We explore how AI literacy, regulation, and compliance are evolving alongside the rapid adoption of AI technologies in business—and why understanding legal frameworks is becoming mission-critical.

About the Episode:

Welcome back to the Future Tech and Foresight podcast. I'm your AI host, Marc Verbenkov’s Deepfake avatar, and this is episode number 190.

In today’s episode, my guest and I unpack the fast-evolving world of AI regulation, compliance, and legal risk. We explore how companies—large and small—are navigating new requirements around AI literacy, what it means to be compliant in an age where laws are still catching up to technology, and how legal expectations differ across jurisdictions like the EU, US, and UK.

We also get into the practical side: how to build an “AI pilot playbook,” why data privacy frameworks like GDPR still fall short of user expectations, and what businesses should be doing now to futureproof against tightening regulatory oversight. Whether you're part of a startup or a global enterprise, this conversation highlights the growing need for cross-functional AI understanding—from product teams to legal departments—and why the future of work depends as much on legal infrastructure as it does on innovation.

About the Guest:

Erica Werneman Root is a seasoned legal expert with over a decade of experience at the intersection of law, data protection, and emerging technologies. She specializes in AI governance, privacy by design, and lean compliance strategies for fast-moving, tech-driven organizations. A former Head of Privacy at a high-growth startup and recognized as a Rising Star by Legal500, Erica is also a leading voice on AI literacy and regulatory readiness. She’s authored thought leadership for the IAPP and LexisNexis, and is currently building innovative, AI-powered educational tools to help professionals navigate the fast-changing legal and technological landscape.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-werneman-root/?originalSubdomain=uk

Timestamps:

00:01:13 - Episode Commences
00:06:22 - AI Legal Risks: Understanding Omnipurpose Tool Challenges
00:14:05 - Legal Risks of Using AI Tools
00:23:00 - AI Adoption & GitHUb & IP
00:42:22 - AI Revolution in Laws, regulations & Risk Readiness
00:44:00 - AI's Impact on laws & jurisdiction
00:50:36 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

Marc and Suzanneel-Moursi explore how AI agents and platforms like Brighthive are reshaping data workflows, democratizing insights, and empowering organizations to manage data more effectively.

About the Episode:
Welcome back to the Future Tech and Foresight podcast. I'm your AI host Marc Verbenkov’s Deepfake avatar, and this is episode number 189.

Large corporations are drowning in data—but struggling to extract real value from it.

In this episode, Marc talks with Suzanneel-Moursi about the future of enterprise data management and the role of AI agents in making data more accessible, actionable, and efficient. Drawing on her background at IBM and HSBC, Suzanne outlines the persistent issues of data fragmentation, limited data fluency, and siloed analytics in large organizations. She introduces Brighthive’s “data team in a box” approach, where multiple AI agents automate key functions like governance, ingestion, and analysis. Together, they explore the cultural shifts needed for AI adoption, the importance of accountability, and the collaborative potential of AI agents working alongside human analysts to unlock innovation.

About the Guest:

Suzanne El-Moursi is the Co-Founder & CEO of Brighthive, an AI-powered data platform helping organizations unlock insight from complex, fragmented data. With over 20 years of experience leading digital transformation and growth strategies, she’s worked with major brands like IBM, HSBC, GE Healthcare, and SapientNitro before turning her focus to startups. Suzanne has played leadership roles at Power2Switch, Choose Energy, and Mira Fitness, and holds advanced degrees in Human-Computer Interaction and Business from DePaul and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Website: https://www.brighthive.io/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suelmoursi/

Timestamps:
00:01:06 - Episode Commences
00:03:27 - Initial Statup on AI Agents
00:12:00 - How to find the Right Data Out of all the Misinformation
00:18:55 - How many Companies are benefited by Data Informant decisions
00:28:50 - What'll Happen to the Data Analysts if AI Takes Over
00:34:20 - The Varieties of AI Agents & Their Roles
00:42:35 - Businesses Growth Using Agentic Data Tools
00:48:02 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

Marc and Andrew explore a new social media platform focused on authentic experiences, discussing its potential impact on mental health, user engagement, and the future of digital communities.

