An unselfish AI World A Misfits Quest for Purpose

An (un)selfish AI World: A Misfit's Quest for PurposeWelcome to another episode of (un)conversations, the podcast where groundbreaking change and bold innovation collide. In this episode, Dr. Alison Schmidt chats with Veronica Orvalho, a trailblazing leader in tech innovation and digital inclusion. As the founder and CEO of DIDIMO, Veronica is pioneering the creation of digital avatars for virtual realities, promoting ethical tech and diversity in a rapidly evolving industry. She fully engaged with doing a self discovery exercise and identified three introspective words that begin with "un" that define her philosophy in life and work: (un)yielding, (un)selfish, and (un)conventional.With over 20 years of experience in research and development, Veronica shares her journey of blending empathy with technology to build a future that's inclusive, compassionate, and human-centered. She opens up about the challenges of being a woman in tech, the balance between extroversion and introspection, and how her global perspective — from Argentina to Portugal — shapes her innovative approach.Key insights from this episode include:💡 Empathy in Technology: Why creating tech that resonates emotionally with users is critical for the future of AI and virtual experiences.💡 Empowerment through Education: How Veronica’s Paper Wings initiative is providing tech education to underprivileged students, fostering the next generation of innovators.💡 Resilience in Entrepreneurship: Comparing the challenges of entrepreneurship to skiing, Veronica emphasizes the importance of resilience and focus in overcoming obstacles.💡 Self-Care for Leaders: Why setting boundaries and prioritizing mental health is essential for long-term success.💡 Diversity in Digital Avatars: The need for greater representation in virtual worlds and how inclusivity impacts user experiences.💡 Authentic Leadership: Veronica’s leadership style is rooted in empowerment, understanding when to step back, and cultivating a positive team culture that drives innovation.💡 The Ripple Effect of Kindness: How small acts of kindness and mentorship can spark lasting change in communities and industries.This (un)conversation is an inspiring journey into the heart of ethical tech, leadership, and personal growth. Veronica’s story is a powerful reminder that technology should serve humanity, and that each of us can contribute to building a more inclusive, compassionate, and empowering future.Don't forget to subscribe to (un)conversations for more thought-provoking discussions on technology, leadership, and societal change. Listen, Subscribe & Thank you!

Take a moment to reflect on your own (un)journey, embrace your uniqueness, and make kindness and inclusivity a priority in your life and company. Join us in shaping a future where technology elevates humanity, not just serves it.