Alexa's Input (AI)

In this episode of Alexa's Input (AI) Podcast, host Alexa Griffith sits down with Liana Tomescu, founder of Sonny Labs and host of the AI Hacks podcast. Dive into the world of AI security and compliance as Liana shares her journey from Microsoft to founding her own company. Discover the challenges and opportunities in making AI applications secure and compliant, and learn about the latest in AI regulations, including the EU AI Act. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or a tech professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AI technology.LinksSonnyLabs Website: https://sonnylabs.ai/SonnyLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonnylabs-ai/Liana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liana-anca-tomescu/Alexa's LinksLinkTree: https://linktr.ee/alexagriffithAlexa’s Input YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffithWebsite: https://alexagriffith.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/Substack: https://alexasinput.substack.com/KeywordsAI security, compliance, female founder, Sunny Labs, EU AI Act, cybersecurity, prompt injection, AI agents, technology innovation, startup journeyChapters00:00 Introduction to Liana Tomescu and Sunny Labs02:53 The Journey of a Female Founder in Tech05:49 From Microsoft to Startup: The Transition09:04 Exploring AI Security and Compliance11:41 The Role of Curiosity in Entrepreneurship14:52 Understanding Sunny Labs and Its Mission17:52 The Importance of Community and Networking20:42 MCP: Model Context Protocol Explained23:54 Security Risks in AI and MCP Servers27:03 The Future of AI Security and Compliance38:25 Understanding Prompt Injection Risks45:34 The Shadow AI Phenomenon45:48 Navigating the EU AI Act52:28 Banned and High-Risk AI Practices01:00:43 Implementing AI Security Measures01:17:28 Exploring AI Security Training

In this episode, Alexa welcomes Swagat Kulkarni, a Senior Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services, to discuss the intersection of AI, cloud innovation, and enterprise reality. Swagat shares his experience guiding large-scale digital transformations, emphasizing that success often hinges on people and culture, not just technology. They explore the rise of agentic AI, the challenges of moving from proof-of-concept to production , and the surprisingly crucial skill every tech leader needs: storytelling. Tune in to find out more about how to architect resilient systems that balance innovation with reality and why the future of tech depends on our ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn.You can also watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffithAnd listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tnV8Qk6SEw1Dr9Tqikr0H?si=ecU279HXTSa9issXm1jVmQLinksLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swagat-kulkarni/Blog: https://builder.aws.com/content/2eYN4c5L59qvGZY65RBcdoVtN4t/envoy-ai-gateway-with-amazon-bedrock-getting-started-guideKeywordsAI, digital transformation, cloud computing, agentic AI, storytelling, solutions architect, AWS, technology adoption, open source, innovationTakeawaysDigital transformation is about creating agility in organizations.Storytelling is crucial for conveying technical concepts to customers.AI adoption requires a clear understanding of the problems to solve.Simplicity in architecture leads to better outcomes.Cultural shifts are essential for successful digital transformation.Open source technologies can accelerate innovation.Customer feedback drives AWS's service development.Continuous learning is vital in the tech industry.Data readiness is critical for AI success.Leadership buy-in is necessary for transformation projects.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI and Digital Transformation02:26 Swagat Kulkarni's Journey in Tech05:24 Role of a Solutions Architect at AWS08:13 The Importance of Storytelling in Tech11:10 Understanding Digital Transformation15:05 Successful Transformation Projects17:09 Agentic AI and Its Real-World Applications20:13 Challenges in Adopting Agentic AI24:05 Customer Feedback and AWS's Approach29:59 Success Factors in Digital Transformation32:53 Embracing a Technology Mindset34:31 The Role of Leadership in Innovation35:40 Surprises in Customer Awareness37:52 Knowledge Sharing Dynamics in Organizations39:26 Cultural Shifts in Knowledge Sharing40:33 Exciting Tools for Developer Efficiency42:48 Misconceptions in AI Adoption44:33 Designing Resilient Architectures47:27 Feedback Loops and Continuous Improvement49:03 The Value of Open Source51:11 The Importance of Documentation in Open Source52:37 The Power of Storytelling in Tech57:12 Quickfire Questions and Final Thoughts01:00:21 general_outro.wav

