Rajeev Kapur Of 1105 Media On the Future of Artificial Intelligence

An Interview With David Leichner

Currently, there is no cohesive focus on how we put rules around AI use, leading to a lack of consequences for its destructive uses. Establishing robust regulatory frameworks is vital to protect against the misuse of AI technologies.

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

Rajeev is a three-time CEO with three successful exits and extensive experience in high-tech and media. He has led innovation and strategic agendas for entrepreneurial startups, midsize companies, and Fortune 500 firms like Dell, where he managed P&Ls up to $1.6B.

As Director of Sales and Marketing for Dell in China, Rajeev spearheaded commercial market growth. Later, as GM/MD for Dell in South Asia, he launched Dell India and revitalized operations, earning recognition as Dell’s Manager of the Year in 1996. Rajeev also served as President of Smarthome.com, enhancing its home automation technology and building it into an acclaimed workplace. During his tenure as CEO of Sonic Emotion, he formed key alliances with Toshiba, Samsung, and Panasonic, and was recognized by Tech America as a CEO of the Year finalist.

Currently, Rajeev is CEO of 1105 Media, Inc., managing a diverse B2B marketing, events, and media services portfolio. He was a finalist for both Entrepreneur and Innovator of The Year and listed among the Top 500 Leaders in Orange County. In May of 2024, Rajeev was selected as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award.

Rajeev holds a Global MBA from USC Marshall School of Business and Jiaotong University, and a dual AI certification from MIT. He is an accomplished keynote speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author of “Chase Greatness” and “AI Made Simple.”

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 interest in AI began as the CEO of an audio technology company based in Switzerland. We were focused on selling audio chipsets and algorithms, and I quickly realized that machine learning and AI were integral to building advanced sound technologies. At that point, I understood AI from a business perspective but wanted to delve deeper into the technical side.

About a decade ago, I decided to take a course to broaden my understanding of AI. The experience was transformative, and I performed well, encouraging me to pursue further education. I obtained dual certification in AI from MIT, which laid a strong foundation for my knowledge in this field. I took another course focusing on AI in healthcare a year ago, further expanding my expertise.

What lessons can others learn from your story?

AI can bring about fantastic good, from revolutionizing industries to solving complex global challenges. My journey in AI has been driven by a commitment to harness this potential and create positive change. I am excited to be part of this evolving field and look forward to contributing to its future advancements.

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

Currently, one of the most exciting projects I’m working on is focused on democratizing AI training. Our goal is to make AI accessible beyond just tech companies and Silicon Valley elites, to a much broader audience. We’re developing initiatives to bring AI education and resources to communities that have traditionally been underserved. This involves creating user-friendly training programs and platforms that can be utilized by individuals from various backgrounds, regardless of their technical expertise. By making these resources widely available, we aim to empower people across different sectors and regions to leverage AI innovatively, ultimately driving broader adoption and impact.

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?

Michael Dell was a strong mentor for me early in my career. I spent much of my early professional life at Dell, working closely with Michael. When the Internet first started as a mosaic browser that then became Netscape, few could fathom its potential. Michael was a pioneer during this time — many thought he was crazy for believing so strongly in the Internet. He showed me the importance of being open-minded to the possibilities and potential of things we can’t see just yet.

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

I believe that AI is the greatest invention since electricity, with the power to be a catalyst for a new industrial revolution. The 5 things that most excite me about the AI industry are:

1. AI’s ability to provide personalized solutions based on your habits is transformative. The technology can understand what you need and enhance your experiences, making daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable.
2. AI has the potential to be a significant job enhancer and improvement tool. Rather than replacing jobs, it can augment human capabilities, leading to greater productivity and job satisfaction.
3. AI can buy you time by automating routine tasks and processes. This allows individuals and businesses to focus on more strategic and creative activities, driving innovation and growth.
4. AI’s role in healthcare, particularly through machine learning, can lead to early diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and overall better patient outcomes. The integration of AI in healthcare has the potential to save lives and improve quality of life.
5. The AI industry is a hotbed for new industries and opportunities. From smart cities to autonomous vehicles, AI is at the forefront of creating new markets and driving economic growth.

