• Building Agents for Innovation with Andrew Conrad
    Oct 1 2024

    summary

    In this episode, Sarah Nagle and Chad Reynolds are joined by Andrew Conrad from Vurvey to discuss the evolution and functionality of AI agents, particularly in the context of innovation and product development. They explore how agents can be built to solve specific business problems, the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in agent functionality, and the potential for agents to enhance creativity and efficiency in teams. The conversation also touches on the practical steps involved in creating agents and the future implications of AI in various industries.


    takeaways

    • Agents can solve multiple business problems beyond their initial purpose.
    • Building agents requires a clear understanding of specific use cases.
    • Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial for agent effectiveness.
    • Agents can enhance creativity and innovation within teams.
    • The process of building agents is akin to training an intern.
    • AI agents can be customized to fit specific organizational needs.
    • Collaboration with agents can lead to more efficient workflows.
    • Agents can be designed to communicate in multiple languages.
    • The ownership of data generated by agents remains with the brand.
    • The future of AI agents holds significant potential for various industries.


    Chapters

    00:00
    The Evolution of AI Agents

    04:00
    Building Agents for Innovation

    17:12
    Understanding Agent Functionality

    30:04
    Creating Agents for Specific Use Cases

    53:54
    Future of AI Agents and Their Impact

    Vurvey.com

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    57 mins
  • A Special Look Back Episode: AI Collaboration, Education, Creativity and the Future of Work
    Sep 24 2024

    summary

    In this episode, Sarah Nagle and Chad Reynolds explore the evolving role of AI as a collaborative partner, its impact on education, creativity, and the future of work. They discuss how AI can enhance problem-solving skills in students, personalize learning experiences, and assist in creative processes. They are joined by the voices from past interviews discussing the same topics.

    Chapters

    00:00
    The Evolution of AI as a Collaborative Partner

    21:08
    AI in Education: Transforming Learning Experiences

    39:15
    AI and Creativity: Enhancing or Replacing?

    45:26
    The Future of Work: Embracing AI in the Workplace

    Vurvey.com

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    55 mins
  • AI in Hollywood with Executive Producer Aisha Corpas Wynn
    Sep 17 2024

    summary

    In this episode, Sarah Nagle and Chad Reynolds discuss the evolving role of AI in the entertainment industry with guest Aisha Corpas Wynn. They explore the impact of AI on production, creativity, and job dynamics, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges it presents. Aisha shares her journey as an executive producer and her insights on how AI tools are transforming content creation, while also addressing concerns about job displacement and the ethical implications of AI in media.

    takeaways

    • The entertainment industry is experiencing significant changes due to AI.
    • AI can enhance creativity and decentralize access to production tools.
    • There are concerns about job displacement in the entertainment sector due to AI.
    • AI tools are being integrated into various stages of production and post-production.
    • The use of AI can help indie filmmakers achieve higher quality content.
    • AI's impact on jobs will vary, with some roles being eliminated and others evolving.
    • The public's acceptance of AI-generated content is still developing.
    • AI can improve marketing strategies and consumer engagement.
    • There is a need for better labeling and transparency in AI-generated content.
    • The future of AI in entertainment may include new categories for awards.

    Chapters

    00:00
    The Impact of AI on the Entertainment Industry

    11:40
    Aisha Corpas Wynn: Bridging AI and Entertainment

    28:05
    AI Tools in Production and Post-Production

    39:55
    The Future of Jobs in the Age of AI

    https://www.theaichicks.com/

    Vurvey.com

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    57 mins
  • The Craft of Coding with Matt Van Itallie from SEMA Software
    Sep 10 2024

