Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian

Epizodai

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  Episode #25: Armen Rostamian's Foundations — The AI Slowdown 16.09.2026 1val 9min

  Thanks for joining us today. We're recording this while the story is still moving, which is unusual for us and part of why I wanted to do it now rather than in a month.And I’m so glad to have with me today a friend of the pod, technologist Armen Rostamian. So, what happened?On September 12, 2026, Dario Amodei — CEO of Anthropic, the company that makes Claude — published an essay called "We Must Pace the Frontier." His core sentence: we must slow the pace at which we improve the capabilities of AI models.He is careful about what he means. Pacing is not pausing. It is not halting training. It means making sure that the work of aligning and safeguarding these systems has time to keep up with how capable they're becoming — and that outside parties can actually verify that it's happening.
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  Episode #24: Shant Hovnanian’s Foundations 12.09.2026 58min

  Today's guest is Shant Hovnanian. Shant is Wharton educated, infrastructure building-real estate developer, technology pioneer/ inventor, and entrepreneur whose career runs through the roots of the telecom and artificial intelligence together . In 1985, together with his father and engineer Bernard Bossard, he co-founded CellularVision, pioneering LMDS — Local Multipoint Distribution System — a broadband millimeter-wave system now providing tremendous capacity for 5 G networks. The company later became Speedus Corp, where Shant served as Chairman and CEO, he and his team authored numerous patents for wireless tech, artificial intelligence based medical diagnostics technology, spanning four decades, from the original LMDS antenna architecture to more recent smart wireless hub systems. His appointment as a State Department delegate to the U.N.’s International Telecommunication Union in Geneva in 1995 to approve the largest swath of bandwidth in telecommunications history directly enabled today’s 5 G cellular networks and Starlink’s license for its satellite global service. Describing the technology back in 1992, he put it simply: it was "basically giving you fiber-optics to the home, and it is interactive." In 2000, Mr. Hovnanian partnered with Siemens in establishing Zargis Medical to develop Cardioscan and associated telemedicine systems. Cardioscan was the first FDA-approved AI based medical device using its proprietary algorithm to analyze heart sounds via the doctor's stethoscope. The product won the coveted 2010 Gold Edison Award for the best medical innovation in that year. From broadband to artificial intelligence, these days, that four-decade development, finance and technology career has brought him home — he's based right here in Yerevan.
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  Episode #23: Zara Matevosyan's Foundations 29.08.2026 1val 19min

  Welcome back to Foundations, with your host, Larisa Hovannisian. Today's guest is Zara Martirosyan — a clinical hypnotherapist, transpersonal regression therapist, and family constellations facilitator based in Dubai. Zara's path wasn't a straight line: she built inKin, a global wellness tech platform, then found her own mental health needed the same attention she was giving others, which sent her deep into meditation, hypnotherapy, energy work, and eventually a full career shift into holistic healing. She now runs a private practice, group programs, and hosts her own podcast, Stillness of Heart. Her guiding line: "practice what you preach" — every modality she teaches, she's tested on herself first.
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  Episode #22: Manana Hakobyan's Foundations 22.08.2026 41min

  My guest today is Manana Hakobyan. Manana is Chief of Staff for GenAI at Scale AI in San Francisco — which means she works inside one of the companies the frontier AI labs depend on to make their models good. Before Scale, she was a product manager on IBM's Data and AI team. She holds a master's in data science from Harvard and degrees in economics and data science from Berkeley. She has a line I keep coming back to: "humans will always be in the loop.”
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  Episode #21: Armen Rostamian's Foundations 12.08.2026 52min

