The AI CEO Podcast
Host: Seema Alexander, Co-founder & President of Virgent AI | Co-Chair, DC Startup & Tech Week
AI isn’t just another tool—it’s the next frontier of business. The AI CEO Podcast explores the intersection of AI, business strategy, and leadership, equipping CEOs, founders, and executives with the insights they need to navigate and leverage AI effectively.
Hosted by Seema Alexander, Co-founder & President of Virgent AI—a company specializing in AI-powered solutions and AI agents—this podcast goes beyond the hype to break down how AI is transforming industries, leadership, and innovation. As Co-Chair of DC Startup & Tech Week, Seema is at the forefront of AI-driven business evolution, helping companies move from AI-curious to AI-powered.
Each episode features CEOs, founders, AI experts, and industry leaders sharing real-world strategies and case studies on:
✅ AI adoption and implementation for business growth
✅ AI agents, automation, and next-gen AI technologies
✅ How AI is shaping leadership and decision-making
✅ AI-driven innovation and competitive advantage
✅ Ethics, governance, and responsible AI use
✅ The future of work and workforce transformation
✅ AI investments, ROI, and scaling AI initiatives
Powered by Virgent AI, The AI CEO Podcast is your go-to resource for staying ahead in the AI revolution.
Subscribe now and redefine what’s possible with AI! 🚀Produced by Legacy Sessions
Site
RSS
Apple
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
In this week’s episode of the AI CEO podcast, host Seema Alexander sits down with AI leaders Padmini Soni and Uvika Sharma to explore the multifaceted world of AI adoption, responsible AI development, and cultural inclusivity in AI.
Padmini and Uvika, co-founders of the Asian Women Advancing AI community and leaders at the AI Leadership Institute, share insights from their extensive experience advising Fortune 500 companies and startups. They discuss the critical need for AI models that embrace global cultural nuances, the challenges of aligning AI strategies with business goals, and the importance of trust in AI-human interaction.
The conversation delves into practical adoption hurdles such as data silos, change management, and the emerging roles AI literacy and education play for both employees and the next generation.
The episode also touches on innovative AI use cases including predictive analytics, conversational agents, mental health applications, and preserving lost languages. As AI shapes the future of work and society, they emphasize the value of collaboration between humans and AI, responsible stewardship, and fostering inclusive, diverse AI ecosystems.
Key takeaways
AI adoption must align with clear business goals and include cross-functional teams early for effective change management.
Responsible AI requires cultural inclusivity to build trust and deliver relevant, human-centered solutions worldwide.
Data readiness and governance are foundational to AI success; treating data as a well-maintained product prevents data chaos.
AI literacy across organizational levels and age groups is essential to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating risks.
👉 In this episode
(00:00) Introduction
(01:35) Welcome to the AI CEO Podcast
(02:37) Meet the Guests
(05:58) The Importance of Trust in AI
(12:13) Challenges in AI Adoption
(22:19) The Future of AI: Predictions and Concerns
(44:23) Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in AI
(44:54) AI Training on Finished vs. Unfinished Code
(46:27) The Importance of Data in AI
(48:31) Data Governance and Integration
(54:38) AI Literacy and Workforce Upskilling
(01:00:00) AI in Education and Critical Thinking
(01:06:13) Challenges of AI in the Workplace
(01:12:02) Future of AI and Robotics
(01:12:32) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks
🌎Reach out to Padmini and Uvika
🌎Reach out to Padmini and Uvika Padmini Soni ➛LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/padminisoni-ai ➛Founder of Rezonance AI ➛Head of Responsible AI Growth at the AI Leadership Institute ➛Asian Women Advancing AI community co-founder
🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander ➛CEO, Disruptive AI ➛Host, AI CEO Podcast ➛Managing Partner and Founder, AIBusinessCon (April 26) ➛Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/ LinkedIN: ➛https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander ➛IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en
Special Episode: GenX For AI or Against? (It's Not What You Think!) | The AI CEO Podcast
Season 2 · Episode 17
Friday, August 22, 2025 • Duration 18:51
What does Gen Z really think about AI in school, cheating with ChatGPT, and the future of jobs? Their answers will shock you. 😳
In this special MINI edition of The AI CEO Podcast, host Seema Alexander sits down with Aria Ponda (11th grader, Winston Churchill HS) and Sareena Alexander (11th grader, Whitman HS) for an unfiltered, family edition conversation on how teens view AI.
This episode gauged their candid insights on AI in education and dives into how students view AI tools—as both a potential form of cheating and a helpful research aid—along with the challenges teachers face in adapting to AI’s presence in the classroom. Aria shares insights from her own experience with AI in school projects and highlights the need for integrating AI responsibly and thoughtfully into education, including the concept of custom AI tools with safeguards. This episode offers a valuable glimpse into the evolving relationship between youth and AI technology, aiming to inform educators, business leaders, and anyone curious about the future of learning.
