Author Jeff Pedowitz On the Future of Artificial Intelligence
An Interview With David Leichner
Data Privacy Issues: As AI systems require large amounts of data to function effectively, there’s a risk that sensitive information could be mishandled, leading to potential data breaches. This could damage a company’s reputation and lead to legal issues. It’s crucial that we have strong data privacy and protection measures in place to address this concern.
As a part of our series about the future of Artificial Intelligence, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jeff Pedowitz.
Jeff is a best-selling author and CEO of The Pedowitz Group, a sales and marketing consulting firm that delivers repeatable, predictable and scalable revenue results for its clients. Jeff has been a thought-leader and industry icon for over 25 years.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you share with us the ‘backstory” of how you decided to pursue this career path in AI?
For me, it is not so much a career path as it is the next logical evolution in our business. Our entire approach is leveraging technology and digital channels to scale revenue. AI is the next wave of technology that every business will adopt. We want to continue our thought leadership and trusted partners status for our clients.
What lessons can others learn from your story?
The key lesson from my journey is the importance of embracing change. In today’s digital world, technology and consumer behavior are constantly evolving. Those who embrace these changes, and adapt their strategies accordingly, will thrive.
Can you tell our readers about the most interesting projects you are working on now?
Currently, we’re working on several projects that leverage AI to optimize marketing automation, personalization, and data analysis. These projects are not only helping our clients achieve better results but are also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI in marketing.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I have been fortunate to have a number of mentors and coaches throughout the years. I have learned something valuable from each one. But honestly, it is my wife Cherie who has had the most profound impact on my professional career. She encourages me to take risks and be myself. She is an active listener and is not afraid to call me out when I overstep. She motivates me every day to be the best version of myself.
What are the 5 things that most excite you about the AI industry? Why?
Absolutely. In relation to revenue growth and lowering tech debt, the five things that excite me most about the AI industry are:
Revenue Optimization: AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real-time means we can identify key revenue-generating opportunities and trends faster than ever before. This helps companies seize these opportunities quickly, accelerating revenue growth.
Reducing Tech Debt: AI can streamline and automate many of the processes that currently require heavy manual work or legacy systems. This not only makes these processes more efficient but can also reduce technical debt by eliminating the need for outdated systems.
Hyper-Personalization: AI allows us to deliver a level of personalization that was previously unattainable. By understanding and predicting individual customer behavior, we can create highly targeted marketing campaigns that drive revenue and improve customer retention.
Efficiency and Cost Savings: AI can automate routine tasks, allowing teams to focus on more strategic work. This not only boosts productivity but can also lead to significant cost savings in the long run.
Democratizing Software: AI has the potential to make software more accessible and easier to use for everyone. By automating complex tasks and providing intelligent insights, AI can empower more people to leverage software effectively, helping to democratize the digital landscape.
What are the 5 things that concern you about the AI industry? Why?
The five concerns I have about the AI industry include:
Data Privacy Issues: As AI systems require large amounts of data to function effectively, there’s a risk that sensitive information could be mishandled, leading to potential data breaches. This could damage a company’s reputation and lead to legal issues. It’s crucial that we have strong data privacy and protection measures in place to address this concern.
Potential for Job Displacement: As AI technology advances, there’s a fear that automation could lead to job losses, particularly in sectors reliant on repetitive tasks. While AI does bring about new job opportunities, it’s vital that there are robust reskilling and education programs to help those potentially affected transition into new roles.
Risk of Reliance on Flawed Algorithms: If AI algorithms are built based on biased or incorrect data, it can lead to flawed results or decision-making. Therefore, it’s important to establish thorough data verification processes and continuously monitor AI systems to ensure their reliability and accuracy.
Challenge of Explaining Complex AI Decisions: AI systems, particularly those using deep learning, can be ‘black boxes’ that provide little insight into how they reach a decision. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for businesses to justify or understand AI’s recommendations. As we adopt AI more broadly, we need to develop techniques for ‘explainable AI’ to overcome this challenge.
Ensuring AI Systems are Fair and Unbiased: If biases present in the data used to train AI models aren’t identified and mitigated, AI systems could make unfair or prejudiced decisions. As we leverage AI more, it’s essential to implement fairness and bias detection tools to ensure AI systems act ethically and equitably.
As you know, there is an ongoing debate between prominent scientists, (personified as a debate between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg,) about whether advanced AI poses an existential danger to humanity. What is your position about this?
The ongoing debate about the potential existential risk posed by advanced AI is complex and multifaceted. It taps into a broader discourse about the balance between technology’s progression and the preservation of humanity as we know it.
Elon Musk, among others, has been vocal about the potential risks associated with unregulated development and deployment of AI. These concerns primarily revolve around the idea that an AI, if developed to a point where it surpasses human intelligence, could act in ways that are not beneficial to humanity. This could potentially result from issues such as misaligned objectives between the AI and humans or the inability of humans to control an entity that is fundamentally more intelligent.
On the other hand, figures like Mark Zuckerberg argue for a more optimistic view of AI. This perspective emphasizes the tremendous potential benefits that AI can bring, such as advancing our understanding of complex phenomena, solving intricate problems, improving productivity, and enhancing quality of life. The optimism here lies in the belief that with the right safeguards and regulatory measures, the potential risks of AI can be managed and mitigated.
