Lead AI, Don’t Let It Lead You with Shashank Kapadia

Guest:

Shashank Kapadia

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Episode Overview:

AI is everywhere, but leadership is what makes it valuable. In this conversation, AI innovator Shashank Kapadia lays out a practical playbook for responsible AI: start with values, measure real outcomes, and ask better questions. He introduces his three Cs framework for responsible AI clarity, context, and consequence and explains how to lead high performing ML teams with direction, autonomy, and integrity. We cut through hype to focus on models that quietly improve decisions, discuss when not to automate, and share failure patterns and guardrails leaders can use right now.

Timestamps:

00:00 | Why leading AI matters more than building it
00:21 | Meet Shashank Kapadia AI innovator and ethics advocate
01:20 | From model accuracy to real world impact a personal shift
02:30 | Beyond optimization building wise systems grounded in values
03:37 | Responsible AI defined the three Cs clarity context consequence
04:47 | Ethics is not a checklist how executives operationalize responsibility
05:36 | Leading ML teams the trio of direction autonomy integrity
06:58 | Psychological safety and nonlinear progress loops not sprints
08:05 | Sponsor Money Ripples Cashflow Secrets offer
08:41 | Cutting hype with first principles three questions every project must answer
10:14 | Invisible AI wins utility over model complexity
11:27 | Competitor FOMO vs solving real problems choosing focus
11:54 | Hybrid intelligence the future blend of technical EQ and ethics
12:57 | Translators of trust why cross functional leadership wins
13:42 | Non technical makers and baby boomers using AI real examples
15:01 | Failure patterns misaligned objectives hidden bias and shaky rollouts
17:15 | Ship small monitor hard KPIs and safeguard equity
18:23 | Sponsor Texas Freedom Fund information
19:10 | A value driven mindset and the power of asking how
21:19 | Where to follow Shashank LinkedIn and Substack Pragmatic MLR

Guest Bio (short):

Shashank Kapadia is a machine learning leader and responsible AI advocate who has built large scale recommender systems and decision engines for global platforms. He speaks and writes on the practical intersection of innovation and ethics, helping organizations ship models that earn trust and deliver business value.

Connect With Shashank:

LinkedIn: Shashank Kapadia
Substack: Pragmatic MLR

Connect With Us:

Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

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