Today in Tech

AI may be reshaping the enterprise world — but what about small and mid-sized businesses? In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw speaks with Ed Keisling, Chief AI Officer at Progress Software, about the unique challenges and opportunities SMBs face when adopting AI. From limited budgets and data hurdles to the pitfalls of agentic hype and governance gaps, Ed explains how smaller companies can succeed by starting small, prioritizing outcomes, and enabling employees. Topics Covered: AI strategy differences: Enterprises vs SMBs Common mistakes SMBs make with AI Build vs. buy: Choosing the right AI tools Risk management, governance & explainability Realistic use cases and quick wins Agentic AI and the road ahead

Most companies are still learning how to use chatbots and copilots—but what happens when AI doesn’t wait for a prompt? In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw speaks with Bhavin Shah, CEO of Moveworks, about the rise of ambient agents: AI tools that proactively take action across enterprise systems before users even know help is needed. Discover how these autonomous agents are redefining workflows, slashing IT response times, boosting compliance, and delivering real ROI, far beyond reactive chatbots or copilots. Key topics: What makes ambient agents different from traditional AI agents Real-world examples from IT, HR, and enterprise automation How enterprises can integrate agents with tools like Slack, ServiceNow, and Salesforce Why trust, privacy, and gradual adoption are critical The psychology of automation and user behavior When and where we’ll see ambient agents become mainstream Subscribe for more deep dives into generative AI, automation, and enterprise tech.

Can AI and human creativity truly coexist—or are we watching the beginning of the end for original artistry? In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw dives deep into the future of visual content with Allesandra Sala, Shutterstock’s Head of AI and Data Science. Together, they explore how generative AI is transforming the creative industry — from image perfection and stock photography disruption to copyright chaos, ethical dilemmas, and artistic identity. Discover: Why Shutterstock chose to embrace, not resist, generative AI How AI-generated content is both exciting and dangerously generic The ongoing legal battle over AI authorship and content ownership How artists can stay relevant (and possibly even thrive) with AI What ethical guardrails and transparency measures are needed now Whether a backlash to “too perfect” imagery is already underway Follow TECH(talk) for the latest tech news and discussion!

Shadow AI is already inside your company—and your security team can’t see it. Employees are using AI tools without approval, confidential data is leaking into public LLMs, and attackers are weaponizing AI faster than we can secure it. In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw is joined by Etay Maor of Cato Networks, a cybersecurity expert and adjunct professor at Boston College, to reveal how Shadow AI is now one of the biggest threats to enterprise security. We discuss how AI tools slip past IT monitoring, why AI is now the weakest link, how attackers jailbreak AI models, and why agentic AI could open the next wave of cyberattacks. Etay also shares real-world cybercrime examples using AI—and what companies MUST do now to gain AI visibility, enforce policies, and prevent data leaks. Topics Covered: What is Shadow AI and why is it dangerous? 38% of employees sharing sensitive data with AI tools Why 90% of enterprise AI use is invisible AI misuse by employees and insider risks Jailbroken AI models and zero-knowledge threat actors AI-powered phishing, deepfakes & identity fraud Agentic AI and excessive permissions How to monitor, detect and contain Shadow AI

In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw is joined by Yvette Brown, co-founder of XPROMOS and a leading voice in generative AI education. They dive deep into the growing disconnect between AI adoption and employee readiness — with new research revealing that many AI projects are failing because upskilling efforts are falling short. Yvette breaks down: * Why relying on a “Debbie the AI gal” approach won't scale * How AI “work slop” is flooding organizations with low-quality content * What causes the “garbage in, garbage out” problem * Why iteration, specificity, and context are critical when prompting * The surprising power of tools like deep research and agentic AI pilots They also explore practical AI fluency tips for marketers, managers, and knowledge workers, plus discuss whether the holiday shopping season could be a breakthrough moment for consumer-facing AI agents. Don’t miss this episode if you care about: * Upskilling your team for AI success * Avoiding common prompt engineering mistakes * Using AI as a true collaborator — not just a shortcut * Navigating the rise of agentic AI safely Watch now and take on Yvette’s AI homework challenge: Ask an AI to analyze your job and help you work smarter.

