Artificial intelligence is moving fast, but much of the public conversation misses what actually matters, says venture capitalist Samir Kumar.

In this episode, Kumar explains what most people don’t understand about AI, from how these systems are really built to the risks leaders underestimate when adopting them.

Drawing on his experience evaluating and investing in AI-driven companies, Kumar breaks down the gap between AI hype and real-world execution.

This conversation explores why data quality, governance, and human judgment matter more than model performance, how incentives shape AI deployment, and what organizations should consider before trusting AI with critical decisions.

Watch the full interview for a grounded, investor-level perspective on AI.

In this follow-up conversation, Silicon Valley pioneer Ray Zinn returns to expand on the leadership lessons, life experiences, and principles that guided his 37-year tenure as CEO at Micrel—the longest-serving CEO in Bay Area tech history.

Zinn reflects more deeply on resilience, faith, and purpose, sharing how he navigated personal loss, business pressure, and the challenges of leading while legally blind. He explains why humility, trust, and long-term thinking mattered more than growth at any cost—and what today’s leaders often get wrong.

We also explore succession, legacy, and the responsibility of passing wisdom to the next generation in an industry obsessed with speed and disruption.

“Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about stewardship,” Zinn says.

Watch the full conversation for thoughtful insights on endurance, character, and what it truly means to lead over a lifetime.

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, national security, and the moments that shaped modern American history.

Panetta reflects on his upbringing as the son of Italian immigrants in Monterey, his path into public service, and the values that guided his decades in government. He offers a firsthand account of the 2011 operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden, describing the intelligence work, risks involved, and weight of decision-making at the highest level.

The conversation also explores global threats, including those posed by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, as well as Panetta’s concerns about disinformation, social media, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping information and society.

“Democracy depends on truth,” Panetta says, warning that technology without accountability poses one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century.

Watch the full interview for rare insight from one of America’s most experienced national security leaders.