  Welcome back to Foundations, with your host, Larisa Hovannisian.This is the first episode of season two, and I want to start by telling you what's changing.Season one was about builders and their stories — where they came from, what they decided to make, and what it cost them. Those conversations still hold up. But something kept happening while we were recording them: the ground moved faster than the stories could settle.So this season we're changing the format. Every week, I sit down with one of these builders and we talk about what actually just happened at the intersection of AI and the human — the releases, the deals, the breakthroughs, the things that got announced on a Tuesday and quietly reorganized something by Friday. Not AI as technology. AI as the thing already reshaping how we learn, work, age, and become ourselves.The question underneath all of it, and the one I'll keep coming back to all season: what does it mean to be human in the age of AI?My guest today is Armen Rostamian. Armen is the CTO of Eleveight AI, and over nearly two decades he's built technologies and products spanning satellite imagery, defense drones, and brain-computer interfaces. He's advised Armenia's Ministry of High-Tech Industry and participated in writing the country's national space strategy. He describes himself as someone who does "left-brain things in right-brained ways," and the principle he keeps coming back to is simple: leave every person, place, product, and team better than you found it.
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  Episode #Episode20: Aren Deyirmenjian's Foundations: Diaspora, Leadership, and Transformation 02.05.2026 52min

  Welcome back to Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian. My guest today is Aren Deyirmenjian, Country Representative for AMMA (Armenian Missionary Association of America) and a seasoned professional in entrepreneurship, social impact, and community development. Aren has long been a thoughtful voice in shaping how return, belonging, and impact are approached in Armenia. In his current role at AMMA, he’s leading initiatives that center long-term impact, and people-first solutions. In today’s episode, we explore the foundations of Aren’s values-driven leadership, the emotional landscape of returning to build, and what it truly means to serve — quietly, intentionally, and for the long haul.
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  Episode #19: Marina Mkhitaryan' Foundations: Community, Identity, and Systems 19.04.2026 1val 9min

  Welcome back to Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian. For this episode, I’m joined by Marina Mkhitaryan, a civic innovator and social entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience designing and leading initiatives that bridge civic tech, youth development, and cultural resilience.Her work is rooted in a belief that systems change begins with people, and that every young Armenian should have the opportunity to lead, create, and thrive. In today’s episode, we’ll explore the foundations of Marina’s mission-driven leadership, her approach to building trust between the diaspora and the homeland, and what it really takes to create long-term change in Armenia.This episode was recorded while Marina was still part of AGBU. She is now with Armenia Tree Project.
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  Episode #18: Ruben Malayan's Foundations: Design, Narrative, and Vision 29.03.2026 1val 16min

  Welcome back to Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian. I’m joined today by Ruben Malayan — an artist, calligrapher, and cultural thinker whose work has reignited global interest in Armenian script and sacred aesthetics. Known for his intricate calligraphy and thought-provoking commentary on identity, Ruben’s art is more than visual — it’s a statement. His career bridges the personal and the political, the historical and the modern. In this episode, we’ll explore the foundations of Ruben’s artistic voice, and how he uses art as a form of resistance and remembrance.
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  Episode #17: Maria Titizian's Foundations: Justice, Journalism, and Identity 28.02.2026 1val 19min

  Welcome back to Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian. Today’s guest is Maria Titizian — journalist, editor-in-chief of EVN Report, and one of Armenia’s most trusted public voices. With a career spanning politics, media, and civic education, Maria has consistently used words to bring clarity to chaos. Whether writing about war, identity, or accountability, she brings moral courage and emotional honesty to every piece. Today, we’ll talk about the foundations of truth-telling in fragile democracies, the role of independent media in shaping civic consciousness, and the personal cost — and purpose — of documenting a nation’s most difficult moments.
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  Episode #16: Samvel Martirosyan's Foundations: Information Security, Media, and Digital Resilience 23.01.2026 1val 16min

  Welcome back to Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian. Today, I’m joined by Samvel Martirosyan — cybersecurity expert, media analyst, and one of Armenia’s most essential public educators on digital safety. Known for making complex threats understandable, Samvel has spent the last two decades protecting Armenia’s digital borders and fighting disinformation. Whether advising institutions or speaking to everyday citizens, he’s helped shape national awareness in an increasingly chaotic information landscape. In this episode, we’ll dive into the foundations of his public service and what’s really at stake in the fight for digital truth.
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  Episode #15: Marie Lou and Pegor Papazian’s Foundations: Imagination, Autonomy, and Purpose 09.12.2025 1val 12min

