AI and Consumer Behavior: Insights from Dr. Morgan Bryant

In this episode of AI in Action, Dr. Sidney Shapiro is joined by Dr. Morgan M. Bryant, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Saint Joseph's University’s Haub School of Business. Dr. Bryant specializes in consumer market research, social media influences, and decision-making, with over 13 years of professional experience in strategic decision analysis. Together, they explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and consumer behavior, delving into how AI is shaping consumer engagement, marketing analytics, and emerging trends in the digital space.

Key Topics Covered:

1. AI’s Influence on Consumer Behavior: Dr. Bryant shares her insights on how AI is transforming consumer decision-making processes in the digital world, particularly through personalization and predictive analytics.

2. Social Media and AI-Driven Marketing: Analyzing how social media platforms leverage AI to enhance user experiences and how marketers can better understand and predict consumer behavior through these technologies.

3. The Future of Social Commerce: How AI is facilitating consumer-to-consumer interactions in social commerce, and the innovations we can expect in this rapidly evolving space.

4. Ethical Considerations in AI: A discussion on the ethical challenges of AI, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and how businesses can ensure responsible use of AI in their marketing strategies.

5. Preparing Future Marketers for AI: As an educator, Dr. Bryant shares her perspective on the essential skills and knowledge that future marketers must develop to succeed in an AI-driven landscape.

6. Emerging AI Trends in Consumer Markets: Dr. Bryant highlights upcoming technologies and trends, such as virtual shopping assistants and AI-powered chatbots, which are set to revolutionize consumer engagement.

Quotable Moment: “AI is transforming not only how businesses operate but also how consumers make decisions, interact with brands, and navigate the digital world. This hyper-personalization fundamentally changes how consumers engage with brands, increasing their expectations for seamless, curated experiences.” – Dr. Morgan Bryant

About the Guest: Dr. Morgan M. Bryant is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Saint Joseph’s University with over 13 years of experience in consumer market research and strategic decision-making. Her research focuses on online buyer behavior, social media influences, and AI's role in consumer decision-making.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

AI in Action Podcast - Episode 7: Navigating AI in Business Development with Josey Frescura

AI in Action Podcast - Episode 7: Navigating AI in Business Development with Josey Frescura

Summary: In this episode of AI in Action, Dr. Sidney Shapiro is joined by Josey Frescura, Executive Officer at Sunwire Inc., with over 30 years of leadership experience in technology-driven industries. Josey brings a wealth of knowledge in change management, strategic planning, VoIP technology, and AI-driven business development. Together, they discuss how AI is transforming the telecommunications industry, driving business growth, and reshaping leadership strategies. Key Topics Covered:

1. Leading in Technology-Driven Industries: Josey discusses his approach to leadership in the fast-evolving technology sector and shares key principles for managing teams in a tech-heavy environment like Sunwire.

2. Change Management in the AI Era: Insights into successfully managing organizational change, particularly in the context of implementing AI and other technological advancements.

3. AI and Business Development: Exploring the impact of AI on business development and sales strategies, with a particular focus on industries that rely on technology, such as telecommunications and VoIP services.

4. The Future of VoIP with AI: A deep dive into how AI is transforming VoIP technology, enhancing customer service automation, and optimizing network performance.

5. Overcoming Resistance to AI: Josey shares real-world challenges he has faced when implementing AI solutions and offers practical advice on overcoming resistance to new technologies within organizations.

6. Leadership Advice for Aspiring Tech Leaders: Key skills and mindsets that future leaders need to develop to thrive in technology-driven fields, with a focus on AI and innovation.

Quotable Moment: “AI is not just a technological shift—it’s a strategic transformation that requires leaders to balance innovation with long-term vision.” – Josey Frescura

About the Guest: Josey Frescura is an accomplished leader with over three decades of experience in technology, strategic planning, and business development. As Executive Officer at Sunwire Inc., he has been at the forefront of driving AI and technological innovations in the telecommunications sector, particularly in VoIP and business communications.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

Episode Notes

In Episode 6 of AI in Action, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro sits down with Steven Gal, a Master's student at Toronto Metropolitan University specializing in information systems. Steven’s research focuses on the deceptive uses of AI, particularly in how deepfakes and AI-generated content are being used to mislead individuals. Together, they explore how AI is weaponized in phishing attacks, political disinformation, and the ethical concerns surrounding these deceptive practices. Key Topics Covered:

1. Deepfakes and Social Media: How AI-generated videos convincingly mimic real people, including high-profile public figures, to spread false information on social media.

