In this episode, hosts Samuel Adebayo and Leah Stern sit down with Hafeez Jacobson, CEO of Daatra Holdings, to explore how AI is reshaping the software industry. Hafeez explains why companies are moving beyond traditional SaaS models toward “data as a service,” using real-world examples from finance and HR. Through Daatra’s VoiceSense technology, they analyze the behavioral cues in natural speech—not just words—to help banks assess risk, HR teams make hiring decisions, and even support mental health monitoring. The conversation dives into how this approach can provide insights at scale, especially for underserved populations without traditional credit histories.

Hafeez also addresses critical questions around bias, privacy, and the difference between AI and machine learning. He explains how focusing on vocal patterns rather than content helps reduce demographic bias, and why companies must integrate AI into existing processes rather than chasing novelty. From the origins of the technology in government stress testing to its future in remote patient monitoring, this episode cuts through the hype to reveal what is genuinely new—and what is simply a fresh coat of paint—in the world of behavioral AI.