Better Innovation

As the digital landscape becomes increasingly dominated by a few major technology companies, the drive for a more equitable and inclusive internet has never been more urgent. In this episode of Better Innovation, host Jeffrey Saviano is joined by Dr. Tomicah Tillemann, President of Project Liberty and a visionary leader working tirelessly to decentralize data control and democratize digital platforms. Tomicah, who leads this $500 million initiative to develop alternatives to big tech, presents Project Liberty’s mission to enhance individual control over data and ensure fair economic benefits resulting from innovation initiatives.  

With a rich background in policy and global advisory roles across both the public and private sectors, Tomicah shares how businesses can contribute to and benefit from a more open and equitable digital future. From examining the role of major tech platforms like TikTok in driving change, to debating the future of data rights and AI regulation, Tillemann offers a comprehensive view on how we can build a better internet.

As AI rapidly advances, integrating ethical considerations into AI-enabled products, solutions, and business models is essential, however AI practitioners and business leaders report that putting AI ethics into practice is quite daunting. In this episode of Better Innovation, host Jeff Saviano welcomes Reid Blackman, a world-renowned AI ethics leader, author, podcaster, and CEO of Virtue, a digital ethical risk consultancy. Drawing from many leading principles in his book "Ethical Machines," Reid unpacks the complexities of AI ethics and explains why implementing ethics in practice often lags behind other elements of AI adoption. The discussion extends beyond the book to explore how organizations - and their corporate boards in particular -can effectively navigate ethical dilemmas and risk management more broadly. Join this insightful conversation that will broaden, and perhaps even challenge, your understanding of the ethics of AI.

Join host Jeff Saviano as he welcomes back to the show Beatriz Sanz Sáiz, EY’s Global Data and AI Partner Leader. Six years and nearly 100 episodes later, Beatriz returns to the microphone to provide a roadmap for embarking on an AI transformation journey within organizations, and the importance of championing diversity along the way.  

From crafting robust AI strategies to tackling the challenges of change management, Beatriz is a leader in achieving tech-influenced enterprise value at scale, spearheading AI transformative outcomes for both EY and its clients. In this episode, Beatriz shares invaluable insights drawn from her vast AI and data experiences. Jeff and Beatriz also candidly explore the challenges she's faced in leading EY’s AI transformation, illuminating how she navigated obstacles and reflecting on the frameworks that will allow others to find success in their own AI transformation efforts. 

The spotlight on Generative AI (GenAI) is intense, dominating headlines and sparking novel experiments in many companies. Yet amidst the fervor, the technology’s emergence raises critical questions. Do leaders truly understand its implications for their businesses? What investment and deployment frameworks should they be considering?

Joining host Jeff Saviano is Roger Park, EY America’s Innovation Leader, renowned for guiding companies through disruptive change emanating from digital technologies. Jeff and Roger explore the complexities of GenAI, examining its origins, identifying investment opportunities, and establishing the groundwork for effective deployment strategies. Whether you're a seasoned innovator or just dipping your toes into the world of emerging technologies, this episode promises to leave you inspired and equipped to embrace the future of GenAI.

How does AI's growing influence on the law intersect with ethical obligations, such as ensuring transparency in AI decision-making and data privacy? Join host Jeff Saviano in a thought-provoking conversation with Dazza Greenwood, an expert on AI ethics and founder of CIVICS.com, as they explore the complex relationship between AI and the law in this episode of Better Innovation. 

Drawing from Dazza's expertise as a researcher at MIT Media Lab and Lecturer at MIT Connection Science, the discussion explores the mission of the MIT Task Force on Responsible AI, chaired by Dazza, and the ensuing guiding principles (which can be found at law.MIT.edu). These principles provide a crucial framework for navigating the ethical landscape of AI and the law.

Tune in as Jeff and Dazza discuss emerging trends in AI ethics within the legal industry, the importance of individual and organizational actions in promoting responsible AI applications and offer invaluable insights for leaders navigating the ethical complexities of AI.

Welcome to the 100th episode of Better Innovation! We’ve reached this remarkable milestone thanks to our incredible and dedicated listeners, old and new. We’re excited to present you with this special edition of the show, where Jeff shares memorable moments from past episodes, featuring some of the most fascinating innovation insights from our exceptional guests over the years.

From favorite memories to profound leadership and innovation lessons, join us as we celebrate and relive some of the most memorable moments from Better Innovation’s seven seasons.

Join Jeff and his guest, futurist and innovation catalyst David Shrier, as David draws on his expertise in data, fintech, digital identity, cybersecurity, and innovation to examine the EU AI Act. You’ll learn how David contributed to the development of the Act, and how it may influence AI regulation in the U.S. and the rest of world. Jeff and David will unpack AI and technology policy across the globe, governance, ethics, and so much more! To round out the episode, David offers a glimpse into his latest book, “Welcome to AI: A Human Guide to Artificial Intelligence,” which dissects human and AI capabilities, job security, and industries poised for growth in our AI-driven world.

How is Generative AI reshaping the principles of design thinking and product innovation? In this latest episode of Better Innovation, host Jeff Saviano sits down with Sam Yen, Chief Innovation Officer for Commercial Banking at JP Morgan Chase & Co., for a thought-provoking conversation on the transformative potential of Generative AI.

Jeff and Sam traverse the evolution of AI, the intersections of AI and design thinking, the relationship between humans and technology, and more. Whether you're a seasoned designer, tech enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the evolving landscape of AI, this episode offers a glimpse into the transformative potential that lies ahead, and some practical applications here today.

To kick off 2024, we bring you a special Better Innovation episode featuring renowned author Rich Cohen. Join Jeff as he sits down with the acclaimed American non-fiction writer, whose works have been New York Times Best Sellers and amongst the Best American Essays.

In this episode, Jeff and Rich explore the influences on Rich’s captivating narratives and the timeless innovation lessons embedded in his works, which include "The Fish that Ate the Whale,” “The Adventures of Herbie Cohen: World's Greatest Negotiator,” and "When the Game was War."

This conversation will give you a glimpse into Rich’s creative mind and explore the power of resilience, cleverness, and the indomitable spirit of interesting people who have outsmarted their opponents. And, as a bonus . . . Jeff (a tennis fanatic) indulges in a discussion about Rich’s experience working with Maria Sharapova, delving into her remarkable ascent in the tennis ranks against all odds.

Learning outcomes:

• Scarcity can be a driving force for innovation, turning challenges into opportunities
• Altering the perception and accessibility of a product can revolutionize an industry
• A corporation ages like a person, in the evolution of its culture, risk-taking, and innovation over time
• The gamification of life and business can foster an innovative mindset that allows for creative breakthroughs
• Humor can be a valuable asset in navigating life's challenges

Step into the world of digital transformation strategy with our latest guest, David Rogers. As the Faculty Director of Executive Education Programs at Columbia Business School, David is a visionary in the realm of digital business strategy and transformation. He is the author of five books, including "The Digital Transformation Playbook,” the book that put digital transformation on the map.

Join our host, EY Emerging Technology Strategy Leader, Jeff Saviano, as he and David – in keeping with our season’s focus – explore AI’s role in digital transformation, and the five biggest barriers to successful digital transformation, as explored in David's latest book, "The Digital Transformation Roadmap.” Plus, they debate a crucial question: does innovation always have to begin with the customer problem?

Tune in to find out.