    summary

    In this episode, Sarah Nagle and Chad Reynolds discuss the AI Speakeasy event and the introduction of non-human agents. They also talk about the challenges and benefits of using AI in different industries. They discuss the recent price increase of Canva and the use of advertising to offset the cost of AI features. They also mention a new startup that focuses on developing safe AI systems. The episode concludes with an interview with Matt Van Itallie, CEO and founder of SEMA Software, who talks about the company's code scanning and AI monitoring products. In this conversation, Sarah Nagle discusses the importance of viewing coding as a craft rather than a competition. She emphasizes the need for organizations to strategically use software development and meet their colleagues where they are. Nagle also highlights the challenges of incorporating metrics in software development and the importance of maintaining a degree of independence for developers. She explains the concept of generative AI code and its benefits and risks, emphasizing the need for human involvement in the coding process. Nagle also discusses the different types of AI tools used by developers and the trends in their usage. Finally, she shares insights on preparing students for the AI-driven world, including the importance of inspiring learning, strong reading and writing skills, and the ability to assess the accuracy of digital outputs.

    takeaways

    • The use of non-human agents can enhance collaboration and ideation
    • AI features can increase the cost of software, and advertising can be used to offset the cost
    • SEMA Software offers code scanning and AI monitoring products to assess and improve code quality
    • Open source code has benefits and risks that need to be managed View coding as a craft rather than a competition and strategically use software development in organizations.
    • Be cautious when incorporating metrics in software development, as the work is not easily reducible to numbers.
    • Maintain a degree of independence for developers and respect their expertise.
    • Generative AI code has benefits in terms of productivity and experimentation, but it also comes with risks that need to be managed.
    • There are different types of AI tools used by developers, including large-scale general-purpose LLMs and coding-specific LLMs.
    • Prepare students for the AI-driven world by inspiring their learning, developing strong reading and writing skills, and teaching them how to assess the accuracy of digital outputs.

    Learn more about SEMA at semasoftware.com

    Chapters

    00:00
    Introduction and AI Speakeasy

    03:19
    Making AI Approachable and Fun

    06:47
    Canva Price Increase and Advertising

    16:51
    SEMA Software: Code Scanning and AI Monitoring

    25:24
    Understanding Open Source Code

    29:01
    Coding as a Craft: Strategic Use of Software Development

    30:01
    The Challenges of Incorporating Metrics in Software Development

    33:23
    Understanding Generative AI Code: Benefits and Risks

    36:15
    The Importance of Independence for Developers

    43:21
    Different Types of AI Tools for Developers

    53:31
    Preparing Students for the AI-Driven World

    Vurvey.com

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    59 mins
  • Academic AI Research Meets Industry Practice with Dan Saffer from Carnegie Mellon University
    Sep 3 2024

    summary
    In this episode, Sarah Nagle and Chad Reynolds discuss the launch of AI agents in Chicago, and the upcoming AI and the Future of Us special hosted by Oprah. They also talk about Venezuelan journalists using AI avatars to bypass government censorship and the challenges of controlling AI-generated images of public figures.

    The main interview is with Dan Saffer, a designer and Assistant Professor of practice at Carnegie Mellon, who discusses the intersection of academic research and industry practice in the field of AI. The conversation explores the challenges and potential of AI-powered chatbots, focusing on the need for empathy, understanding, and collaboration between designers and engineers. It discusses the importance of context and human-like interactions in chatbot design, as well as the potential for AI to handle mundane tasks and improve user experiences. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on design education and the need for designers to develop taste and problem-solving skills. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of AI and the exciting opportunities it presents.

