a bit player in AI design; data as an artifact of human experience; the need for holistic literacy; creating critical consumers; bringing everyone to the AI table; unlearning our siloed approach to education; multidisciplinary training; human-centricity in practice; why good intent isn’t enough; and the hard work required to develop good AI. Phaedra Boinodiris is I...2025-04-0243 min
Pondering AIAuditing AI with Ryan CarrierRyan Carrier trues up the benefits and costs of responsible AI while debunking misleading narratives and underscoring the positive power of the consumer collective. Ryan and Kimberly discuss the growth of AI governance; predictable resistance; the (mis)belief that safety impedes innovation; the “cost of doing business”; downside and residual risk; unacceptable business practices; regulatory trends and the law; effective disclosures and deceptive design; the value of independence; auditing as a business asset; the AI lifecycle; ethical expertise and choice; ethics boards as advisors not activists; and voting for beneficial AI with our wallets. A transc...2025-03-1952 min
Pondering AIEthical by Design with Olivia GambelinOlivia Gambelin values ethical innovation, revels in human creativity and curiosity, and advocates for AI systems that reflect and enable human values and objectives. Olivia and Kimberly discuss philogagging; us vs. “them” (i.e. AI systems) comparisons; enabling curiosity and human values; being accountable for the bombs we build - figuratively speaking; AI models as the tip of the iceberg; literacy, values-based judgement and trust; replacing proclamations with strong living values; The Values Canvas; inspired innovations; falling back in love with technology; foundational risk practices; optimism and valuing what matters. A transcript of this episode is here. Ol...2025-03-0551 min
Pondering AIThe Nature of Learning with Helen BeethamHelen Beetham isn’t waiting for an AI upgrade as she considers what higher education is for, why learning is ostensibly ripe for AI, and how to diversify our course. Helen and Kimberly discuss the purpose of higher education; the current two tribe moment; systemic effects of AI; rethinking learning; GenAI affordances; the expertise paradox; productive developmental challenges; converging on an educational norm; teachers as data laborers; the data-driven personalization myth; US edtech and instrumental pedagogy; the fantasy of AI’s teacherly behavior; students as actors in their learning; critical digital literacy; a story of future education; AI read...2025-02-1945 min
Pondering AIEthics for Engineers with Steven KeltsSteven Kelts engages engineers in ethical choice, enlivens training with role-playing, exposes organizational hazards and separates moral qualms from a duty to care. Steven and Kimberly discuss Ashley Casovan’s inspiring query; the affirmation allusion; students as stochastic parrots; when ethical sophistication backfires; limits of ethics review boards; engineers and developers as core to ethical design; assuming people are good; 4 steps of ethical decision making; inadvertent hotdog theft; organizational disincentives; simulation and role-playing in ethical training; avoiding cognitive overload; reorienting ethical responsibility; guns, ethical qualms and care; and empowering engineers to make ethical choices.Steven Kel...2025-02-0546 min
Pondering AIRighting AI with Susie AlegreSusie Alegre makes the case for prioritizing human rights and connection, taking AI systems to account, minding the right gaps, and resisting unwitting AI dependency. Susie and Kimberly discuss the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR); legal protections and access to justice; human rights laws; how court cases impact legislative will; the wicked problem of companion AI; abdicating accountability for AI systems; Stepford Wives and gynoid robots; human connection and agency; minding the wrong gaps with AI systems; AI dogs vs. AI pooper scoopers; the reality of care and legal work; writing to think; cultural heritage and c...2025-01-2246 min
Pondering AIAI Myths and Mythos with Eryk SalvaggioEryk Salvaggio articulates myths animating AI design, illustrates the nature of creativity and generated media, and artfully reframes the discourse on GenAI and art. Eryk joined Kimberly to discuss myths and metaphors in GenAI design; the illusion of control; if AI saves time and what for; not relying on futuristic AI to solve problems; the fallacy of scale; the dehumanizing narrative of human equivalence; positive biases toward AI; why asking ‘is the machine creative’ misses the mark; creative expression and meaning making; what AI generated art represents; distinguishing archives from datasets; curation as an act of care; repres...2025-01-0858 min
Pondering AIChallenging AI with Geertrui Mieke de KetelaereGeertrui Mieke de Ketelaere reflects on the uncertain trajectory of AI, whether AI is socially or environmentally sustainable, and using AI to become good ancestors. Mieke joined Kimberly to discuss the current trajectory of AI; uncertainties created by current AI applications; the potent intersection of humanlike AI and heightened social/personal anxiety; Russian nesting dolls (matryoshka) as an analogy for AI systems; challenges with open source AI; the current state of public literacy and regulation; the Safe AI Companion Collective; social and environmental sustainability; expanding our POV beyond human intelligence; and striving to become good ancestors in ou...2024-12-1847 min
