This episode explores how AI is reshaping marketing—from AI-driven search engines and content optimization to Meta’s push for fully automated platforms—and what it means for the future of creative work.

About the Episode:

In this episode, my guest and I take a forward-looking view on how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of marketing and content creation. We explore the rise of AI search engines like ChatGPT that are already driving more traffic than Google for some companies, and what this shift means for businesses that depend on visibility and reach. The discussion also examines Meta’s vision of an AI-powered advertising platform—and whether independent creative agencies will be squeezed out by platforms that claim to “do it all.”

At the same time, we reflect on why AI should be seen not as a replacement for marketers, but as a tool to free them from repetitive, operational tasks so they can focus on strategy, storytelling, and creativity. We also look ahead to how social media may evolve as AI companions become more integrated into daily life, blurring the line between digital assistants and digital colleagues.

The big takeaway? Businesses that fail to adapt to AI-driven tools and ecosystems risk becoming irrelevant within a few short years. But for those who embrace the shift, the future holds the potential for a new golden age of creativity—where human ideas and AI systems work together to build campaigns that resonate on a deeper, more human level.

About the Guest:

Zack Holland is a Brooklyn-based startup founder, author, and go-to-market strategist rethinking the future of marketing. As the CEO and founder of Averi—the first AI-powered marketing manager—Zack is building tools that blend smart strategy, scalable content creation, and expert collaboration into one intuitive platform. A marketer turned AI entrepreneur, he’s passionate about how technology can elevate creativity, empower teams, and redefine how businesses grow.

Website: https://www.averi.ai/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackholland/

Timestamps:

00:01:12 - Episode Commences

00:02:42 - AI Revolutionizes Marketing and Social Media

00:18:05 - Meta's AI System and Agency Impact

00:22:18 - AI Empowers Creative Marketing Campaigns

00:42:39 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

A conversation on AI, product management, and the future of work—where Ken shares lessons from his journey and why repetitive jobs won’t survive the AI era.

About the Episode:

In today’s episode, we explore AI not just as a tool, but as a driver of product strategy and future markets. Ken shares his journey from early inspirations like War Games to leading roles in startups and AI product management, reflecting on the importance of mapping customer journeys and targeting inefficient processes. We look at how small businesses and major enterprises alike are adopting AI, what repetitive work is most at risk, and how anyone can begin experimenting with tools like Claude and ChatGPT. Beyond the technical aspects, this episode asks bigger questions: what kind of jobs will remain, how do we stay adaptable, and how can AI help us build—not just automate—the future?

About the Guest:

Ken Gavranovic is a seasoned technology executive, global keynote speaker, and member of Thinkers50 and the Forbes Council, renowned for helping brick-and-mortar businesses leverage AI and advanced technologies for immediate, impactful results. With over three decades of experience, Ken has collaborated with top venture firms, guiding over 18 successful exits, 35 mergers and acquisitions, and one IPO. Ken’s expertise spans iconic brands like Disney World and 7-Eleven, where he implemented technology solutions that improved customer engagement and operational efficiency. As the CEO of Product Genius, Ken is pioneering AI-driven tools that don’t just optimize decisions—they help businesses unlock new market opportunities and fix problems before they escalate.

Website: https://productgenius.guru/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavranovic/

Timestamps:

00:01:02 - Episode Commences

00:02:42 - Ken's Journey Into AI and Product

00:04:44 - AI's Impact on Business Adoption

00:15:20 - AI: Equalizer for Small Business

00:21:10 - Embracing AI for Business Transformation

00:28:53 - AI's Impact on Business Operations

00:36:45- Adapting to Technological Change

00:40:12 - AI Tools for Decision Making

00:42:39 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

This episode explores how AI can reshape education, from personalized learning and rapid skill development to transforming the role of traditional credentials.

About the Episode:

Education is standing at a crossroads — and AI could be the biggest force shaping its future. In this episode, we explore how AI can move beyond simply digitizing the classroom to creating truly adaptive, personalized learning experiences. From helping students with disabilities overcome barriers to enabling rapid skill acquisition for an evolving job market, the potential impact is enormous.

