[CXOTALK #866] AI Snake Oil Exposed: Princeton Researcher Busts AI Hype

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Join Princeton Professor Arvind Narayanan, co-author of AI Snake Oil, for a provocative conversation that cuts through the AI hype cycle to examine what artificial intelligence can and cannot deliver for business.

While generative AI represents genuine technological progress, many AI applications - particularly in predictive analytics - are fundamentally flawed. Professor Narayanan reveals why certain AI use cases amount to "snake oil" and how institutional pressures drive organizations to adopt AI solutions that cannot deliver on their promises.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• Why predictive AI can fail in high-stakes domains like hiring and risk assessment

• How flawed incentives and institutional dynamics create markets for ineffective AI

• Strategic frameworks for evaluating AI capabilities and limitations

• Practical guidance for responsible AI adoption that delivers real business value

This is not a basic AI primer. Instead, it's an essential strategic discussion for senior leaders who must separate genuine AI innovation from expensive technological dead ends.

I’m super excited about this episode and hope you'll participate! You can watch it on the CXOTalk site or LinkedIn.

During the live show, ask questions on Twitter using #cxotalk. We also stream live to LinkedIn.

Episode Participants

Arvind Narayanan is a professor of computer science at Princeton University and the director of the Center for Information Technology Policy. He is a co-author of the book AI Snake Oil and a newsletter of the same name, read by 40,000 researchers, policymakers, journalists, and AI enthusiasts. He previously co-authored two widely used computer science textbooks: Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies and Fairness in Machine Learning. Narayanan was one of TIME's inaugural list of 100 most influential people in AI. He received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).

Michael Krigsman is a globally recognized analyst, strategic advisor, and industry commentator known for his deep expertise in business transformation, innovation, and leadership. He has presented at industry events worldwide and written extensively on the reasons for IT failures. His work has been referenced in the media over 1,000 times and in more than 50 books and journal articles; his commentary on technology trends and business strategy reaches a global audience.

Upcoming Live Schedule

Jan 17: Arvind Narayanan, Professor of computer science at Princeton University and the director of the Center for Information Technology Policy

Jan 24: Praveen Akkiraju, Managing Director, Insight partners

Feb 7: Tim Crawford and Isaac Sacolick, influential CIO advisors

Feb 21: Jenifer Robertson, President, AT&T Consumer

Feb 28: Arvind Jain, CEO, Glean

Mar 7: Phil Fersht, CEO and Chief Analyst, HFS Research

Apr 4: Lord Tim Clement-Jones and Lord Chris Holmes, Members, UK House of Lords

Download the Audio Podcast

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