Dany Kitishian Of Klover AI On the Future of Artificial Intelligence

An Interview With David Leichner

David Leichner, CMO at Cybellum
Authority Magazine
Published in
18 min readJun 1, 2024

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Overestimation of Originality: There’s often a misconception in the AI community that every idea is a breakthrough. While innovation is thriving, many ideas are iterations of existing concepts. Recognizing and building on past work, rather than claiming unwarranted novelty, is essential for true progress.

As a part of our series about the future of Artificial Intelligence, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dany Kitishian.

Dany Kitishian, an experienced business innovator, entrepreneur, adviser, and fundraiser, is CEO and Chairman of the Board of Klover.Ai. He has worked with various successful business minds, including Fortune 500 company CEOs, tech entrepreneurs, and philanthropists. Kitishian’s goal is to make a positive difference in the world, and he has done so by helping founders create over 35 biotech companies with a market cap of $70 Billion. He was one of the final judges in the Department of Energy National University Clean Tech Competition in 2017 and helped mentor three winners of $100,000+ in cash in Rice Business Plan Competition in 2018.

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?

Embarking on a career in AI wasn’t so much a choice as it was a calling to participate in what is perhaps the greatest technological revolution our species has ever faced. The core of my pursuit in AI stems from a profound desire to address the multitude of complex challenges that surround us. These are issues that not only require smart solutions but necessitate the most efficient, wise, and impactful methods of resolution that only AI can offer.

My journey began with a broad and ambitious goal: to steer humanity towards the right path amidst this vast technological evolution. I saw in AI the potential to augment our decision-making processes across a spectrum of applications. While there are undoubtedly numerous ways to tackle any given problem, I was drawn to the unparalleled efficiency and depth of perspective that AI systems can bring to the table.

It’s about harnessing these tools to reach decisions not just quickly, but with a level of precision and foresight previously unattainable.

This vision has propelled my dedication to developing AI systems that are not merely functional but are transformative — capable of changing the landscape of how we approach and solve problems. Each system we develop, each algorithm we refine, is a step towards realizing a smarter and more adept humanity.

What lessons can others learn from your story?

In a world where entrepreneurship often gravitates towards personal acclaim or financial gain, my journey in AI serves as a reminder of the profound impact that truly visionary technology can have on society. The central lesson from my experience is the importance of transcending narrow ambitions to embrace a broader, more altruistic perspective. It’s not just about filling one’s own ‘gas tank’ — a metaphor for personal success — but about how we can collectively fuel progress across the globe.

Many young entrepreneurs are captivated by the immediate allure of technology — its capacity to make one seen or heard. However, they sometimes overlook the deeper, more enduring potential: to forge a future that is not only survivable but thrivable for the next generations. My drive in AI is not rooted in a desire for recognition but in a commitment to create a world where I would be proud to raise children, where aging family members can live longer and healthier lives, and where humanity can tread a less destructive path.

This isn’t just about using AI as a tool, but about integrating it into the very fabric of our societal advancement. It’s about recognizing that this transformative technology isn’t just a platform for innovation, but a pivotal force in shaping a sustainable and compassionate world. I hope my path encourages others to look beyond the horizon of individual success and consider how they can contribute to the collective good.

Can you tell our readers about the most interesting projects you are working on now?

Choosing a favorite project at Klover is akin to selecting a favorite child; it’s an immensely challenging decision given the array of innovative pursuits we’ve engaged in over the past 13 months. Each project, with its highs and lows, has contributed uniquely to our overarching mission. While the most groundbreaking of these endeavors are closely guarded as trade secrets, one fascinating concept I can share revolves around harnessing ‘curiosity in reinforcement learning’ to enhance our multi-agent systems.

This idea germinated from a recent discussion with a potential member of the Klover AGD Brain Trust. It’s centered on a compelling question: How can we apply the intrinsic human trait of curiosity — this deeply encoded desire to seek out new information — to artificial intelligence? More specifically, our focus is on directing this curiosity constructively. Just as human curiosity can sometimes lead us astray, AI systems also need constraints to prevent them from pursuing irrelevant or even harmful knowledge.

