Wake Forest Business Alumnus Ensures AI Transparency and Responsibility at NVIDIA
Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at a staggering pace. But despite its promise, there are valid questions about its use: How do we ensure the technology is safe? How can we gauge its reliability? Who bears responsibility for earning public trust in its use?
For Michael Boone (MSM ’14), Manager of Trustworthy AI Products at NVIDIA, a multinational technology corporation specializing in high-performance computer chips and related software, those questions are at the heart of his work. So how do you define “trust” in the context of artificial intelligence, a still-emerging technology? Boone has an answer.
“Trust is built by demonstrating a clear commitment to a defined framework and consistently delivering on promises. I see myself as a strategic mediator, focusing on two critical questions: First, do we fully understand what is being built? And second, do we grasp the capabilities within the present state to help those for whom the product is built to move forward? It’s essential that we effectively communicate across the ecosystem to those who are not directly involved in the build process.”
Boone’s education at the Wake Forest School of Business provided a foundation in ethical leadership and cross-disciplinary collaboration, two principles that continue to guide his efforts to build AI systems grounded in transparency and responsibility.
“Trust is built by demonstrating a clear commitment to a defined framework and consistently delivering on promises."
From Public Infrastructure to AI Leadership
Boone began his career in civil engineering at the Virginia Department of Transportation. There, he worked on projects such as highway and toll road systems, work that required precision, collaboration, and a commitment to public safety.
While he valued that mission, Boone was drawn to the fast-moving world of technology. To make the transition, he sought a business education that would complement his engineering background and prepare him to lead in new sectors.
Wake Forest’s Master of Science in Management (MSM) program offered that opportunity. Designed for recent liberal arts and STEM graduates, the program builds foundational business knowledge and leadership skills in just 10 months.
“The career development resources at Wake Forest played a crucial role in preparing me for the job market, honing my skills and confidence,” Boone says. “I learned the importance of not just interviewing for a specific position but also the art of exploring industry and opportunity. This approach empowered me to take charge of my career journey and seek out the best fit for my skills and aspirations.”
Embedding Trust in Technology
In his current role, Boone leads work on tools that help teams build AI systems responsibly. This includes establishing processes that improve transparency in software development, defining standards for how AI products are documented, and ensuring best practices are followed before release.
By creating frameworks for trustworthy AI, Boone’s team supports developers in meeting both organizational commitments and public expectations. It’s work that requires balancing innovation with accountability, something Boone views as essential to long-term success in the technology industry.
Connected To Society’s Growing Needs
Across industries, organizations are investing heavily in artificial intelligence. Yet with AI now influencing decisions in healthcare, finance, public safety, and beyond, there is heightened demand for systems that are fair, dependable, and accountable. Businesses face increasing scrutiny from regulators, stakeholders, and the public to ensure AI is used responsibly.
This shift underscores the importance of leaders who can navigate both the technical and ethical dimensions of innovation. Boone’s work at NVIDIA meets this need head-on, helping product teams integrate trust and transparency into the earliest stages of AI development.
Wake Forest School of Business graduates like Boone demonstrate how the School’s mission is intrinsically connected to the evolving needs of the global economy, by preparing leaders not only to adapt to industry changes but to shape solutions for the most pressing challenges in business today.
Lessons That Last
The MSM program fosters the ability to collaborate across disciplines, communicate clearly, and lead with a sense of responsibility, all skills reflected in Boone’s work today. For students currently at his alma mater, Boone has some advice: “To excel in your career, focus on asking thoughtful questions, conducting research through Google searches, and mastering the art of prompting large language models. Leveraging tools like Gemini can enhance your work. Establishing a strong framework for ethical technology is essential.”
Why Trustworthy AI Matters Today
As AI tools become increasingly embedded in everyday life, trustworthy, transparent systems are vital. These technologies carry enormous potential but also risks if enacted without clear safeguards.
Boone’s work at NVIDIA addresses these concerns directly by developing systems that hold AI accountable to high standards of safety and ethics. His leadership exemplifies how the Wake Forest School of Business is preparing graduates to navigate the complex realities of modern technology, and help ensure AI serves as a force for good. As alumni like Boone continue to lead in emerging fields, the School remains committed to cultivating leaders who not only innovate, but do so with a commitment to ethics and societal impact.
This content was paid for and created by the Wake Forest University School of Business. The editorial staff of The Chronicle had no role in its preparation. Find out more about paid content.
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