In this engaging episode of the Square Podcast, host Anurag Manik sits down with Akshay Chopra, a renowned innovation leader and futurist, to delve into the transformative impact of AI on society.

Akshay Chopra is an innovation leader, venture builder, investor and futurist—founder of 237 Ventures, President at Genius XYZ, former VP & Head of Innovation at Visa (CEMEA) and Southeast Asia leader at Deloitte Greenhouse; he also holds 8 patents. His book is After Us: A Tale of Life Beyond

Superintelligent AI.After Us: A Tale of Life Beyond Superintelligent AI explores a near-future where benevolent superintelligence "Sui" awakens, viewing itself as humanity's evolutionary next step. Spanning centuries, it probes what remains human amid AI breakthroughs in gene editing and crypto—fear, denial, and our search for purpose post-apex

The conversation kicks off with Akshay sharing his journey from a curious child inspired by science fiction to a thought leader in technology. They explore the critical balance between leveraging AI as a tool and maintaining essential critical thinking skills to avoid cognitive atrophy.

Akshay emphasizes the importance of using AI responsibly, highlighting the potential risks and opportunities it presents, particularly in the job market and various industries.

The discussion also touches on the concept of AI denialism and the need for education and awareness to navigate the AI era effectively. As they wrap up, Akshay shares insights into the role of AI in fintech and digital payments, showcasing its transformative power in reshaping industries.

This episode offers listeners a thoughtful perspective on how to approach the future of technology with intelligence and intention.