The Power of Digital Policy

AI is forcing organizations to confront a reality they have often ignored for years: information quality matters. In this episode, Kristina Podnar sits down with taxonomist and knowledge management expert Ian Davis to explore why concepts like taxonomy, ontology, semantic modeling, and knowledge graphs have become critical foundations for successful AI deployment. Together, they discuss how AI exp...

AI isn’t slowing down because of weak models or poor prompts—it’s being held back by something far less flashy: data privacy. In this episode, Kristina sits down with Adam Kamor of Tonic.ai to unpack why organizations are struggling to safely use their own data, how unstructured data creates massive operational friction, and what it actually takes to move from manual redaction to scalable, privacy...

Kristina Podnar talks with data and analytics leader Ioana Mazare about why synthetic data is gaining traction, where organizations risk getting it wrong, and why strong governance is still essential. They explore privacy, bias, fit-for-purpose use cases, third-party synthetic data providers, and the leadership, strategy, and accountability needed to make data trustworthy in the age of AI.

AI is no longer just generating content—it’s retrieving, reasoning, and increasingly making decisions. And yet, many organizations are approaching it as if better prompts or better models will solve everything. In reality, AI is only as effective as the content it relies on. The more autonomous these systems become, the more they depend on content that is structured, connected, and governed with i...

Kristina Podnar reconnects with Brian Bauer to explore what’s changed in just a few months as agentic AI moves from experimentation to execution in banking and other regulated industries. They unpack the “year of reckoning” for AI ROI, why compliance can accelerate innovation instead of blocking it, and how organizations can use AI to reduce costs, increase revenue, and compete at the speed of bus...

In this episode, Kristina Podnar sits down with Camille Stewart Gloucester to unpack what’s durable in today’s AI policy landscape — and what’s just noise. Tune is for why AI governance isn’t about regulation alone, but about infrastructure: decision rights, data access, organizational design, and continuous learning. Camille shares what she’s seeing across industry and government, where organizat...

As AI adoption races ahead of regulation, companies are facing a new and largely uncharted risk landscape. In this episode of The Power of Digital Policy , Kristina Podnar is joined by Russ Fradin, CEO of Larridin, and Michael Levine, Partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth, to unpack the realities of shadow AI, emerging legal exposure, and the quiet but significant shift happening in insurance coverage....

Citi’s recent AI agent rollout signals a new phase for banking innovation. But can compliance really make things faster? Kristina Podnar talks with Brian Bauer of Rational Exponent and explores how smart policy and explainable AI can turn regulation into a competitive advantage.

In this episode of The Power of Digital Policy , Kristina hosts a thought-provoking conversation with Cindy Warner, a technology veteran and founder of 360ofme, a platform that empowers individuals with greater control over their personal data. Cindy reflects on her transition from deep technologist to strategic leader at companies like FedEx, EY, PWC, IBM, and Salesforce. She explores the pivotal...

In this episode, Kristina talks with international attorney Joe Dehner to explore the evolving landscape of data privacy and cybersecurity. With over 50 years of experience in global law, Joe shares his insights on how businesses can navigate complex legal frameworks, the importance of building privacy-centric infrastructures, and how organizations can balance innovation with compliance in a fast-...

In this episode, we are joined by Lawrence Eta, a leader at one of Saudi Arabia's mega projects and former CTO of the City of Toronto, Canada. Lawrence shares his extensive experience and insights on transforming cities through digital innovation, the importance of servant leadership, and fostering community involvement in policy development. Hear this inspiring discussion on the evolving con...

On this episode of "The Power of Digital Policy" Kristina talks with industry veterans Jim Kaskade and David Maher. As leaders at the helm of Conversica and InterTrust Technologies, respectively, Jim and David bring decades of experience in technology and secure computing to the table. This episode takes a deep dive into the intricate world of Generative AI, spotlighting the recent regul...