As companies rush to implement AI and automated decision-making tools, they may be walking into a legal minefield. On this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw speaks with attorney Rob Taylor from Carstens, Allen & Gourley about the growing legal risks tied to agentic AI, automated hiring, and the rise of ADM (automated decision-making) regulations. Rob breaks down: * Why AI tools used in hiring and insurance may trigger liability * How companies are getting ADM compliance wrong * What laws already apply even without new AI regulations * Real-world examples like credit scoring, job screening, and sentiment analysis * Why disclosure, explainability, and data retention are essential * Who’s liable: the company or the AI developer? Chapters 00:00 Legal risks in AI and ADM 01:00 Common mistakes companies make 06:00 High-risk use cases: hiring, credit, insurance 10:00 Disclosure and consent pitfalls 15:00 Explainability and record-keeping laws 20:00 Unintentional bias in hiring algorithms 28:00 Who is liable: developer or deployer? 34:00 What future lawsuits might target 37:00 Fixing flawed AI governance 41:00 Litigation as the great teacher

Zero trust was once the leading cybersecurity strategy, but has it lost momentum? In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw speaks with Morey Haber, Chief Security Advisor at BeyondTrust, about whether zero trust is failing or simply misunderstood. They explore why many companies struggle to implement zero trust effectively, the gap between intention and execution, and how vendor marketing may have added confusion to the conversation. Morey explains why identity and privileged access management are now critical, how lateral movement works during attacks, and why many AI agents are dangerously over-privileged. Topics include: The misconception that zero trust is a product How AI is reshaping the need for zero trust The role of identity in modern cybersecurity Real-world deployment challenges and mistakes Why secure-by-design is often an afterthought This episode is ideal for IT leaders, cybersecurity professionals, and anyone looking to better understand how zero trust fits into a world increasingly influenced by AI.

Are shoppers starting to trust AI like a person? Host Keith Shaw talks with Brett Leary of Accenture about research showing users treat GPT-style tools as trusted advisors — and how that shifts product discovery, brand loyalty, and the future of shopping agents.

In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw is joined by Sydnee Mayers, Product Lead for AI at Cribl, to explore the fast-growing world of AI certifications. As tech companies, cloud providers, and universities race to offer AI training programs, how can professionals know which certifications matter — and which ones might be outdated before you even finish them? We break down: The explosion of AI certifications post-ChatGPT The most popular programs (Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Andrew Ng) Why developer skills don’t always translate to working with AI The difference between a “course” and a real certification How employers actually view AI certs in hiring decisions The skills (like prompt engineering) that still aren’t being formally taught The lack of certifications for non-technical roles (sales, marketing) Why AI certifications may never become standardized — and what to do instead

AI is reshaping both sides of the job market—from how companies hire to how freelancers win work. In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw talks with Dave Bottoms (SVP & GM of Marketplace at Upwork) about AI-powered hiring, instant interviews, the surge in demand for AI skills, and how freelancers can stay competitive without losing the human creativity and judgment that clients value. What you’ll learn: How AI is changing recruiting and interviews (speed, fairness, transparency) The freelance skills in highest demand (prompting, model training, AI integration) Smart ways freelancers use AI to boost productivity—without sacrificing quality Trust, bias, and the future role of AI agents in the freelance economy Watch to see how to thrive in the new freelance economy shaped by AI.

Most companies are racing to adopt generative and agentic AI — but many are skipping the most important steps. In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw is joined by Prem Natarajan, EVP, Chief Scientist, and Head of Enterprise AI at Capital One, for a candid discussion about what true AI readiness looks like in the enterprise. Learn why flashy demos aren’t enough — and what organizations must invest in to move beyond experimentation: Why data quality, cloud architecture, and talent are non-negotiables How Capital One built its own AI agent platform (and why most companies can’t yet) The difference between outputs vs. outcomes in agentic AI What “human in the loop” really means in 2025 Why trust must be earned — by the technology The overlooked role of governance, risk, and strategic patience AI success starts long before the first model is deployed.

For decades, quantum computing seemed like science fiction — complex, mysterious, and always “in the future.” But in 2025, that narrative is changing. In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw sits down with Murray Thom, VP of Quantum Technology Evangelism at D-Wave, to explore how quantum computing is already solving real-world problems. This includes workforce scheduling to materials science and even AI optimization. Learn why this isn’t a distant future technology anymore: The real reason 2025 may be the tipping point How companies like Ford and grocery chains are using quantum tech today Why quantum won’t replace classical computing — but will enhance it The surprising energy savings vs. supercomputers How quantum computing could help cure cancer, tackle climate change, and optimize AI training models

As enterprises embrace agentic AI, the cybersecurity challenges are multiplying. In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw sits down with Lee Klarich, Chief Product Officer at Palo Alto Networks, to explore the growing concerns around AI security — from prompt injection and rogue agents to emerging attack vectors enabled by autonomous AI systems. Lee breaks down the three core risk categories facing companies in 2025: Misuse and lack of visibility into generative AI tools New attack surfaces opened by copilots and embedded agents The looming threat of AI-powered attackers and autonomous red teaming tools They also cover: The evolution of security from generative AI to agentic AI Real-world vulnerabilities already observed in agent communication protocols (MCP) Why discovery and control are the first steps in protecting AI deployments How security teams can evolve their playbooks without slowing down innovation The optimistic case for AI as a force multiplier for defenders—not just attackers Will the defenders stay one step ahead, or are we building systems we can’t control? This episode delivers must-watch insights for CISOs, security engineers, and tech leaders navigating the next phase of AI adoption.

