In this episode of 10X Growth Strategies, host Preethy Padmanabhan brings together a diverse panel of experts to explore one of the most important questions of our time — who decides what AI becomes?

Featuring Natalia (Strategic Foresight), Denise Umubyeyi (Head of Partnerships, AGI), and Jonathan Azoff (Co-Founder & GP, SNOCAP), the conversation unpacks how artificial intelligence is not shaped by a single entity, but by a complex ecosystem of builders, investors, users, and institutions.

The discussion moves through how early-stage AI is influenced by those building models, but increasingly shaped by users, startups, capital, and global governance. The panel examines the role of startups as the interface between technology and everyday users, and how they translate complex systems into usable products.

A major focus is on ethics and control — from the values embedded in AI systems to the challenge of governing technologies we don’t fully understand. The conversation also explores the importance of open-source models, the role of global partnerships, and the need to ensure access beyond developed markets.

From infrastructure and cost barriers to questions of power, incentives, and long-term impact, this episode looks at AI not just as a technological shift — but as a societal transformation shaped by multiple competing forces. 

A sharp, multi-perspective conversation on the future of AI — and the forces quietly shaping it.

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⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – 01:50 • Introduction & Panel Overview 01:50 – 04:30 • Who Decides What AI Becomes? 04:30 – 07:30 • Builders, Investors & the Power of Ecosystems 07:30 – 10:30 • Role of Startups in Shaping AI Products 10:30 – 14:30 • Ethics, Values & AI Governance 14:30 – 18:30 • Can We Control What We Don’t Fully Understand? 18:30 – 22:00 • Access, Infrastructure & Global Inequality in AI 22:00 – 26:30 • Capital, Compute & Who Holds Power 26:30 – 30:30 • Incentives: Profit vs Transformation 30:30 – 36:00 • Open Source vs Closed AI Systems 36:00 – 42:00 • Future of AI: Efficiency or Transformation? 42:00 – 52:00 • Audience Q&A & Closing Thoughts

In this episode of 10X Growth Strategies, host Preethy Padmanabhan sits down with Dr. Vivek Mohan Singh — technologist, entrepreneur, author, and former Silicon Valley leader — to unpack what meaningful success truly looks like beyond titles, money, and conventional achievement. Drawing from a career that spans Silicon Valley, Bengaluru, startups, and leadership roles alongside icons such as Steve Jobs, John Chambers, and Michael Dell, Dr. Vivek reflects on the principles that shaped his journey — from aspiring big and becoming number one in his field, to understanding why professional success alone is never enough. The conversation centers around ideas from his award-winning book Achieving Meaningful Success, where he introduces frameworks such as the “Wheel of Goals” and the importance of balancing professional ambition with health, relationships, spirituality, and inner growth. Through personal stories, he explains how some of life’s most defining decisions came not from career milestones, but from choosing family, purpose, and long-term fulfillment. The episode also explores the power of mentors, books, role models, and lifelong learning — including lessons drawn from leaders such as Ratan Tata, N. R. Narayana Murthy, Rahul Dravid, and John Chambers, all featured in Dr. Vivek’s interviews on excellence, leadership, and grounded success. A thoughtful conversation for anyone trying to build ambition without losing balance — and success without regret. ⸻ 00:00 – Introduction & Dr. Vivek’s Career Journey 02:00 – From India to Silicon Valley 05:00 – What “Meaningful Success” Really Means 08:30 – The Wheel of Goals: Beyond Career Alone 11:00 – Mentors, Role Models & Becoming Your Best Self 16:30 – Books, Learning & Continuous Growth 19:00 – Thinking Big: Setting Bold Goals 23:00 – Steve Jobs, Excellence & Professional Achievement 25:00 – Family, Relationships & Life Priorities 30:30 – Why Goals Matter in Life 31:30 – Lessons from Extraordinary Leaders 34:30 – Book Awards, Giving Back & Final Advice 37:00 – Closing Thoughts

In this episode of 10X Growth Strategies, host Arthi Vijayaraghavan sits down with Lakshmi Nair — drug development scientist and genetic engineering researcher — to unpack the science, promise, and responsibility behind CRISPR and gene editing. Drawing from her journey across academia and biomedical research, Lakshmi explains how CRISPR transformed genetic engineering from slow, uncertain experimentation into precise DNA editing — and why that leap could reshape medicine, cancer treatment, and hereditary disease forever. From transgenic models and drug development to the realities of scientific failure and perseverance, the conversation reveals what modern biomedical innovation truly looks like behind the scenes. The episode explores the ethical frontier of gene editing — germline modification, designer traits, disability vs identity, and who gets to decide what should be “fixed” in humans. The discussion also connects CRISPR with AI-driven research, data-intensive clinical trials, and the global scientific ecosystem that turns basic research into life-saving therapies. From biohacking and scientific curiosity to regulation, responsibility, and the future of humanity, this is a thoughtful, deeply grounded conversation on what it means to hold the power to rewrite life itself. A fascinating listen for technologists, policymakers, investors, and anyone curious about where biology, AI, and human evolution intersect. ⸻ 00:00 – Introduction & Lakshmi’s Background 02:00 – Why CRISPR Changed Genetic Engineering 06:00 – Scientific Journeys, Curiosity & Upbringing 12:00 – CRISPR Explained for Non-Biologists 18:30 – Medical Applications: Cancer & Genetic Disease 23:30 – Scientific Collaboration & Peer Review 26:30 – Biohacking & Democratizing Biology 30:00 – Gene Editing Ethics & Germline Debate 36:00 – Identity, Disability & Human Choice 40:00 – From Lab Research to Drug Development 45:00 – AI in Clinical Trials & Biomedical Data 50:00 – Future of Gene Editing & Responsibility 54:00 – Closing Reflections