About the Episode:

Welcome back to the Future Tech and Foresight podcast. I'm your AI host Marc Verbenkov’s Deepfake avatar, and this is episode number 188.

Social media platforms are among the most powerful forces shaping our mental health, relationships, and even our worldview. But what happens when you try to build a platform from scratch that focuses on authentic, meaningful experiences instead of endless scrolling and superficial engagement? In this episode, Marc speaks with Andrew about the evolution of a new kind of social media platform—one built not around clicks and ads, but around authenticity and shared human experience. They explore the platform’s roots in contextual commerce, its shift toward mental health–conscious design, and how AI is being used to support meaningful behavior instead of addictive engagement. The conversation covers the problem of negative reward systems, potential safeguards against platform misuse, and the long-term vision for a more values-aligned digital community. They also discuss the possibility of crowdfunding and the emerging role of community rounds in platform development.

About the Guest:

Andrew Christodoulides is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. His first venture, Acena, a B2B outsourcing startup, began with $500 from his parents’ basement and was acquired by a strategic partner. He went on to create Original Pad, an e-commerce platform that redefined home decor shopping. Andrew then founded WeLivv Inc., which evolved from a contextualized search platform to Applaudable—a social media platform focused on meaningful storytelling and celebrating life’s impactful moments.

Website: https://www.applaudable.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewchris/

Timestamps:
00:01:07 - Episode Commences
00:03:40 - Social Media & it's Aspects
00:09:38 - The Things That People aren't Aware of Social Platforms
00:23:50 - How the Platforms Helpful to people of different ages
00:30:26 - Challenges Building a Better Social Media Platform
00:35:48 - The Type of the Social Platforms to the Consumers
00:41:55 - The Experiences Gained Through Preferal Pressure
00:48:02 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

Marc and Barry explore how self-driving technology is evolving through radar, sensors, and ADAS, and what it means for safety, business, and the future of global transportation.

About the Episode:

Welcome back to the Future Tech and Foresight podcast. I'm your AI host Marc Verbenkov’s Deepfake avatar, and this is episode number 187.

Autonomous vehicles are often portrayed as the ultimate expression of future mobility—offering promises of safety, efficiency, and massive economic transformation. But what’s actually happening on the ground today? In this episode, we explore the business case for autonomous trucking and agriculture, the evolution of radar and sensor technology, and how incremental improvements in ADAS are paving the way for broader adoption. Barry shares insights from his journey working with major automakers and discusses how sensor software innovations, cost reduction, and data-driven smart city applications are changing the trajectory of the automotive industry. We also dive into the role Asia is playing in leading global adoption.

About the Guest:

Barry Lunn is the Founder and CEO of Provizio, the leading provider of low-cost advanced perception imaging radar that is reliable in all-weather conditions, delivering solutions for safe, cost-effective and scalable L3+ autonomy. Barry has over two decades experience as an entrepreneur and business leader in the imaging technology industry serving as a founder, investor, director and CEO of several companies and has worked with defence contractors, space agencies and multinationals. Prior to founding Provizio, Barry founded Arralis, a multi-award winning radar company that developed a number of unique IPs and patents and secured major projects with General Motors, ESA, NASA, Airbus and Boeing.

Website: https://provizio.ai/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-lunn/

Timestamps:
00:00:52 - Episode Commences
00:02:55 - The Journey Towards Autonomous Industries!
00:09:00 - The Wastage on Car Crashes Every Year
00:14:50 - How Rules & Regulations Slowing the Process?
00:19:18 - The Improvements of Sensors in Autonomous Vehicles
00:23:50 - How Far Industries has been able to Successful in Autonomy?
00:31:36 - The Label Field of Autonomy
00:37:23 - How Other Business are Going to be Impacted by the Touch of Autonomy?
00:43:34 - Vehicles as Autonomy in Every Part of the World
00:49:12 - How AI is Involved in Autonomy?
00:54:14 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

We dive into how non-invasive brain-computer interfaces are reshaping healthcare, communication, and the future relationship between humans and machines.

