#296 Mastering the Art of Managing AI with Robert Plotkin

02/14/24 • 59 min

Unlock the transformative power of AI with our esteemed guest Robert Plotkin, the sharp-witted patent attorney who's once again gracing our studio with his insight on the latest AI upheavals. This episode sails through the emergence of chat GPT and its role in the democratization of AI, making powerful tools like natural language processing accessible to the masses. We dissect the daily advancements in AI, showcasing how these technologies arm professionals from myriad fields with capabilities that were once the stuff of sci-fi dreams.

As the conversation progresses, we navigate the intricate dance between AI bots' burgeoning autonomy and the crucial need for human oversight. Robert and I tackle the evolution of AI interaction, addressing the challenge of "AI drift" and the vital role of human-guided management—a concept as intrinsic to AI as it is to traditional business practices. We also confront the misconceptions about AI, separating hype from reality in an effort to understand the actual scope of AI's capabilities and the measured approach needed to harness its full power responsibly.

Wrapping up, we venture into the practicalities of AI implementation, weighing the perils of both overestimating and underestimating its potential. By drawing parallels to the utilization of junior lawyers in legal practices, we advocate for valuing practical utility over the quest for human-like reasoning. We also examine the 'jagged frontier' of AI—the unevenly trained athlete of technology—and emphasize the importance of error checking and refinement to exploit the speed and efficiency of AI, all while keeping inaccuracies at bay. Join us for this illuminating session that promises to broaden your perspectives on AI as a valuable ally in the modern professional landscape.

More about Robert:

Robert leads innovators, creatives, and professionals in leveraging AI to boost their skills, effectiveness, and productivity to the next level. Robert brings an optimism and excitement to his work that are the perfect antidote to the fear of being replaced by AI.

https://robertplotkin.com

00:45 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

03:37 Discussing the Rapid Advancements in AI

08:44 The Role of Humans in the AI Era

14:50 The Future of AI: Opportunities and Threats

22:21 Understanding the Capabilities of AI

30:27 Understanding the Functionality of Large Language Models

32:16 The Role of Reasoning in AI

33:39 The Imperfections of Human and Machine Outputs

34:47 Exploring the Transformer Paper Behind GPT

36:39 The Concept of Reasoning in AI

38:34 Addressing the Accuracy of LLM Output

39:02 The Evolution of AI Tools and Their Applications

41:18 The Challenges of Trusting AI Outputs

49:04 Learning from the History of Technological Advancements

56:07 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

More about Robert:

https://robertplotkin.com

00:45 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

03:37 Discussing the Rapid Advancements in AI

08:44 The Role of Humans in the AI Era

14:50 The Future of AI: Opportunities and Threats

22:21 Understanding the Capabilities of AI

30:27 Understanding the Functionality of Large Language Models

32:16 The Role of Reasoning in AI

33:39 The Imperfections of Human and Machine Outputs

34:47 Exploring the Transformer Paper Behind GPT

36:39 The Concept of Reasoning in AI

38:34 Addressing the Accuracy of LLM Output

39:02 The Evolution of AI Tools and Their Applications

41:18 The Challenges of Trusting AI Outputs

49:04 Learning from the History of Technological Advancements

56:07 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Previous Episode

#295 Navigating Dubai's Startup Scene with Deepak Ahuja

Ever wondered what fuels the rapid growth of startups in the heart of Dubai's bustling market? This episode pulls back the curtain, as we sit down with iACCEl Gulf Business Incubator CEO & co-foudner Deepak Ahuja, an ex-banker turned investor, who navigated the shift from high finance to high stake investments with an eye on nurturing future unicorns. Deepak brings to the table an unfiltered look into an ecosystem that's evolving at an astronomical pace, tackling unemployment with a surge of entrepreneurial spirit, and attracting serious investment from those with a knack for spotting potential.

The journey of a startup is fraught with twists and turns, and this conversation doesn't shy away from the gritty realities. From the importance of choosing partners who share your long-term vision to the timing and strategy behind funding – we unfold the blueprint for startup success. Deepak's insights are a treasure trove for founders, revealing how mentorship from angel investors can be instrumental in bridging the gap to venture capital, and why smart money is about much more than just opening your wallet.

