TruthWorks How Data Reveals Everything About Trust, Teamwork, and Power — Alex Pentland
Nov 11, 2025
In a captivating discussion, Alex Pentland, a distinguished data scientist from MIT, delves into the intricate dynamics of trust and collaboration within organizations. He explains how trust shapes company performance and the cultural stories that build it. Pentland shares insights from his research on how AI can facilitate human connection rather than dictate interactions. He emphasizes the need for humility and the importance of shared wisdom in fostering cultural evolution. With promising findings, he showcases the potential for AI to enhance decision-making and promote better collaboration.
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Trust Is Actions Not Predictability
- Trust shows up as people choosing to seek each other out for help, advice, and moral support.
- Sandy Pentland says trust means feeling the other person "has your back," not merely predictability or rule-following.
Stories And Role Models Build Shared Wisdom
- Shared stories and role models create a repertoire of behaviors people imitate.
- Pentland shows one visible successful person in a neighborhood raises children's chances of success.
Use AI To Summarize, Not Dictate
- Use AI as a neutral facilitator that summarizes conversations, not as an idea generator.
- Pentland reports mediated discussions produce objectively better decisions and make minority voices heard.
