In this episode of the WiTH Podcast's new series, "Seizing the AI Moment," host Filiz Bahmanpour engages in a captivating conversation with Sowmya Gottipati, a global technology executive leading technology delivery and digital transformation at Estée Lauder. The discussion delves into how AI is reshaping the beauty industry, from personalized skincare to AI-powered fragrance design.

Key Highlights

Introduction and Guest Background (00:00 – 01:18)
Filiz Bahmanpour introduces the podcast and guest Sowmya Gottipati, highlighting her extensive experience in technology and AI across various industries.

Career Journey and AI in Beauty (01:48 – 06:40)
Sowmya discusses her career path from AT&T Bell Labs to Estee Lauder, focusing on her involvement with AI and its applications in the beauty sector.

AI’s Impact on Beauty (06:40 – 09:56)
The conversation explores how AI is transforming consumer experiences through virtual try-ons, trend identification, and Estee Lauder’s strategic vision for sustainable growth.

Aha Moment with AI (09:12 – 10:57)
Sowmya shares her realization of AI’s potential during the pandemic, particularly with virtual fragrance trials, highlighting AI’s role in personalization and product formulation.

Advice for Younger Self (13:13 – 14:20)
She emphasizes the importance of evolving AI models alongside beauty trends and addressing diverse demographics in AI applications.

AI Innovations in Beauty (15:27 – 16:37)
Discussion covers AI-driven innovation in fragrance, revolutionizing product development and ingredient discovery.

Governance and Adoption of AI (17:11 – 19:33)
Sowmyaexplains Estee Lauder’s AI Task Force, created to ensure strategic alignment and governance of AI initiatives.

Balancing AI with Craftsmanship (20:00 – 20:50)
A conversation on preserving artistry and emotional connection in beauty while leveraging AI for innovation and efficiency.

Sustainability and AI (21:24 – 22:40)
Sowmyahighlights AI’s role in sustainability efforts, including reducing carbon footprints and optimizing resources.

Quick Fire Yes or No (26:18 – 27:59)
A fun rapid-fire segment where Sowmya answers questions about AI’s future in beauty trends and personalization.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways (29:45 – 30:04)
Sowmya stresses the importance of integrating AI into all aspects of life and the beauty industry to fully harness its potential.

Personal Insight (30:30 – 30:42)
Sowmya shares a personal fact: she holds a private pilot license.

© 2024 Women in Technology Hollywood Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Learn more at www.WiTHollywood.org

In this episode of "Seizing the AI Moment," hosts Filiz Bahmanpour and Margarita Lam from Women in Technology Hollywood (WiTH) engage in a compelling conversation with iAsia Brown, also known as Tech Picasso. iAsia, a senior producer at Xbox Game Studios and a former Air Force and Marine member, shares her inspiring journey and insights into the transformative role of AI in gaming.

Key Highlights:
Introduction to the Series and Hosts (00:19 - 01:41):
Filiz Bahmanpour and Margarita Lam introduce the podcast series and their backgrounds in media and technology.

Guest Introduction (01:41 - 02:38):
iAsia Brown is introduced as a senior producer at Xbox Game Studios and a passionate advocate for representation and equity in gaming.

iAsia's Origin Story (02:41 - 04:11):
iAsia shares her personal journey into gaming, describing it as a refuge and a community that provided safety and support during challenging times.

Gaming as a Profession (04:18 - 06:25):
iAsia discusses how gaming became her profession of choice, emphasizing the importance of community and support in the gaming world.

AI in Gaming (06:41 - 09:02):
iAsia recounts her first encounter with AI in gaming and its potential to create emotionally responsive non-player characters (NPCs) and enhance accessibility through real-time localization.

Advice to Younger Generations (09:27 - 10:31):
iAsia advises young people to document their ideas and dreams, as AI can now bring many of them to life.

Working with Younger Generations (10:49 - 12:03):
iAsia highlights the importance of succession planning and teaching the next generation about technology and gaming.

AI and Accessibility (12:35 - 14:21):
iAsia discusses how AI can improve accessibility in gaming by addressing language barriers and considering the needs of diverse communities.

Quickfire Yes or No (15:58 - 16:38):
iAsia answers rapid-fire questions about the future of AI in gaming, including its potential to write indie games and fix toxicity in online gaming.

Hot Takes and Bold Predictions (17:41 - 22:10):
iAsia shares her views on AI-generated open worlds, the artistic value of AI-generated content, and the role of AI in creative jobs.

Conclusion and Wrap-Up (22:31 - 24:02):
The hosts thank iAsia for her insights and encourage listeners to subscribe and engage with the Women in Technology Hollywood community.

This episode provides a deep dive into the intersection of AI and gaming, highlighting the potential for AI to enhance creativity, accessibility, and community within the gaming industry.

Love it? Subscribe and Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and forward this to a friend.

© 2024 Women in Technology Hollywood Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Learn more at www.WiTHollywood.org

Moderator: Jeanette DePatie

Speakers: Sabina Sokol, COO Quantum Girls Jenni Ogden, President, Virtual Production/Immersive Expert Suriel Arellallno, Author of “The Golden Triangle: A Pinnacle of Digital Transformation” and “Leading in the Age of AI,” speaker and executive coach

Summary: 

The conversation revolved around the ethical implications of AI and its potential to improve the world. The speakers also discussed the current state of quantum technology, exploring advancements in qubits and quantum advantage. They also examined the intricate relationship between AI, quantum computing, and security, and the urgent need for organizations to migrate towards post-quantum cryptography. Finally, the speakers discussed the potential of AI to enhance quantum computing and volumetric imaging, and the importance of developing a diverse workforce for quantum computing.