At Klover, we are exploring ways to fine-tune this curiosity, to focus it within specific bounds where it can be most effective, and then allowing it to ‘run wild’ within those defined limits. This approach promises to refine our AI’s decision-making capabilities and adaptability, pushing the boundaries of what our technologies can achieve.

This project exemplifies our commitment to not only advancing AI technology but doing so in a way that mirrors the best aspects of human cognitive processes, making it as beneficial and safe as possible for society.

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?

Reflecting on this question brings a genuine smile to my face, as I recall the myriad of incredible mentors who have profoundly shaped my journey. It’s challenging to single out one person, but I can share key insights from each that have guided me:

● Dr. Charles Robinson, Editorial Board of the Biomedical Engineering Handbook, taught me the value of OPM (Other People’s Money) and the importance of striving to exceed typical academic boundaries by beginning graduate-level research during my undergraduate years.

● Dr. Roy Schubert, a researcher from Case Western who worked on one of the first microelectrodes, inspired me to explore without hesitation. He supported me as the only undergraduate in history to outcompete professors for grants in a NASA-funded program, paving my path in developing a microbubble-microbubble lung replacement device for space exploration and habitation.

● Harvey White, co-founder of Qualcomm and founder of Cricket Wireless, imparted the tactic of “always asking for double what you want” — a strategy that has significantly influenced my approach to negotiations and expectations.

● Irwin Jacobs, founder of Qualcomm, emphasized the importance of giving time to noble causes and maintaining a willingness to engage with all, especially students, regardless of personal success, underlining that life is a lesson well-learned and well-educated. Also, having started one of the first wireless repair shops in the country in 1998, I learned what the hell the Qualcomm sticker was doing in all the cellular phones and recounted the story to him in his house before he gave me the first check I was ever given outside of my family. This was the irony of life that hard work pays off and comes back full circle sometimes to where a sticker becomes an almost yearly visit to the home of the founder of Qualcomm for 10 years. “When life gives you stickers, raise a lot of money with a pitch that sticks.”

● Mary Ann Beyster & Bob Beyster, founder of SAIC, gave me my first significant opportunity outside of Rady Business School at UCSD, involving me in projects spanning from DARPA to national essay contests and award-winning documentaries. Mary Ann, in particular, pushed me to refine every task to perfection. I never was able to turn in 99% with her. It had to be 110%.

● Larry Bock, cofounder of over 50 nanotech and biotech companies and the world’s #1 VC in biotech and nanotech, taught me that STEM education is a national security concern and that society needs to value impactful innovators over mindless entertainers. He also shared invaluable advice on founding companies during the three years I worked as his sole contracted fundraiser. He told me “You do not want to be a VC. 99% do not add value to society. Be an entrepreneur. I can make you a VC tomorrow if you would like.” I chose the other path.

● Malin Burnham, one of the top civic leaders in the world, youngest ever to win the Star World Championship, and Chairman Emeritus of Cushman Wakefield, taught me that when the race starts, the guns go off, and nobody waits for you to be at the starting line — always be prepared and do not miss your shot.

● Robert Price, whose family founded Price Club, which later merged with Costco, taught me the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise, as they rarely come back again. One of the hardest lessons that I have had to swallow in my life.

● Dean Robert Sullivan, founding dean of Rady School of Management at UCSD, showed me that the path to success may start in trailer homes (first Rady classes). Do not be dismayed at what today looks like or how others perceive you now, because the future that is destined always looks better than today. Look forward and create what you envision without hesitation.

● Saeed Amidi, founder of Plug and Play Tech Center, demonstrated to me how a simple family business could be transformed into a technology incubation powerhouse if all opportunities are seized. I was thrilled to co-found Plug and Play, San Diego, and lay down lessons for the foundation of the first global blueprint for expansion.

● Mentors from the NSA & CIA (names undisclosed) stressed the importance of compartmentalizing and swiftly eliminating threats, critical for survival in both life and the high-stakes world of technology.

What are the 5 things that most excite you about the AI industry? Why?

