Episode 7: The Global AI Race - The US AI Action Plan Explained

Top-of-mind for investors and technologists in 2025 is the critical debate between the US deregulatory approach and the EU’s strict AI governance framework.

This episode of Convergence unpacks the high-stakes clash of philosophies: the US embracing speed and innovation through dismantling regulatory barriers, versus the EU’s comprehensive, risk-based legislation prioritizing safety, ethics, and fundamental rights.

As you reach the end of this discussion, you will gain insights about how to stay ahead of the curve as a leader or investor or a curious thinker for insights into AI policy, investment climate, and governance models shaping 2025 and beyond.

Join Lauren Hawker Zafer and Faisal Hoque as they explore how the US AI Action Plan’s “try first, fail fast” mentality is reshaping the global AI race, sparking unprecedented opportunities for experimentation but also magnifying risks for enterprises and society.

Discover the dual mindset frameworks—Open for radical optimism and CARE for deep caution—that leaders must balance to govern AI responsibly. Learn why companies face immense challenges navigating siloed tech ecosystems and how structured AI risk management frameworks like are crucial in balancing innovation with ethical guardrails. From venture capital pressures to operationalizing AI governance internally, this episode decodes the future of AI leadership in an accelerating, competing world.

Quick Jump To:
00:55 – What Is the US AI Action Plan? Breakdown of America’s new AI strategy: speed over regulation, opportunities for innovation, and the implications of fewer government guardrails.

02:30 – Balancing Optimism & Caution Examining the required dual mentality—radical optimism for growth, deep caution for risk—plus the role of frameworks like NIST, Open, and CARE.

04:30 – Regulatory Showdown: US vs EU Contrasting the US hands-off, market-driven approach with the EU’s structured, legislative model for AI governance and compliance.

07:30 – Global Power Shifts & Tech Blocks How the US plan amplifies global competition: the rise of “tech blocks,” challenges for multinational companies, and the call for AI safety.

09:00 – Move Fast & Break Things: Myth or Strategy? Is rapid experimentation the best path for AI leadership, or does it intensify risk for organizations—especially in critical sectors?

12:00 – Inside the CARE Framework How companies can “catastrophize,” assess, regulate, and exit risky AI projects: technical, reputational, and legal safeguards explained.

15:00 – Managing the Triple Threat: Technical, Legal, Reputational, Real-world examples of layered risk and the critical importance of exit strategies in B2B, healthcare, and data-hosting deployments.

16:30 – Venture Capital and the ‘Fail Fast’ Pressure How deregulation impacts startups, VC expectations, and the balance entrepreneurs need for sustainable innovation.

21:00 – Instilling Balance: Leadership and Team Culture Guidance for C-suites and operational teams on embedding dual mindsets, frameworks, and standard operating procedures for responsible growth.

24:00 – Final Takeaways & Audience Call-to-Action Summary of actionable insights, with an invitation for listener comments and suggestions for future episodes.

Convergence: The Signature Series

The lines between technology, business, and humanity are blurring. In a world of constant disruption, success is no longer about mastering one domain — it’s about navigating the pivotal intersections where they converge.

Join Lauren Hawker Zafer and Faisal Hoque for Convergence, the series that deconstructs the complex forces shaping our future. Based on hands-on experience, research, and publications, each episode provides actionable frameworks and candid insights on humanity, business, ethics, transformation, AI, modern leadership, governance, sustainable growth, and philosophy.