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Hear from a founding AI engineer on defense ethics, genuine AI dev, mentorship hacks, edge breakthroughs, and the high-stakes race to superintelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) has never been more powerful—or more accessible. But is the real danger the technology itself, or the ways humans might misuse it? Wilder Rodriguez, a former founding AI engineer at Helsing, sheds light on how ethics, mentorship, and cutting-edge tools can channel AI for good rather than harm. This in-depth overview explores why humans, not machines, could pose the greatest threat, while offering practical strategies for engineers, startups, and investors alike.
WATCH THE FULL-LENGTH PODCAST: 37:08
INTRO: WHY FEAR AI?
“I’m scared of humans using AI.”
When people ask whether AI is “dangerous,” the conversation often glosses over who is behind the technology. According to Wilder, it’s less about AI evolving into an uncontrollable entity and more about humans misusing it—especially when ethical guidelines and robust checks are missing. Whether you’re a venture capitalist evaluating AI startups or an engineer building the next big product, understanding this human element is critical.
THE HUMAN FACTOR: ETHICS IN AI AND DEFENSE
“AI to serve democracies.”
Working in defense AI puts ethics front and center. Projects in this space can dramatically affect public policy, national security, and human lives. Wilder’s key insight: protecting democratic values must be a foundational principle. Startups aiming for contracts in defense or government sectors should prioritize transparency, data governance, and moral responsibility. Investors, meanwhile, can look for clear ethical frameworks before providing funding.
TECH STACK ESSENTIALS FOR REAL AI
“Avoid sleeping.”
Despite the hype around “simple” AI solutions, true AI involves ground-up data collection, rigorous training, and advanced tools. Wilder suggests focusing on:
Python and PyTorch for model development
JAX and Keras for broader deep-learning approaches
Rust for performance-critical inference
GitHub for showcasing real-world projects
Mature teams don’t just call APIs; they build systems that can adapt, scale, and handle proprietary data. This depth of expertise is a major differentiator in the AI landscape.
MENTORSHIP & SOFT SKILLS: CATALYSTS FOR SUCCESS.
Technical prowess alone doesn’t guarantee a product’s success. Wilder stresses the value of mentorship—senior engineers guiding junior teammates to accelerate their learning. This process not only boosts individual skill sets but also creates a resilient, collaborative team culture. In high-pressure environments like AI startups, soft skills (communication, empathy, and clear documentation) can make or break deliverables.
BREAKING INTO AI: CAREER TIPS.
For aspiring AI professionals or engineers looking to level up:
Leverage GitHub: A strong, active GitHub portfolio beats a static résumé.
Work on Real Projects: Implement published papers or build specialized models.
Join Communities: Engage in open-source contributions and AI-focused forums.
Showcase Collaboration: Employers value team players who can communicate clearly.
VCs scouting for talent should look beyond credentials, focusing on engineers who demonstrate both technical expertise and the ability to work well under pressure.
EDGE AI & SUPERINTELLIGENCE: WHATS AHEAD?
As we move closer to 2025, expect a surge in edge AI, where inference runs locally on devices, reducing reliance on cloud APIs. This approach lowers latency and boosts real-time capabilities—crucial for defense, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles. Meanwhile, superintelligence looms on the horizon. Once it emerges, it could reshape competition, governance, and how we innovate. The key? Keeping an eye on how humans control—and regulate—this power.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Human Misuse Over Machine Threat
AI itself isn’t inherently good or bad; ethics and oversight matter most.
Defense & Democracy
Responsible AI can protect democratic values when guided by strong moral principles.
Mentorship Amplifies Impact
Senior engineers can accelerate junior growth, boosting overall team productivity.
True AI Requires Depth
Collecting data, training models, and owning IP offer a real competitive edge.
GitHub as Your CV
Show off genuine projects and open-source contributions for maximum credibility.
Soft Skills are Non-Negotiable
Communication, empathy, and adaptability often outweigh raw coding prowess.
Founding Engineer Essentials
Manage time, build MVPs fast, and preserve IP to keep your startup on track.
Edge AI & Reasoning
Lower latency, localised data, and a focus on reasoning may define future AI.
Superintelligence Risks
When it arrives, it could dominate the entire AI field, demanding robust governance.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As Wilder points out, the line between beneficial AI and harmful AI is largely drawn by its human creators and operators. By focusing on ethical development, deep technical competence, and effective teamwork, engineers and investors alike can steer AI toward impactful, positive applications. The question isn’t whether AI will keep advancing—it’s how we’ll handle the power it brings.
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Enjoyed this post? Share it on social media or leave a comment below. If you’re a VC scouting for the next AI unicorn or an engineer eager to scale the frontiers of tech, stay tuned—this conversation is just the start.
ABOUT ME:
Steven Bourne | Headhunter | Angel Investor
I'm Steve, and I've spent over half my life as a headhunter (top 1% - context.. and humble-brag). My career has been forged in the fires of both spectacular successes and instructive failures—each adding to a deeper understanding of how to build start ups. .
From seed-stage Deeptech ideas to hyper-growth SaaS, I've lead full-scale team transformations and closed executive placements that have reshaped industries. What I've discovered, often by swimming against the current of conventional wisdom, is that across all sectors, three fundamental truths emerge:
"Exceptional people build extraordinary companies, and extraordinary companies change the world.
(the secret to changing the world? Finding exceptional people)."
REACH OUT
If you're navigating the challenges of scaling (whether as a founder or VC with portfolio companies), raising capital or interested in collaborating, your can reach me at steven@newintelligence.io
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