Amazon, AI, and the cloud: A reality check, with Corey Quinn of 'Last Week in AWS'

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30:23

Tiffany Yu is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, an award-winning social enterprise to elevate disability pride; the Founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, a monthly micro-grant that has awarded $92.5k to 93 disability projects in 11 countries; and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World. As a person with visible and invisible disabilities stemming from a car crash, Tiffany has built a career on disability solidarity. Now that she has found success, she works to expand a network of people with disabilities and their allies to decrease stigmas around disability and create opportunities for disabled people in America. Episode Chapters 0:00 Intro 1:26 When do we choose to share our disability stories? 4:12 Jay’s disability story 8:35 Visible and invisible disabilities 13:10 What does an ally to the disability community look like? 16:34 NoBodyIsDisposable and 14(c) 21:26 How does Tiffany’s investment banking background shape her advocacy? 27:47 Goodbye and outro For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/…

about a year ago 32:39

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Our guest this week is Corey Quinn, the chief cloud economist at The Duckbill Group, the host of the AWS Morning Brief and Screaming in the Cloud podcasts, and the curator of Last Week in AWS, a weekly newsletter. Apart from his newsletter and podcasts, Quinn's day job involves helping AWS customers understand and manage their bills. Amid all the AI hype and billions in capex spending, he uses those insights to provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse and a reality check on the state of the cloud market today.

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With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; edited by Curt Milton.

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381 episodes

Amazon, AI, and the cloud: A reality check, with Corey Quinn of 'Last Week in AWS'

GeekWire

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published about a year ago

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RELATED LINKS

With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; edited by Curt Milton.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

381 episodes

#Tech News #GeekWire #News #Tech #Talk Weekly

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GeekWire

1
Managing in the Age of AI, with former Microsoft leader, executive coach, and author Sabina Nawaz 44:05

3 days ago44:05

44:05

This week on the GeekWire Podcast: Executive coach and former Microsoft leader Sabina Nawaz talks about her book, You’re the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need) — and why she believes pressure, not power, is what truly corrupts leaders. We discuss the thinning layer of middle management, how AI tools are changing the landscape, and why many younger workers no longer aspire to lead. Sabina shares actionable strategies from the book, including Micro Habits, the power of Blank Space, and how managers can stop micromanaging and start serving as the “container, not the content.” She also reflects on her time advising Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer — including a memorable moment involving an umlaut — and explains why getting promoted might be the riskiest moment in your career. Topics Covered: Why pressure is more dangerous than power Managing when the middle layer disappears The double-edged sword of AI-powered management Tools: Micro Habits, the Yes List, Blank Space Communication fault lines and “sage speak” Leadership lessons from Gates and Ballmer How to lead without burning out With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

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The front lines of creativity: Journalist and educator Hanson Hosein on AI and the art of solo storytelling 40:44

10 days ago40:44

40:44

This week on the GeekWire Podcast , our guest is Hanson Hosein — an Emmy Award-winning journalist, filmmaker, and communication strategist who has spent his career making sense of the world in times of change. His latest project is American Dignity , a short documentary that follows the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement from Seattle to Selma to Washington D.C., and considers what those lessons mean for America today. He started out as an NBC News correspondent, reporting from conflict zones in the Middle East and the Balkans. Later, he founded the Communication Leadership program at the University of Washington and became an early voice for digital storytelling, using technology to find new ways of reaching audiences. We visit his self-contained studio on the former site of a chicken coop, and talk about how he made this film as a one-person operation, what he learned along the way, and where he thinks media is headed. We also dig into how AI is changing the creative process and what it takes to tell meaningful stories in this new world. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. Edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

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Amazon, Microsoft, and the new realities of AI at work 28:46

17 days ago28:46

28:46

This week on the GeekWire Podcast, we discuss how AI is transforming our local tech giants, changing the fundamental nature of work, and blurring the lines between human and machine. We dive into the memo that has Amazon employees either signing up for AI training or updating their resumes; unpack why you're answering emails at 10 p.m.; and explain how one of us ended up quizzing his dentist's office assistant (or was it an AI chatbot?) about whether he or she (or it?) was human. Then we ask the new Alexa+ what it (she?) thinks about the exchange. Related stories Andy Jassy’s long game: Amazon’s reinvention enters its 5th phase as AI upends the workforce Amazon CEO: AI will shrink corporate workforce in coming years The ‘infinite workday’ is here — and Microsoft says AI will make it worse if we’re not careful With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Inside the Microsoft protests: Fired engineer on Palestine, Israel, AI, and big tech 1:00:21