  Welcome back to Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian. Today, I’m joined by a remarkable duo: Marie Lou and Pegor Papazian — the visionaries behind TUMO, Armenia’s world-renowned creative tech center. Together, they’ve redefined what’s possible in education by centering self-learning, imagination, and access. Their work has touched tens of thousands of students in Armenia and beyond, and their partnership — both personal and professional — reflects a shared commitment to long-term nation-building. In this episode, we’ll explore the foundations of their journey, how they built something that didn’t exist before, and what it takes to imagine the future while staying rooted in purpose.
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  Episode #14: Suzanna Shamakhyan’s Foundations: Innovation, Systems Thinking, and Impact 19.11.2025 1val 1min

  Welcome back to Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian. Today’s guest is Suzanna Shamakhyan, Executive Director of FAST (Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology) — a leading institution working to accelerate innovation, science, and talent in Armenia. With a background in education diplomacy, policy, and diaspora engagement, Suzanna brings systems thinking and emotional intelligence into every room she enters. She’s also a mother and a mentor, navigating leadership with grace and groundedness. In today’s episode, we dive into the foundations of Suzanna’s purpose-driven work, her vision for Armenia’s tech and education future, and how she balances personal clarity with national responsibility.
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  Episode #13: Tigran Tsitoghdzyan’s Foundations: Art, Identity, and Reflection 08.11.2025 1val 6min

  Welcome back to Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian. Today, I’m joined by Tigran Tsitoghdzyan — world-renowned painter, Armenian soul, and master of introspective realism. Known for his hauntingly layered “Mirror” series, Tigran’s work explores visibility, identity, and the blurred boundaries between self and world. Born in Yerevan and based in New York, he carries Armenia in his brushstrokes while speaking a global visual language. In this episode, we explore the foundations of Tigran’s creative world, the philosophical questions that fuel his art, and what it means to be both seen and unseen as an artist and as a person.
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  Episode #12: Tatevik Revazian's Foundations: Strength, Integrity, and Challenging the Status Quo 24.10.2025 1val 13min

  Welcome back to Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian. Today’s guest is Tatevik Revazyan — aviation executive, trailblazer, and one of the most fearless voices redefining leadership in Armenia and beyond. As the former Chair of Armenia’s Civil Aviation Committee and a founder of the country's first low-cost airline, Tatevik has broken barriers not only in a male-dominated industry but also in systems resistant to change. Her work has been fueled by courage, clarity, and a deep belief in action over fear. In today’s conversation, we’ll explore the foundations of Tatevik’s bold decision-making, what it means to lead with both strength and grace, and how she’s stayed grounded while constantly challenging the status quo.
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  Episode #11: Zhanna Andreasyan's Foundations: System Change, Education Reform, and Strategy 23.09.2025 56min

  Բարի գալուստ «Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian» փոդքասթի հերթական դրվագ։ Այսօրվա իմ զրուցակիցը մարդ է, ով կրթությունը տեսնում է ոչ միայն որպես համակարգ, այլ որպես երկրի ապագայի հիմք: Պատիվ ունեմ մեր տաղավարում հյուրընկալելու Հայաստանի կրթության, գիտության, մշակույթի և սպորտի նախարար տիկին Ժաննա Անդրեասյանին: Տիկին Անդրեասյանն առաջին նախարարն էր, ով բարձրաձայնեց կրթության այն իրական պատկերը, որի մասին տարիներ շարունակ լռել էինք։ Նա կիսվեց ոչ միայն փաստերով ու վիճակագրությամբ, այլ նաև այն գիտակցումով, որ առանց տեսնելու, ընդունելու ու խոսելու իրականության մասին՝ փոփոխություն պարզապես հնարավոր չէ։Այսօրվա զրույցը հենց այդ իրականության, սխալների, ճշմարտությունների, ռազմավարական փոփոխությունների և մարտահրավերների մասին է։
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  Episode #10: Armine: Haroyan: Volunteering, Education, and Youth Development 06.08.2025 1val 2min