In our final act, we explore the symbiotic relationship between startups and government entities like Dubai SME. We reveal what it takes to catch an investor's eye – hint: a full-time commitment and a love affair with problem-solving top the list. The episode wraps up by highlighting the impact of regulatory changes post-COVID, and the role of government support in sculpting an ecosystem where entrepreneurs not only survive but thrive. Join us as we dissect the mechanics of success in the startup world and the collective push towards innovation that's reshaping Dubai's economic horizon.

More about Deepak:

Deepak Ahuja, CEO and Co-Founder of iACCEL Gulf Business Incubator in partnership with India Accelerator and under the patronage of Dubai SME, Deepak has significantly contributed to the startup ecosystems in India and the UAE. Serving as an Advisor and mentor to numerous companies and being on the Board of the largest Asset Management company in DIFC, he is recognized as a thought leader, fostering a robust startup culture in the UAE and the wider MENA region.

About iAccel Gulf Business Incubator:

iAccel Gulf Business Incubator LLC was launched in 2023 under the Hamdan Incubation program. Located in the Business Village building and spread across 3200 sq. ft., the incubator is a full-service ecosystem offering market access, access to funding, business advisory, mentorship, networking, and fundraising opportunities. The approach is built on the principles of thought leadership, advisory, and mentorship networks, which are essential to fostering success.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-ahuja-bb5441a

00:46 Introduction and Guest Background

01:26 Deepak's Journey into the Startup Ecosystem

02:48 Deepak's Role in the Dubai Government Initiative

03:37 Discussion on the Evolution of the Startup Ecosystem

04:19 The Impact of Startups on Society

06:59 The Growth of the Startup Scene in Dubai

07:53 The Inspiration Behind IAccel Gulf Business Incubator

17:19 The Role of Angel Investors and VCs in Startups

20:36 The Importance of Smart Money in Startups

25:38 The Challenges of Raising Startup Capital in the UAE

26:22 The Importance of Startup Exits for Angel Investors

27:13 The Role of Education in the Startup Ecosystem

27:39 The Risk-Averse Nature of the UAE Market

28:09 The Competition for Investment in the UAE

29:21 The Importance of Startup Success Stories

30:26 What Investors Look for in Startups

35:34 The Role of Government in Supporting Startups

41:31 The Future of the Startup Ecosystem in the UAE

46:43 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Next Episode

#297 Disrupting the Energy Industry: The Digital Journey with Workrise's CTO Praveen Kalamegham

Embark on a technological expedition with Praveen Kalamegham, the visionary CTO of Workrise, who joins us to unravel his journey from an inquisitive child playing with embedded systems to a master orchestrator of innovation in the energy sector. Praveen's tale is infused with inspiration, tracing back to the influence of his father, and spans a career marked by strategic decision-making and a commitment to impactful work. As we converse, we uncover the intricate layers of vendor management, the challenges of updating supplier databases for project efficiency, and the undeniable import of fostering trust through digital transformations.

The narrative then shifts to the expansive terrain of the energy industry, where tradition meets technology in a dance of disruption and adaptation. We dissect the fine balance between tried-and-true practices and audacious 'moonshot' projects, emphasizing the importance of systemic thinking and the transformative role of AI and ML in structuring the unstructured. This segues into a deep exploration of the unbroken digital chain concept, a paradigm shift poised to revolutionize procurement, payment processes, and operational transparency, ultimately solidifying trust-based relationships between companies and contractors.

As our conversation reaches its zenith, we pivot to the intersection of sustainability and technology, where Praveen outlines how Workrise is equipping energy companies for a greener future. We also zoom in on the evolving role of a CTO, blending technology acumen with a shrewd business sense, and the critical importance of cross-functional collaboration within executive teams. The episode is a mosaic of insights, from the repurposing of oil and gas expertise for renewable energy innovations to the team-building acumen necessary for any tech leader looking to make an indelible impact on the industry. Join us to capture the essence of a CTO's journey and the seismic shifts shaping the energy sector's future.

More about Praveen:

https://www.workrise.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkalamegham

00:46 Introduction and Guest Background

01:09 Praveen's Journey in Technology

02:30 The Shift from Technical to Leadership Roles

02:48 The Evolution of Praveen's Career and WorkRise

04:33 The Attraction to Software Development and Innovation

05:02 The Influence of Praveen's Father on His Career

07:57 The Journey from Hardware to Software

09:55 The Role of WorkRise in the Energy Sector

10:51 The Challenges in the Energy Sector and WorkRise's Mission