About the Episode:

In this episode, my guest and I explore how brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is evolving—and what that could mean for the future of human communication, healthcare, and daily life. We look at how non-invasive BCIs are opening up new ways for people to control devices with their minds, without the need for risky surgeries, and how this technology is already making an impact for individuals living with disabilities and progressive conditions.

Our conversation also moves beyond healthcare, discussing how BCIs could change everything from remote diagnostics to human-machine integration in industries like sports, emergency care, and beyond. We touch on how augmented reality and brainwave-driven interfaces might one day redefine how we interact with the digital world, and why the focus on creating a more human, personalized experience with AI and BCI tech is so critical. Looking ahead, we explore how society might change once BCIs become as common as smartphones, and what it means to navigate a future where the boundary between brain, body, and machine is increasingly blurred.

About the Guest:

Andreas Forsland is founder and CEO of Cognixion, an assisted reality company that has created a brain-computer interface integrated with an augmented reality display. The company was previously called Smartstones and developed accessible communication technologies for people with speech disabilities. Forsland previously worked for Citrix, as senior director of brand management for the apps portfolio and senior director of global creative. Prior experience also includes advising for Snapwire, senior manager of design at Phillips, and creative director at Progressive Insurance and at Hanson Dodge Creative. Cognixion has been recognized as one of 21 neurotech start-ups to watch, won the Red Dot Best of the Best Award for AR/VR, and has been nominated for the Red Dot Luminary Award, the Edison Award, and the Singularity Global Grand Challenge.

Website: https://www.cognixion.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasforsland/

Timestamps:
00:02:06 - Episode Commences
00:5:25 - Initial Interest in the path to the BCI Tech
00:11:11- what is the way of thinking conceptualizing the BCI Theory
00:18:00 - The change of Society's structure in terms of AI Related two BCI
00:26:25 - The Ideas of Ai, Sci-Fi and Robotics in the Future Sense
00:33:30 - How BCI been impacting on Disabilities in the near Future
00:37:50 - How Important is the BCI tech?
00:42:20 - the Breakthrough of BCI Tech
00:46:50 - Are we Still going to be Humans in the coming Future?
00:53:07 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

We explore how AI is transforming work, from job security and career paths to the growing importance of upskilling, personal branding, and embracing what it means to be human.

About the Episode:

In this episode, my guest and I take a closer look at one of the most pressing concerns in today’s AI-driven world: technological unemployment. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, we explore how traditional 9-to-5 employment models are being disrupted—and what that means for job security, personal identity, and the future of work.

We discuss the anxiety many are feeling around automation, especially in creative and entry-level roles, and how the rise of generative AI is changing not just what jobs exist, but what skills are valued. We reflect on the importance of upskilling in AI tools, building a strong personal brand, and rethinking how we approach career development in a world where portfolio careers and short-term gigs are becoming the norm.

This conversation also challenges us to think beyond productivity—to consider what we truly want to spend our time on. As automation frees up hours, how do we avoid falling into a trap of constant task-chasing? And how do we stay grounded in our humanity, communication, and purpose? Whether you're feeling excited or uneasy about AI's impact on work, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how to adapt, grow, and stay human in a rapidly evolving landscape.

About the Guest:
Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek is the CEO of Clarity AI and host of the Your AI Roadmap podcast, where she explores the future of AI with experts from Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and more. Ranked the #4 Voice AI Influencer by Home , she’s also the author of Your AI Roadmap: Expand Your Career, Money, and Joy, which explores resilience in the time of AI via personal brand, networking, and wealth building toward financial freedom.

With over a decade of experience building AI and data solutions for Fortune 500 clients—including roles at Nuance, Netavox, and VERSA—Joan blends technical innovation with social impact. She is the founder of Women in Voice, a global nonprofit promoting diversity in AI, and an active startup advisor and investor.

Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, UXmatters, and at events like CES, Google I/O, and VentureBeat. She holds a PhD in Multimodal AI and lives in Seattle, WA.