In my perspective, both arguments carry weight and deserve careful consideration. Yes, AI holds incredible potential to propel us forward in ways we cannot yet fully grasp. It can revolutionize industries, optimize processes, and bring solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems, which is a thrilling prospect. However, we must also remain cognizant of the potential risks that uncontrolled or poorly regulated AI systems could pose.
It’s crucial to approach the development and deployment of AI with a balance of optimism and caution. We need to harness its potential benefits while also putting in place robust mechanisms for oversight, regulation, and control. This includes ethical guidelines, transparency measures, and collaborative frameworks for global regulation.
While it is important to have these discussions around potential existential risks, it’s equally important to remember that AI, at its current stage, is a tool that we control and direct. We’re not yet at the point of developing an AI that has the kind of autonomy or capabilities that these risk scenarios often refer to.
As we navigate the AI journey, it’s crucial to involve a variety of stakeholders — from scientists to ethicists, from policymakers to the general public — to ensure a well-rounded, inclusive, and informed approach to AI development and use. With collective effort, we can shape the evolution of AI in a way that maximizes its benefits and minimizes its risks.
What can be done to prevent such concerns from materializing? And what can be done to assure the public that there is nothing to be concerned about?
To prevent the concerns associated with AI from materializing and to assure the public of its safe use, we need a multifaceted approach that spans regulation, transparency, education, and collaboration.
Regulation: Implement comprehensive AI regulations that govern its use, development, and deployment. These should be context-specific, taking into account the unique risks and benefits associated with different applications of AI. It’s crucial that such regulations are developed and enforced globally, given the borderless nature of AI. This will help to prevent misuse of AI, ensure that it’s developed responsibly, and maintain public confidence in the technology.
Transparency: One of the key criticisms of AI is the so-called ‘black box’ problem — it can be difficult to understand how AI systems make decisions. To address this, we need to make AI more transparent and explainable. This might include requiring AI developers to disclose how their algorithms work or developing AI systems that can explain their reasoning in human-understandable terms. Transparency can help build public trust in AI and ensure its decisions can be audited and challenged.
Education: Public unease about AI often stems from misunderstandings or misconceptions about what the technology is and how it works. By providing clear, accessible, and accurate information about AI, we can demystify the technology, helping the public to better understand it. Education should also extend to AI developers, ensuring they understand the ethical implications of their work.
Collaboration: Solving the complex problems posed by AI requires input from a diverse range of stakeholders. This includes AI developers, ethicists, legal experts, policymakers, and the public. By creating forums for these groups to come together, we can ensure that a broad range of perspectives are considered when making decisions about AI.
Ethical AI development: AI should be designed with ethical considerations in mind from the outset. This might include incorporating fairness, accountability, and transparency principles into the AI development process or employing methods that allow humans to retain control over AI systems.
Robust Testing: Before deploying AI systems, they should be subjected to rigorous testing to identify any potential issues or biases in their functioning. This will help ensure that AI systems perform as intended and do not produce unexpected or harmful results.
While these steps can go a long way in mitigating concerns, it’s also important to acknowledge that no technology is completely risk-free. The goal should be to manage and minimize risks, rather than eliminate them entirely. And just as important, we must maintain an ongoing dialogue about AI’s societal implications, being open to evolving our approaches as the technology advances.
As you know, there are not that many women in your industry. Can you advise what is needed to engage more women into the AI industry?
The underrepresentation of women in AI and tech, in general, is a significant issue. To encourage more women to enter and thrive in the AI industry, a combination of systemic, cultural, and educational changes are needed:
Encourage Interest from a Young Age: Many girls develop perceptions that they are less suited for careers in tech or AI at a young age, often due to societal stereotypes. Schools should encourage girls to explore STEM subjects and show them that a career in AI is both attainable and rewarding. This can be achieved through inclusive curriculum design, exposure to female role models in the field, and creating supportive environments where girls feel comfortable engaging in STEM activities.
Improve Representation: Seeing women in leadership positions within the tech industry can inspire other women to pursue similar paths. Tech companies should make a conscious effort to promote women to leadership roles and make their presence more visible. Additionally, stories of women excelling in AI should be highlighted in media and industry events to demonstrate that women can, and do, succeed in this field.
Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Establishing mentorship programs where established female professionals guide those entering or considering the field can be very beneficial. Similarly, supporting women’s networking groups within the industry can provide a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and find support.
Flexible Working Conditions: Tech industries should offer flexible working conditions to support women who balance their career with family responsibilities. This could include flexible hours, remote working options, or comprehensive parental leave policies.
Combat Implicit Bias: From job descriptions to recruitment processes, we need to be aware of and combat implicit biases that might discourage women from applying for positions or advancing within a company. This could involve diversity and inclusion training for employees, especially those involved in hiring processes.
Educational Initiatives and Scholarships: Universities and educational institutions could offer scholarships and funding specifically for women in AI or related fields. They could also organize workshops, seminars, and conferences aimed at women in AI to help them broaden their knowledge and skills.