In this episode of Alexa’s Input AI, I sit down with Cenk Sidar, founder and CEO of Enquire AI, a platform that blends +75,000 vetted experts with generative AI to deliver decision-ready insights. We talk about how AI is reshaping our work, why proprietary data and unique workflows matter more than ever, and what it means to build models that combine AI with human judgment. Cenk also shares the story of starting Enquire AI, how expert interviews became automated through AI agents, and why the last 2% of wisdom still belongs to people.Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffithMake sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (⁠⁠https://x.com/alexasinput⁠⁠)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out.SummaryIn this conversation, Cenk Sidar, founder and CEO of Enquire AI, discusses his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of his platform, which combines human expertise with AI to provide insights for market research. He explains the necessity of integrating AI into expert consultation, the unique functionalities of Enquire AI, and the future of human expertise in an AI-driven world. The discussion also touches on the recent funding round for Enquire AI and its implications for the company's growth.TakeawaysCenk Sidar's entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity.Enquire AI connects organizations with experts using AI.The platform evolved from a global policy consultancy to a broader expertise provider.AI integration enhances the quality and speed of insights.Human expertise remains crucial in interpreting data and making decisions.The competitive landscape for knowledge professionals is changing due to AI.AI tools can augment human capabilities but cannot replace wisdom.The importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the AI era.Funding will help Enquire AI expand its capabilities and reach.Observing market trends is essential for innovation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Enquire AI and Its Vision02:11 Cenk Sidar‘s Entrepreneurial Journey08:23 Understanding Enquire AI's Functionality11:59 The Value of Expert Insights in Today's Market20:26 Integrating Gen AI with Expert Consultation27:38 Evolution of Enquire AI and Decision-Making Process32:36 Key Components for Success in Gen AI36:11 Innovative AI Interview Features40:56 The Hierarchy of Insight and Wisdom46:24 The Last Mile of Analysis50:42 The Future of Work in the Age of AI54:26 Expanding AI Research Capabilities

In this episode, Matt Biringer shares his journey from a successful career in tech sales to founding North Cloud, an AI-powered platform designed to optimize cloud finances. He talks about the hurdles and prospects in the cloud optimization market, the role of sales skills in leadership, and how he maintains mental clarity by practicing jiu-jitsu. Matt also discusses North Cloud's unique features, like its Green Ops sustainability initiative, and explains how he developed a client-retention strategy through a savings-fee model. This is a great listen and was an enjoyable interview for me - Matt has an impressive story and insights. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tnV8Qk6SEw1Dr9Tqikr0HWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffithYou can now watch on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Find more from this podcast at https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/You can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (⁠⁠https://x.com/alexasinput⁠⁠)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out.LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbiringer/North Cloud Website: https://www.north.cloud/aboutX: https://x.com/biringer_Blogs, ArticlesInnovation with Purpose: Matt Biringer of North On The World’s Most Successful Purpose-Driven Business Models5 FinOps Strategies Every DevOps Team Should AdoptKeywordsAI, cloud optimization, startup, entrepreneurship, North Cloud, FinOps, sustainability, technology, leadership, business strategyTakeawaysMatt Beringer transitioned from a successful tech sales career to entrepreneurship.The idea for North Cloud emerged from recognizing the complexities of cloud financial management.Sales skills are crucial for startup founders, especially in revenue generation.The pressure to maintain growth in a startup can be intense and self-imposed.Practicing jiu-jitsu provides mental clarity and decision-making skills.North Cloud serves as an AI operating system for optimizing cloud finances.Cloud providers often lack incentives to help customers optimize costs effectively.Data analysis is key to understanding cloud usage and costs.Green Ops aims to help companies manage their carbon footprint in the cloud.The future of FinOps will involve multi-cloud strategies and AI-driven solutions.Chapters00:00 The Leap of Faith: Leaving a Successful Career03:30 Identifying Opportunities in Cloud Optimization06:32 Understanding the Cloud Cost Landscape09:37 Sales Skills that Shape a Startup CEO12:31 The Balancing Act of Startup Growth15:29 Mental Resilience Through Jujitsu18:34 Introducing North Cloud: The AI Solution21:23 Data-Driven Decisions for Cloud Savings24:26 Ensuring Security in Cloud Management34:41 Harnessing Historical Data for Immediate Insights36:29 User Experience and Simplifying Adoption39:35 Innovative Pricing Models and Customer Relationships42:08 The Importance of Sustainability in Cloud Operations53:53 The Future of FinOps and AI Integration56:29 Building a Strong Team and Overcoming Knowledge Gaps01:00:52 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs01:03:22 general_outro.wav