Book Link: Your AI Roadmap

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jpb/

Free Quiz: https://yourairoadmap.com/me

Timestamps:
00:01:05 - Episode Commences
00:04:10 - Initial Engagement with AI & Technology field
00:06:22 - People's Perception on AI Replacing Job Market
00:10:04 - How Industries are Augmenting AI
00:17:15 - AI a Time Saver or a Replacement of Human Labor
00:24:11 - How AI growing in the West compared to other parts of the World 00:30:36 - How Skill Values over AI
00:37:55 - How to stand out from the crowd with an Unique Business Idea
00:45:45 - The Protest Against AI and it's Consequences
00:49:20 - Human's Emotional Intelligence vs AI
00:52:45 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

We explore how AI is helping small food and beverage companies innovate, personalize products, and navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry.

About the Episode:

In this episode, my guest and I explore how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape one of the world’s oldest industries: food and beverage. We discuss the challenges that small startups face when trying to scale in such a competitive space—and how AI can provide them with the tools to better understand market needs, optimize production, and create more tailored products for specific audiences.

We dive into the idea of AI not as a replacement, but as a collaborator—one that still requires human insight, intuition, and oversight. The conversation expands beyond food and beverage to look at how AI can enhance learning, communication, and problem-solving more broadly. Looking ahead, we reflect on what the next five years could hold for industries navigating climate change, supply chain shifts, and global uncertainty—and why human creativity will remain at the heart of innovation.

About the Guest:

Andreas Duess is the CEO of 6 Seeds, where he helps food and beverage brands use AI and data to create products that resonate, develop smarter marketing strategies, and secure meaningful growth. With deep experience at the intersection of AI, consumer behavior, and the food and agriculture sectors, Andreas is a trusted advisor, keynote speaker, and policy contributor.

He’s a regular speaker at top industry events like the USAEDC and USA Rice Federation conferences, and contributes to Canadian policy discussions through his role on Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Consumer Demand and Market Trends Table. He also shares insights in his Future Bites column in Food in Canada Magazine and as a visiting lecturer at Western University’s Ivey School of Business.

Known for bridging innovation and real-world strategy, Andreas helps brands compete at a global level—redefining how food businesses innovate, market, and grow.

Website: https://6seedsconsulting.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasduess/

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

This episode explores the rising role of AI agents, how they differ from tools like ChatGPT, and why they’re key to boosting productivity across industries.

About the Episode:

AI agents are rapidly evolving—offering new ways to automate tasks, interact with data, and assist humans beyond what traditional AI tools can do. In this episode, we break down what AI agents really are, how they differ from general-purpose models like ChatGPT, and why narrow, task-specific agents often outperform broader tools in real-world applications.

We dive into what it takes to build and deploy an effective AI agent, including the importance of contextual data, specialized models, and how these agents can be used to search the web, interact with platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram, and even coordinate as a team. We also explore Agent AI’s approach to no-code agent creation, the potential of these tools to augment—not replace—human work, and what the next wave of productivity might look like when AI becomes more embedded in everyday processes. Whether you're just curious or already experimenting, this conversation offers a clear and grounded take on the future of agent-based AI systems.

About the Guest:

Andrei Oprisan is a technology leader with over 15 years of experience in software engineering, specializing in product development, machine learning, and scaling high-performance teams. He co-founded OneScreen.AI and has held senior leadership roles at Wayfair, Liberty Mutual, and HubSpot, contributing to business growth through innovative tech solutions. Andrei is currently pursuing an MBA from MIT Sloan and holds a Master’s in Computer Science from Columbia University. He is now working with Agent.ai to leverage AI for enhanced customer service solutions.

Website: agent.ai | The Professional Network for AI Agents

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreioprisan/

Timestamps:
00:01:10 - Episode Commences
00:03:45 - Initial Interests & Insights in AI Agents
00:07:50 - AI Agents Vs Language Modals
00:24:40 - The Future of AI Agents
00:33:20 - How far are we making a Jarvis-level AI Agent
00:38:55 - How Industries are going to adapt AI Agents
00:48:50 - Will AI Agents Augment or Replace Human Labor
00:56:45 - Episode concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/