The AI Revolution Is Here – A Podcast And Interview With Nate Yohannes – Forbes

Nates perspective on AI being built for everybody on the planet is birthed from one of the most unique foundations possible. Hes the offspring of a revolutionary who stepped on a landmine in 1978 fighting for democracy on the Horn of Africa, Eritrea, one of the worst violators of human rights in the world to becoming a lawyer who was then appointed by President Obama to serve on behalf of the White House. Nates father losing much of his vision in the landmine attack was the catalyst for his passion for AI Computer Vision; computers reasoning over people, places and things.

Nate Yohannes AI, Microsoft

His role at Microsoft AI merges the world of business and product strategy, while he works closely with Microsofts AI Ethics & Society team. Nate believes that Microsofts leadership decision to embed Ethics & Society into engineering teams is one of the most durable advantages they offer design products with the filter of ethics up front is unique and valuable for everyone. AI is the catalyst for the fourth industrial revolution - the most significant technological advancement thus far and, AI has the potential to solve incredible challenges for all of humanity (climate, education, design, customer experiences, governance, food, etc.). The biggest concern could be the potential for un-expected and un-intended consequences when building and deploying AI products. Very similar to the unintended consequences we see today with social media companies and the misuse of privacy and data. AI will change the world, how it does this is our choice. Its critical to have appropriate representation at decision making tables when building AI products to mitigate thousands or millions of unexpected consequences potentially. From gender and race to financial, health and even location-based data. Solving this challenge of the unexpected consequences and incorporating inclusivity shouldnt hinder innovation and the ambition from maximizing revenue; instead, it should enhance it. Creating products that will have the most extensive consumer base possible, everyone. Its an inspiring conversation about how to make the possible a reality with a different mindset.

This should be a guiding light for how all companies develop AI for the highest good (not just greater good). If every company or even the government will be a digital platform by 2030, OK, 75% of us will be, then AI will sit at the center of these organizations.

Nate Yohannes Speaking to AI.

Doing it the right way is part of the puzzle. Thinking more about how it can be applied to the whole world is the tantalizing promise. Nate Yohannes is a Principal Program Manager for Mixed Reality & AI Engineering at Microsoft. He recently was a Director of Corporate Business Development & Strategy for AI, IoT & Intelligent Cloud. Hes on the Executive Advisory Board of the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and an Expert for MITs Inclusive Innovation Challenge. From 2014 2017, he served in President Obamas administration as the Senior Advisor to the Head of Investments and Innovation, US Small Business Administration and on the White House Broadband Opportunity Council.

Nate was selected for the inaugural White House Economic Leadership class. He started his career as the Assistant General Counsel at the Money Management Institute. He is a graduate of the State University of New York College at Geneseo and of the University of Buffalo School of Law, where he was a Barbara and Thomas Wolfe Human Rights Fellow. Hes admitted to practice law in New York State.