24 days ago1:00:21

1:00:21

A message from GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop: This episode of the GeekWire Podcast is unlike any we’ve done before. It touches on some of the most contentious and disputed issues in the tech industry, and in the world more broadly. It started with my curiosity and desire to understand something that happened in March, at GeekWire’s independent Microsoft @ 50 event . I was on stage interviewing Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith when the conversation was interrupted by a protester. The group behind the protest, called No Azure for Apartheid , represents current and former Microsoft employees who want the company to end its cloud computing and AI contracts with the Israeli military. They cite concerns over how they believe their work is being used by Israel. Addressing the larger issues raised by the group, Microsoft said in a May 15 post that it conducted internal and external reviews and “found no evidence to date that Microsoft’s Azure and AI technologies have been used to target or harm people in the conflict in Gaza.” After covering Microsoft’s statements and the group’s response — and seeing the continued protests unfold at Microsoft events — I decided to dig deeper and learn more. As part of that, I invited one of the organizers of No Azure for Apartheid to join me on this podcast, for a conversation about the motivations behind the group, their views on Microsoft’s responsibilities, and how the tech industry intersects with international conflicts. Our guest is software engineer Hossam Nasr, who was fired by Microsoft last year related to protests on the Microsoft campus. In fact, he was the first to protest inside the GeekWire event. What followed was a complex conversation — one that at times went beyond Microsoft’s role into broader political and ethical criticisms of Israel’s actions in Gaza. These are deeply polarizing issues, and we know there are strong, divergent opinions about them. I’ve added context conveying Microsoft’s responses, and noting areas where statements and characterizations about Israel, Palestine, and Gaza are the subject of dispute. The conversation includes detailed descriptions of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and some historical comparisons that some listeners may find disturbing or offensive. And lastly, we recorded this conversation in late May, before the latest developments in the Middle East. Related Links: Microsoft: Statement on the Issues Relating to Technology Services in Israel and Gaza Associated Press : As Israel uses US-made AI models in war, concerns arise about tech’s role in who lives and who dies AP: Microsoft fires employees who organized vigil for Palestinians killed in Gaza +972: Leaked documents expose deep ties between Israeli army and Microsoft The Verge : Microsoft blocks emails that contain ‘Palestine’ after employee protests Guardian: Microsoft deepened ties with Israeli military to provide tech support during Gaza war Editing by Curt Milton. Read more at GeekWire.com . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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15 years of the GeekWire Podcast: Amazon, Microsoft, and the transformation of Seattle tech 32:28

4 weeks ago32:28

32:28

Fifteen years ago, Steve Jobs and Apple had just introduced the first iPad, Steve Ballmer’s Microsoft had been left for dead, and nerdy online bookseller Jeff Bezos was still getting Amazon settled into its South Lake Union HQ. That’s when we started this podcast. This week, we’re going back to 2010, revisiting clips from the earliest days of the show. We remember what was happening with Amazon, Microsoft, and Seattle’s startup scene, and try to wrap our heads around all the things that have changed since then. With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Audio editing by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

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Microsoft, Remitly, and the new shape of work — plus Amazon’s NYT AI deal 26:29

5 weeks ago26:29

26:29

This week on the GeekWire Podcast, we discuss Amazon's new licensing deal with The New York Times for AI content training, and go behind the scenes at two different office spaces: Microsoft's redeveloped Redmond campus and Remitly's new Seattle HQ. Amazon inks deal with New York Times to license newspaper’s content for AI platforms Rebooting Redmond: Microsoft’s new campus reflects ongoing transformation, uncertain future A world away in the heart of Seattle: Remitly’s new HQ provides more room to collaborate — and grow With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop and reporter Kurt Schlosser. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
Did Elon Really Intern at Microsoft? Plus: AI, Jobs, and the Economy 36:25

6 weeks ago36:25

36:25

Satya Nadella’s offhand remark at Build, about Elon Musk once interning at Microsoft, sparked a mystery that sent us digging through biographies and transcripts in search of confirmation. We also break down Microsoft’s new AI moves, announced this week at the company's Build developer conference, and consider what its agentic ambitions mean for tech jobs and the economy. Plus, a sharp warning from Microsoft President Brad Smith on Washington state’s fading focus on innovation. RELATED STORIES Elon and Satya, together again: Microsoft brings Musk’s xAI models to Azure, despite OpenAI feud Microsoft expands AI roster with Anthropic and xAI integrations, looking beyond OpenAI alliance Businessweek: Microsoft’s CEO on How AI Will Remake Every Company, Including His Washington state cuts back economic development program amid criticism of innovation approach ‘We better wake up’: Microsoft’s Brad Smith sounds alarm as state enacts controversial tax plan Washington governor approves new business taxes, acknowledges potential ‘unintended consequences’ With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

