Brian Fowler of Security First International Holdings On the Future of Artificial Intelligence
An Interview With David Leichner
My concerns revolve around ethical considerations in AI deployment, potential job displacement due to automation, data privacy challenges, the risk of AI systems perpetuating biases, and ensuring AI systems are transparent and understandable.
As a part of our series about the future of Artificial Intelligence, I had the pleasure of interviewing President and CEO of Security First International Holdings, Inc. and the founder of Optobiz.AI.
Brian Fowler is a distinguished figure in the telecommunications and web industry, boasting an impressive career spanning over 25 years. Currently serving as the President and CEO of Security First International Holdings, Inc, a trailblazer in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, which announced the launch of Optobiz.AI in June 2023. OptoBiz.ai is a software service now available on messaging platforms beginning with WhatsApp Business.
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?
My journey in the telecommunications and web industry, which spans over a quarter of a century, began with a fervor for understanding the intricacies of communication technology. As I transitioned into the realm of web development, I recognized the transformative power of AI in enhancing the digital experience. My foray into AI was a natural progression, fueled by the desire to humanize technology, which eventually led to the creation of OptoBiz.AI, merging artificial intelligence with a human touch.
What lessons can others learn from your story?
Perseverance and adaptability are paramount. As technologies evolve, staying attuned to industry shifts and having a willingness to pivot can lead to innovation. Moreover, always be open to recognizing where gaps exist, and think of how you can address them creatively.
Can you tell our readers about the most interesting projects you are working on now?
At present, one of our most pioneering projects is OptoBiz.ai. It’s more than just another chatbot. By offering content curated by human editors, we’re striving to bridge the gap between AI’s efficiency and human warmth. Also, we’ve recently introduced the OptoBiz AI Utility Token, which will democratize access to our AI ecosystem and empower businesses in novel ways.
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?
The road to success is rarely traversed alone. I owe a great deal to my mentors during my early years in telecommunications. One in particular, at theglobe.com, guided me through the challenges of launching the world’s largest PBX system. Their wisdom and belief in my capabilities were instrumental in shaping my career.
What are the 5 things that most excite you about the AI industry? Why?
Five things that excite me about the AI industry are its vast potential to revolutionize business operations, the continuous evolution of machine learning capabilities, the promise of personalized user experiences, the potential for AI to democratize information and services, and lastly, the blend of AI with human nuances, which OptoBiz exemplifies.
What are the 5 things that concern you about the AI industry? Why?
My concerns revolve around ethical considerations in AI deployment, potential job displacement due to automation, data privacy challenges, the risk of AI systems perpetuating biases, and ensuring AI systems are transparent and understandable.
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?
It’s a topic of considerable debate, but I lean towards a balanced view. While advanced AI possesses tremendous potential, without proper safeguards and ethical considerations, there can be risks. It’s essential to approach AI’s development and deployment with both optimism and caution.
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?
Public awareness and education about AI are crucial. Regulatory frameworks should be in place to ensure ethical AI development and deployment. Additionally, collaboration between AI experts, ethicists, and policymakers is vital to address potential concerns proactively.
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 industry needs more targeted educational initiatives and mentorship programs to support women in AI. Additionally, promoting and celebrating the achievements of women in the field can serve as inspiration and motivation for others to join.
What is your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that had relevance to your own life?
Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” This quote has been a guiding principle in my journey from GoHoster to the monumental PBX system and now, OptoBiz.ai. It has reminded me to continually push boundaries.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share a story?
With the launch of OptoBiz, we’ve sought to make AI more approachable and human-centric, allowing businesses and individuals to reap its benefits while feeling a personal connection.
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 spearhead a movement, it would be to democratize education using AI. By creating personalized learning platforms, we could cater to individual learning styles and needs, ensuring that everyone has access to quality education.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can keep up with our advancements and projects by visiting www.optobiz.ai
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Find us online at https://optobiz.ai !
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.