Pondering AISafety by Design with Vaishnavi JVaishnavi J respects youth, advises considering the youth experience in all digital products, and asserts age-appropriate design is an underappreciated business asset. Vaishnavi joined Kimberly to discuss: the spaces youth inhabit online; the four pillars of safety by design; age-appropriate design choices; kids’ unique needs and vulnerabilities; what both digital libertarians and abstentionists get wrong; why great experiences and safety aren’t mutually exclusive; how younger cohorts perceive harm; centering youth experiences; business benefits of age-appropriate design; KOSPA and the duty of care; implications for content policy and product roadmaps; the youth experience as digital table stakes and a...2024-12-0447 min
Pondering AICritical Planning with Ron Schmelzer and Kathleen WalchKathleen Walch and Ron Schmelzer analyze AI patterns and factors hindering adoption, why AI is never ‘set it and forget it’, and the criticality of critical thinking. The dynamic duo behind Cognilytica (now PMI) join Kimberly to discuss: the seven (7) patterns of AI; fears and concerns stymying AI adoption; the tension between top-down and bottom-ups AI adoption; the AI value proposition; what differentiates CPMAI from good old-fashioned project management; AI’s Red Queen moment; critical thinking as a uniquely human skill; the DKIUW pyramid and limits of machine understanding; why you can’t sit AI out. A transcr...2024-11-2048 min
Pondering AIRelating to AI with Dr. Marisa TschoppDr. Marisa Tschopp explores our evolving, often odd, expectations for AI companions while embracing radical empathy, resisting relentless PR and trusting in humanity. Marisa and Kimberly discuss recent research into AI-based conversational agents, the limits of artificial companionship, implications for mental health therapy, the importance of radical empathy and differentiation, why users defy simplistic categorization, corporate incentives and rampant marketing gags, reasons for optimism, and retaining trust in human connections. A transcript of this episode is here. Dr. Marisa Tschopp is a Psychologist, a Human-AI Interaction Researcher at scip AG and an ardent supporter of Wo...2024-11-0641 min
Pondering AITechnical Morality with John DanaherJohn Danaher assesses how AI may reshape ethical and social norms, minds the anticipatory gap in regulation, and applies the MVPP to decide against digitizing himself. John parlayed an interest in science fiction into researching legal philosophy, emerging technology, and society. Flipping the script on ethical assessment, John identifies six (6) mechanisms by which technology may reshape ethical principles and social norms. John further illustrates the impact AI can have on decision sets and relationships. We then discuss the dilemma articulated by the aptly named anticipatory gap. In which the effort required to regulate nascent tech is proportional t...2024-09-2546 min
Pondering AIArtificial Empathy with Ben BlandBen Bland expressively explores emotive AI’s shaky scientific underpinnings, the gap between reality and perception, popular applications, and critical apprehensions. Ben exposes the scientific contention surrounding human emotion. He talks terms (emotive? empathic? not telepathic!) and outlines a spectrum of emotive applications. We discuss the powerful, often subtle, and sometimes insidious ways emotion can be leveraged. Ben explains the negative effects of perpetual positivity and why drawing clear red lines around the tech is difficult. He also addresses the qualitative sea change brought about by large language models (LLMs), implicit vs explicit design and comm...2024-09-1146 min
Pondering AIRAGging on Graphs with Philip RathlePhilip Rathle traverses from knowledge graphs to LLMs and illustrates how loading the dice with GraphRAG enhances deterministic reasoning, explainability and agency. Philip explains why knowledge graphs are a natural fit for capturing data about real-world systems. Starting with Kevin Bacon, he identifies many ‘graphy’ problems confronting us today. Philip then describes how interconnected systems benefit from the dynamism and data network effects afforded by knowledge graphs. Next, Philip provides a primer on how Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) loads the dice for large language models (LLMs). He also differentiates between vector- and graph-based RAG. Along the way...2024-08-2849 min
Pondering AIWorking with AI with Matthew SchererMatthew Scherer makes the case for bottom-up AI adoption, being OK with not using AI, innovation as a relative good, and transparently safeguarding workers’ rights. Matthew champions a worker-led approach to AI adoption in the workplace. He traverses the slippery slope from safety to surveillance and guards against unnecessarily intrusive solutions. Matthew then illustrates why AI isn’t great at making employment decisions; even in objectively data rich environments such as the NBA. He also addresses the intractable problem of bias in hiring and flawed comparisons between humans and AI. We discuss the unquantifiable dynamics of hum...2024-08-1458 min
Pondering AIChief Data Concerns with Heidi LanfordHeidi Lanford connects data to cocktails and campaigns while considering the nature of data disruption, getting from analytics to AI, and using data with confidence.Heidi studied mathematics and statistics and never looked back. Reflecting on analytics then and now, she confirms the appetite for data has never been higher. Yet adoption, momentum and focus remain evergreen barriers. Heidi issues a cocktail party challenge while discussing the core competencies of effective data leaders.Heidi believes data and CDOs are disruptive by nature. But this only matters if your business incentives are properly aligned. She revels...2024-07-0349 min
