Bytes and Borders: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing & Global Trade E45
In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Karen Nowicki and Steve Zylstra lead a dynamic discussion with guests Mayor Ciprian Ciucu of Bucharest, Cristian Bacanu from the Romanian Parliament, and Representative David Cook. The conversation spans AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and international trade, highlighting Arizona’s tech strengths and the potential for collaboration with Romania. Mayor Ciucu emphasizes Bucharest’s appeal and envisions a lasting partnership in AI and cybersecurity, while the discussion touches on global cyber threats and the need for a nuanced approach to AI regulation.
Tune in to gain insights from leaders shaping the intersection of technology and international trade, exploring opportunities for collaboration, and addressing challenges in this rapidly evolving landscape.
The Municipality of Bucharest (the capital of Romania) is divided into 6 administrative units, named sectors (sectoare in Romanian), each of which has their own mayor and council, and has responsibility over local affairs, such as secondary streets, parks, schools and the cleaning services.
Ciprian Ciucu is the mayor of District 6 of Bucharest, situated in the West part of the city. The District has a population of approximatively 400.000 inhabitants. Ciprian is the only mayor of Bucharest, member of PNL, affiliated to EPP. He was elected in 2020.
Prior to being elected as mayor, he was the head of the Civil Service Agency in Romania (2019 – 2020). His professional background includes civil society engagement, international public management consultancy as well as academic. Ciprian Ciucu co-founded and acted as the Programs Director for the Romanian Center for European Policies, one of the renowned think-tanks of Romania (2009 – 2015).
He also established the Center for Urban and Territorial Development (2014 – 2019). As a consultant, he has over 10 years of experience working in different public administration reform projects funded by a wide range of donors including the European Commission, World Bank or UK Aid.
He was active in several countries in Eastern Europe (Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine) and Western Balkans (Kosovo). Between 2007 and 2013 he was an invited professor at the University of Bucharest, teaching project management.
The Parliament of Romania (Romanian: Parlamentul României) is the national bicameral legislature of Romania, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies (Romanian: Camera Deputaților) and the Senate (Romanian: Senat). It meets at the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, the capital of the country.
Cristian Băcanu is a member of the Romanian Parliament, representing the Bucharest constituency. He is a member of the Legal Committee and of the parliamentary friendship group with the USA (PRO-America group).
Previously, he was Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice. A lawyer by profession, partner in the law firm MDM Legal, he is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in public administration at the prestigious Hertie School in Berlin.
He was a fellow of the Christian Democratic Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
The Arizona House of Representatives is a 60-member legislative body consisting of 31 Republicans and 29 Democrats. Each member is elected to a 2-year position, with elections held in an even year.
Representative David Cook has been a member of the Arizona State Legislature since 2017. Originally from Ponca City, Oklahoma, he moved to Arizona in 1985 and graduated from Miami High School.
David has attended several community colleges here in Arizona but is most proud to be a graduate of Arizona State University’s certified public manager program. In 2000, he and his wife started their own ranching company called DC Cattle Company, located in his hometown of Globe, AZ.
Prior to starting his own ranching company, David has also served as a Sergeant in the Department of Corrections. David has served on many different associations as a board member and past president and is still involved in them to this day.
He is a strong advocate for the availability of dual enrollment programs for all rural students and on many other issues affecting rural Arizona.
About Your Hosts
Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.
Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.
Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.
Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.
Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.
In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.
Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.
Leslie Cooper Marquez is a dynamic marketing professional with over 17 years of broad-based marketing, public relations and advertising experience in both in-house and agency environments.
Originally from Birmingham, AL, Leslie has honed her expertise across diverse sectors, including non-profit performing arts, legal marketing, mortgage technology, and residential mortgage marketing.
Leslie has been an integral part of the Arizona community for the past 5 years. Most recently, she served as the Marketing Director for Scottsdale-based mortgage technology firm, focusIT, Inc., and previously as the Director of Marketing for Ballet Arizona.
Beyond her professional commitments, Leslie is an active member of the community. She serves as a Sustainer with the Junior League of Phoenix, volunteers with the Distinguished Young Women of Arizona scholarship program and is an alumna of the esteemed Valley Leadership Accelerate class of 2019.
In her spare time, Leslie shares her passion for fitness as a dedicated barre instructor at TenPoint5 Central. Above all, she cherishes her roles as a devoted mother to a young son and a loving wife to her husband, David.
About Our Sponsor
The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.
A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.
Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