We dive into the idea of shifting from search engines to recommendation engines in education, where AI doesn’t just provide information but actively matches students with the most relevant institutions, programs, and skills. We also examine the tension between traditional credentials and competency-based learning, and how AI could accelerate the shift.

Ultimately, this conversation is about more than just technology — it’s about integrating AI in a way that amplifies human values, strengthens essential human skills, and makes education more accessible, efficient, and relevant for the future.

About The Guest:

Ben Tasker is at the forefront of AI-driven education, shaping the future of skills-based learning as the Associate Dean of AI at one of the nation’s leading universities. With a unique blend of experience as a data scientist, AI product leader, and educator, Ben brings deep insight into how artificial intelligence is transforming education, workforce development, and the broader future of learning. During his time at Maine Health, Ben developed an AI system that identified 20% more at-risk cancer patients, significantly improving early detection and outcomes. He also automated critical reporting processes and introduced industry-standard coding practices - demonstrating how AI can be a force for social good, not just efficiency. Ben’s work spans multiple sectors, including healthcare and government, where he’s explored how AI can reduce wait times, address service backlogs, and enhance decision-making. His passion lies in applying AI to personalized applications.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentaskerai/

Timestamps:

00:01:02 - Episode Commences
00:03:13 - Initial Startup on the path of Education with the help of AI

00:06:45 - Specialized Education by the impact of AI

00:10:36 - The Augmentation of AI In Job Market

00:15:55 - The impact of AI in tutoring & Institutional side

00:24:40 - The Aspects of Educational Institutions on the use case of AI

00:27:45- AI Integration Challenges in the Traditional World of Teaching

00:31:15 - The Shift of AI Towards the Concern of Education

00:36:40 - Education for all; How far has AI made it to the Future

00:44:00 - The Benefits Brought by AI to both Students & Teachers

00:49:11 - The Feelings of Learning Compared to the Past

00:53:19 - The Future of the Education, Learning & AI Integrity

00:55:40 - Episode Ends

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

A deep dive into the evolution of banking fraud, the rise of sophisticated scams, and how AI and education are reshaping fraud prevention.

About the Episode:

Bank fraud is evolving faster than ever, and the criminals are getting smarter. What used to be mostly card fraud has shifted toward sophisticated scams that prey on human psychology — fear, urgency, and trust — often during moments when people are most vulnerable. In this episode, we look at how scam losses have now surpassed card fraud losses, what makes individuals such prime targets, and how criminal tactics are diversifying around the globe.

We also explore the rise of voice cloning scams and why AI is both a weapon for fraudsters and a critical tool for banks in detecting and stopping these threats. From dynamic payment warnings and gamified fraud education to cutting-edge biometric protections, you’ll learn what’s working, what isn’t, and where the next battles will be fought. This conversation goes beyond the tech, showing why the human element remains the biggest challenge — and the most important defence — in the fight against fraud.

About the Guest:

Jason Costain is a fraud trouble-shooter and the founder of Javloc.com, a boutique fraud consultancy that provides specialist fraud advice.

Jason has spent 30 years fighting fraud; building and leading successful banking fraud defence teams for some of the world’s biggest banks. Jason specialises in fraud defence systems, scam prevention, biometric authentication, big data and artificial intelligence. His opinions have featured in the Daily Telegraph, Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and The Times. Javloc provides fraud and scam prevention advisory services to Banks, Global consulting firms and fraud defence softwareinvestors.

Website: https://www.javloc.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-costain-b529746/

Timestamps:

00:02:13 - Episode Commences
00:06:50 - Initial Interest in Fraud Prevention
00:11:48 - How the Internet has changed the view of Banking
00:16:30 - Difference between crypto & Traditional Banking
00:23:10 - The Future of Market
00:29:15 - Are Fraud Attempts Monitored by AI
00:38:12 - More About Fraud Prevention, Scams & AI in Banking
00:47:00 - The Future Thoughts on Fraud Prevention by AI
00:54:55 - The Breakthrough of Traditional Systems in Comparison to AI
00:01:02 - The Implementation of Banking Transaction Cards and Their Future
00:01:06 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

Peter Swimm breaks down why so many AI bots still miss the mark—and what it really takes to build automation that works for people, not just systems.