Pondering AIEthical Control and Trust with Marianna B. GanapiniMarianna B. Ganapini contemplates AI nudging, entropy as a bellwether of risk, accessible ethical assessment, ethical ROI, the limits of trust and irrational beliefs. Marianna studies how AI-driven nudging ups the ethical ante relative to autonomy and decision-making. This is a solvable problem that may still prove difficult to regulate. She posits that the level of entropy within a system correlates with risks seen and unseen. We discuss the relationship between risk and harm and why a lack of knowledge imbues moral responsibility. Marianna describes how macro-level assessments can effectively take an AI system’s temperature (risk-wise). Add...2024-06-1958 min
Pondering AIPolicy and Practice with Miriam VogelMiriam Vogel disputes AI is lawless, endorses good AI hygiene, reviews regulatory progress and pitfalls, boosts literacy and diversity, and remains net positive on AI. Miriam Vogel traverses her unforeseen path from in-house counsel to public policy innovator. Miriam acknowledges that AI systems raise some novel questions but reiterates there is much to learn from existing policies and laws. Drawing analogies to flying and driving, Miriam demonstrates the need for both standardized and context-specific guidance. Miriam and Kimberly then discuss what constitutes good AI hygiene, what meaningful transparency looks like, and why a multi-disciplinary mindset ma...2024-06-0533 min
Pondering AILearning to Unlearn with Melissa SariffodeenMelissa Sariffodeen contends learning requires unlearning, ponders human-AI relationships, prioritizes outcomes over outputs, and values the disquiet of constructive critique. Melissa artfully illustrates barriers to innovation through the eyes of a child learning to code and a seasoned driver learning to not drive. Drawing on decades of experience teaching technical skills, she identifies why AI creates new challenges for upskilling. Kimberly and Melissa then debate viewing AI systems through the lens of tools vs. relationships. An avowed lifelong learner, Melissa believes prior learnings are sometimes detrimental to innovation. Melissa therefore advocates for unlearning as a key step i...2024-05-2239 min
Pondering AIThe Power of Inquiry with Shannon Mullen O’KeefeShannon Mullen O’Keefe champions collaboration, serendipitous discovery, curious conversations, ethical leadership, and purposeful curation of our technical creations. Shannon shares her professional journey from curating leaders to innovative ideas. From lightbulbs to online dating and AI voice technology, Shannon highlights the simultaneously beautiful and nefarious applications of tech and the need to assess our creations continuously and critically. She highlights powerful insights spurred by the values and questions posed in the book 10 Moral Questions: How to Design Tech and AI Responsibly. We discuss the ‘business of business,’ consumer appetite for ethical businesses, and why conversation is the bedro...2024-05-0130 min
Pondering AIThe AI Experience with Sarah Gibbons and Kate MoranSarah Gibbons and Kate Moran riff on the experience of using current AI tools, how AI systems may change our behavior and the application of AI to human-centered design. Sarah and Kate share their non-linear paths to becoming leading user experience (UX) designers. Defining the human-centric mindset Sarah stresses that intent is design and we are all designers. Kate and Sarah then challenge teams to resist short-term problem hunting for AI alone. This leads to an energized and frank debate about the tensions created by broad availability of AI tools with “shitty” user interfaces, why conversational interfaces aren’t...2024-04-0345 min
Pondering AITech, Prosperity and Power with Simon JohnsonSimon Johnson takes on techno-optimism, the link between technology and human well-being, the law of intended consequences, the modern union remit and political will.In this sobering tour through time, Simon proves that widespread human flourishing is not intrinsic to tech innovation. He challenges the ‘productivity bandwagon’ (an economic maxim so pervasive it did not have a name) and shows that productivity and market polarization often go hand-in-hand. Simon also views big tech’s persuasive powers through the lens of OpenAI’s board debacle.Kimberly and Simon discuss the heyday of shared worker value, the commerci...2024-03-2038 min
Pondering AIRaising Robots with Professor Rose LuckinProfessor Rose Luckin provides an engaging tutorial on the opportunities, risks, and challenges of AI in education and why AI raises the bar for human learning. Acknowledging AI’s real and present risks, Rose is optimistic about the power of AI to transform education and meet the needs of diverse student populations. From adaptive learning platforms to assistive tools, Rose highlights opportunities for AI to make us smarter, supercharge learner-educator engagement and level the educational playing field. Along the way, she confronts overconfidence in AI, the temptation to offload challenging cognitive workloads and the risk of constraining a lear...2024-03-0645 min
