In this episode of Wild Ducks, Jerry reconnects with his first programming teacher, Brent Hailpern, to explore how a simple course on Karel the Robot sparked a lifelong passion for software. They reflect on the early days at IBM’s TJ Watson Research Center, the art of programming, and today’s rise of AI code assistants. Join them for a thoughtful and lively discussion on how the tools may change, but the core discipline of coding endures.

Brent Hailpern is a computer scientist renowned for his work in programming languages and concurrency at IBM Research. He served in various leadership roles and is a Fellow of both the ACM and IEEE.

Brent Hailpern

Jerry Cuomo reunites with his first programming teacher, Brent Hailpern, to revisit the spark that launched his career. They reflect on early coding days, the discipline of software design, and how AI tools are reshaping the craft—past insights meet present technology.

Lighting a Spark: Then and Now

Lighting a Spark: Then and Now | Wild Ducks Podcast

Connect with Jerry

Buy the Book

Join <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-cuomo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jerry Cuomo,</a> IBM Fellow and tech innovator, on Wild Ducks, a podcast that provides a personal and behind-the-scenes look at emerging tech trends, including AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and blockchain. Inspired by Thomas J. Watson Jr.'s wild duck analogy, this podcast celebrates unconventional thinkers who challenge the status quo. Enjoy a mix of expert interviews and engaging fictional guests as they explore how these technologies transform industries and empower individuals. Subscribe now to stay ahead with cutting-edge innovations. See you on the tech side!

Wild Ducks

In part two of this conversation, host <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-cuomo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jerry Cuomo</a> continues his discussion with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenkocienda/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ken Kocienda</a>, creator of iPhone’s autocorrect and author of Creative Selection. Ken reflects on his post-Apple career, including roles at Postmates, Airbnb, and co-founding his AI company, <a href="https://infactory.ai/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Infactory.</a> He explores making AI-powered tools more transparent and enterprise-ready while sharing his vision for the future of human-computer interaction.Key Takeaways:<ol><li>AI’s next frontier lies in enterprise applications beyond consumer chatbots.</li><li>Transparent AI models can improve reliability and decision-making.</li><li>The future includes seamless, conversational interfaces for businesses and individuals alike.</li></ol><pre class="ql-syntax" spellcheck="false">* Coverart was created with the assistance of DALL·E 2 by OpenAI.
** AI Insights Agent created by Jerry, enhancing Wild Ducks conversations with contextual background highlights.
*** Podcast Music created by Mind The Gap Band - Cox, Cuomo, Haberkorn, Martin, Mosakowski, and Rodriguez
</pre>

Ken Kocienda is a renowned software engineer, product designer, and author best known for inventing the iPhone’s autocorrect feature. During his 15-year tenure at Apple, he played a key role in developing the Safari web browser and shaping the touchscreen keyboard for the first iPhone. His book Creative Selection offers an insider’s look at Apple’s culture of innovation. Post-Apple, Ken has worked with tech leaders like Postmates, Airbnb, and Humane. He is currently co-founder of Factory, where he focuses on building AI-powered tools designed for accuracy and transparency. Ken’s career reflects a deep passion for creating impactful, user-centered technology.

Ken Kocienda

Co-Founder Infactory | Inventor of iPhone Autocorrect

Host Jerry Cuomo continues his conversation with Ken Kocienda, creator of iPhone’s autocorrect and author of Creative Selection. In part two, Ken discusses his post-Apple career, including roles at Postmates, Airbnb, and co-founding his AI company, Infactory. Learn how he’s working to make AI-powered tools more transparent and reliable, and hear his thoughts on AI’s future in enterprise technology and beyond.

