Organic intelligence: A conversation with Rika Nakazawa

In this episode of Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Rika Nakazawa, Chief Commercial Innovation Officer at NTT. Rika, an investor, bestselling author and innovation leader, shares her journey from a high-energy kid in Tokyo to pioneering work in space technology and organic intelligence. Tammy and Rika discuss the magic of the universe, intentional leadership and the future of AI and sustainability.

Highlights from the episode include:

• Learning from nature. Rika introduces her trademarked concept of "organic intelligence" as a response to artificial intelligence. It’s the idea that the natural world already carries its own embedded wisdom, from the way plants grow to the principles of quantum physics. If we slow down and look closely, there are lessons everywhere.
• AI ethics demand intentionality. Tammy and Rika talk about the importance of asking not just what AI could do, but what it should do. Bias will always shape human decisions, but ethics can guide how we build, test and adopt new technologies.
• Space is closer than we think. Rika shares NTT’s work in space and satellite technology, from Earth observation to extending connectivity through orbit. What once felt like science fiction is already shaping climate resilience and disaster response here on Earth.

Check out the full episode to hear Rika’s perspective on curiosity, sustainability and the new opportunities at the edge of technology and humanity.

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Please note that the views expressed in this episode may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.