Pondering AIThe State of Play in AI Ethics with Katrina IngramKatrina Ingram addresses AI power dynamics, regulatory floors and ethical ceilings, inevitability narratives, self-limiting predictions, and public AI education. Katrina traces her career from communications to her current pursuits in applied AI ethics. Showcasing her way with words, Katrina dissects popular AI narratives. While contemplating AI FOMO, she cautions against an engineering mentality and champions the power to say ‘no.’ Katrina contrasts buying groceries with AI solutions and describes regulations as the floor and ethics as the ceiling for responsible AI. Katrina then considers the sublimation of AI ethics into AI safety and risk management, whether Sci-Fi has le...2024-02-2139 min
Pondering AIPublic Interest, Politics and Privacy with Paulo CarvãoPaulo Carvão discusses AI’s impact on the public interest, emerging regulatory schemes, progress over perfection, and education as the lynchpin for ethical tech. In this thoughtful discussion, Paulo outlines the cultural, ideological and business factors underpinning the current data economy. An economy in which the manipulation of personal data into private corporate assets is foundational. Opting for optimism over cynicism, Paul advocates for a first principles approach to ethical development of AI and emerging tech. He argues that regulation creates a positive tension that enables innovation. Paulo examines the emerging regulatory regimes of the EU, the US an...2024-02-0745 min
Pondering AIAI at Work w/ Christina ColcloughDr. Christina Jayne Colclough reflects on AI Regulations at Work.In this capsule series, prior guests share their insights on current happenings in AI and intuitions about what to expect next.2023-12-2214 min
Pondering AIPutting Inclusion To Work w/ Giselle MotaGiselle Mota reflects on Inclusion at Work in the age of AI.In this capsule series, prior guests share their insights on current happenings in AI and intuitions about what to expect next.2023-12-2111 min
Pondering AIGAI in the Enterprise w/ Ganes KesariGanes Kesari reflects on generative AI (GAI) in the Enterprise.In this capsule series, prior guests share their insights on current happenings in AI and intuitions about what to expect next.2023-12-2010 min
Pondering AIDigital Ethics and Regulation w/ Chris McCleanChris McClean reflects on Digital Ethics and Regulation in AI today.In this capsule series, prior guests share their insights on current happenings in AI and intuitions about what to expect next.2023-12-1912 min
Pondering AIMaking Model Decisions w/ Dr. Erica ThompsonDr. Erica Thompson reflects on Making Model Decisions about and with AI.In this capsule series, prior guests share their insights on current happenings in AI and intuitions about what to expect next.To learn more, check out Erica’s book Escape from Model Land: How Mathematical Models Can Lead Us Astray and What We Can Do About It2023-12-1808 min
Pondering AIUpskilling Human Decision Making w/ Roger SpitzRoger Spitz reflects on Upskilling Human Decision Making in the age of AI.In this capsule series, prior guests share their insights on current happenings in AI and intuitions about what to expect next.To learn more, check out Roger’s book series The Definitive Guide to Thriving on Disruption2023-12-1711 min
Pondering AISystems-Thinking in AI w/ Sheryl CababaSheryl Cababa reflects on Systems Thinking in AI design.In this capsule series, prior guests share their insights on current happenings in AI and intuitions about what to expect next. To learn more, check out Sheryl’s book Closing the Loop: Systems Thinking for Designers2023-12-1613 min
Pondering AIGAI Detection and Protection w/ Ilke DemirIlke Demir reflects on Generative AI (GAI) Detection and Protection.In this capsule series, prior guests share their insights on current happenings in AI and intuitions about what to expect next.2023-12-1510 min
Pondering AILLMs and Beyond w/ Mark BishopProfessor J Mark Bishop reflects on large language models (LLM) and beyond.In this capsule series, prior guests share their insights on current happenings in AI and intuitions about what to expect next. 2023-12-1409 min
Pondering AIEnvironmental & Social Sustainability w/ Henrik Skaug SaetraHenrik Skaug Sætra reflects on Environmental and Social Sustainability with AI.In this capsule series, prior guests share their insights on current happenings in AI and intuitions about what to expect next. To learn more, check out Henrik’s latest book: Technology and Sustainable Development: The Promise and Pitfalls of Techno-Solutionism2023-12-1311 min
Pondering AIPolicymaking and Accessibility in AI w/ Yonah WelkerYonah Welker reflects on Policymaking, Inclusion and Accessibility in AI today.In this capsule series, prior guests share their insights on current happenings in AI and intuitions about what to expect next. 2023-12-1211 min
Pondering AIHuman-AI Interaction w/ Marisa TschoppMarisa Tschopp reflects on Human-AI interactions in AI. In this capsule series, prior guests share their insights on current happenings in AI and intuitions about what to expect next. 2023-12-1112 min
Pondering AIRegulatory Progress & Pitfalls w/ Patrick HallPatrick Hall drops in to provide a current take on risk, reward and regulation in AI today.In this bonus episode, Patrick reflects on the evolving state of play in AI regulations, consumer awareness and education. 2023-12-0619 min
Pondering AIAI Stories at Work with Ganes KesariGanes Kesari confronts AI hype and calls for balance, reskilling, data literacy, decision intelligence and data storytelling to adopt AI productively. Ganes reveals the reality of AI and analytics adoption in the enterprise today. Highlighting extreme divides in understanding and expectations, Ganes provides a grounded point of view on delivering sustained business value. Cautioning against a technocentric approach, Ganes discusses the role of data literacy and data translators in enabling AI adoption. Discussing common barriers to change, Kimberly and Ganes discuss growing resistance from technologists, not just end users. Ganes muses about the impact of AI...2023-05-0342 min