The Man Behind Autocorrect - Part Two

From Autocorrect to AI with Ken Kocienda - Part Two | Wild Ducks Podcast

In part one of this two-part conversation, host <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-cuomo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jerry Cuomo</a> talks with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenkocienda/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ken Kocienda</a>, former Apple software engineer and author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Selection-Ken-Kocienda-audiobook/dp/B07D435DFQ/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Trqj4733FCtfV92zR7arHJaipJ5p5q2tM5HK7lJwn0s.SltCfAIIE03QiV3LXkjk9JfFUHZ6aAhrdEDqNBf7iKw&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;hvadid=580635708213&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocphy=1021278&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=13433657586552458733&amp;hvtargid=kwd-518362553423&amp;hydadcr=22595_13493276&amp;keywords=creative+selection+by+ken+kocienda&amp;qid=1733865437&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Creative Selection: Inside Apple's Design Process During the Golden Age of Steve Jobs</a>. Ken shares the backstory of creating the iPhone’s autocorrect feature and working closely with Steve Jobs. He reflects on the significance of blending design and technology to shape user experiences, offering insights into Apple’s innovation culture that still resonates in today’s tech landscape.Key Takeaways:<ol><li>Creating iPhone autocorrect required blending design with tech for seamless typing.</li><li>Apple’s innovation culture emphasized decisive, user-focused development.</li><li>Working with Steve Jobs meant delivering fast, clear, and impactful solutions.</li></ol><pre class="ql-syntax" spellcheck="false">* Coverart was created with the assistance of DALL·E 2 by OpenAI.
** AI Insights Agent created by Jerry, enhancing Wild Ducks conversations with contextual background highlights.
*** Podcast Music created by Mind The Gap Band - Cox, Cuomo, Haberkorn, Martin, Mosakowski, and Rodriguez
</pre>

Ken Kocienda is a renowned software engineer, product designer, and author best known for inventing the iPhone’s autocorrect feature. During his 15-year tenure at Apple, he played a key role in developing the Safari web browser and shaping the touchscreen keyboard for the first iPhone. His book Creative Selection offers an insider’s look at Apple’s culture of innovation. Post-Apple, Ken has worked with tech leaders like Postmates, Airbnb, and Humane. He is currently co-founder of Infactory, where he focuses on building AI-powered tools designed for accuracy and transparency. Ken’s career reflects a deep passion for creating impactful, user-centered technology.

Host Jerry Cuomo talks with Ken Kocienda, creator of iPhone’s autocorrect and author of Creative Selection. In part one, Ken shares stories about working with Steve Jobs, developing the iPhone keyboard, and how Apple’s design culture sparked innovation. Discover how thoughtful tech design reshaped mobile typing and influenced modern technology.

The Man Behind Autocorrect - Part One

From Autocorrect to AI with Ken Kocienda. Part One | Wild Ducks Podcast

In this episode, host <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-cuomo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jerry Cuomo</a> sits down with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethbieniek/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Elizabeth Bieniek</a> to discuss practical ways to spark innovation in corporate environments. Elizabeth shares insights from her book, <a href="https://a.co/d/hWofEWq" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cake on Tuesday,</a> and talks about the importance of curiosity, asking the right questions, and overcoming fears to drive meaningful change. Key takeaways include:<ul><li>Innovation starts with action—take the first step, even if it’s imperfect, to build momentum.</li><li>Identifying and questioning fears can reveal they’re often assumptions, not real barriers to progress.</li><li>Authenticity and openness from leaders encourage genuine collaboration and spark great ideas within teams.</li></ul> Enjoy!

Elizabeth Bieniek is an acclaimed author and innovation consultant from Austin, TX. Recognized as one of Toptal's "10 Most Influential Female Pioneers in Technology," she co-founded Webex Hologram at Cisco, leading groundbreaking projects in real-time holographic collaboration. With a passion for making innovation accessible, Elizabeth helps leaders embrace curiosity and authenticity to drive meaningful change. Her book, Cake on Tuesday, offers 25 lessons to inspire corporate innovation and highlights her belief in the power of diverse perspectives.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethbieniek/

Elizabeth Bieniek

Founder | Author

Join host Jerry Cuomo on Wild Ducks as he chats with Elizabeth Bieniek about sparking corporate innovation and insights from her book, Cake on Tuesday. Discover practical tips on overcoming fears, taking action, and fostering curiosity to drive meaningful change.

Cake on Tuesday

Sparking Innovation with Elizabeth Bieniek | Wild Ducks Podcast

In this episode, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynannharrison/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathryn Harrison,</a> CEO of <a href="https://magpiecollectibles.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Magpie Collectibles</a>, joins host <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-cuomo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jerry Cuomo</a> to explore how technology is transforming the collectibles industry. They discuss innovations like secure digital signatures to protect collectibles from counterfeits, leveraging AI and image recognition to streamline inventory management, and the growing role of interactive digital experiences. Kathryn shares her vision of a future where physical and digital collectibles coexist seamlessly, creating exciting new opportunities for collectors. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of collectibles!

Founder and entrepreneur with 15+ years experience of creating and delivering exceptional results in enterprise settings for early stage technology and emerging markets.

