E030 - AI or Not - Hal Daumé, Amy Cyphert and Pamela Isom

04/22/25 • 24 min

Discover how artificial intelligence can be molded into a trustworthy ally in our society with insights from our distinguished guests, Hal Daumé and Amy Cyphert. Hal, a trailblazer from the University of Maryland, shares his fascinating transformation from a purely technical AI expert to someone deeply engaged with its societal implications. Meanwhile, Amy, a legal scholar from West Virginia University, brings her unique perspective from Carnegie Mellon, offering a compelling narrative on how law and technology must interface to ensure AI's responsible evolution. Together, we unravel the tapestry of cross-disciplinary collaboration needed to forge AI systems that command trust.
Venture into the murky waters of AI regulation, where copyright dilemmas and intellectual property rights present significant challenges. We examine the tightrope artists walk when using AI in their creativity, juxtaposing heightened innovation with the current inadequacies of copyright law. Through this discourse, we highlight the urgent need for a broader regulatory framework, emphasizing the power of executive orders and the necessity for global cooperation in AI governance. As we stress the vital role of local institutions and elected officials in shaping these policies, this episode promises to equip you with a nuanced understanding of AI's legal landscape and its societal impact.

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E029 - AI or Not - Dominique Shelton-Leipzig and Pamela Isom

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dominique Shelton-Leipzig, the visionary founder and CEO of Global Data Innovation Inc. Dominique’s journey from her academic roots at Brown University and Georgetown to her impactful career in tech litigation is nothing short of inspiring. Her experiences with titans like Yahoo and PeopleSoft have equipped her with unparalleled insights into the world of privacy law and cybersecurity. As Dominique embarks on her venture with Global Data Innovation, she shares her mission to lead organizations through the challenges of AI and digital transformation, emphasizing the critical need for effective communication in cybersecurity.
Discover the complexities of AI governance as we discuss the evolving regulations and their profound implications for businesses. The stakes couldn’t be higher; maintaining trust and accuracy in AI systems is not just good practice but essential for protecting assets and fostering innovation. Through real-world stories, such as a logistics company facing backlash from an AI error, we underscore the importance of continuous oversight and ethical compliance in AI deployment. By prioritizing accuracy, fairness, and trust, companies can navigate the challenging landscape of AI regulations effectively.
The episode also highlights the immediate impact of the EU AI Act and the importance of AI governance. With a growing list of prohibited applications and dynamic legislative changes, staying informed is crucial. We delve into the five key areas of trust in AI, offering guidance to prevent damaging headlines and ensure compliance with global standards. Our challenge to listeners: take actionable steps within their organizations by asking critical questions around regulation, compliance, and communication. Engage with us to gain valuable insights into successfully navigating the AI and digital landscape.

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E031 - AI or Not - Andy Jenkinson and Pamela Isom

Welcome to "AI or Not," the podcast where we explore the intersection of digital transformation and real-world wisdom, hosted by the accomplished Pamela Isom. With over 25 years of experience guiding leaders in corporate, public, and private sectors, Pamela, the CEO and Founder of IsAdvice & Consulting LLC, is a veteran in successfully navigating the complex realms of artificial intelligence, innovation, cyber issues, governance, data management, and ethical decision-making.
Andy Jenkinson, CEO of CyberSec Innovation Partners and cybersecurity expert, doesn't mince words as he exposes how our entire digital infrastructure stands vulnerable despite decades of warnings. "We are fighting organized cybercrime with disorganized cybersecurity," he states, pointing to the disturbing reality that basic internet protocols like DNS (Domain Name System) remain largely unsecured by even the largest organizations.
Through shocking real-world examples, Jenkinson reveals how seemingly "sophisticated attacks" are often just exploitations of fundamental security failings. These breaches stem from basic negligence rather than advanced hacking techniques.
Particularly troubling is the organizational resistance to addressing these vulnerabilities. Jenkinson describes a culture of willful ignorance that prioritizes deniability over actual protection. Meanwhile, cybercrime costs have skyrocketed to roughly four times the annual budget of the Department of Defense.
For both individuals and businesses, the path forward requires returning to fundamentals. While personal safety measures like covering webcams and being suspicious of unsolicited contacts are important, true security demands organizational accountability. "If you don't know what your internet assets are and what your servers are doing, you have no way of protecting them," Jenkinson warns.
Ready to rethink your digital security approach? Listen now and discover what most cybersecurity professionals aren't telling you – and what might be putting your organization at risk every day.

AI or Not - E030 - AI or Not - Hal Daumé, Amy Cyphert and Pamela Isom

Transcript

[00:17] Pamela Isom: Hello and welcome to AI or Not, the podcast where business leaders from around the globe share wisdom and insights that are needed now to address issues and guide success in your artificial intelligence and your digital transformation journey.

[00:33] I am Pamela Isom. I'm so excited to be here today. I want to thank you all for having us. And we have two people that we are going to be speaking with.

[00:44] We have Hal, and you might have to h