Pondering AIKeeping Work Human with Dr. Christina ColcloughDr. Christina Colclough addresses tech determinism, the value of human labor, managerial fuzz, collective will, digital rights, and participatory AI deployment.Christina traces the path of digital transformation and the self-sustaining narrative of tech determinism. As well as how the perceptions of the public, the C-Suite and workers (aka wage earners) diverge. Thereby highlighting the urgent need for robust public dialogue, education and collective action.Championing constructive debate, Christina decries ‘for-it-or-against-it’ views on AI and embraces the Luddite label. Kimberly and Christina discuss the value of human work, we vs. they work cultures, the divisiveness of d...2023-04-1946 min
Pondering AIPractical Ethics with Reid BlackmanReid Blackman confronts whack-a-mole approaches to AI ethics, ethical ‘do goodery,’ squishy values, moral nuance, advocacy vs. activism and overfitting for AI.Reid distinguishes AI for ‘not bad’ from AI ‘for good’ and corporate social responsibility. He describes how the language of risk creates a bridge between ethics and business. Debunking the notion of ethicists as moral priests, Reid provides practical steps for making ethics palatable and effective.Reid and Kimberly discuss developing organizational muscle to reckon with moral nuance. Reid emphasizes that disagreement and uncertainty aren’t unique to ethics. Nor do squishy value statements mak...2023-04-0546 min
Pondering AIGenerative AI: Unreal Realities with Ilke DemirIlke Demir depicts the state of generative AI, deepfakes for good, the emotional shelf life of synthesized media, and methods to identify AI-generated content.Ilke provides a primer on traditional generative models and generative AI. Outlining the fast-evolving capabilities of generative AI, she also notes their current lack of controls and transparency. Ilke then clarifies the term deepfake and highlights applications of ‘deepfakes for good.’Ilke and Kimberly discuss whether the explosion of generated imagery creates an un-reality that sets ‘perfectly imperfect’ humans up for failure. An effervescent optimist, Ilke makes a compelling case that the true...2023-03-2250 min
Pondering AIPlain Talk About Talking AI with J Mark BishopProfessor J Mark Bishop reflects on the trickiness of language, how LLMs work, why ChatGPT can’t understand, the nature of AI and emerging theories of mind.Mark explains what large language models (LLM) do and provides a quasi-technical overview of how they work. He also exposes the complications inherent in comprehending language. Mark calls for more philosophical analysis of how systems such as GPT-3 and ChatGPT replicate human knowledge. Yet, understand nothing. Noting the astonishing outputs resulting from more or less auto-completing large blocks of text, Mark cautions against being taken in by LLM’s disarming faça...2023-03-081h 06
Pondering AIIn AI We Trust with Chris McCleanChris McClean reflects on ethics vs. risk, ethically positive outcomes, the nature of trust, looking beyond ourselves, privacy at work and in the metaverse.Chris outlines the key differences between digital ethics and risk management. He emphasizes the discovery of positive outcomes as well as harms and where a data-driven approach can fall short. From there, Chris outlines a comprehensive digital ethics framework and why starting with impact is key. He then describes a pragmatic approach for making ethics accessible without sacrificing rigor.Kimberly and Chris discuss the definition of trust, the myriad reasons we...2023-02-2243 min
Pondering AIAI for Sustainable Development with Henrik Skaug SætraHenrik Skaug Sætra contends humans aren’t mere machines, assesses AI thru a sustainable development lens and weighs the effect of political imbalances and ESG.Henrik embraces human complexity. He advises against applying AI to naturally messy problems or to influence populations least able to resist. Henrik outlines how the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) can identify beneficial and marketable avenues for AI. He also describes SDG’s usefulness in ethical impact assessment. Championing affordable and equitable access to technology, Henrik shows how disparate impacts occur between individuals, groups and society. Along the way, Kimberly and Henri...2023-02-0840 min
The MachinistThe Philosophy of AI with Dr. Mark Coeckelbergh Podcast: Pondering AI (LS 31 · TOP 5% what is this?)Episode: The Philosophy of AI with Dr. Mark CoeckelberghPub date: 2022-08-03Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationDr. Mark Coeckelbergh is a Professor of Philosophy of Media and Technology, a member of the High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (EC) and the Austrian Council on Robotics and AI.In this insightful discussion, Mark explains why AI systems are not merely tools or strictly rational endeavors. He describes the challenges created when AI systems imi...2022-08-1039 min
Pondering AIThe Philosophy of AI with Dr. Mark CoeckelberghDr. Mark Coeckelbergh is a Professor of Philosophy of Media and Technology, a member of the High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (EC) and the Austrian Council on Robotics and AI.In this insightful discussion, Mark explains why AI systems are not merely tools or strictly rational endeavors. He describes the challenges created when AI systems imitate human capabilities and how human sciences help address the messy realities of AI. Mark also demonstrates how political philosophy makes conversations about multidimensional topics such as bias, fairness and freedom more productive. Kimberly and Mark discuss the difficulty with global...2022-08-0339 min