The AI industry is a frontier of boundless potential, and there are several aspects that particularly excite me about its future:

1. Enhancing Decision-Making: AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data can assist individuals in becoming the best versions of themselves by enhancing decision-making. This goes beyond simple computational tasks, reaching into the nuances of emotional intelligence and rational judgment.

2. Age of Abundance: AI has the potential to usher in an era where scarcity is no longer a prevailing constraint. By optimizing resource distribution and enhancing productivity, AI can create an abundance of goods and services, making it possible to meet the needs of everyone more efficiently.

3. Extending Life Expectancy: One of the most profound impacts of AI is in the field of healthcare, where it can contribute to significantly extending human life expectancy. Through predictive diagnostics and personalized medicine, AI is becoming an essential tool in treating and preventing illnesses that were once thought incurable.

4. Empowering Creators: The democratization of creation is another thrilling aspect of AI. With tools that simplify and expedite the creative process, AI enables more people to bring their imaginative concepts to life, transforming every individual into a creator.

5. All Life Respect & Awareness: AI significantly contributes to increasing awareness and respect for all forms of life. By aiding in environmental conservation efforts and promoting sustainable practices, AI has the potential to ensure a harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural world, including animals and other species.

These elements collectively highlight a future where AI not only enhances our way of living but also aligns with ethical considerations that are crucial for sustainable growth and development. The potential for AI to drive such transformative changes across diverse domains is not just exciting; it’s a call to action for all of us in the industry to ensure these technologies are developed responsibly and inclusively.

What are the 5 things that concern you about the AI industry? Why?

The AI industry, while burgeoning with potential, also presents a set of significant concerns that require our immediate attention and action:

1. Normalization of ‘Stealing’ IP: There is a troubling trend in the AI field where the theft of intellectual property is often dismissed as part of the competitive process. This not only undermines ethical standards but also discourages genuine innovation by rewarding those who take shortcuts over those who create original work.

2. Chasing Trends Rather Than Solutions: Many enter the AI arena simply because it’s the current ‘hot’ field, not due to a genuine interest in or understanding of its potential impact. This trend-focused approach can lead to superficial developments rather than meaningful advancements that address real-world problems.

3. Culture of ‘Fake it Till You Make it’: The startup ecosystem, particularly within AI, sometimes embraces a culture where faking capabilities until achieving them is seen as acceptable. This can lead to overpromises and under deliveries that erode trust and can potentially lead to significant financial and reputational damage.

4. Overestimation of Originality: There’s often a misconception in the AI community that every idea is a breakthrough. While innovation is thriving, many ideas are iterations of existing concepts. Recognizing and building on past work, rather than claiming unwarranted novelty, is essential for true progress.

5. Vulnerability of Single-Function AI Companies: Companies focused solely on narrow AI applications face significant sustainability challenges. As the industry evolves, those that cannot adapt to multifunctional demands or integrate more comprehensive solutions are likely to falter.

These concerns highlight the need for a more conscientious approach to AI development, one that fosters ethical practices, encourages genuine innovation, and supports sustainable growth within the industry. Addressing these issues is crucial, not only to the health of the AI sector but to the broader impact AI will have on society.

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?

In the debate about whether advanced AI poses an existential threat to humanity, a debate highlighted by opinions from figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, my stance is rooted in a principle that transcends individual perspectives: the culture within AI development teams fundamentally shapes the outcomes of the technology they create.

I believe the crux of whether AI will become a danger to humanity lies not within the technology itself, but in the ethos of those who mold it. It’s imperative to scrutinize and test every team member thoroughly, assessing the impact they have on the collective culture of our projects. The individuals involved in the formative years of an AI entity are crucial in setting the trajectory — whether our creations will endanger or empower humanity.

To ensure AI remains a beneficial force, I advocate for a foundational set of principles to guide all involved in AI development: ‘Do No Harm,’ respect others’ property, treat everyone with respect, and uphold one’s commitments explicitly. If these principles are embedded in the core of our AI teams, we significantly reduce the risk of creating technologies that could pose existential threats.