In this episode of Alexa's Input (AI), Laura Smith, Principal at ILO Group - a women-owned education strategy and policy firm, joins host Alexa Griffith to delve into the transformative impact of AI in K-12 education. We explore how AI is reshaping classrooms, enhancing personalized learning, and streamlining administrative tasks. Laura shares insights on the challenges and opportunities AI presents for educators and students alike. Discover how AI tools are being integrated responsibly to support teaching and learning, and what the future holds for AI in education. Tune in to understand the balance between innovation and responsibility in this rapidly evolving field.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tnV8Qk6SEw1Dr9Tqikr0HWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffithYou can now watch on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠! Find more from this podcast at https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/You can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (⁠https://x.com/alexasinput⁠)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out.KeywordsAI in education, K-12, AI implementation, education technology, stakeholder engagement, data security, AI adoption trends, responsible AI, educational initiatives, technology in classroomsTakeawaysAI is transforming education and requires careful implementation.Stakeholder engagement is crucial for successful AI integration.There are risks associated with AI that need to be managed.Professional learning is essential for educators using AI tools.Community feedback shapes how AI is used in schools.Different states have varying approaches to AI in education.Data security is a significant concern with AI technologies.AI can enhance operational efficiency in educational settings.Establishing clear guidelines for AI use is necessary.The landscape of AI in education is rapidly evolving. Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI in Education01:22 Navigating AI Implementation in Schools03:12 Current Landscape of AI in Education05:38 Vision-Driven AI Adoption08:28 Key Initiatives for AI Integration10:45 Overcoming Technological Barriers11:45 Evolution of AI in Education12:43 Shifts in Educational Approaches to AI14:38 Diverse Perspectives on AI Usage17:56 Challenges in AI Integration19:48 Understanding Data Security Risks23:10 Engaging Stakeholders in AI Discussions25:03 Balancing Innovation with Responsibility26:57 Product Evaluation and Selection28:47 Successful AI Applications in Schools

In this conversation, Adam Anzuoni, co-founder of an AI onboarding automation startup SimpleStack, shares his journey in the tech industry, discussing his experiences as a CTO and the lessons learned that led to the creation of SimpleStack. We discuss the challenges faced by fast-growing startups in managing their tech stack, how SimpleStack aims to simplify user provisioning and authentication, the integration of AI agents in business processes, the importance of knowledge sharing in tech, and more! This is a great listen for those interested in learning more about building AI solutions, the startup path, and leadershipListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tnV8Qk6SEw1Dr9Tqikr0HWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffithLinks: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamanz/Substack: https://substack.com/@adamanzuoniSimpleStack LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mysimplestack/about/SimpleStack Website: https://mysimplestack.com/You can now watch on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠! Find more from this podcast at https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/You can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://x.com/alexasinput)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Adam Anzoni and SimpleStack01:24 Adam's Journey in Tech and Lessons Learned02:40 Launch Experience at Google Cloud Next06:14 Transitioning from CTO to Co-Founder07:47 Understanding SimpleStack's Purpose and Problem Solving10:12 Identifying Market Gaps and Competitors12:49 Target Audience and User Experience15:54 Challenges in Building SimpleStack17:32 Design Principles and Customer Feedback18:53 Building Team Culture and Hiring Plans22:06 Finding a Co-Founder and Networking Benefits26:31 Investment Strategies and Future Plans27:29 Leveraging AI for Enterprise Solutions29:21 The Role of Leadership in Tech31:09 Educating the Community on AI34:29 The Evolution of AI Agents39:02 Automating Onboarding Processes42:31 Building Trust in AI Technologies48:09 Future of AI Integration51:39 Roadmap for SimpleStack's Growth