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

1. ​​People who have been good at data are now being asked to run AI, but this should ideally be a top-down initiative led by those with a comprehensive understanding of AI’s potential and risks. Proper leadership is crucial to ensure AI is implemented ethically and effectively.
2. The Superman effect: With good AI, there will be bad AI out there. People will attempt to use AI for malicious purposes, posing a huge risk to cybersecurity and privacy. Ensuring AI is developed and used responsibly is essential to mitigate these risks.
3. Deepfakes. They can be used to deceive, manipulate, and harm individuals and societies. The impact of deepfakes on trust and security is profound and concerning.
4. Currently, there is no cohesive focus on how we put rules around AI use, leading to a lack of consequences for its destructive uses. Establishing robust regulatory frameworks is vital to protect against the misuse of AI technologies.
5. There are a lot of misconceptions about AI right now, including the belief that it is a job killer or a stand-alone solution. AI is not sentient; it will make mistakes, and it requires human oversight. It is essential to educate people about what AI can and cannot do to ensure realistic expectations and responsible use.

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?

AI is both a powerful tool and a significant challenge for humanity. AI’s potential to revolutionize industries and improve lives is immense, and I believe that AI is the future. However, AI is a perfect example of the Superman effect, that power can be used for good or for evil, and the risks associated with AI, particularly deep fakes, cannot be overlooked.

Deep fakes represent the greatest threat to humanity since nuclear weapons. They have the potential to undermine trust in information, manipulate public opinion, and create chaos on a global scale. Suppose I were to explain the risk of deep fakes to someone unfamiliar. In that case, they are incredibly realistic, fabricated videos or audio recordings that make it appear like someone is saying or doing something they never did. This technology can maliciously deceive and manipulate people, posing significant privacy, safety, and cybersecurity 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 mitigate these risks, we need a trusted safety community composed of diverse experts and stakeholders who can work together to develop guidelines and strategies for responsible AI use. Education is also crucial, so I wrote my book on AI — to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to understanding AI. I hope to have the book translated into all languages, making AI knowledge accessible to everyone.

Regarding the warning letter from employees at leading AI companies, I share their concerns. Privacy, safety, and cybersecurity are critical issues, and we must address them head-on. We need to be proactive in developing technologies and policies that can detect and counteract these threats while continuing to leverage AI for the betterment of 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?

AI is available to everyone, but traditionally, fewer women have pursued careers in tech. To engage more women in the AI industry, we must emphasize that the technology is wholly democratized — your demographic doesn’t matter. If you have access to a smartphone, you have access to AI. We should focus on creating inclusive educational programs, offering mentorship opportunities, and highlighting the diverse applications of AI across various fields to attract more women. By showcasing successful female role models in AI and fostering a supportive community, we can inspire more women to explore and thrive in this industry.

What is your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that had relevance to your own life?

A few years ago, someone asked me what my “why” was, and my response was with a quote: “Your why is to honor other people’s dreams.” My focus has always been on helping others achieve their goals and dreams. Another quote resonates deeply with me: “People and companies fail not because they do the wrong thing, but because they do the right thing for too long.”

This quote highlights the importance of embracing change and innovation. For example, during my tenure at Dell, I saw firsthand how critical it was to adapt to the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Companies that don’t embrace new technologies, like AI, risk being left behind. This lesson has driven my approach in every leadership role, ensuring I always encourage adaptability and forward-thinking to stay ahead in the industry.

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

At 1105 Media, we are committed to giving back to our community and supporting various charitable causes. Every year, we allocate a percentage of our profits to help organizations like Operation Smile and local domestic violence shelters in California. One initiative particularly close to my heart is our scholarship program for students in Nogales, Arizona. We have provided scholarships to help eight deserving kids attend high school, allowing them to pursue their education and achieve their dreams. These efforts are not just about writing checks; they are about making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and our community. By leveraging our success, we aim to create a positive impact and inspire others to do the same.

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. :-)

Global education access: Ensuring every child and adult has access to high-quality education via technology, regardless of their geographic location, economic status, or social background. This would involve building and supporting schools in underserved areas, providing scholarships, and creating online platforms that offer free or affordable courses.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

They can follow me on LinkedIn, and learn more on my personal website, https://rajeevkapur.com/.

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.