Episode #140. Ride the Dragon, Not the Hype: Engineering AI That Works, with Keith Deutsch, a fractional CTO and a lifelong tech journeyman
What if the real power of AI isn’t in the models, but in how we use them?
In this episode, Keith Deutsch shares why the real breakthrough in AI isn’t the models themselves, but how we design agentic systems that guide and reason with them. He explains why using AI effectively is less about hype and more about craft, iteration, and thoughtful engineering.
Tune in as Keith Deutsch shares eye-opening insights on agentic architectures, the future of automation, and why the most impactful AI work isn’t magic, it’s craft!
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About Keith Deutsch:
Keith Deutsch is a seasoned technology leader with over 30 years of experience developing and commercializing disruptive products in emerging markets. With deep expertise in AI, IoT, health tech, and a wide range of advanced technologies, he advises early-stage companies on strategy, innovation, and engineering leadership. Keith has contributed to multiple patents, industry standards, and breakthrough solutions like remote health monitoring, manufacturing automation, and network security. Passionate about digital healthcare and industrial IoT, he helps drive impactful innovation that improves outcomes and efficiency.
Things You’ll Learn:
- Agentic AI systems, not just the models, drive real problem-solving innovation.
- Using generative AI effectively requires engineering skill and thoughtful design, not just prompting.
- AI drift and so-called hallucinations result from vague or poorly constructed inputs, not flaws in the model.
- Automation rapidly replaces specialized roles, pushing humans to develop more creative and adaptive skills.
- The rise of generative tools reduces the demand for entry-level engineering roles, creating long-term challenges for talent development.
- There is no evidence that today’s AI systems are becoming superhuman or autonomous.
- Public understanding of AI remains limited, and clearer education is essential to harness its potential responsibly.