2. AI in Phishing Attacks: The growing use of deepfakes in phishing schemes, where cybercriminals clone voices and appearances to deceive individuals and businesses.

3. Political Manipulation with AI: The dangers of AI in political contexts, from fake video endorsements to election interference campaigns, and the legislation aimed at combating these risks.

4. Ethical and Regulatory Concerns: A discussion on the ethical questions surrounding AI-generated deception, and the efforts to regulate these technologies through state and global laws.

5. The Future of AI-Driven Deception: What lies ahead as AI technology advances and how we can combat the growing threat of AI-generated misinformation.

Guest: Steven Gal – Master’s student at Toronto Metropolitan University. His research focuses on the deceptive applications of AI, particularly in the areas of deepfakes and phishing, with a focus on understanding how AI-generated content is changing the digital landscape. Key Quotes from Steven Gal:

• "Deepfakes aren’t just a celebrity problem—they're being used to manipulate elections and spread misinformation in ways we’ve never seen before."
• "As AI technology advances, it’s becoming harder to detect scams, making it crucial for individuals and organizations to stay vigilant."

Tune in if you're interested in:

• The dark side of AI technology and its deceptive uses.
• The real-world impact of deepfakes and AI-generated scams.
• How AI is transforming phishing attacks and online disinformation.
• The role of government regulation in curbing AI misuse

Notes go here

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

AI in Action - Episode 5 Show Notes

Episode Title: AI and Social Work: Enhancing Practices and Addressing Ethical Challenges Episode Summary: In this episode of AI in Action, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro welcomes Dr. Vivian Oystrick, a professor at Cambrian College with a PhD in Interdisciplinary Human Studies. Dr. Oystrick's work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and social work, exploring how AI can enhance social services and support vulnerable populations. This discussion dives deep into the potential benefits of AI in the social sector, while also addressing the ethical concerns that arise from its integration into human-centered fields like social work. Key Topics Covered:

1. AI's Role in Social Work: How AI is being leveraged to analyze large datasets, predict at-risk populations, and assist social workers in triaging cases more effectively.
2. Impact on Vulnerable Populations: The dual-edged potential of AI to help or harm vulnerable communities, particularly through biased algorithms and ethical concerns regarding privacy and consent.
3. Ethical Considerations: The importance of ensuring that AI models are fair, transparent, and used in ways that complement human judgment, rather than replace it.
4. Practical Examples: Case studies and examples where AI has been used to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of social services, allowing social workers to spend more time helping individuals in need.
5. The Future of AI in Social Work: What the future holds for AI-driven social services and the steps needed to ensure that AI continues to support rather than disrupt social systems.

Guest: Dr. Vivian Oystrick – Professor at Cambrian College with expertise in the integration of AI into social systems, focusing on how technology can enhance social services while maintaining ethical integrity.

Key Quotes from Dr. Oystrick:

• "AI can help us predict which individuals are most at risk, but we must be cautious about how these predictions are made and used."
• "The key to successfully integrating AI into social work is finding the balance between innovation and ethics."

Tune in if you're interested in:

• How AI can transform social work practices.
• The ethical implications of AI in human-centered fields.
• Real-world examples of AI enhancing social services.
• The future of AI in supporting vulnerable populations and social systems.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

In Episode 4 of AI in Action, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro is joined by JS Gilbert, a veteran creative industry professional with over two decades of experience as a creative director, writer, and voice actor. JS has worked on iconic projects, including voicing characters in Twisted Metal and League of Legends. In this episode, JS shares his insights on how AI is revolutionizing creativity, content production, and the broader media industry. Together, they discuss how AI is reshaping voice acting, writing, and advertising, while also exploring the ethical challenges that come with these changes. Key Topics Covered:

1. AI’s Role in Creativity: How AI is influencing writing, voice acting, and content creation, making processes faster and more efficient, but raising questions about authenticity and human creativity.

2. Voice Acting and AI: With AI now capable of generating synthetic voices, JS discusses how this technology might impact the future of voice actors and whether it will complement or replace human talent.

3. Creative Writing with AI: JS dives into how AI tools are being used in creative writing, helping writers generate content faster, but still requiring the human touch for emotional depth and connection.

4. AI in Advertising and Media Production: AI is playing an increasing role in advertising by analyzing consumer data and optimizing campaigns. JS shares his thoughts on how AI-driven trends will shape the future of marketing.

