In Episode S7E21 of the Brilliance Security Magazine Podcast, host Steven Bowcut speaks with Dr. Masoud Nafey, Founder of Ment, an AI-driven relationship intelligence platform built on a foundation of privacy and authenticity. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence can help professionals build and nurture meaningful relationships without compromising personal data.
Dr. Nafey discusses Ment’s “privacy by design” approach, which protects user data through encryption and transparency, and explains how AI-generated contextual insights can strengthen both personal and professional connections. The conversation delves into topics like data ethics, authenticity in digital interactions, regulatory compliance, and the future of human-centered AI.
Listeners will gain a hopeful and practical perspective on how technology can make relationships more human—not less.
Summary
Dr. Nafey explains how Ment’s architecture uses AI to gather open-source information and create contextual relationship briefs—without ever accessing users’ private messages, emails, or contacts. He details how the platform employs encryption, transparency, and user control to protect sensitive relationship data and maintain ethical AI practices.
The discussion covers:
- How AI can strengthen rather than replace human relationships
- The role of data ethics, transparency, and encryption in modern AI design
- Managing privacy across complex regulatory frameworks like GDPR and CCPA
- The importance of authenticity in digital networking
- The future of AI-enhanced relationship intelligence and the value of “invisible technology”
Dr. Nafey’s vision for Ment is a world where technology empowers human connection rather than undermines it—a mission that blends innovation, security, and empathy in equal measure.
About Our Guest
Dr. Masoud Nafey is a distinguished innovator, entrepreneur, and AI strategist. Dr. Nafey is a Founder of Ment, an AI-driven, privacy-first relationship intelligence platform designed to help professionals build authentic, meaningful connections while safeguarding their data.
Beyond his work at Ment, Dr. Nafey is a 3x AI founder, a senior consultant to multiple enterprises, and serves on the boards of several cutting-edge technology companies. He helped build the Stanford University Vision Performance Center at the Human-Centered AI Institute and is also a Senior Strategic Advisor at Alcon, where he consults on AI for digital health. Dr. Nafey holds degrees from UC Davis, The Ohio State University, and UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management, as well as an executive certificate in Leadership and Storytelling from Harvard University.
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Steven Bowcut is an award-winning journalist covering cyber and physical security. He is an editor and writer for Brilliance Security Magazine as well as other security and non-security online publications. Follow and connect with Steve on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.