How Hyatt is Personalizing the Guest Experience with GenAI
Release Date: 03/19/2025
Golf Meets Crypto: The Future of the Game
The Brave Technologist
Jared Phillips, CEO of GolfN, discusses the intersection of golf and technology, focusing on how AI and crypto are transforming the golfing experience. He emphasizes a user-centric approach, making technology accessible without overwhelming users with crypto complexities. Key Takeaways: How they’re designing GolfN to appeal to traditional golfers who aren’t yet crypto savvy (growing the Web3 community with Web2 audiences) The evolution of golf apps and GolfN’s early success in acquiring users, including $200k in paid memberships in their first month How they balance social,...
info_outline
Tokenized Finance: The New Era of Global Investing
The Brave Technologist
Luke Mulks, Vice President of Business Operations at Brave Software, discusses the tokenization of finance, exploring how cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are reshaping the financial landscape. He also discusses the significance of stablecoins and their growing adoption in emerging markets. Key Takeaways: The basics of stablecoins and their role in bringing stability to crypto markets How tokenized equities are removing barriers to global investment access The potential of blockchain to empower emerging markets and under-banked populations Key regulatory advancements...
info_outline
The Role of AI in Electric Vehicle Charging
The Brave Technologist
Diego Pareschi, Global Product Line Manager for EV chargers at ABB, discusses the rapidly evolving field of EV charging technology, focusing on the intersection of user experience, data analytics, and AI. He highlights the role of AI and machine learning in enhancing charging solutions, and the importance of collaboration with local governments to facilitate infrastructure development. Key Takeaways: The current challenges of EV adoption and the need for accessibility and standardization Insights from his work developing the racing technology used by all teams in the Formula E racing...
info_outline
Operation Pineapple Express Used Signal to Evacuate Afghan Allies
The Brave Technologist
Scott Mann, Ret. U.S. Army Green Beret and Founder of Task Force Pineapple, shares his journey from a Special Forces soldier to a storyteller and actor. He detailed his time as a Green Beret who helped form Task Force Pineapple, a group of veterans who used technology to coordinate the evacuation of Afghan allies during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. Key Takeaways: The role of biometric data collection in US Army missions and the Global War on Terror How their unprecedented use of the consumer app, Signal, became a go-to resource for natural disaster...
info_outline
The Cost of Whistleblowing, and Balancing Privacy with National Security
The Brave Technologist
John Kiriakou, former CIA officer and whistleblower against the agency’s torture program, discusses his extensive background in intelligence, the evolving role of technology and AI in intelligence operations, and the balance between privacy and national security. John details his experience with the CIA’s torture program post-9/11, and the consequences he’s faced for exposing these practices. Key Takeaways: How targeted intelligence can succeed without mass surveillance, and how national security doesn’t need to mean sacrificing individual privacy The evolution of drone...
info_outline
Decentralizing Your Digital Identity With Unstoppable Domains
The Brave Technologist
Sandy Carter, COO and Head of GTM at Unstoppable Domains, discusses the potential of on-chain and digitized identities, including real-world examples that highlight shortcomings of current systems. She also reveals details of the new .BRAVE domain and its significance for the Brave community. Key Takeaways: How Unstoppable domains allows users to store verified digital identity information securely The convergence of AI and blockchain technology, including the potential of AI agents within crypto wallets The launch of the new.BRAVE domain and why this is such an exciting...
info_outline
Privacy & Parenting: Your Child’s Digital Footprint
The Brave Technologist
Debbie Reynolds, Chief Data Privacy Officer and host of “The Data Diva Talks Privacy” podcast, discusses the challenges parents face in protecting their children online, and simple habits users can adopt to take back control of their privacy. She also discusses the growing recognition among companies that excessive data collection poses significant risks. Key Takeaways: How consumer expectations for data are privacy changing The asymmetrical relationship between consumers and companies regarding data privacy How companies can scale a human‑centric approach to privacy The...
info_outline
Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Their Impact on Digital Identity and Privacy
The Brave Technologist
Rob Viglione, Co-Founder and CEO of Horizen Labs and zkVerify, shares his transition from military intelligence in Afghanistan to co-founding a blockchain company. He discusses the role of zero-knowledge (ZK) technology in enabling private transactions, the need for integration of crypto with traditional finance, and the vision to bring off-chain information on chain. Key Takeaways: Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs): what they are, and why they’re so important in today’s digital landscape The utility of cryptocurrencies for individuals in poorly governed jurisdictions The convergence of...
info_outline
Building Mobile Games for Legacy Brands like the NBA, The New York Times, and Wordle
The Brave Technologist
Shafik Quoraishee, Senior Mobile/AI Game Developer at the New York Times, discusses the development process behind popular New York Times games such as Crosswords and Connections, along with what they learned about consumer behavior from the highly addictive and viral success of Wordle. Key Takeaways: How to balance innovation with the legacy of traditional games The importance of user engagement and testing in game development The future potential of AI in creating immersive gaming experiences Guest Bio: who is a Senior Mobile/AI Game Developer at the New York Times. He works...
info_outline
The Rise of Brave and User Privacy + Navigating the 2025 Tech Landscape
The Brave Technologist
Luke Mulks, Vice President of Business Operations at Brave Software, discusses how AI and crypto regulations have evolved in 2025, including new opportunities and regulatory reversals. He also shares updates about Brave's achievements and the movement towards a private world. Key Takeaways: Brave's growth in user privacy and engagement The impact of user feedback and community involvement for Brave Ongoing developments with the Basic Attention Token (BAT), and new initiatives like the Rewards Partner Program How shifting to a “user first” podcast theme has impacted the...
info_outlineRooshana Purnyn, Director of Data Architecture and Platform Engineering at Hyatt, discusses the potential of Generative AI in the hospitality sector, and how Hyatt is integrating AI to enhance guest experiences in their 1300 properties worldwide. She also emphasizes the need for balancing technology with human interaction, and fostering a culture of continuous learning within her team.
Key Takeaways:
-
How AI is used to understand, anticipate, and enhance the unique needs and travel habits of each guest.
-
How Hyatt leverages AI to deliver seamless, highly personalized guest experiences across its 1,300 worldwide properties.
-
The critical role of robust data architecture and pipeline design in supporting hospitality analytics.
-
How a culture of innovation and a growth mindset drive the recruitment and development of Hyatt’s teams.
Guest Bio: Rooshana Purnyn is an innovative and strategic technology leader with extensive experience across the hospitality, healthcare, retail, finance, and marketing sectors. With over a decade of expertise in data and analytics, Rooshana serves as the Director of Data Architecture and Platform Engineering at Hyatt, where she is celebrated for designing, building, and managing large-scale, cutting-edge technology platforms that support data-driven decision making. A visionary in leveraging technology for business growth, Rooshana led the development of an advanced analytics platform optimized for AI/ML and generative AI workloads, enabling real-time data processing and supporting algorithmic product development to drive revenue and customer engagement.
In her role, Rooshana has overseen the deployment of secure, globally accessible analytics applications, including the implementation of an AI-powered self-service analytics tool that empowers stakeholders with data insights. Her work in the AI/ML and generative AI space includes establishing scalable infrastructure and pipelines for machine learning operations (MLOps), allowing for seamless deployment of personalized customer experiences. Rooshana's commitment to innovation keeps her at the forefront of industry trends, while her customer-focused and data-centric approach consistently drives value and growth.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About this Show:
The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!
Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.
The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.
Music by: Ari Dvorin
Produced by: Sam Laliberte