Thus, rather than engaging in debates focused on potential catastrophic scenarios, I focus on establishing and nurturing a development culture that inherently guards against such outcomes. By instilling and adhering to ethical standards, we can guide AI towards being a profoundly positive influence on society.”

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?

These concerns surrounding AI highlight the need for a more conscientious approach to AI development, one that fosters ethical practices, encourages genuine innovation, and supports sustainable growth within the industry. Addressing these issues is crucial, not only to the health of the AI sector but to the broader impact AI will have on society.

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?

Addressing the underrepresentation of women in AI and broader STEM fields is a complex challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach. As the only man on the Women’s Museum of California Board of Directors, I’ve engaged deeply with ongoing discussions about gender inequality. I must admit that I have been inspired by watching firsthand Sandra Maas, the Chairwoman of the board, take on a historic case for pay inequality and it has had a profound personal impact. These experiences have significantly shaped my understanding and the culture that I am building within my own company, Klover, and beyond.

In 2015, while women held 57% of all professional occupations, they accounted for only 25% of all computing occupations. More starkly, women of color are even less represented, with Latinas and Black women holding just 1% and 3% of these jobs, respectively. Moreover, women make up just 14% of the total software engineering workforce, and over the last 21 years, the hiring of women software engineers has increased by only 2%. This highlights a significant underrepresentation in key areas that drive technological innovation and development.

The disparity extends into technology leadership and other pivotal roles that influence future innovation. From 1980 to 2010, 88% of all information technology patents were invented by male-only teams, while female-only teams accounted for just 2%.

Moreover, the challenge of attracting seasoned female professionals, especially those who have reached C-level positions, to startup environments is significant. These women often face higher risks when considering leaving stable, high-level positions for startups. There’s a perception — and perhaps a reality — that it’s easier for men in similar positions to return to their roles if a venture doesn’t succeed.

Furthermore, my continued work at the Women’s Museum of California has allowed me to support broader initiatives that reach multitudes of women, illustrating the importance of supporting and scaling such efforts beyond individual organizations.

A very close friend of mine who runs WITI, formerly known as Women in Technology International, the largest organization of its kind, has opened up further avenues for collaboration. Through WITI, we engage in ongoing discussions about the right steps to take to make great strides in addressing not only the glass ceiling but also the ‘Glass Step’ — an earlier barrier on the corporate ladder identified by the 2022 Glass Ceiling Report 2.0 (GCR 2.0), created by WITI for Intel. This barrier prevents women in individual contributor roles from stepping into managerial roles, a transition that takes women a much longer timeframe of 20 years, compared to their male counterparts.

Through firsthand experience, I’ve observed the hesitancy among women in C-level positions when considering involvement with startups. For instance, a highly qualified female executive expressed interest in joining Klover but faced greater hurdles in securing approval to work on a startup in her own time, compared to her male counterparts. This illustrates a systemic issue where women, even at high levels, encounter additional barriers that can deter their participation in innovative ventures.

To address these barriers, it’s crucial to establish safety nets and reassurances that encourage more women to take such leaps. This might involve more robust support systems, mentorship programs tailored for high-achieving women, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to advancing women in tech.

Ultimately, while strides are being made, the path to equality in AI is ongoing. Efforts must be systemic, sustained, and sensitive to the unique challenges women face in this field. Through continued dialogue, targeted recruitment, and cultural shifts within organizations, we can begin to close this gap and support more women in breaking the glass ceiling, the glass step, and beyond.”

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 life lesson quotes comes from Maya Angelou: ‘You did the best that you knew how. Now that you know better, you’ll do better.’ This quote has resonated with me deeply, serving as a guiding principle throughout my career and personal life. It encapsulates the essence of continual learning and growth, which I believe are fundamental to both personal development and professional success.

Early in my career, I faced challenges that were often daunting, and there were moments when I doubted the decisions I made. However, reflecting on this quote helped me realize that each step, whether it resulted in success or a setback, was part of a learning curve. It reassured me that making mistakes was not a failure but an integral part of learning.

