In this episode of Mutual Connections, host Shayan Mashatian speaks with Prashant Natarajan, Chief AI Officer at Velachera Public Benefits Corporation, about the evolving role of artificial intelligence in society. Prashant shares insights from his congressional testimony on using AI to empower healthcare, veterans, and broader communities, focusing on democratizing technology for both consumers and professionals.

The conversation explores critical topics, including:

• The difference between traditional AI and generative AI, emphasizing the shift toward unstructured data and explainability.

• The role of AI in creating fairness and transparency in decision-making, especially in conflict-prone scenarios like insurance claims and hiring processes.

• The importance of balancing regulation and innovation, with a critique of the European Union's AI Act as potentially stifling progress.

• The societal impact of AI on jobs and productivity, highlighting new opportunities and the potential for global digital divides based on AI adoption.

• The provocative notion of AI reflecting back on human values, helping us rethink biases and decisions for a more equitable future.

Prashant advocates for trust, transparency, and collaboration between humans and AI systems, envisioning a world where technology empowers individuals and challenges us to be better as a society. This insightful discussion highlights the promise and challenges of AI in shaping the next industrial revolution.

Tune in to explore the future of healthcare technology with Prashant Natajarian, Chief AI Officer at Velatura | Enterprise & Health AI | Author