Tech Tensions: Ron Conway Exits Salesforce, Kayak's AI Travel, Uber's AI Earnings Shift

AI in Marketing

In this episode, we delve into the resignation of Ron Conway from Salesforce's philanthropic board, highlighting tensions between tech leaders and political affiliations after Marc Benioff's controversial support for President Trump. We explore Kayak's new AI Mode, revolutionizing travel planning by integrating ChatGPT, and Uber's pilot program offering drivers a chance to earn extra by training AI. Discover the rise of Rent a Cyber Friend, a platform offering real-time human connections, and the challenges it faces in ensuring safety. We also touch on DropPitch's unsuccessful AI-driven cyber threats against Taiwan, Seoul National University's innovative VFF-Net AI training algorithm, and the marketing strategy controversies surrounding brands like American Eagle. Join Stan Berteloot for insights at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture.

Stan Berteloot is a French journalist, marketing strategist, and AI expert based in Princeton, New Jersey. A University of Maryland journalism graduate, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture.

As Head of Strategy and CTO at Nytro Marketing, he pioneered AI-driven content creation, launching the AI in Marketing podcast. He also hosts Back in America, a podcast exploring American identity through in-depth conversations on race, misinformation, and AI ethics.

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Stan Berteloot is a French journalist, marketing strategist, and AI expert based in Princeton, New Jersey. A University of Maryland journalism graduate, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, technology, and culture. As Head of Strategy and CTO at Nytro Marketing, he pioneered AI-driven content creation, launching the AI in Marketing podcast. He also hosts Back in America, a podcast exploring American identity through in-depth conversations on race, misinformation, and AI ethics. Start your VoiceStream free trial today!

📚 Sources:

• https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/us/salesforce-resign-benioff-ron-conway.html
• https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/16/kayak-launches-an-ai-mode-for-travel-questions-search-and-bookings/
• https://www.fastcompany.com/91423660/uber-new-gig-work-drivers-couriers-can-train-ai-to-earn-extra-cash
• https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/16/rent-a-cyber-friend-will-pay-you-to-talk-to-strangers-online-and-will-show-off-its-platform-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2025/
• https://www.darkreading.com/threat-intelligence/china-hackers-ai-optimized-attack-taiwan
• https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1101843
• https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/2025/10/10/ragebait-is-everywhere-should-marketers-lean-in