Can We Trust AI? AI Governance, Risk & the Future of AI | Nataja Blakely
37m | Sep 2, 2026What does AI governance look like in the real world?
In this episode of the Hacker Proof HQ Podcast, we sit down with Nataja Blakely, an AI Governance professional working across AI risk, technology, policy, cybersecurity, and business.
She shares practical insights on responsible AI adoption, AI risk, bias, deepfakes, AI impersonation, cybersecurity, and the future of artificial intelligence.
We also discuss how she built her career in AI governance, the skills and certifications that helped her along the way, and how professionals without a technical background can get started in the field.
Nataja also introduces AI Confidence Club, her initiative focused on helping everyday people understand and use AI without unnecessary jargon.
This conversation offers practical insights into AI governance, cybersecurity, GRC, career development, and the future of AI.
TIMESTAMPS
00:31 Welcome & Appreciation for the Charlotte Event
01:14 Nataja Blakely Introduces Herself
02:10 How AI Governance Works When Companies Purchase AI Models
03:08 AI Used Internally vs. AI in Production Products
03:36 Working With Legal & Privacy Teams
04:04 Which Teams Find AI Adoption Most Challenging?
05:00 Which AI Models Are Companies Using?
06:56 AI Use Cases in Organizations
07:50 AI in the Energy Industry
08:33 AI Models and What Companies Use Them For
09:24 Getting Into AI Governance
10:29 Finding and Positioning Yourself for AI Opportunities
11:03 Building Confidence Without Having All the Skills
11:46 AI Courses & Certifications
12:45 How Long Do AI Certifications Take?
14:22 Is Technical Jargon a Barrier to Entering Tech?
15:10 How to Position Yourself on LinkedIn
16:07 What Was the Interview Process Like?
16:38 What AI Governance Frameworks Are Used?
17:45 Does Your Organization Have an AI Governance Policy?
18:14 Major AI Risks, Misuse & Mishandling
19:15 Balancing AI Governance With Profitability
20:26 Biggest Challenges in AI Governance
21:33 How to Get Into AI Governance Without a Tech Background
22:16 How Do You Test AI for Bias?
25:21 Deepfake Incidents & How to Handle Them
27:22 The Future of Superintelligence
29:54 Introducing AI Confidence Club
30:44 Should Doctors, Nurses & Other Professionals Learn AI?
31:21 How to Find & Join AI Confidence Club
31:51 Is AI Confidence Club Free?
32:19 AI Challenges in Cybersecurity
34:13 AI Impersonation
36:09 Using AI Tools in GRC
37:17 Closing Remarks
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