5. Ethical Concerns: As AI continues to evolve, there are growing concerns about the ethical implications, including deepfakes, identity theft, and copyright issues in AI-generated art, music, and voices.

Guest: JS Gilbert – A creative industry professional with over 20 years of experience in voice acting, creative direction, and writing. JS is known for voicing characters in Twisted Metal and League of Legends and brings a wealth of knowledge about the intersection of technology and creativity. Key Quotes from JS Gilbert:

• "AI is certainly changing the landscape of creativity, but the human element—our ability to connect emotionally—is irreplaceable."
• "As AI continues to advance, it will augment creative processes, but there will always be room for human input in making the art feel authentic."

Tune in if you're interested in:

• How AI is reshaping creative fields like writing, voice acting, and content creation.
• The future of AI in advertising, marketing, and media production.
• Ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated content in the arts.
• Balancing the benefits of AI with the need to preserve human creativity.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

Show Notes for "Harnessing AI for Business Transformation: Insights from Jupsimar Singh"

<h4>Episode Title:</h4>

Harnessing AI for Business Transformation: Insights from Jupsimar Singh

<h4>Subtitle:</h4>

Exploring Data Integration, Workflow Optimization, and the Future of AI in Decision-Making

<h4>Episode Overview:</h4>

In this episode of AI in Action, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro engages in a deep conversation with Jupsimar Singh, a seasoned expert in data and business systems currently leading data initiatives at Vale and serving as an Adjunct Professor at Cambrian College. Jupsimar brings a wealth of experience in data integration, AI-driven business optimization, and teaching data analytics. The discussion covers the practical applications of AI in business systems, the challenges of managing data in AI implementations, and the future trends that will shape AI's role in decision-making.

<h4>Key Topics Discussed:</h4>

1. AI in Business Systems Integration:

   • How AI is being utilized to enhance business systems and integrate data across operations.
   • Key projects led by Jupsimar that leverage AI to drive innovation and efficiency.

2. Challenges in Data Management with AI:

   • Common challenges encountered in managing data integrity while implementing AI solutions.
   • Strategies to address these challenges and ensure successful AI deployment.

3. Teaching AI and Data Analytics:

   • Incorporating AI into academic curriculum and the essential skills for students entering the data analytics field.
   • The role of educators in preparing the next generation of data professionals.

4. AI and Workflow Optimization:

   • Examples of AI-driven workflow optimization, reducing manual tasks and increasing efficiency in business operations.
   • The impact of AI on transforming traditional business processes.

5. Future of AI in Decision-Making:

   • Predictions on the future trends in AI that will influence data-driven decision-making.
   • How organizations can stay competitive by adapting to AI advancements.

6. Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals:

   • Essential advice for those looking to pursue a career in AI and data analytics.
   • Focus areas for developing a successful career in this rapidly evolving field.

<h4>Guest Bio:</h4>

Jupsimar Singh is an accomplished data and business systems leader with extensive experience in data integration, analytics, and AI-driven optimization. As a lead at Vale and an adjunct professor, his diverse background spans teaching, research, and hands-on project leadership. His work is crucial in advancing business intelligence and data-driven decision-making.

<h4>Episode Highlights:</h4>

• [00:01:45] Introduction to Jupsimar Singh and his expertise in data and AI.
• [00:06:30] Utilizing AI for business systems integration and real-world applications.
• [00:15:10] Challenges in data management when implementing AI solutions.
• [00:22:45] The role of AI in optimizing workflows and reducing manual tasks.
• [00:30:00] Future trends in AI and their impact on business decision-making.
• [00:38:20] Advice for aspiring professionals in AI and data analytics.

<h4>Call to Action:</h4>

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to AI in Action for more insights into how AI is transforming industries. Visit our website to listen to more episodes and subscribe to your favorite podcast platform!

For more information, visit AI in Action Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe using your favorite app: Subscribe Here. Join the conversation on social media using #AIinActionPodcast.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

Show Notes for "Unlocking the Power of Generative AI: Insights from Data Scientist Aditya Phadke"

<h4>Episode Title:</h4>

Unlocking the Power of Generative AI: Insights from Data Scientist Aditya Phadke

<h4>Subtitle:</h4>

Navigating the Future of AI: Applications, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations in Business

<h4>Episode Overview:</h4>

In this "AI in Action" episode, Dr. Sidney Shapiro sits down with Aditya Phadke, a seasoned Data Scientist at a leading management consulting firm. Aditya shares his expertise on generative AI, discussing its current applications, the challenges organizations face in AI deployment, and the cultural shifts necessary to embrace these technologies. He also delves into the ethical considerations surrounding AI and provides insights into future trends that could shape the business and technology landscape.