In this episode of Alexa’s Input (AI), Sabih Siddiqi, a former Big Law litigator turned legal tech founder, joins to explore the future of AI in law. Sabih spent seven years navigating the complexities of dispute resolution and transactional work before launching Iqidis, a startup on a mission to build the “legal operating system” for modern lawyers.We talk about: • What other legal AI tools get wrong — and how Iqidis is different • The risks and rewards of leaving a successful legal career to build a startup • How legal practice is evolving with AI-powered associates • Why small firms are leading the AI adoption curve • What it means to truly build “by lawyers, for lawyers”Whether you’re a founder, a legal professional, or just curious about how AI is reshaping traditionally risk-averse industries, this one’s for you.Links:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabihsid/Iqidis Website: https://iqidis.ai/You can now watch on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠! Find more from this podcast at https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/You can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input Twitter account⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out.

On this episode of Alexa’s Input (AI) with Demetrios Brinkmann, leader of the ML Ops Community, talks about the rise of AI agents, why real communities matter more than influencer hype, and how AI’s economics are shifting in surprising ways. We dive into what makes agent UX so tricky, why the cost of AI answers is going up even as token prices fall, and why 2025 is the “year of the agent.” Demetrios also shares advice on creating real impact in AI today - and why now’s the time to share your expertise.You can now watch on ⁠YouTube⁠! Find more from this podcast at https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/You can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input Twitter account⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out.

In this episode of Alexa’s Input (AI), I’m joined by Max Körbächer, Managing Director & Founder of Liquid Reply and author of Platform Engineering for Architects. We cover the real-world challenges of platform engineering, from treating platforms as products to cloud migrations and AI integration. Max also shares insights on the Linux Foundation’s open source efforts, the push for environmental sustainability in tech, how workplace dynamics are evolving with the next generation of engineers, and much more!You can now watch on YouTube! Find more from this podcast at https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxkoerbaecher/Company: https://liquidreply.net/en/Book: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1836203594/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_8ZJWYNK7C2CW0KHX8C5M?skipTwisterOG=1You can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input Twitter account⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out.

On this episode of Alexa’s Input (AI), we’re diving deep into the world of distributed databases with Patrick McFadin, Principal Technical Strategist at DataStax and a leading voice in the Apache Cassandra community. Patrick shares his journey into tech and how he became one of the foremost experts on Cassandra—an open-source, highly scalable NoSQL database that powers mission-critical applications across the globe.We explore Cassandra’s unique architecture, its approach to the CAP theorem, real-world use cases, and how it continues to evolve in the era of AI and real-time analytics. Whether you’re a developer, architect, or just database-curious, this episode offers a clear, insightful look at how Cassandra handles scale, availability, and open-source innovation.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcfadin-53a8046/DataStax: https://www.datastax.com/our-people/patrick-mcfadinX: https://x.com/patrickmcfadinGithub: https://github.com/pmcfadinYou can support this podcast on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creators page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure to subscribe and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexa's Input Twitter account⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get notified when a new podcast episode comes out.