Artificial intelligence is powerful, but are businesses using it the wrong way? In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw sits down with Alan Trefler, Founder and CEO of Pega, to discuss why so many AI projects are failing and how companies can still unlock real value from generative AI and agentic AI. Alan shares why organizations confuse design-time AI (for creativity and planning) with run-time AI (for execution and reliability), and why that mistake leads to unscalable, risky, and sometimes embarrassing outcomes. From failed AI pilots to the hype around agents, Alan breaks down: Why at least 40% of AI projects fail The dangers of running your business on “prompts” The three categories of AI every business leader must understand How workflows, not prompts, create predictability and trust The future of agentic AI, and how to avoid repeating today’s mistakes

From spotting weapons and detecting smoke to predicting where incidents are most likely to occur, artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of physical security. In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw and guest James Benum explore how AI-powered cameras, drones, and large language models are improving response times, reducing false alarms, and helping security teams work smarter. They also discuss the balance between safety and privacy, the convergence of cyber and physical security, and why humans will always play a vital role in protecting people and property.

Is AI helping or hurting your job search? In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw sits down with Cliff Jurkiewicz, Vice President of Global Strategy at Phenom, to uncover the truth behind applicant tracking systems (ATS), the rise of generative engine optimization (GEO), and the new AI-powered job hunt. Discover why your traditional resume may be getting ignored, how AI is quietly reshaping hiring from both the company and candidate side, and what you can do to stand out. Cliff explains the difference between old-school ATS systems and modern intelligent talent platforms, warns about ethical lines job seekers are crossing with prompt injection and fraud, and shares why storytelling and networking are now essential job-seeking strategies. :fire: Key Takeaways: Why legacy ATS systems are like "taping an iPad to a school bus" How to write resumes for AI using GEO and semantic relevance The dangers of resume fraud and prompt injection How to practice interviews with ChatGPT (the right way) Why face-to-face networking is more valuable than ever :pushpin: Whether you're job hunting now or preparing for the future, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and surprising truths.

Generative AI has been hyped for years — but is it delivering real value? In this episode of Today in Tech, Keith Shaw talks with Ketan Karkhanis, CEO of ThoughtSpot, about what’s really working in AI, what isn’t, and where the technology is headed next. From replacing dashboards with AI agents to transforming onboarding, customer service, and engineering productivity, Ketan shares how companies can move beyond the headlines and focus on ROI, culture, and trust. Learn why he believes AI won’t cut jobs — it will actually create new opportunities — and how leaders can avoid “AI theater” and deliver real results. If you want to understand the future of AI adoption — and how to compete with the biggest players — this conversation is for you.

Generative AI has revolutionized how we write, code, and create—but it still hallucinates. In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw sits down with Byron Cook, Distinguished Scientist and VP at AWS, to break down why AI continues to make things up—and what we can do to stop it. They explore: What AI hallucinations really are—and why they’re not always bad How automated reasoning can serve as a “logic cop” for generative AI The challenge of defining truth in business contexts Agentic AI: Why it needs stronger safeguards before widespread adoption How Amazon is using formal methods to improve accuracy and reduce risk When hallucinations are harmless—and when they can cost you your job, money, or reputation If you’re an enterprise leader, developer, or tech enthusiast trying to understand the next phase of trustworthy AI, this is the episode for you. :bell: Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tech insights every week!

AI isn’t just for data scientists anymore. In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw talks with Red Hat Distinguished Engineer Mo Duffy about how businesses can empower everyone — from HR to marketing to customer support — to become fluent in AI. Discover: Why AI fluency is becoming a must-have skill like internet literacy A four-layer AI skills pyramid: from prompt engineers to AI researchers The role of open source in democratizing AI expertise How vibe coding and AI assistants are lowering the barrier to building tools Real-world success stories and ethical considerations in AI adoption Whether you're a leader trying to upskill your workforce or an employee looking to grow your AI capabilities, this conversation will give you the blueprint for success in an AI-first workplace. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes every week!

Is your web browser still built for consumers — but your business has moved on? In this episode of Today in Tech, Keith Shaw sits down with Bradon Rogers, Chief Customer Officer at Island, to explore the rise of enterprise browsers — purpose-built tools that enhance security, improve user experience, and unlock productivity in a browser-first world.Bradon breaks down how enterprise browsers are transforming app delivery, boosting cybersecurity, and enabling organizations to say yes more often — without compromising on control. From generative AI integration to post-quantum security, learn why this technology could become the new standard for every organization in the next five years. Topics covered: Why traditional browsers are misaligned with enterprise needs The evolution from consumer to enterprise browser Security, compliance, and shadow IT use cases How enterprise browsers enable AI-powered workflows The “say yes” philosophy and improving user experience Predictions on browser adoption and industry impact  Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Today in Tech.