The ProFiles Podcast

David Kosbie is a professor in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon, where he co-founded and directs the CMU CS Academy—a project that provides free, high-quality computer science curriculum and teacher support to schools around the world. 

In this conversation, David reflects on the role of intentional routines, how early life experiences shape our work ethic, and why work-life balance isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity for sustained impact. He shares lessons from his own transition from industry to academia, the ethical tensions he’s encountered, and what it takes to keep students truly engaged in learning. Along the way, we discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, why teaching with purpose matters more than ever, and how success is best measured through character, mentorship, and the difference we make in others’ lives.

In this thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with AI pioneer Tom Mitchell from Carnegie Mellon University to explore the crossroads of artificial intelligence and human society. Tom shares fascinating insights on the ethical boundaries we should consider as AI systems become increasingly autonomous, the delicate balance between regulation and innovation, and his unexpected journey from AI researcher to brain scientist and back again. We dive into pressing questions about data privacy in the AI age, including clever mathematical techniques for preserving privacy while still advancing technology. Tom also offers a compelling vision of how AI could transform education and why learning to collaborate with these systems might be the most essential skill of the future. Whether you're an AI expert or just curious about how these technologies will shape our world, this conversation offers both wisdom and wonder about what lies ahead.

Listen now to hear from one of the field's most brilliant and thoughtful voices as we explore the fascinating intersection of minds and machines.

What's the real price tag behind that AI chatbot? In this episode, I dig into the eye-popping economics of artificial intelligence. We're talking $50K graphics cards, data centers that cost billions, and an industry burning cash faster than it makes it.

I've got Nvidia's Jensen Huang revealing AI systems need 100x more computing power than we thought, Warren Buffett warning about fiscal dangers, and experts from the trenches telling us who's actually making money (spoiler: not many).

Is this tech revolution sustainable or just another bubble? Listen in as we follow the money and discover why the AI winners might not be the biggest spenders, but the smartest ones.

In Season 2 of The ProFiles Podcast, I’m on a mission to uncover how artificial intelligence is rewriting the rules of success, creativity, and the future of work. This season, I’ll sit down with industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to explore the opportunities, challenges, and ethical dilemmas AI presents.

The rise of AI isn’t just a technological shift—it’s a revolution. And for me, it’s personal. As someone who’s been fascinated by AI for years, I’ve spent countless hours exploring how it works, where it’s headed, and what it means for our future. Now, as I move into the next chapter of my life at Carnegie Mellon University I’m more excited than ever to dive deeper into science, technology, and AI.

This shift isn’t just about AI; it’s about understanding how these tools impact our lives, careers, and futures. As someone passionate about learning, I want to make AI accessible, relatable, and exciting for people like you—whether you’re a student, a professional, or just curious about what’s next.

By breaking down complex ideas, interviewing industry leaders, and sharing actionable insights, this new chapter of The ProFiles Podcast will help you navigate the AI revolution—and use it to your advantage. I’m so excited for you to join me on this journey.

In this episode, I speak with Neeraj Gupta, Chief Investment Officer at ESW Capital and Trilogy, who shares his journey from MIT to becoming a prominent figure in the software industry. He discusses how his technical background in computer science has shaped his investment strategies and the challenges of integrating newly acquired companies. Mr. Gupta offers insights into the current state of AI, its responsible use, and its potential impact on business and learning processes. He also shares advice for students navigating their careers and reflects on finding joy in work while avoiding burnout. His perspectives provide valuable guidance for anyone interested in technology, investment, and career development in today's digital landscape.

Evan Smith is a prominent figure in Texas journalism, known for his innovative contributions to media and civic engagement. As the co-founder and former CEO of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit organization dedicated to in-depth reporting on state politics and public policy, Smith has significantly shaped local journalism. Before this, he served as the editor-in-chief of Texas Monthly, where he developed his storytelling and editorial leadership skills. Currently, he is a senior advisor at the Emerson Collective, focusing on revitalizing local journalism initiatives nationwide. In my podcast interview with Evan Smith, we explored his career trajectory and the founding story of The Texas Tribune. He shared insights on maintaining editorial independence amid donor expectations and discussed the unique challenges of covering Texas' diverse political landscape. The conversation also touched on how traditional news outlets can adapt to the digital age, strategies for increasing civic engagement and voter turnout, and the impact of social media on news dissemination. Mr. Smith's experiences provide valuable perspectives on the future of journalism in an evolving media landscape.

Robert Alvarez is a distinguished business leader and former CFO and COO of BigCommerce, a leading e-commerce platform. With a remarkable track record, he played a crucial role in scaling the company’s revenue from $7 million to over $317 million during his tenure. Alvarez is celebrated for his strategic financial expertise and ability to foster high-performing teams and strong company cultures. In this episode, we explore Alvarez's leadership philosophy, including his unique approach to team dynamics, decision-making, and mentorship. He shares valuable insights on navigating growth challenges and fostering innovation, making this conversation a must-listen for aspiring leaders in the tech industry.

Hello and welcome to this conversation with Crawford Arnow, a multifaceted talent and Yale student who has achieved remarkable success as a social media influencer, scholar, and performer. Crawford’s journey from a high school valedictorian to a near-million-follower TikTok creator, combined with his academic pursuit of the effects of social media on masculinity, makes him a fascinating guest. Through our engaging discussion, Crawford shares his insights on:

• Starting, building and growing a large social media following

In this episode, we welcome Miriam Laeky, the dynamic Government Affairs Director for Equality Texas, who has also been recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30. A trailblazer in community organizing and public policy, Miriam’s work is fueled by her passion for social justice and equality.

In this conversation we touch on :

• Navigating imposter syndrome