In this podcast episode, Kristina talks with Saira Jesani, the Deputy Executive Director of the Data & Trust Alliance. She delves into the collaborative efforts of leading organizations such as American Express, CVS Health, and Walmart in championing the responsible use of data and artificial intelligence (AI). The Data & Trust Alliance serves as a beacon for these corporations, guiding th...

In this episode, Kristina delves into the increasingly critical nexus of legal expertise and technological acumen, highlighting the emergence of "legal unicorns" - professionals who are not only adept at navigating the complexities of the law but also possess a profound understanding of technology. Guest Olga V. Mack, a lawyer with an extensive background in digital technology, discusses...

On the latest episodes of “The Power of Digital Policy ” show, Kristina Podnar interviews Charles Beyrouthy , Forma Prime Managing Partner, about the fascinating world of quantum computation. They explore its different uses, from quantum GPS to photonic-based quantum computing, and outline the factors to consider when investing in this promising technology. Charles highlights the need for forward-...

In this new podcast episode, Kristina and guest Lewis Barr, VP of Legal and General Counsel at Conversica, discuss the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act (EUAIA). Barr highlights the Act's primary goal to implement a risk framework for AI development while addressing human rights concerns within the EU. He emphasizes the potential impact of the Act on both large tech companies...

In this conversation, Kristina and AI expert Dr. Nicholas Mattei explore the challenges in building trust in AI, focusing on transparency, fairness, and ethical considerations. They discuss the role of AI in society, data governance, and public perception, particularly in relation to generative AI models like ChatGPT. Join the conversation on the importance of data privacy and ethical data use in...

Join host Kristina Podnar and cybersecurity expert Mike Starr as they delve into the critical world of software updates. Discover the hidden dangers of neglecting patches and learn how to transform routine digital maintenance into a strategic asset for safeguarding your digital infrastructure. Don't miss out on expert insights that could fortify your cyber defenses—tune in now!

Dive deep into a stimulating conversation with Sultan Meghji and Nick Reese, exploring the dynamic facets of AI technology adoption across various sectors, including academia, government, and private industries. Unpack insights into why organizations might be holding back and the transformative potential a proactive approach to AI integration can unlock. Sultan and Nick, backed by diverse experien...

In this podcast episode, Kristina discusses the future of business and the implications of generative AI with Michel Ballings, an associate professor and director of the JTV Center Intelligence Lab at the University of Tennessee. They explore the transformative potential of generative AI, its impact on various industries, and the need for organizations to adapt to this technology.  Michel explains...

The traditional "move fast and break things" approach to AI development is shifting toward a more regulated model, akin to high-risk product development like medical devices. Today, the pivotal factor driving successful AI adoption in any organization is trust. How do you facilitate this crucial transformation, harnessing the opportunities that AI has to offer today, and ensuring your or...

More organizations are realizing the opportunities to leverage AI, whether for easing patient administrative burdens to increasing the speed of drug delivery to the marketplace. Providers can see the benefits of broader communication and patient outreach as well. But as we continue to explore the endless possibilities, we first need to build trust in AI. Karthik Sourirajan of ZS Associates talks w...

Always trust your gut, right? Not necessarily. Your inner voice, aka Y.O.D.A. — Your Own Decision Advisor — can lead to poor decision-making. So how do you fix it? Dr. Jim Loehr talks with Kristina Podnar about your inner voice to make the right calls. Among other tips, he advises writing down your purpose in life, your life's mission, how you want people to remember you when you're gone...

Building sustainable solutions for privacy requires building privacy programs that can scale effectively across existing and future laws. Privacy must also be a foundational layer of the data ecosystem – so that peoples’ privacy choices are respected and enforced everywhere. It is your UX team, legal, marketing, and IT that participate in delivering that experience. Jonathan Joseph discusses how t...

Artificial intelligence (AI) can make the world more sustainable by using natural resources while also helping to reduce environmental costs. It can also make us more efficient and effective. But to do the right thing for your organization and ensure sound business decisions, you must consider ethics and governance. What does that mean? Bryce Goodman, an AI ethicist, and Cantellus Group advisor, g...