How to Use AI to Gain a Human Edge: My 3-Pillar Approach to Staying Ahead [Future Finance Podcast]

In this thought-provoking episode, Adam Shilton joins Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper to explore the current state of AI content creation. They examine AI-generated podcasts, synthetic data risks, and why AI still struggles with creating authentic, non-sterile content. The hosts share practical insights on how to effectively work with AI tools for learning, thinking, and doing tasks, rather than trying to outsource skills entirely. Adam's approach to AI as a supportive mechanism rather than a standalone entity offers valuable perspective for anyone looking to remain irreplaceable in an AI-driven world.

The conversation also follows Adam's personal journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurship after his July TEDx talk. He candidly discusses building a business without a large savings cushion, finding problems worth solving rather than just having "good ideas," and his mission to help others build careers around their passions. His refreshing take on using technology to break down barriers and level the playing field provides inspiration for listeners considering similar transitions.

Originally published on the Future Finance Podcast:

- Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/future-finance

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2fwR53Rio39P6p7u7L73Fu

— SHOW NOTES —

- Information about Adam Shilton, founder, technologist, and TEDx speaker: [https://adamshilton.com](https://adamshilton.com/)

- Rob Lennon's AI podcast host mentioned by Adam: Search "Rob Lennon AI podcast host"

- Google's Notebook LM, an AI tool discussed by the hosts: https://deepmind.google/technologies/gemini/notebook/

- OpenAI Playground for testing prompts and voice bots: https://platform.openai.com/playground

- Meta (Facebook) AI avatar profiles mentioned in the discussion: Search "Meta AI avatar profiles"

- Ethan Mollick's book "Cointelligence" referenced by Adam: Search for "Ethan Mollick Cointelligence book"

- Paul's training partner Ron Montero's book "Love Mondays": Search for "Love Mondays Ron Montero book"

— CHAPTERS —

(00:03:25) - Discussion about AI-generated podcasts and cloned voices.

(00:06:30) - Exploring risks of AI learning from its own synthetic data.

(00:10:15) - Glenn's perspective on limitations of synthetic data for AI training.

(00:16:32) - Why AI still struggles with authenticity in writing and content.

(00:20:45) - Using AI for improving content rather than creating from scratch.

(00:24:10) - How to learn new skills with AI as a teaching assistant.

(00:29:40) - The importance of domain expertise when working with AI.

(00:35:20) - Adam's experience with creating "Franken-code" through AI assistance.

(00:38:30) - Adam discusses his TEDx talk about technology and passion careers.

(00:41:45) - Adam's journey into entrepreneurship without a traditional savings runway.