About the Episode:

In this episode, Marc is joined by Peter Swimm, a leading expert in conversational AI and the founder of Toilville, to break down where automation and chatbots are actually delivering value—and where they’re falling short. Peter shares his early experiences with chatbot frameworks, including his time leading product at Botkit and Microsoft, and explains how AI went from scripted FAQ bots to today’s multi-modal agents.

But don’t let the hype fool you. Peter emphasizes the critical limitations of current AI tools in customer service, particularly when it comes to privacy, accountability, and actual usefulness. Together, Marc and Peter explore what makes a chatbot actually good, how AI agents should be designed to support—not replace—humans, and why context, personalization, and flexibility matter more than ever.

The conversation also dives into real-world examples from banking, healthcare, and enterprise AI rollouts, as well as the nuanced ethical questions emerging around AI’s growing role in business and society. If you’ve ever wondered why so many chatbots frustrate you—or how we can do better—this one’s for you.

About the Guest:

Peter Swimm is the founder and CEO of Toilville, a consultancy helping businesses implement conversational AI without losing institutional knowledge or human expertise. A longtime product leader and community builder, Peter previously led development on Microsoft’s Copilot Studio and co-founded Botkit, the open-source chatbot framework acquired by Microsoft. With over 25 years in tech, he’s worked with companies like Walmart, Chipotle, and LivePerson, helping shape some of the most widely-used conversational AI tools in the industry. A passionate advocate for human-centred design, Peter has also organized global events around electronic music and emerging technology, staying grounded in making complex systems accessible and ethical.

Website: https://www.itstoilville.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterswimm/

Timestamps:

00:01:00 - Episode Commences
00:03:13 - Peter's Journey Into AI and Conversational Technology
00:07:33 - Evolution of Automation and AI
00:12:51 - Improving Chatbot Experience and Flexibility
00:18:13 - Automation in Banking and Healthcare
00:22:53 - AI Agents and Chatbot Limitations
00:28:01 - AI Integration Challenges and Privacy Concerns
00:32:15 - AI's Role in Customer Service
00:36:08 - AI Transparency and Accountability Concerns
00:44:16 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

Reza explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing biomanufacturing—streamlining drug production, scaling organic materials, and making biotech more sustainable and accessible worldwide.

About the Episode:

Welcome back to the Future Tech & Foresight podcast. I’m your AI host Marc Vernkov’s Deepfake avatar—and this is episode number 196.

In this episode, Marc is joined by Reza, an expert in biomanufacturing who unpacks the crucial differences between chemical and biological production—using organisms instead of labs to grow complex therapeutics like Ozempic or Keytruda. They trace the evolution of biotech from early penicillin breakthroughs to the modern plateau of inefficient, trial-and-error systems.

Reza explains how AI and automation can dramatically speed up and improve these processes, reducing drug costs, accelerating time-to-market, and unlocking new forms of organic materials—including sustainable meat, milk, and leather. From genetic optimization to global scaling—this is a thought-provoking look at how AI promises to reshape biology and the future of manufacturing.

About the Guest:

Reza is a third-time founder with two successful exits, reflecting his strong track record in launching and scaling technology ventures. Before founding Katalyze AI, he gained strategic consulting experience at BCG, where he focused on driving data-driven solutions for diverse industries. He holds a Master’s degree in System Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo. His leadership establishes the company as a trusted partner in Biomanufacturing.

Website: https://katalyzeai.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reza-farahani-/

Timestamps:

00:00:55 - Episode Commences
00:02:27 - Chemical vs. Biological Manufacturing Differences
00:06:03 - Biomanufacturing Complexity and Optimization Challenges
00:08:16 - Biomanufacturing of Penicillin: Early Challenges
00:11:00 - AI Revolutionizing Biomanufacturing and Organic Materials
00:16:45 - Optimizing Microorganism Performance With Genetic Analysis
00:19:03 - Optimizing Drug Manufacturing for Accessibility
00:23:11 - AI's Potential to Reduce Commercialization Period
00:25:17 - AI and Automation in Biomanufacturing
00:43:22 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

Max Giammario explores the rising role of AI companionship, human-AI relationships, and how artificial life might reshape purpose, love, and work in the near future.

