Beyond the Hype: How AI is Actually Reshaping Business with Andy Ellis

In this episode

Cybersecurity expert and venture capitalist Andy Ellis breaks down why the smartest organizations are using AI to augment their workers, not replace them. Today’s AI systems are best used when they serve as “semi-pro” tools—fast, scalable, surprisingly effective, but still guided by some human oversight. In this conversation, he shares cautionary tales about hallucinations, prompt injections, unintended consequences, and outlines the common pitfalls he already sees companies falling into.

You’ll hear:

  • How to minimize resistance and bring the workforce onboard when deploying AI tools.
  • Why AI agents should be limited in scope and the advantage of stacking specialized agents which, acting together, enhance productivity and capacity.
  • Why AI is good for generating content for specific purposes but not good at creating writing, art, or materials which will have lasting impact.
  • How productivity “nag bots” can help workers get more done.

Ellis sees this moment as the next SaaS-level transformation, arguing that the winners of today’s AI arms race will become the trillionaires of tomorrow. Fundamentally, he believes the best way to implement this transformative new technology is to let humans decide and the AIs act. 
 

About the speakers

Chief Security Officer, Akamai

Andy Ellis is a seasoned technology and business executive with deep expertise in security, managing risk, and leading an inclusive culture. Andy is a Partner at YL Ventures and author of 1% Leadership. He was the first CSO at Akamai, where he led the information security organization for over 20 years. Andy has received a wide variety of accolades, including the CSO Compass Award, Air Force Commendation Medal, Spirit of Disneyland Award, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and was the winner of the Sherman Oaks Galleria Spelling Bee. He was inducted into the CSO Hall of Fame in 2021. He holds multiple patents in web and computer security.