    takeaways

    • AI is a paradigm shift that is both fascinating and challenging to navigate.
    • AI agents are being used in Chicago to facilitate collaboration and conversation.
    • Venezuelan journalists are using AI avatars to report sensitive news and bypass government censorship.
    • Controlling AI-generated images of public figures is a complex issue that raises questions about free speech and responsible use.
    • Designing for AI requires a different approach, as human-centered design may not be effective in addressing the unique challenges of AI.
    • AI projects often fail, and it is important to consider the potential consequences and uncertainties of AI outcomes.
    • Bridging the gap between academic research and industry practice is crucial for the successful implementation of AI.
    • Tools like matchmaking can help connect AI capabilities to user needs and activities.
    • AI has implications for labor, accessibility, fairness, accountability, transparency, ethics, and understanding AI knowledge.
    • The design process for AI projects is complex and requires careful consideration at every step. AI-powered chatbots require empathy and understanding to provide meaningful interactions with users.
    • Collaboration between designers and engineers is crucial for building effective chatbots.
    • Context and human-like interactions are important considerations in chatbot design.
    • AI can handle mundane tasks and improve user experiences by automating repetitive processes.
    • Design education needs to evolve to focus on problem framing, aesthetics, and understanding organizational and user contexts.
    • The future of AI presents exciting opportunities for innovation and growth.

    Chapters

    00:00
    Introduction and Paradigm Shift of AI

    01:19
    Collaborating with AI Agents in Chicago

    03:10
    Using AI Avatars to Bypass Government Censorship

    06:26
    Controlling AI-Generated Images of Public Figures

    12:09
    Bridging the Gap Between Academic Research and Industry Practice

    18:09
    Designing for AI: A Different Approach

    19:07
    The Challenges and Uncertainties of AI Projects

    21:02
    The Implications of AI for Labor, Accessibility, and Ethics

    22:28
    Navigating the Complex Design Process for AI Projects

    27:14
    Empathy and Understanding in Chatbots

    29:10
    Building a Better Chatbot

    34:31
    Sentiment Analysis and Customer Service

    36:29
    Giving Users Choice in Chatbot Personalities

    41:42
    AI's Limitations in Problem Solving

    45:55
    Automating Mundane Tasks with AI

    53:01
    The Future of AI

    Vurvey.com

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    54 mins
  • AI Agents Reshaping Organizations with Dustin Williams from Google Cloud
    Aug 27 2024

    summary

    In this conversation, Sarah Nagle and Chad Reynolds discuss their perspective on the relationship between humans and AI, the release of new AI agents, and recent AI developments. They also interview Dustin Williams from Google Cloud, who provides insights on implementing AI projects and the importance of data pipelines. The conversation covers topics such as the reimagined Google Pixel camera feature, NVIDIA being sued for scraping YouTube videos for AI training, and OpenAI's deal with Conde Nast to train with their content. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in creating unique and novel ideas with AI. In this conversation, Sarah Nagle discusses the role of humans in AI processes and the importance of injecting human variability and context. She shares her experience using AI in her music production workflow and how she overcame the limitations of AI-generated lyrics by pushing for emergent properties. Sarah emphasizes the need for structured integration of AI into organizations and the importance of transparency and collaboration. She also predicts that the AI industry will enter a trial of disillusionment due to the flood of generic and poorly implemented AI solutions. However, she believes that the most interesting and impactful applications of AI will come from companies that have mastered complex workflows and custom models.

    takeaways

    • AI can be seen as a creative partner and a teammate that provides new capabilities and takes users to new places.
    • Implementing AI projects requires work to optimize the AI for specific tasks.
    • Data pipelines and data modeling are crucial for AI applications, allowing for the extraction of insights and the creation of fine-tuning data.
    • Creating unique and novel ideas with AI involves asking unique questions, using different mediums of expression, and building agents that can combine data in unique ways. Injecting human variability and context into AI processes can lead to more novel and creative outputs.
    • AI can be a valuable tool in music production, helping with tasks like generating lyrics and creating arrangements.
    • Structured integration of AI into organizations should prioritize transparency and collaboration, treating AI as a creative partner.
    • The AI industry may face a trial of disillusionment as poorly implemented and generic AI solutions flood the market.
    • The most impactful applications of AI will come from companies that have mastered complex workflows and developed custom models.