For instance, when I first ventured into the world of artificial intelligence, I was navigating uncharted territories with no guarantee of success. The initial attempts at developing new technologies were fraught with errors and inefficiencies. But with each iteration, we gained insights that significantly enhanced our subsequent models. This process of learning, adapting, and improving was crucial not just for our technological advancement but also for my growth as a leader in the AI field.

This quote by Maya Angelou reminds us all to embrace our experiences as opportunities to learn and to improve relentlessly. It teaches us that knowledge is not static but evolutionary, and as we expand our understanding, our capacity to impact the world grows. It’s a lesson in humility and ambition, driving us to better ourselves and, by extension, better the world around us.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share a story?

When asked about how I’ve used my success to bring goodness to the world, I find it compelling to first deconstruct what we mean by ‘success.’ Much like a piece of modern art, success is an abstract concept that holds different meanings for different observers. In my journey through the field of AI, I’ve come to view success not as a destination but as a series of meaningful interactions — each one an opportunity to contribute positively to the world.

To me, success is akin to intelligence; both are multifaceted and not easily defined by conventional measures. Rather than debating their definitions, I focus on the practical application of both in my daily life. My approach is simple yet profound: ‘one problem at a time’ and ‘one person at a time.’ This philosophy ensures that every micro-interaction is an opportunity to seed goodness, believing that these seeds will eventually yield a compounding interest in positive impact in the world.

Moreover, I believe in letting the actions and outcomes speak for themselves. A gentleman, as I see it, need not boast of his deeds; the influence of his actions, through the lives he touches and the standards he sets, tells his story. It is my hope that those around me will see the goodness brought forth by our work and share this narrative in their own words, today and into the future.

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 given the opportunity to start a movement that could potentially bring the most good to the greatest number of people, I would envision creating an interconnected web of decision-making. This network would harness the vast expanse of global data on decisions and their outcomes, providing every individual within the network access to this collective intelligence.

Imagine a world where every choice you make is informed not only by your personal experience but also by the accumulated knowledge of countless others who have faced similar decisions. From simple everyday choices to complex life-changing decisions, this system would offer insights derived from a diverse range of outcomes and experiences. This wouldn’t just be about leveraging artificial intelligence or big data; it’s about fundamentally enhancing human intelligence with a communal repository of knowledge.

Each decision made within this network would contribute to a virtuous cycle of learning and sharing, helping someone else, perhaps halfway across the world, whom you may never meet. Over time, this would lead to an ever-growing cycle of better decisions, compounding in a way that helps each participant move closer to the best version of themselves.

Such a movement could transform how we think about knowledge and collective intelligence. It could democratize access to information and the decision-making process, leveling the playing field for underprivileged communities by providing them the same access to high-quality decision-making tools that the more privileged have.

This concept goes beyond individual benefit — it’s about elevating our global community and fostering a spirit of cooperation and shared growth. It’s a call to unite under the common goal of mutual enhancement and societal progression.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

For those interested in staying updated on the groundbreaking work we’re doing at Klover, I invite you to visit our website at klover.ai. While we are currently operating in stealth mode and the website may not reveal much, it serves as a gateway to the exciting future we are preparing to unveil.

As we progress and our projects come to fruition, I assure you that the impact will be evident through various news stories and announcements. Keep an eye on the media for updates on Klover’s contributions to the field of AI. We are on a journey to not just innovate but to transform how technology serves humanity, and I promise it will be worth the wait.

To all those who follow our progress, your patience and support are greatly appreciated.

Stay tuned, because what we’re working on is not just innovative — it’s revolutionary.

You’ll be impressed by what’s to come.

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!

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 the Chairman of the Friends of Israel and 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.

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Authority Magazine
Authority Magazine

Published in Authority Magazine

In-depth Interviews with Authorities in Business, Pop Culture, Wellness, Social Impact, and Tech. We use interviews to draw out stories that are both empowering and actionable.

David Leichner, CMO at Cybellum
David Leichner, CMO at Cybellum

Written by David Leichner, CMO at Cybellum

David Leichner is a veteran of the high-tech industry with significant experience in the areas of cyber and security, enterprise software and communications

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