Promote an Inclusive Culture: Tech companies should foster an inclusive and respectful culture that values diversity and does not tolerate discrimination or harassment. This involves setting clear policies, offering diversity training, and ensuring there are avenues for employees to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
It’s important to remember that increasing the number of women in AI is not just about fairness — diverse teams make better decisions and build better products. By including people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, we are more likely to develop AI systems that are fair, effective, and beneficial for everyone.
What is your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that had relevance to your own life?
One of my favorite quotes is from Thomas Edison: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This quote has been incredibly influential throughout my career, especially in the context of leading The Pedowitz Group.
In the early days of our company, we had a clear vision for helping businesses generate sustainable, predictable revenue growth. But the path to achieving this was not always straightforward. We tried numerous strategies, processes, and tools, many of which didn’t produce the results we hoped for. It would have been easy to view these experiences as failures and feel discouraged.
But instead, I chose to view them in the same way as Edison viewed his attempts to invent the light bulb. Each strategy that didn’t work wasn’t a failure; it was simply another way that wouldn’t achieve our goal. It was a learning experience that brought us one step closer to finding the approach that would.
This perspective has helped me maintain resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. It has encouraged me to take risks, be innovative, and continually strive for improvement, even when things don’t go as planned. This quote, and the mindset it promotes, has been a guiding principle in my career and a key factor in the success of The Pedowitz Group.
This lesson isn’t just applicable in business. It’s relevant in every aspect of life. Whether it’s learning a new skill, trying to solve a problem, or working towards a personal goal, we are bound to encounter setbacks. But if we view these not as failures, but as necessary steps on the path to success, we can keep moving forward with optimism and determination.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share a story?
Success, to me, is not solely about personal accomplishments or growing a company. It’s about how we utilize that success to make a positive impact in the world.
At The Pedowitz Group, we’ve made a conscious effort to focus on education. We have developed a broad array of educational resources to make revenue marketing more accessible, including webinars, eBooks, and our Revenue Marketing University.
More importantly, we’ve built a unique internship program that specifically targets minorities and disadvantaged individuals. Our aim is to provide these individuals with opportunities in technology and marketing, fields where they are often underrepresented. This program has made a significant impact, with many of our interns moving from shared support spaces to having their own apartments. Seeing these individuals grow and prosper in their careers is incredibly rewarding.
In addition to education, giving back to the community is a core part of our mission. Every year, we participate in charity events for organizations like Habitat for Humanity and local food banks. We’ve also been longstanding supporters of the Salvation Army center. We’ve donated thousands of dollars’ worth of computers to these organizations, greatly enhancing their ability to deliver crucial services.
Every holiday season, we adopt multiple families through St. Ann’s programs, providing them with household items, clothing, and toys. This allows us to directly impact the lives of those in our community who are most in need.
Success has also given me a platform to advocate for critical issues, such as diversity in technology and ethical AI. As leaders, I believe we have a responsibility to contribute to these important conversations and effect positive change.
The essence of success is not just about achieving your goals, but also about what you give back. It’s about leveraging your resources and influence to make a positive impact on others. That, to me, is the true measure of success.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
If I could start a movement, it would be centered on “Democratizing Access to Technology Education.” I’ve observed firsthand how access to technology education can transform lives, giving people the tools to build sustainable careers and break the cycle of poverty. However, there’s a significant disparity in who can access these opportunities, particularly among underrepresented communities.
The goal of this movement would be to bridge this gap. I envision a global network of organizations, corporations, educators, and volunteers working together to provide free or low-cost technology and AI education to anyone willing to learn, regardless of their socioeconomic status, age, gender, or location.
This movement would focus on several key initiatives:
Partnerships with tech companies to provide free or affordable online courses covering a range of topics, from coding and data analysis to AI and machine learning.
Collaborations with schools and universities to integrate technology education into their curriculums, ensuring students graduate with the skills needed for the modern workforce.
Building learning centers in underserved communities, equipped with computers, internet access, and instructors.
Creating mentorship and internship programs with tech companies for students who have completed the courses, giving them real-world experience and a foot in the door of the tech industry.
Imagine the impact this could have. Millions of people would have the opportunity to pursue high-paying tech jobs, bringing economic prosperity to their families and communities. Companies would benefit from a larger, more diverse talent pool. And as a society, we would be better equipped to handle the challenges of the rapidly advancing technological world.
With the right support, this vision could become a reality. And who knows? It could inspire further movements, leading to an even greater ripple effect of positive change.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpedowitz
Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational, and we wish you continued success in your important work.
About The Interviewer: David Leichner is a veteran of the Israeli high-tech industry with significant experience in the areas of cyber and security, enterprise software and communications. At Cybellum, a leading provider of Product Security Lifecycle Management, David is responsible for creating and executing the marketing strategy and managing the global marketing team that forms the foundation for Cybellum’s product and market penetration. Prior to Cybellum, David was CMO at SQream and VP Sales and Marketing at endpoint protection vendor, Cynet. David is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Jerusalem Technology College. He holds a BA in Information Systems Management and an MBA in International Business from the City University of New York.