    Chapters

    00:00
    The Relationship Between Humans and AI

    03:02
    New AI Agents and Developments

    11:05
    Implementing AI Projects and Data Pipelines

    23:21
    Creating Unique and Novel Ideas with AI

    26:42
    The Role of Humans in AI Processes

    28:06
    AI in Music Production: Pushing for Emergent Properties

    35:01
    Structured Integration of AI into Organizations

    43:00
    The Trial of Disillusionment in the AI Industry

    49:26
    The Future of AI: Complex Workflows and Custom Models

    Vurvey.com

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    53 mins
  • From Zero to One: How AI is Reshaping Entrepreneurship with Sean Byrnes
    Aug 20 2024

    summary

    The conversation explores the AI bubble and the real impact of AI in various industries. The hosts discuss their recent AI Speak Easy event and the use of AI agents in a fun and interactive way. They also touch on the regulation of AI companies and the rise of deepfakes. The interview with Sean Burns, a venture builder and entrepreneur, delves into the role of AI talent and human talent in building successful AI businesses.

    takeaways

    • The AI bubble was real, but there is also a lot of real impact happening in various industries.
    • AI agents can be used in a fun and interactive way, such as the AI Speak Easy event.
    • Regulation of AI companies is becoming more important, with California introducing a bill to safeguard large AI models.
    • Deepfakes are being used in documentaries to bring back historical figures, but ethical questions arise.
    • AI talent and human talent are both important in building successful AI businesses, and the role of AI agents is evolving to augment human capabilities.
    • Entrepreneurs should seek advice from those who have failed in their industry to learn from their experiences.

    Chapters

    00:00
    The AI Bubble: Hype vs. Reality

    01:49
    Fun and Interactive AI Agents at the AI Speak Easy

    08:03
    Regulating AI Companies: Safeguarding Large Models

    10:00
    Deepfakes in Documentaries: Ethical Considerations

    15:23
    AI Talent vs. Human Talent: Building Successful AI Businesses

    36:44
    Learning from Failure: Advice for Entrepreneurs

    Vurvey.com

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    44 mins
  • AI's New Frontier: Chad's First-of-its-Kind Founder Agent!
    Aug 13 2024

    Summary

    We’re trying something new: an agent powered by our founder, Chad.

    In this episode of AI Powered by People, Sarah Nagle and Chad Reynolds introduce Chad's virtual agent, and discuss the benefits of creating a personalized AI agent They then engage in a segment where Chad's agent answers questions about Chad, showcasing the accuracy and usefulness of the virtual agent. Finally, Chad and Sarah collaborate with Vlad to generate a new product concept for functional mints. They also explore recent AI developments, such as OpenAI's efforts to prevent cheating using chat GPT and JP Morgan Chase giving employees access to chat GPT assistance. The hosts also discuss the potential emotional attachment users may develop with AI voices.

    Over the past few weeks, Chad packed his agent full of experiences building multiple tech businesses over the past 20 years. He even added podcast transcripts, fireside talks, and even some of his POV about consumer research, design, and technology.


    Takeaways

    • Creating a personalized AI agent can solve the problem of innovation stalls and enable immediate collaboration.
    • Recent AI developments include OpenAI's efforts to prevent cheating using chat GPT and JP Morgan Chase giving employees access to chat GPT assistance.
    • Users may develop emotional attachments to AI voices, which raises concerns and may lead to future regulations.
    • Chad's virtual agent, Vlad, accurately answers questions about Chad, showcasing the potential of personalized AI agents.
    • Collaborating with a virtual agent can lead to innovative product concepts, such as functional mints.


    Chapters

    00:00
    Introduction: The Benefits of Creating a Personalized AI Agent

    03:48
    Recent AI Developments: Cheating Prevention and Employee Access

    10:22
    The Potential for Emotional Attachment to AI Voices

    19:44
    Chad's Virtual Agent, Vlad: Accurate and Useful

    31:32
    Collaborating with Vlad: Generating a New Product Concept

    Vurvey.com

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    36 mins