👉Key takeaways
Why Gen Z is skeptical of AI beyond ChatGPT
The debate: Is using AI in homework cheating or efficiency?
What schools and teachers must do to guide safe AI use
Could AI tutors replace human ones?
Fears about AI taking jobs vs. hopes for AI in medicine & social good
High school teachers are generally resistant to or not yet embracing AI integration in classrooms.
Custom AI tools with guardrails can help students use AI responsibly without cheating.
There is a knowledge gap among students about how to effectively and ethically use AI technology.
👉 In this episode (01:08) High School Students' Perspective on AI (01:59) AI and Cheating in Education (02:23) Teachers' Attitudes Towards AI () Using AI as a Learning Tool () Concerns About AI in the Future () The Role of AI in Future Jobs () Excitement and Skepticism About AI () Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Disruptive AI Follow Seema on LinkedIn for daily insights: linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: @seemaalexander @theaiceopodcast 👉 If you’re a parent, educator, startup founder, edtech innovator, or business leader, this is a must-watch to understand how the next generation is really thinking about AI. 📌 🎧 Loved this episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps more leaders discover conversations like this. Production Studio: Legacy Sessions
AI CEO Podcast: AI Governance Isn’t Red Tape—It’s a Revenue Strategy with Gerald Kierce, CEO, Trustible
Season 2 · Episode 8
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 • Duration 01:00:42
If you don’t implement governance early, the market will do it for you—and it might be too late.”
In this episode of the AI CEO podcast, Seema Alexander is joined by Gerald Kierce, the co-founder of Trustible AI, to discuss the importance of AI governance for businesses.
We discuss how enterprises can adopt AI safely while maintaining regulatory compliance and mitigating risks.
Gerald emphasizes the need for AI literacy among employees and shares insights into how Trustible AI's platform helps organizations manage AI governance, risk, and compliance effectively. We also explore the potential future impacts of AI on labor, the economy, and the importance of fostering an innovative culture.
Tune in for valuable insights for CEOs, founders, and business leaders on navigating the complexities of AI adoption.
(00:00) Introduction to AI Capabilities (00:30) Welcome to the AI CEO Podcast (01:14) Guest Introduction: Gerald and Trustable (02:23) The Importance of AI Governance (03:48) Challenges in AI Governance (05:57) AI Governance Strategies (06:59) Use Cases and Risk Assessment (08:31) Regulatory and Market Forces (10:14) AI Governance in Practice (12:58) Trustable's Role in AI Governance (28:37) Real-World AI Governance Examples (32:48) Leveraging AI for Organizational Efficiency (33:38) AI in Healthcare Administration (35:16) Addressing AI Literacy and Security Concerns (38:00) The Rise of AI Agents and Governance (43:11) AI in Business: Practical Applications and Benefits (49:04) Challenges and Future of AI in Business(56:11)Final Thoughts and Future Outlook
AI Isn’t Coming for Jobs — It’s Coming for Business Models with Peter Swain
Season 2 · Episode 7
Sunday, May 11, 2025 • Duration 02:05:25
What if everything you thought about AI was just the tip of the iceberg? In this powerful and provocative episode, futurist and technologist Peter Swain joins host Seema Alexander to unpack the real transformation AI is unleashing across business and society. From a jaw-dropping Monopoly analogy that reframes the post-normal world, to the rise of agentic ecosystems and solopreneur unicorns, this conversation pulls no punches.
You’ll hear:
🔥 Why most companies are already exposed to AI risks—and don’t even know it
💥 How agentic systems will redefine jobs, workflows, and even what it means to be a CEO
🤖 Why AI isn’t just automating tasks—it’s challenging capitalism itself
🧠 Peter’s personal story of coding at 6 and building tech through 3 paradigm shifts
📉 The hidden dangers of doing nothing and how shadow AI is already at work inside your company
🌀 A bold look at the future of humanity, work, universal income—and what it might really take to thrive
If you’re a founder, executive, or builder wondering how to lead through this unprecedented shift, this is the deep, honest, and necessary conversation you need to hear.
AI vs. Humans? Is Expertise Dead? I Cenk Sidar, CEO, Enquire AI
Season 2 · Episode 6
Saturday, May 3, 2025 • Duration 01:11:29
A pioneer in the intersection of artificial intelligence and business intelligence, Cenk Sidar is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Enquire AI. In today’s discussion with Seema, Sidar emphasizes the indispensability of human experts despite AI's growing capabilities and explains the concept of 'last mile experts' in AI-driven workflows.
The conversation also delves into Inquire AI's evolution from a political and economic consultancy to a multi-agent AI platform with a vast network of experts providing real-time insights. Sidar shares his views on leveraging proprietary data, imbibing holistic backgrounds for innovation, and the importance of founder-led sales in establishing trust with enterprise clients.
ludes with a discussion on the future of work and the societal implications of AI advancements, both the good and the not so good.
