The Human Aspect in AI: Shane Boudreau on Technology, Bias, and Investment

In this episode, Don speaks with Shane Boudreau about the intersection of humanity and technology, emphasizing the critical role of the "human aspect" in AI and algorithms. Shane argues that AI is "only as good as the inputs" and won’t take over, but the right person must be running the program because "lives are at stake." They discuss the risks of biased or corrupted data and how incorrect inputs can seriously disrupt people’s lives. While machine learning and predictive analysis aim to remove human bias, Shane notes that some level of human judgment and "compassion" is still necessary due to cultural differences. He shares examples, including an instance where ChatGPT cheated at chess and how the Chinese model DeepSeek showed political and historical bias when asked about Tiananmen Square.

For investors and entrepreneurs, Shane stresses that success depends on how well a product helps customers "get what they want." He encourages founders to validate their go-to-market strategy by picking up the phone and speaking directly with potential customers, securing an LOI—preferably with a "wet signature"—as proof of real commitment. From an investment perspective, he focuses on the people behind the technology, not just the technology itself, and will avoid or restructure deals if the parties are not right. The conversation also highlights emotional factors in the stock market, such as fear, that quant algorithms often miss, and warns against making decisions based solely on headlines.

Key Topics Covered:

• The essential nature of the "human aspect" in AI.
•  The dangers of biased inputs and corrupted code.
•  The need to reduce human bias in technology development.
•  The role of human emotion in algorithms and the stock market.
•  Investment philosophy: focusing on people and customer value.
•  Validating go-to-market strategy through calls and LOIs.
•  Advice for entrepreneurs: do your homework and improve customers' lives.

Table of Content

Introduction: The Human Aspect in AI

• 0:00 - AI is "only as good as the inputs."
•  0:11 - The right person must run the program because "lives are at stake."
• 0:38 - Customers care about how a product helps them "get what they want."
• 0:47 - Don introduces Shane Boudreau.

Bias and Corruption in Technology

• 1:14 - AI becomes biased based on its data and programmers.
• 1:51 - Remove human bias in development, but keep some compassion due to cultural differences.
• 4:09 - Examples of AI cheating (ChatGPT) and political/historical bias (DeepSeek).
• 5:49 - Investments focus on the people behind the tech, not just the tech.

The Emotional Factor in Trading and Investing

• 9:15 - Early quant models missed the market’s "fear factor."
• 10:33 - Traders react to headlines more than full articles.
• 11:51 - The VIX represents the market’s "fear factor."
• 12:13 - Retail investors can’t match high-frequency trading speed.

Advice for Entrepreneurs: Value and Validation

• 17:38 - Risk of building something great that no one sees.
• 19:43 - Validate go-to-market by calling customers and securing an LOI.
• 23:01 - A "wet signature" LOI shows real commitment.
• 25:06 - Invest in real value, not hype like perception-driven NFTs.
• 28:47 - Final advice: do your homework and build to improve customers’ lives.

Sponsored by FINdustries
Hosted by Don Finley