<h4>Key Topics Discussed:</h4>

1. Introduction to Data Science in Business:
   • Overview of the role of a Data Scientist in today's business environment.
   • Key areas where Data Scientists are making a significant impact, especially with generative AI.
2. Generative AI Applications:
   • Discussion of the most significant generative AI tools currently available.
   • Practical examples of how these tools are being utilized across different industries.
3. Challenges in AI Deployment:
   • Common challenges organizations face when deploying AI models.
   • Strategies for effectively managing or mitigating these challenges to ensure successful AI implementation.
4. Cultural Shift Toward AI:
   • How organizations can encourage a cultural shift towards embracing AI technologies.
   • Effective strategies for driving AI adoption within businesses.
5. Ethical Considerations in AI:
   • Ethical concerns associated with the advancement of generative AI models.
   • Businesses can use frameworks and approaches to address these concerns.
6. Future of Generative AI:
   • Predictions and trends in the field of generative AI.
   • How these advancements may influence business practices and broader technological innovation.

<h4>Guest Bio:</h4>

Aditya Phadke is a Data Scientist with a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Saskatchewan. He works at a leading management consulting firm, focusing on developing innovative AI solutions and fostering a cultural shift towards AI adoption within organizations. Aditya brings a wealth of experience in data science, machine learning, and generative AI to the discussion.

<h4>Episode Highlights:</h4>

• [00:02:00] Introduction to Aditya Phadke and his background in data science.
• [00:05:30] The evolving role of Data Scientists in the era of AI.
• [00:12:45] Practical applications of generative AI across industries.
• [00:18:20] Overcoming challenges in AI deployment.
• [00:25:00] Encouraging a cultural shift towards AI in businesses.
• [00:32:10] Addressing ethical considerations in AI development.
• [00:39:00] Future trends and predictions in generative AI.

<h4>Call to Action:</h4>

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to "AI in Action" for more insights into artificial intelligence. Don't forget to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform!

For more information, visit our website at https://sidneyshapiro.com/podcast/ Follow us on social media for updates and join the conversation using #AIinActionPodcast.

Show Notes for Episode 1: "The Future of AI in Economics and Cryptocurrency"

Episode Subtitle: Exploring the Intersection of Emerging Technologies with Dr. Konrad Sobański, PhD

Episode Overview: In this inaugural episode of "AI in Action," we dive deep into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence, economics, and cryptocurrency with our esteemed guest, Dr. Konrad Sobański, PhD, a professor at the University of Economics in Poznań. Dr. Sobański specializes in the economics of emerging technologies and is a leading voice in discussions about the future of AI and its economic implications.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• Introduction to Dr. Konrad Sobański: We kick off the episode with a brief introduction to Dr. Sobański's academic background and his current research focus at the University of Economics in Poznań. Learn about his journey into the world of AI and economics, and how his work is shaping the discourse around the integration of these fields.
• AI in the Modern Economy: Dr. Sobański provides insights into how AI is transforming traditional economic models. We discuss the role AI plays in optimizing financial markets, enhancing economic forecasting, and driving innovation in various sectors. Dr. Sobański explains how AI is not just a tool, but a fundamental shift in how economies operate.
• Cryptocurrency and AI: Delving into the world of digital currencies, Dr. Sobański discusses the synergy between AI and cryptocurrency. We explore how AI algorithms are being used to predict market trends, secure transactions, and even create new forms of digital assets. Dr. Sobański offers his perspective on the future of cryptocurrency in a world increasingly dominated by AI technologies.
• Ethical and Economic Implications: The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations of AI's growing influence in economics. Dr. Sobański shares his thoughts on the potential risks and rewards of AI integration in financial systems, including the implications for privacy, security, and economic inequality.
• Looking Ahead: We wrap up the episode with Dr. Sobański’s predictions for the future. What can we expect as AI continues to evolve and integrate deeper into our economic systems? Dr. Sobański provides a thought-provoking outlook on where these technologies might lead us in the next decade.

Key Takeaways:

• The critical role of AI in reshaping economic models and financial systems.
• How AI is influencing the development and management of cryptocurrencies.
• The ethical and societal implications of AI in economics.
• Dr. Sobański's predictions for the future of AI and its impact on global economies.