Pondering AIKeeping Science in Data Science with Patrick HallPatrick Hall is the Principal Scientist at bnh.ai.Patrick artfully illustrates how data science has become divorced from scientific rigor. At least, that is, in popular conceptions of the practice. Kimberly and Patrick discuss the pernicious influence of the McNamara Fallacy, applying the scientific method to algorithmic development and keeping an open mind without sacrificing concept validity. Patrick addresses the recent hubbub around AI sentience, cautions against using AI in social contexts and identifies the problems AI algorithms are best suited to solve. Noting AI is no different than any other mission-critical software, he outlines the...2022-07-2038 min
Pondering AISynthesizing the Future with Fernando LuciniFernando Lucini is the Global Data Science & ML Engineering Lead (aka Chief Data Scientist) at Accenture.Fernando Lucini outlines common uses for AI generated synthetic data. He emphasizes that synthetic data is a facsimile – close, but not quite real - and debunks the notion it is inherently private. Kimberly and Fernando discuss the potential pitfalls in synthetic data sets, the emergent need for standard controls, and why ensuring quality - much less fairness - is not simple. Fernando assesses the current state of the synthetic data market and the work still to be done to enable broad-scale ad...2022-07-0642 min
Pondering AIThe Future of Human Decision Making with Roger SpitzRoger Spitz is the CEO of Techistential and Chairman of the Disruptive Futures Institute.In this thought-provoking discussion, Roger discusses why neither humans nor AI systems are great at decision making in complex environments. But why humans should be. Roger unveils the insidious influence of AI systems on human decisions and why uncertainty is a pre-requisite for human choice, freedom, and agency. Kimberly and Roger discuss the implications of complexity, the rising cost of poor assumptions, and the dangerous allure of delegating too many decisions to AI-enabled machines. Outlining the AAA (antifragile, anticipatory, agile) model for decision-making...2022-06-2245 min
Pondering AIRisk vs. Rights in AI with Dorothea BaurDr. Dorothea Baur is an ethicist and independent consultant on the topics of ethics, responsibility and sustainability in tech and finance.Dorothea debunks common ethical misconceptions and explores the novel issues that arise when applying ethics to technology. Kimberly and Dorothea discuss the risks posed by risk management-based approaches to tech ethics. As well as the “unholy collision” between the pursuit of scale and universal generalization. Dorothea reluctantly gives a nod to Milton Friedman when linking ethics to material business outcomes. Along the way, Dorothea illustrates how stakeholder engagement is evolving and the power of the employee. Noti...2022-06-0836 min
Pondering AIIn AI We Trust with Marisa TschoppMarisa Tschopp is a Human-AI interaction researcher at scip AG and Co-Chair of the IEEE Agency and Trust in AI Systems Committee.Marisa answers the question ‘what is trust?' and compares trust between humans to trust in a machine. Differentiating trust from trustworthiness, Marisa emphasizes the importance of considering the context and motivation behind AI systems. Kimberly and Marisa discuss the pros and cons of endowing AI systems with human characteristics (aka anthropomorphizing) and why ‘do you trust AI?’ is the wrong question. Debunking the concept of ‘The AI’, Marisa outlines practices for calibrating trust in AI systems...2022-05-2539 min
Pondering AIAI’s World View with Dr. Erica ThompsonDr Erica Thompson is a Senior Policy Fellow in Ethics of Modelling and Simulation at the LSE Data Science Institute.Using the trusty-ish weather forecast as a starting point, Erica highlights the gaps to be minded when applying models in real-life. Kimberly and Erica discuss the role of expert judgement and intuition, the orthodoxy of data-driven cultures, models as engines not cameras, and why exposing uncertainty improves decision-making. Erica illustrates why it is so easy to become overconfident in models. She shows how value judgements are embedded in every step of model development (and hidden in math...2022-05-1140 min
Pondering AIDesigning for Human Experience with Sheryl CababaSheryl Cababa is the Chief Design Officer at Substantial where she conducts research, develops design strategies and advocates for human-centric outcomes.From the infinite scroll to Twitter edits, Sheryl illustrates how current design practices unwittingly undermine human agency. Often while delivering exactly what a user wants. She refutes the need to categorically eliminate the term ‘users’ while showing how a singular user focus has led us astray. Sheryl then outlines how systems thinking can reorient existing design practices toward human-centric outcomes. Along the way, Kimberly and Sheryl discuss the limits of empathy, the evolving ethos of unintended cons...2022-04-2740 min