👉 In this episode
(00:00) Introduction to AI Dystopia and Utopia
(00:18) Welcome to the AI CEO Podcast
(00:59) Introducing Today's Guest: Jan Sadar
(01:56) The Role of Expertise in the Age of AI
(02:55) The Concept of the Last Mile Expert
(04:44) Human in the Loop: The Future of Expertise
(07:19) The Evolution of Inquire AI
(09:38) Building a Digital Expert Network
(14:59) Innovating with Network Pulse
(21:47) The Power of Proprietary Data
(35:35) The Centaur Model: Human-Machine Collaboration
(37:27) Challenges of Selling AI Solutions to Enterprises
(37:53) Navigating Sales Challenges in Startups
(38:57) The Importance of Founder-Led Sales
(40:08) Building Trust with Enterprise Clients
AI Will Drive Disruptive Revenue Stream I Swathi Young, Chief AI Solutionist & UN AI Strategist
Season 2 · Episode 5
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 • Duration 01:14:19
Swathi Young is a formidable force in the technology industry. An adept leader with over 20 years of experience across organizations such as Amtrak, Sungard, GE, and Oracle, she is also a crusader on the forefront of change with regards to machine learning, AI and emerging technologies.
The conversation delves into real-world use cases in healthcare, fintech, professional services, and public sector, illustrating the profound impact of AI on operational efficiency, cost reduction, and strategic planning.
We discuss challenges such as data privacy, security, and the complexities of implementing generative AI in enterprise environments. Swathi also shares her passion project with the United Nations, leveraging AI to drive sustainability and solve global challenges. Through this in-depth discussion, listeners gain actionable insights into adopting AI responsibly to innovate and thrive in an evolving technological landscape.
👉 In this episode
(00:00) Introduction to AI and Human Creativity
(01:04) Introducing Today's Guest: Swathi Young
(02:09) The Future of AI and ML in the Next Five Years
(03:25) Consumer and Enterprise Adoption of AI
(04:10) Public Sector Adoption of AI
(04:44) Disruption in Workflows and Industries
(07:23) Swathi Young's Background and Journey
(09:50) Early AI and ML Projects
(15:42) The Importance of Domain Knowledge in AI
(20:40) Human-in-the-Loop AI Systems
(21:33) Generative AI Use Cases: Legal and IT Help Desk
(34:03) Challenges in Real-Time AI Implementations
(36:04) Building Smart AI Solutions
The AI CEO: Trust Issues — Building AI That Won’t Break the Business | Jess Szmajda (Amazon, Axios, Capital One)
Season 2 · Episode 4
Thursday, April 10, 2025 • Duration 57:06
The AI CEO: Trust Issues — Building AI That Won’t Break the Business | Jess Szmajda (Amazon, Axios, Capital One)
Can you really trust AI? In this episode of The AI CEO Podcast, we sit down with Jess Szmajda—former CTO of Axios, General Manager at Amazon, and current VP of Engineering at Capital One—to explore how forward-thinking leaders can adopt AI safely without sacrificing security, privacy, or public trust.
Jess shares lessons from her real-world experience building and deploying AI at scale, including:
How to build trusted AI systems from the ground up
The difference between bias in AI and bias in prompts
Reducing hallucinations with guardrails and system prompts
Why she only trusts AWS Bedrock for enterprise-grade privacy
How to leverage AI agents in workflows without risking your business
Whether you’re a CEO, founder, or product leader, this conversation will reshape how you think about trust, safety, governance, and AI’s role in business transformation.
🔒 Don’t let AI break your business—learn how to build it responsibly.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:00 Can We Trust AI? 04:00 Guardrails, Bias & System Prompts 12:00 Lessons from Axios HQ & Smart Brevity
21:00 Reducing Hallucinations in AI Agents
29:00 Privacy, Data, and Enterprise Guardrails 35:00 AI Agents vs. Interns: Why It’s a Trust Problem
44:00 What CEOs Need to Know NOW
54:00 Final Thoughts — 🎙️ Hosted by Seema Alexander, Founder of Virgent AI & Co-Chair of DC Startup & Tech Week
🎧 Subscribe for more CEO-level convos on AI, business transformation & responsible innovation
How to Drive Real Business ROI with AI — Featuring Prof. Angela Virtu (American University)
Season 2 · Episode 3
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 • Duration 01:20:51
Angela Virtu joined Kogod's IT&A Department as a Professorial Lecturer in 2023. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses covering topics such as introduction to technology, data analytics, machine learning, and coding. Prior to joining our faculty, she built AI & ML solutions that bridged theoretical advancements with their practical, ethical applications. She was able to drive business impact on these solutions by empowering organizations to integrate them seamlessly into the business’ current operations.