© 2024 Women in Technology Hollywood Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Learn more at www.WiTHollywood.org

Three influential female leaders in the technology sector, Christina Aguilera from Crunchyroll, Samira Panah Bakhtiar from Amazon, and Tara Fournier from Enthusiast Gaming, focused on the power of authenticity in the tech industry. The speakers shared personal stories and insights, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself to foster a supportive and innovative workplace. Key topics included overcoming challenges as the only woman in the room, the impact of authentic leadership on policy changes, and the role of humor and realness in building connections and trust. The speakers provided strategies for young women entering the field, urging them to embrace their unique identities and offer diverse viewpoints. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of allyship and mentorship, advocating for a workplace culture that prioritizes transparency and inclusivity, allowing everyone to succeed by being their true selves.

© 2024 Women in Technology Hollywood Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Learn more at www.WiTHollywood.org

During a recent fireside chat hosted by Elizabeth Garson, a senior consultant at Qvest, the discussion centered on a critical issue affecting women's career progression. Inspired by research indicating that women are 20% less likely to receive actionable feedback tied to their performance, the event explored how this lack of direct, constructive feedback can hinder women's promotions and professional growth. The conversation featured insights from three female executives: Renee McGinnis from Lionsgate, Michelle Huynh from Netflix, and Vanessa Fiola from Quest, who also moderated the session. The panel addressed the dual role women often play as both recipients and providers of feedback in the workplace, emphasizing the need for feedback that aligns with company goals and personal achievements to truly support women's advancement in their careers. The session aimed to shed light on these challenges and explore effective strategies to empower women through meaningful feedback and recognition in professional settings.

© 2024 Women in Technology Hollywood Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Learn more at www.WiTHollywood.org

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© 2024 Women in Technology Hollywood Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Learn more at www.WiTHollywood.org

During a panel discussion not centered on technology but on responsible leadership in the AI era, WiTH Executive Board member Nina Skorus-Neely welcomed experts to discuss the profound implications of AI on leadership and societal norms. The panelists, including Hema Chandra and Yesha Yadav, delved into how AI is reshaping industries from healthcare to law and the critical need for ethical governance. They emphasized the importance of human-centric AI implementation, addressing issues of privacy, fairness, and inclusivity. The conversation also highlighted the necessity for ongoing dialogue about AI governance, stressing that managing AI's societal impact goes beyond mere technological integration to include robust regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations.

© 2024 Women in Technology Hollywood Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Learn more at www.WiTHollywood.org

This podcast hosts a panel discussion with cloud computing experts from the major cloud computing providers to learn how to skill up in this high profile area. Discussion will include:

• Cloud computing concept
• Free resources to develop your cloud computing skills
• Certifications that will give you the most bang for your buck.

Since the decision of cloud platform tends to be a choice made by your company, this panel is intended to provide you information to help you skill up for current or future employers. 

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Cloud is a natural evolution of platform technology, and in some regards, a shift back to the days of centralized computing.

2. Cloud adjacent roles are similar to or the same as roles for on-premise roles, such as project managers, UI/UX design, DBA, testing.

3. Shortage of tech talent means opportunities area available for those who show a predisposition to become lifelong learners.

“Don’t get soggy” — Catherine Hepburn

Featuring:

Eliot Sakhartov, Microsoft

Dr. Jose Cross, IBM

Tifanny Powell, Google

© 2024 Women in Technology Hollywood Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Learn more at www.WiTHollywood.org

During this podcast we’ll cover:

• Why Mindset Is Key to Accomplishing Any Goal (and how most people miss this element)
• Mindset Basics and Why Positive Mindset Doesn’t Work
• How to Incorporate Mindset Into Your Goal-Setting Process to Increase Your Success Rate
• 3 Examples of How to Put Mindset Into Practice
  • Landing a New Job
  • Getting Promoted
  • Increasing Your Effectiveness and Influence
• How to Incorporate Mindset Into Your Daily Routine without adding just one more thing to your plate

Our speaker also shares a simple workbook to help you put this into practice and start seeing immediate results.

Featuring:
Melisa Liberman, Private Coach for Independent Consulting Business Owners
www.melisaliberman.com

© 2024 Women in Technology Hollywood Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Learn more at www.WiTHollywood.org

The harsh reality is that by the time that a young woman has graduated from high school and begun to decide on her aspirational career path (declaring themselves a STEM or technology related field major), she is already behind in the career race and may never catch up. Girl Scouts presents the critical leadership development training for future change agents in tech and that training starts in kindergarten and continues to the C-Suite. Setting the stage for the day’s agenda at the SoCal Women's Leadership Summit in Hollywood, this Opening Keynote discusses the ROI of Girl Scouting and the Gold Award and local opportunities for you to partner with Girl Scouts.

Featuring:
Karen P. Layng, President, Board of Directors, The Girl Scouts of USA & Chief Executive Officer, M.A.I.T. Co

© 2024 Women in Technology Hollywood Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Learn more at www.WiTHollywood.org