About the Episode:

In this episode, Marc sits down with Max Giammario, co-founder and CEO of Kindred Labs, to explore the rapidly evolving frontier of artificial life and AI companionship. Together, they unpack the emotional, social, and ethical implications of building relationships with AI—drawing comparisons to how humans have historically treated other species and civilizations.

Max shares insights from his upbringing on a farm in Australia to launching Kindred, a platform that combines familiar IPs (like Hello Kitty and Teletubbies) with emotionally intelligent AI sidekicks. They dive deep into how these technologies could impact intimacy, work, and mental well-being—and whether AI will liberate or domesticate us. From philosophical dilemmas about meaning and suffering to practical conversations about AI-enhanced workflows, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about what it means to be human in an increasingly digital world.

About the Guest:

Max Giammario is the CEO and Founder of Kindred, pioneering the first IP-powered agentic AI protocol to create emotionally intelligent AI companions. A Master’s and PhD researcher in Human-AI interaction, Max focuses on how people form deep emotional connections with AI entities.

With two successful startup exits and experience driving Web3 adoption for leading platforms like Filecoin, Tezos, and Ronin, Max brings a unique blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision to the evolving AI landscape. His work with Kindred explores the future of companionship, purpose, and human connection in an era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.

Website: https://www.kindredlabs.ai/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxgiammario/?originalSubdomain=sg

Timestamps:

00:01:13 - Episode Commences
00:03:03 - AI Companionship and Human Relationships
00:06:16 - AI Treatment of Humans as Pets
00:09:12 - AI's Impact on Human Work
00:12:48 - Personal Growth vs Universal Basic Income
00:17:17 - AI's Impact on Workflows and Risks
00:24:31 - Artificial Life and Kindred's Role
00:28:24 - IP Characters in AI Systems
00:32:54 - AI and Robotics Future Discussion
00:37:14 - AI Girlfriend Risks and Regulation
00:41:45 - AI Girlfriend Dangers and Personal Growth
00:44:55 - Kindred Labs' AI Interaction Future

00:53:22 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

Marc and Thoryn dive into the emerging frontier of neurotechnology—exploring brain-computer interfaces, cognitive health optimization, and the role of AI in transforming how we care for our minds.

About the Episode:

In this episode, Marc is joined by Thoryn Stephens, a molecular biologist turned neurotech entrepreneur, to explore the powerful intersection of biology, technology, and human potential. They discuss how micro habits and personalized protocols can enhance cognitive health and extend health span, and the rise of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that could reshape everything from memory to mobility. Thoryn shares stories of working with Olympic athletes, explains how AI can drive thousands of scientifically grounded behavior changes, and reflects on the ethical questions posed by connecting the human brain to the internet. From digital overload to spinal-computer interfaces, this is a fascinating look into the future of the brain.

About the Guest:

Thoryn Stephens is the Founder and CEO of BRAIN.ONE, an AI-powered brain fitness platform designed to enhance cognitive performance through microhabits, biometric tracking, and personalized behavioral insights. With a foundation in biotechnology and molecular biology, he launched his career in scientific research, contributing to drug development efforts targeting cardiovascular and infectious diseases.

Over the past two decades, Thoryn has built a dynamic career at the intersection of data science, digital innovation, and consumer behavior. He has held strategic roles at Amgen, Cytokinetics, Unilever Prestige, and Fox Networks, where he drove growth through advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and personalized technology solutions.

A lifelong advocate of human optimization, Thoryn brings the same commitment to his personal life. Based in Aspen, Colorado, he skis over 100 days annually and trains competitively for triathlons.

Website: https://brain.one/profile/THORYN?ref=profile&tab=Protocols

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thoryn/

Timestamps:

00:01:11 - Episode Commences
00:03:19 - Neurotechnology and Holistic Health Improvements

00:08:52 - Brain Health Measurement and Optimization

00:21:55 - Micro Habits and Digital Moderation

00:29:58 - AI-Driven Micro Habits for Efficiency

00:33:21 - BCI: Health Benefits and Risks

00:39:48 - Technology for Good: Dr. Galen Buckwalter
00:46:39 - Brain-Computer Interfaces and Neurorights Foundation

00:53:22 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/