In today’s episode, we delve into the changing landscape of AI, touching on effective ways to quantify ROI beyond traditional metrics like time savings and productivity. Angela shares her insights on the evolution from traditional AI to modern AI agentic workflows, emphasizing the need for responsible integration into business operations.
Topics covered also include the use of AI in marketing, sales, and customer service, the implications of generative AI, and the potential for AI agents to transform the future of work. The conversation highlights the importance of human involvement to ensure quality and ethical utilization of AI technologies.
Angela also stresses the need for students and professionals to adapt to these changes by cultivating soft skills and collaborative capabilities. This episode provides valuable insights for CEOs, founders, and industry leaders on staying ahead in the fast-evolving world of AI.
👉 In this episode
(00:00) Introduction to the AI CEO Podcast
(01:44) Guest Introduction: Angela Virtu
(02:31) Angela's Journey into AI and Business
(04:41) Explaining Neural Networks
(06:57) Traditional AI vs. Current AI Landscape
(07:33) AI in Startups and Data-Driven Decisions
(15:47) AI in Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service
(41:58) Proactive Customer Service with AI
Revolutionizing Legacy: How Stanley Black & Decker is Winning with AI with Matt Griffiths
Season 3 · Episode 2
Monday, March 24, 2025 • Duration 01:05:41
Revolutionizing Legacy: How Stanley Black & Decker is Winning with AI with Matt Griffiths
In this episode of the AI CEO podcast, host Seema Alexander sits down with Matt Griffiths, VP of AI and Data at Stanley Black & Decker, to explore the current and future impact of AI on enterprise.
Matt shares his journey from working with data on shop floors to leading the AI initiatives at Stanley Black & Decker and provides valuable insights into the transformative power of AI.
They discuss the use of generative AI, responsible AI governance, and the importance of data in driving innovation.
Key themes include the integration of structured and unstructured data, the potential of AI agents, the necessity of human oversight, and the future of work in an AI-driven world.
If you are seeking a playbook to help you accelerate adoption of AI in your company, this interiew showcases how ahead of the game Stanley Black & Decker is due to the leadership of Matt Griffiths and his executive peers compared to many in their industry and enterprises in general. Listen in to find out how they did it and what's next.
This episode is essential listening for leaders looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI.👉 In this episode
(00:00) Introduction to AI in Business
(01:02) Guest Introduction: Matt Griffiths
(02:59) Traditional AI Use Cases
(05:34) The Evolution of Data Utilization
(06:02) Generative AI and Unstructured Data
(08:03) Data Lakes and Real-Time Insights
(09:48) Generative AI in Decision Making
(12:17) Personalization and Predictive Maintenance
Take AI Seriously or Risk Being Left Behind with Jesse Alton, CEO of Virgent AI
In the inaugural episode of the AI CEO Podcast, host Seema Alexander, co-founder and President of Vigent AI, speaks with Jesse Alton, CEO and partner at Virgent.
We discuss the transformative role of AI in business, emphasizing the importance of AI literacy for leadership and employees, the need for responsible AI, and the opportunities AI brings for innovation and efficiency.
The conversation touches on the potential of AI agents in automating routine tasks, the ethical and regulatory considerations for AI deployment, and the future of work.
We stress the importance of creating intentional, ethical, and high-impact AI solutions that bring real value to businesses and their customers.
👉 In this episode
(00:00) Introduction to the AI CEO Podcast
(01:09) Meet Your Host: Seema Alexander
(01:33) Rebranding and the Importance of AI in Business
(02:14) Introducing Jesse Alton and Virgent AI
(02:52) The Journey into AI and Magic ML
(05:35) Understanding Interoperability and Early AI Development
(08:28) The Formation of Virgent AI and Its Mission
(13:58) The Economic Impact of AI by 2030
(15:38) Navigating AI Adoption and Safe Implementation
(31:10) The Role of AI Agents in Modern Business
(42:28) The Future of AI Agents and Business Transformation
(46:21) Harnessing Data for Machine Learning
(46:47) Creating and Fine-Tuning Your Own AI Model
✨ Find out how AI can change your business. Check it out here: http://www.virgent.ai/ For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: info@disruptive.ceo
🎬 Watch More Episodes AI in Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjR5vKgcTW0 Shark Tank Insider Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aagh7YKHnsg Disruptive Brands with Maha Abouelenein: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIx5TaADMk8
🎥 Playlists Full Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLohO9RT6Hiy8xpJS79KIrlZJeKc2EblYT Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLohO9RT6Hiy9dvWDaDsr6LFckxZ3CiLOt —
🔔 Like this episode? Subscribe and turn on notifications to never miss a conversation with the leaders shaping the AI-powered future. 👉 www.
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.
Product Studio: Legacy Session (based out of DC) 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to The AI CEO with Seema Alexander, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