Pondering AIHumanity at Scale with Kate O’NeillKate O’Neill is an executive strategist, the Founder and CEO of KO Insights, and author dedicated to improving the human experience at scale. In this paradigm-shifting discussion, Kate traces her roots from a childhood thinking heady thoughts about language and meaning to her current mission as ‘The Tech Humanist’. Following this thread, Kate illustrates why meaning is the core of what makes us human. She urges us to champion meaningful innovation and reject the notion that we are victims of a predetermined future.Challenging simplistic analysis, Kate advocates for applying multiple lenses to every situati...2021-12-1544 minPondering AIAutomation, Agency and the Future of Work with Giselle MotaGiselle Mota is a Principal Consultant for the Future of Work at ADP where she advices organizations on human agency, diversity and learning in the age of AI. In this energetic discussion, Giselle shares how navigating dyslexia spawned a passion for technology and enabling learning at work. Giselle stresses that human agency and automation are only mutually exclusive when AI is employed with the wrong end in mind. Prioritizing human experience over ‘doing more with less’ Giselle explores the impact – good and bad - of AI systems on humans at work today.While ruminating on the fut...2021-12-0142 minPondering AIGrowing Up with AI with Baroness Beeban KidronBaroness Beeban Kidron is an award-willing filmmaker, a Crossbench Peer in the UK House of Lords and the Founder and Chair of the 5Rights Foundation.In this eye-opening discussion, Beeban vividly describes how the seed for 5Rights was planted while getting up close and personal with teenagers navigating the physical and digital realms ‘In Real Life’. Beeban sounds a resounding alarm about why treating all humans as equal on the internet is regressive. As well as how existing business models have created a perfect societal storm, especially for children.Intertwining the voices of these underserved and...2021-11-1744 minPondering AIIs AI-Driven Sustainability Sustainable with Vincent de MontalivetVincent de Montalivet is the Global AI Sustainability Leader at Capgemini where he develops strategies to use AI to combat climate change and drive corporate net-zero initiatives.In this forthright discussion, Vincent charts his path from supply chain engineering to his current position at the crossroads of data, IT and sustainability. Vincent stresses this is the ‘decade of action’ and highlights cutting edge AI applications enabling the turn from simulation to accountability in real-time. Addressing fears about AI, Vincent shows how it enables rather than replaces human expertise.In that vein, Kimberly and Vincent have a fra...2021-11-0332 min
GARP Risk PodcastAddressing Bias and Fairness in AI SystemsIn this episode, we will continue with part three of a four-part series looking at Responsible AI (Listen to part one: Alternative Data in Risk Modeling and part two: Explainable/Interpretable AI). “Fairness in AI” is getting a lot of attention, especially related to credit decisioning, not only for onboarding but throughout the credit lifecycle. This episode explores the intersection of fairness and trust, demonstrates why defining - much less ensuring - fairness is more difficult than it sounds, and provides strategies organizations can use to enable fair and trustworthy AI. Learn More: From Crisis to O...2021-11-0129 minPondering AIThe Case for Humanizing Technology with David Ryan PolgarDavid Ryan Polgar is the Founder of All Tech is Human. He is a leading tech ethicist, an advocate for human-centric technology, and advisor on improving social media and crafting a better digital future. In this timely discussion, David traces his not-so-unlikely path from practicing law to being a standard bearer for the responsible technology movement. He artfully illustrates the many ways technology is altering the human experience and makes the case for “no application without representation”. Arguing that many of AI’s misguided foibles stem from a lack of imagination, David shows how all paths to...2021-10-2047 minPondering AIYour (Personal) Digital Twin with Dr. Valérie Morignat PhDDr. Valérie Morignat PhD is the CEO of Intelligent Story and a leading advisor on the creative economy. She is a true polymath working at the intersection of art, culture, and technology.In this perceptive discussion, Valérie illustrates how cultural legacies inform technology and innovation today. Tracing a path from storytelling in caves to modern Sci-Fi she proves that everything new takes (a lot of) time. Far from theoretical, Valérie shows how this philosophical understanding helps business innovators navigate the current AI landscape.Discussing the evolution of VR/AR, Valérie highlights the...2021-10-0646 minPondering AIThe Path to Zero Exclusion with Yonah WelkerYonah Welker is a technology innovator, influencer, and advocate for diversity and zero exclusion in AI. They are at the forefront of policies and applications for adaptive, assistive, and social AI. In this illuminating discussion, Yonah traces their personal journey from isolation to advocacy through technology. They are passionate about the future of AI-enabled education, healthcare, and civics. Yet caution that our current approach to inclusion is not, in fact, inclusive. While evaluating mechanisms for accountability, Yonah shares lessons learned from the European Commission’s diverse approach to technology evaluation. Yonah has an expan...2021-09-2240 minPondering AIThe Privacy Paradox with Dr. Eric Perakslis, PhDDr. Eric Perakslis, PhD is the Chief Science and Digital Officer at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. In this incisive discussion, Eric exposes the curious nature of healthcare data. He proposes treating data like a digital specimen: one that requires clear consent and protection against misuse. Expanding our view beyond the doctor’s office, Eric shows why adverse effects from data misuse can be much harder to cure than a rash. As well as our innate human tendency to focus on technology’s potential while overlooking patient vulnerabilities. While discussing current data protections, Eric lays the fo...2021-09-0831 minPondering AIAI Principles in Practice with Ansgar KoeneDr. Ansgar Koene is the Global AI Ethics and Regulatory Leader at Ernst & Young (EY), a Sr. Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham and chair of the IEEE P7003 Standard for Algorithm Bias Considerations working group. In this visionary discussion, Ansgar traces his path from robotics and computational social science to the ethics of data sharing and AI. Drawing from his wide-ranging research, Ansgar illustrates the need for true stakeholder representation; what diversity looks like in practice; and why context, critical thinking and common sense are required in AI. Describing some of the more s...2021-07-0739 minPondering AIAI: Competitor or Collaborator with Lama NachmanLama Nachman is an Intel fellow and the director of Intel’s Human & AI Systems Research Lab. She also led Intel’s Responsible AI program. Lama’s team researches how AI can be applied to deliver contextually appropriate experiences that increase accessibility and amplify human potential. In this inspirational discussion, Lama exposes the need for equity in AI, demonstrates the difficulty in empowering authentic human interaction, and why ‘Wizard of Oz’ approaches as well as a willingness to go back to the drawing board are critical. Through the lens of her work in early childh...2021-06-2338 minPondering AIBeyond Bias in AI with Shalini KantayyaShalini Kantayya is a storyteller, social activist, and filmmaker who explores challenging social topics with empathy and humor. Shalini’s film Coded Bias debunks the myth that AI algorithms are objective by nature. In this thought-provoking discussion, Shalini illustrates why film is a powerful medium for social change (hint: it’s about empathy), shares her belief that humans – not machines – must reinvent the future, and shows how inclusion and a focus on the human experience are critical to get AI right. Shalini artfully traces the inspiration for Coded Bias and the danger in ceding human auto...2021-06-0932 minPondering AIAI Education for All with Teemu RoosTeemu Roos is the lead instructor of the Elements of AI online course which has a pivotal role in Finland's unique, inclusive AI strategy. Teemu is also a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Helsinki and leader of the AI Education programme at the Finnish Center for AI.In this encouraging discussion, Teemu shares how an insatiable appetite for discovery led to a career as a ML researcher and educator. His excitement about projects ranging from astrophysics to neonatal brain development highlight AI’s endless potential and the importance of imagination and curiosity. Tee...2021-05-2629 minPondering AIAn Outlook on AI Ethics with Beena AmmanathBeena Ammanath is the Executive Director of Deloitte’s AI Institute and leads their Trustworthy AI practice. She is a seasoned executive with global cross-industry experience and has been a board member and advisor to numerous tech startups. Beena is also the founder of the non-profit Humans For AI.In this insightful discussion, Beena traces AI ethics from click-bait to operational reality. She explores the interplay between R&D, value creation and ethics and why expecting – and adapting to - the unexpected is key to trustworthy AI. Using practical examples, Beena illustrates why AI ethics go b...2021-05-1236 minPondering AIHumanity in AI with Renée CummingsRenée Cummings is a criminologist, criminal psychologist, AI ethics evangelist and data activist in residence at the University of Virginia. In this compelling discussion, Renée shares her journey from journalism to the judiciary and into AI. She articulates the power of perspective, why intersectionality and imagination are key to AI’s future, and the extraordinary good we can accomplish with AI in all domains - including policing. If, that is, we vigilantly guard against creating a future modeled only on the past. Renée is comfortable being uncomfortable and believes this is vital w...2021-04-2833 minPondering AIDiversity, Equity and Inclusion in AI with Tess PosnerTess Posner is an educator, social entrepreneur, CEO of AI-4-All and an avid advocate for diversity, inclusion and equity in the tech economy. In this inspiring and insightful discussion, Tess shares her mission to make technology and education accessible to all, inspiring work being done by rising student leaders in the AI-4-All Changemaker community, some eye-opening statistics on the state of diversity in AI, research on bias in today’s AI systems, and the importance of not letting cynicism rule the day.Tess’s passion is infectious as she explains why AI literacy and e...2021-04-1428 minPondering AIPower and Peril of AI with Michael KanaanMichael Kanaan is the author of the best-selling book T-AI and the former chairperson of AI for the U.S. Air Force, Headquarters Pentagon.In this far-reaching discussion, Michael provides perspectives on the peril of anthropomorphizing AI and how differentiating between intelligence and consciousness creates clarity. He shares his own reckoning with humility while writing T-AI, popular misconceptions about AI, where we can go awry in addressing – or not addressing – AI’s inherent dualities, pros and cons of the technology’s ready availability, and why unflinching due diligence is critical to deploying AI safely, ethically, and responsibly.Aft...2021-04-1445 min