Background in blockchain, financial services, business development and product management. 

Areas of Expertise: 
- Blockchain
- Cloud technologies
- Big Data
- Product strategy and roadmap management
- Enterprise product development in agile environments
- Customer research, market strategy and data driven analysis
- Cross- functional and cross-cultural communications
- Business development

Kathryn Harrison

CEO of Magpie Collectibles

In this episode, Kathryn Harrison, CEO of Magpie Collectibles, discusses how AI, cryptographic digital signatures, and secure ledgers (blockchain) are revolutionizing the collectibles industry. Learn about innovations in counterfeit protection, inventory management, and how technology bridges the gap between physical and digital collectibles. Tune in to discover the exciting possibilities for collectors in today’s evolving market.

Collectibles meet Technology

Collectibles meet Technology with Kathryn Harrison | AI, Digital Signatures & Counterfeit Protection

In this episode, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-cuomo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jerry Cuomo </a>chats with IBM Fellow <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronbaughman/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aaron Baughman </a>about the intersections of AI, sports, and technology. Aaron shares insights on AI’s role in predicting match outcomes, enhancing fan engagement, and the challenges of AI-generated content. Learn how technologies like IBM’s wastonx AI, are being applied to re-imagine how you experience sports. After you listen, be sure not to miss the <a href="https://www.espn.com/tennis/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">US Open</a> and <a href="https://www.espn.com/fantasy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ESPN Fantasy Sports</a> to see some of these technologies in action!Takeaways:<ol><li>AI is transforming sports by predicting match outcomes and boosting fan engagement.</li><li>IBM's AI technology is overcoming challenges with content accuracy and trustworthiness.</li><li>AI's impact is evident in major events like the US Open and ESPN Fantasy Sports.</li></ol>

Aaron K. Baughman is an IBM Fellow, (hands-on) CTO for AI in IBM BTS, Master Inventor, and Quantum Ambassador within IBM Consulting focused on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, won an EMMY, and is an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on AI. He has worked with ESPN Fantasy Football, Fox Sports, MediaPro, NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, The Masters, USGA, GRAMMY Awards, Tony Awards, Wimbledon, USTA, US Open, Roland Garros, Australian Open, Jeopardy!, confidential US government agencies and Indonesia water company PDAM.

Aaron Baughman 

IBM Fellow

In this episode, Jerry Cuomo and IBM Fellow Aaron Baughman discuss the intersection of AI, sports, and technology. They explore AI’s role in sports analytics, including match predictions, and future possibilities with quantum and DNA computing. Learn how these innovations are enhancing fan experiences and get insights into the evolving relationship between AI and human intuition. After listening, don’t miss the US Open and ESPN Fantasy Sports to see these technologies in action!

AI Sports Experience

 Exploring AI in Sports with Guest IBM Fellow Aaron Baughman

In this episode of the Wild Ducks podcast, host <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-cuomo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jerry Cuomo</a> welcomes <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/martingoodson/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr. Martin Goodson,</a> founder of <a href="https://www.evolution.ai/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Evolution AI</a>. They discuss the advancements in AI-powered document understanding, exploring how Evolution AI's innovative models merge computer vision and natural language processing to revolutionize data extraction. Martin shares insights from his journey in AI, the challenges of document analysis, and the future of AI in automating complex tasks. Tune in to learn how AI can potentially read and understand documents better than humans.Don't miss this fascinating conversation!

In 2011, he was one of a tiny handful of attendees at a conference workshop on a little-known AI technology called ‘Deep Learning’. He realized then that deep learning could address the limitations of OCR. After years of frustration with ineffective solutions that delivered poor results, Martin was inspired to conceive a data extraction solution that ‘just works’.

Dr. Martin Goodson

CEO and Chief Scientist at Evolution AI

Join Jerry Cuomo and Dr. Martin Goodson on the Wild Ducks podcast as they discuss advancements in AI for document understanding and data extraction. Discover how AI outperforms traditional OCR.

Recent Episodes

SEASON 6

Lighting a Spark: Then and Now

SEASON 5

The Man Behind Autocorrect - Part Two

The Man Behind Autocorrect - Part One

Cake on Tuesday

Collectibles meet Technology

AI Sports Experience

AI-Powered Document Understanding

About The Show

Wild Ducks

Jerry Cuomo

IBM Fellow | Teacher - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-cuomo/