  «Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian» տասներորդ դրվագի հյուրը Հայ կրթական հիմնարկության տնօրեն Արմինե Հարոյանն է: Հիմնարկությունն արդեն 75 տարի է, ինչ աջակցում է հայկական տարբեր կրթական կառույցներին և նախաձեռնություններին՝ թե՛ Հայաստանում և թե՛ սփյուռքում: Արմինեի նվիրվածությունն ու աշխատանքը մեծ ազդեցություն է թողել մեր կրթության ոլորտում և շատ հայ երիտասարդների կյանքում: Այս զրույցում մենք խոսում ենք նրա անձնական և մասնագիտական ուղիների, Հայ կրթական հիմնարկության և այն հիմնարար արժեքների մասին, որոնք առաջնորդում են նրան իր աշխատանքում:
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  Episode #9: Sheila Paylan: Truth, Justice, and Breaking the Cycle 11.07.2025 54min

  Welcome back to Foundations with Larisa Hovannisian. Today, I’m so happy to be joined by Sheila Paylan, an international criminal lawyer and human rights expert with over 15 years of experience advising the United Nations. Sheila has played pivotal roles in prosecuting war crimes and advocating for justice at tribunals for Rwanda, the former Yugoslavia, and the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. Her expertise in international law, conflict-related gender-based violence, and human rights has informed her work in courtrooms and through her writing. Today, we’ll explore the foundations of Sheila’s unwavering commitment to justice, the lessons learned from standing at the forefront of global human rights challenges, and her thoughts on the role of law in creating lasting change.
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  Episode #8: Tigran Jrbashyan’s Foundations: Economy, Education, Identity 30.05.2025 1val 13min

  Today, I’m honored to be joined by Tigran Jrbashyan, one of Armenia’s most respected economists and strategists. As the Director of Management Advisory Services at Ameria Group, Tigran has played a key role in shaping economic policy, business strategy, and long-term development planning in Armenia. His expertise spans across urban development, innovation, and public policy—making him a vital voice in conversations about Armenia’s economic future. In this episode, we’ll explore the foundations of his work, the challenges and opportunities Armenia faces, and his vision for sustainable growth.
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  Episode #7: Esther Wojcicki’s Foundations: Education, Parenthood, and Empowerment 08.04.2025 1val 1min

  I’m thrilled to be joined today by Esther Wojcicki—trailblazing educator, best-selling author, and fierce advocate for autonomy in learning and life. She founded the renowned Media Arts Program at Palo Alto High, where students thrived in an environment built on trust, freedom, and responsibility—earning fans like Steve Jobs along the way. Her books—How to Raise Successful People and Moonshots in Education—aren’t just about parenting or pedagogy; they’re blueprints for cultivating independent thinkers and courageous leaders. And Esther walks the talk: she raised three powerhouse daughters—Susan, CEO of YouTube for nearly a decade; Janet, a Fulbright-winning medical researcher and professor at UCSF; and Anne, co-founder of 23andMe.
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  Episode #6: Rev Lebaredian's Foundations: Culture, Leadership, and AI 27.02.2025 1val 50min

  For this episode, I’m sitting down with Rev Lebaredian, a guy who’s been shaping the future of tech before most people even realized where it was headed. He’s the VP of Omniverse and Simulation at NVIDIA, basically leading the charge in designing our virtual future. But before he was building the infrastructure for the metaverse, he was knee-deep in video games, visual effects, and real-time graphics.Rev’s career is a masterclass in playing the long game. He started out working on VFX for Warner Bros. and Disney, then got into the game engine scene at Steamboat Software before landing at NVIDIA, where he’s now engineering simulated worlds that are transforming entire industries. From Hollywood to Silicon Valley, from film to gaming to AI-driven virtual environments—Rev has seen it all.We get into how our virtual and real worlds are colliding, where AI-driven simulations are taking us, and what it really takes to be ahead of the curve in a world that’s changing faster than ever. This isn’t just a tech talk—it’s a look at the future through the eyes of someone who's building it.