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Box CEO Aaron Levie on AI agents, enterprise data, and the future of work 25:05

7 weeks ago25:05

25:05

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GeekWire

1
AI boom and D.C. hot mics: OpenAI and Microsoft go to Washington, Amazon surveys the field 30:16

8 weeks ago30:16

30:16

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1
Innovation in Turbulent Times: Voices from the GeekWire Awards 33:43

9 weeks ago33:43

33:43

Recorded live at the 2025 GeekWire Awards in Seattle, this episode features industry leaders navigating a shifting tech and political landscape. Amid celebrations of AI breakthroughs, startup milestones, and community-building, guests discuss deeper concerns: capital flight, regulatory headwinds, and what the region needs to retain its innovation edge. Featured on the show: Ambika Singh , founder and CEO of Armoire (Workplace of the Year winner) Joseph Williams , Washington State Department of Commerce (Public Policy Champion for Innovation) Emer Dooley , Creative Destruction Lab, University of Washington (Geeks Give Back honoree) Laura Ruderman , CEO of the Technology Alliance Aviel Ginzburg , co-founder at Foundations (Geeks Give Back honoree) Anand Subbaraj , CEO of Zuper (CEO of the Year finalist) Related coverage: GeekWire Awards 2025 revealed: Community ‘alive and well’ at annual celebration of best in tech Photos: Inside the GeekWire Awards, where it was ‘game on’ for a night of networking and more Presented by Astound Business Solutions, with category sponsors BECU, Baker Tilly, JLL, WTIA, Alltech, Wilson Sonsini, and First Tech. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

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White House and Amazon clash over tariff transparency 12:00

10 weeks ago12:00

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On this special episode of the GeekWire Podcast, we break down a public clash between Amazon and the White House over tariffs, transparency, and politics. After a report from Punchbowl News suggested Amazon would start displaying the cost of President Trump’s tariffs on product prices, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called it a “hostile and political act” during a press briefing — saying she had just spoken to the president about it. Amazon responded by clarifying that the idea had come from a small team behind its Amazon Haul discount storefront but was never approved and “not going to happen.” Meanwhile, CNN reported that Trump personally called Jeff Bezos to complain. Related links and content GeekWire: ‘Not going to happen’: Amazon responds to White House barb over purported tariff transparency plan Punchbowl News: Amazon to display tariff costs for consumers Reuters, 2021: Amazon partnered with China propaganda arm CNN's Alayna Treene on X : "Scoop: Trump called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos Tuesday morning to complain about reports that his company was considering displaying the cost U.S. tariffs next to prices for certain products on its website, two senior White House officials told @CNN." Amazon statement: "The team that runs our ultra low cost Amazon Haul store considered the idea of listing import charges on certain products. This was never approved and is not going to happen.” GeekWire Podcast: How Amazon is adapting to the TikTok generation, and what it says about the state of Prime With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

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AI teammates, a fully remote unicorn, and the new world of work 27:11

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GeekWire

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Platforms, AI, and the power of human creativity, with Microsoft's Marcus Fontoura 30:59

11 weeks ago30:59

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In this episode of the GeekWire Podcast, we’re joined by Marcus Fontoura, technical fellow at Microsoft and CTO for Azure Core. Fontoura is the author of A Platform Mindset , a new book that explores how to build scalable systems, support high-performing teams, and foster a culture of collaboration. We talk about the evolving role of platforms in tech, the impact of AI on engineering productivity, and why creativity and autonomy are more important than ever. Fontoura draws on decades of experience at Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, and IBM to share insights on leadership, technical debt, and why great engineers should be treated more like artists than managers-in-waiting. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; Edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
Melinda French Gates on life transitions, tech, and speaking her truth 25:51

12 weeks ago25:51

25:51

On this episode of the GeekWire Podcast, Melinda French Gates joins us to discuss her new book, The Next Day , a personal and philosophical reflection on life’s transitions. French Gates opens up about her emotional and spiritual journey of the past few years, the lessons she’s learned from therapy and motherhood, and how she’s now using her full voice through her company, Pivotal Ventures. We talk about her billion-dollar commitment to women’s advancement, the promise and pitfalls of AI, and what it means to pause, reflect, and take action — especially in uncertain times. Hosted by GeekWire reporter Lisa Stiffler. Audio editing by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

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From Microsoft to Modernist Cuisine: Nathan Myhrvold on Tech, AI, and Innovation 22:49

12 weeks ago22:49