Welcome to the Goddess of Crypto, where women get to know the world of cryptocurrency, decentralized finance, and disruptive technologies. In this exciting episode, Goddess of Crypto, Halle Eavelyn had the pleasure of having Elena Bondarenko, an attorney, and consultant who specializes in strategy, business development, and policy for disruptive technology companies. In this captivating interview, Elena shares her insights and experiences, shedding light on the fascinating realm of disruptive technologies and the transformative power they hold.
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A Moderator’s Skillful Exploration:
Hello reader. I had a very persuasive conversation with Elena Bondarenko. I acknowledged her exceptional talent as a moderator who consistently asks thought-provoking questions. Elena modestly shrugs off the compliment, emphasizing the hard work and preparation that goes into being an effective moderator. This glimpse into the behind-the-scenes effort sets the stage for the intriguing conversation to come.
Defining Disruptive Technology:
I asked her what these disruptive technologies are and Elena eloquently explained that disruptive technology encompasses innovations that not only transform the way we live and operate but also challenge existing regulations. She cites examples like Uber and Airbnb, which revolutionized transportation and hospitality, respectively. Elena’s expertise lies in navigating the intersection between technology, policy, and regulation, where disruptive technologies thrive.
Exploring the Vast Landscape:
As the conversation progresses, Elena delves into some of the cutting-edge fields she is currently involved in. These include carbon credits, resiliency measures, cryptocurrency, Web3, and the burgeoning world of the Metaverse. Elena’s work extends to areas like autonomous flying vehicles, space industry development, and the ways Web3 and the Metaverse can revolutionize real estate marketing, sales, and development. Her diverse range of interests and experiences paints a vivid picture of the boundless opportunities presented by disruptive technologies.
The Journey to Expertise:
I eagerly asked Elena how she acquired such extensive knowledge in this rapidly evolving landscape. Elena describes her career trajectory, beginning as a land use and zoning attorney, which provided her with a solid foundation in regulatory work. She then transitioned to the public sector, working for the Downtown Development Authority of the city of Miami. This role opened doors to pivotal discussions with influential figures in the industry, allowing her to glean insights and expertise that would be inaccessible otherwise.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Learning:
I shifted the conversation to address the fear that often accompanies learning about complex and evolving subjects. Elena draws from her personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of pushing past fear and embracing curiosity. She encourages a diligent approach, urging individuals to delve deeper into topics, ask the right questions, and break down complex information. Elena dispels the notion that it’s ever too late to learn and highlights the abundance of resources available today, such as YouTube and other online platforms, that facilitate accessible and continuous learning.
AI and the Changing Landscape of Education:
The discussion takes an intriguing turn as I shared my own experience with AI, particularly in the realm of generative AI. Elena highlights the transformative potential of AI technologies, likening its impact to the advent of the internet. However, she also emphasizes the need for responsible AI regulation to ensure the avoidance of biases and potential dangers. The conversation then veers toward the implications for education and the necessity for universities and colleges to adapt their curricula. Elena envisions a shift towards teaching students how to use AI-generated information effectively, fostering critical thinking and the ability to process and apply knowledge in a productive manner.
Unmasking Biases in Generative AI:
Elena highlighted a disconcerting aspect of Generative AI: its susceptibility to biases. Studies have revealed stark discrepancies in the representation of negative connotations related to women and people of color compared to white men. The sheer volume of biased information generated by AI can be misleading and convincing, leading us to believe it is accurate. Elena emphasized the importance of verifying information and understanding the limitations of AI’s data sources, urging caution and critical thinking in interpreting AI-generated content.
Addressing the Challenges:
Elena highlighted the need for regulations and frameworks to mitigate the risks associated with Generative AI. She proposed incorporating citation sections in AI-generated content to provide transparency and enable verification. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the possibility of training algorithms to reduce discrimination, but it also raised ethical concerns about potentially introducing new biases. The key lies in educating the younger generation on critical thinking and teaching them how to verify information, empowering them to navigate the complexities of Generative AI effectively.
Empowering Women in AI:
We also explored the role women can play in shaping the future of AI. Elena emphasized the importance of advocating for change within the HR industry to prevent biased AI systems from perpetuating discriminatory practices during hiring processes. By challenging the use of these systems and promoting rules and guidelines, women can strive for equal opportunities in various fields. The conversation also revealed the potential of apprenticeships as an alternative to traditional education, allowing individuals to acquire skills, gain experience, and secure future employment.
Embracing AI as a Tool:
Elena shared an intriguing perspective on utilizing Generative AI as a tool rather than relying solely on its output. By engaging with AI platforms like ChatGPT and actively questioning, clarifying, and editing the generated content, individuals can leverage AI’s capabilities while maintaining critical thinking and personal input. This approach enables a symbiotic relationship between human creativity and AI assistance, fostering a productive and empowered environment.
The interview concluded with Elena offering an empowering message to women: to believe in themselves, step out of their comfort zones, and embrace their abilities. She emphasized that navigating challenges and taking risks leads to personal growth and achievement. With a call for critical thinking, transparency, and continuous learning, Elena encourages women to drive change in the field of AI and beyond.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Elena provided invaluable insights into the nuances of Generative AI and the importance of addressing biases. By embracing critical thinking, advocating for change, and leveraging AI as a powerful tool, we can navigate the complexities of the AI-driven world and pave the way for a more inclusive and ethical future.
Elena Bondarenko:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bondarenko-elena
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenabmiami?lang=en
CORISMA Solutions (company website): https://www.corisma.net/
The Miami Foundation (company website): https://miamifoundation.org/