Season 7, Ep. 6- A Special Edition: Reflecting on 100 Episodes of Better Innovation

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.

Join us as we kick off season 7 of Better Innovation and our mini-series on Responsible AI with guests Benjamin Alarie and Abdi Aidid, co-authors of their new book ‘The Legal Singularity: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Law Radically Better.’ Ben is a professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and is the co-founder and CEO of Blue J. Abdi teaches in the areas of civil procedure, torts, and law & technology, also at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Jeff, Abdi and Ben explore the concept of “The Legal Singularity,” a future state where technology facilitates the functional "completeness" of the law. The conversation spans the implications of the law’s textual nature, AI’s impact on the professional responsibilities within the practice of law, and the potential for AI to radically improve our legal processes, institutions, and society.

On today’s Better Innovation episode with Martin Chorzempa, Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Jeff explores a significant moment in the annals of innovation history: China’s cashless revolution. In a discussion about his recently published book, The Cashless Revolution: China's Reinvention of Money, named one of the best economics books of 2022 by the Financial Times, Martin provides an extraordinary look at China’s innovation in finance and technology. He and Jeff delve into the rise of super-apps, the shifting views in China about how to best regulate these fintech solutions, and how other countries can learn from China's leading transformation.

For several decades, data protection has captured our full attention, but have we failed to protect people in its pursuit? Live from our Better Innovation Boston studio, EY’s Jeff Saviano sits down with Elizabeth Renieris, Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Ethics in AI at Oxford University, who explores this topic in her new book, Beyond Data: Reclaiming Human Rights at the Dawn of the Metaverse. Elizabeth’s captivating book calls for an entirely different data framework centered on the protection of human rights. A leading authority on digital identity, cross-border data protection / privacy laws, and innovative technologies such as blockchain and AI, Elizabeth argues that laws focused on data protection, data privacy, data security and data ownership have unintentionally failed to protect core human values, including personal privacy. Jeff probes this topic with Elizabeth, while also addressing technology governance, common data misconceptions, and her proposition for a new human rights-based approach to data.

What compels a society so dependent on technology to be so innovation-averse? And what is the role of the government in promoting innovation? Live from our remote studio in Washington D.C., EY’s Jeff Saviano reunites with Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy for Circle, for another conversation on Better Innovation to explore these questions which have taken on a greater sense of urgency on the global stage. Regular listeners to the show know Dante well, as this is his 3rd appearance! A seasoned expert who has been at the very center of innovation across fintech, public policy, social impact, and global risk, Dante sheds light on an ‘anti-innovation streak’ that exists within our society, the role of government in regulating and promoting innovation, and the importance of public-private collaboration to advance innovation ‘moonshots.’