Happy Friday Everyone! And, what a week it has been. Whether your candidate of choice won or lost, I think we can mutually agree we'd all benefit from a collective sigh, even if for different reasons, and stiff drink as we slide into the weekend. While the election dominated many headlines, there was no shortage of things happening at the intersection of business, technology, and the human experience. With that, let's get into it.Russia Fines Google - When you see a country fining a company for a collective total that exceeds the global GDP, you naturally assume it must be for something egregious. Discovering it's for being mad that a YouTube Channel got blocked leaves you shaking your head. However, there's more to this behavior than meets the eye.AGI or Lack of Compute - There's a lot of what can seem like double talk in the AI space, and this week Sam Altman is in the headlines for it. In one breath he says we will achieve AGI with the current hardware. In another he says progress is slowing due to lack of compute. Which one is it? It can be both, but it does speak to the innovation curve we're on.AI Conflict Resolution - How would you feel if your spouse or partner responded to an argument with a clearly AI-generated response? Well, it's becoming a common activity and not everyone appreciates it. While I see tremendous value in AI helping you think through difficult and emotionally charged situations, the heart of your approach is what determines the outcome.Meta's AI Touch - Meta recently announced they'd cracked the code to give AI the ability to "feel," but what does that really look like and what does it mean? I'd argue it's still a bit early to fully know, but it's incredible to see how technology has deconstructed what was formerly a uniquely human capability into a digital alternative.Rise of AI Coders - Google boasts that 25% of all its new code is written by AI. However, one has to ask, what parameters are they using to define newly written code? Depending on the answer to that question, I'd argue that 25% is either vastly too low or a gross overestimate. Either way, there's no denying AI is and will continue radically changing jobs and the skills people need to thrive.Reimagining Learning Outcomes - I sympathize with the student who's having the book thrown at him for using AI on his research paper, especially since every one of his peers is doing the same thing. However, the legal response is resulting in what I believe is a positive and much-needed action, reimaging learning outcomes. After all, is how students type words on a screen really what we want to measure?Show Notes:In this Weekly Update, Christopher covers the usual range of topics, blending business, technology, and human experience. Key discussions include Russia's exorbitant fine against Google and its implications on credibility and technology rights, predictions about the future of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and the current limits due to compute power, the use of AI in resolving personal arguments and the associated risks and benefits, Meta's advancements in AI's ability to perceive touch, and the increasing role of AI in coding at Google. Additionally, the episode examines a controversial academic case from Massachusetts involving a student using AI for a research paper, prompting a debate on redefining academic integrity in the age of AI. 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Update Overview01:40 Russia's Unenforceable Fine Against Google13:37 Sam Altman's Contradictory Statements on AGI20:28 AI in Relationships: A Double-Edged Sword28:49 Meta's Breakthrough in AI Sensory Perception32:41 AI Impact on Google Coding42:46 AI in Education: A Controversial Case53:02 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections#ai #education #meta #google #futureofwork

DescriptionHappy Friday, everyone, and congratulations on making it through another week. What better way to kick off November 2024 than a rundown on the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience? As usual, I picked five of my favorites. With that, let’s get into it. OpenAI Safety Team Disbands, Again - OpenAI is making headlines as their safety team falls apart yet again after losing executive Miles Brundage. While some of the noise around it is likely just noise, his cryptic warning that OpenAI is not ready for what it’s created has some folks rightfully perking up their eyes and ears. Meta Social Media Lawsuits - While big tech companies keep trying to use Section 230 as an immunity shield from the negative impact of social media, a judge has determined lawsuits will be allowed. What exactly that will mean for Meta and other big tech companies is still TBD, but they will see their day in court. Google & Character.AI Sued - It’s tragic whenever someone takes their life. It’s even more tragic when it’s a teenager fueled to take the path by an AI bot. While AI bots are promoted as “for entertainment purposes only,” it’s obvious entertainment isn’t the only outcome. We continue seeing new legal precedents being established, and it’s just the beginning. GenAI Bias Flub with Chanel - I’m not exactly sure what Chanel’s CEO Leena Nair expected when she asked AI to create an image of her executive team or why on earth anyone at Microsoft moved forward with the request during her headquarters visit. However, it demonstrated how far we still have to go in mitigating bias in AI training data and why it’s so important to use AI properly. AI vs. Humans Research - Where is AI better than humans and vice versa? A recent study tried to answer that question. Unfortunately, while the data validates many of the things we already know, it also is ripe for cherry-picking, depending on the story you’re trying to tell. While there were some interesting findings, I won’t be retracting any of my previous statements based on the results. #ai #ethicalAI #Meta #Microsoft #lawsuit

I hope you’ve had another fantastic week and are coming into the home stretch before the weekend. What better way to celebrate than to run through some of the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience? With that, let’s get to it. AI Job Seeking Gone Wrong - If you’re going to use AI to help write a cover letter, and I’d strongly encourage you to do so, please at least take the time to proof it for [insert info here] gaps. The rise in failure to do so is causing a lot of noise, but is it an AI problem or a people problem? Lessons from Al Pacino - While I have my concerns about people becoming overdependent on AI, it’s not an issue limited to AI use. Just ask “The Godfather.” Al Pacino has an incredible story about how taking his eye off the ball left him discovering he was bankrupt in his 70s. So, don’t think avoiding AI means you’re secure. Walmart RTO Response - Walmart and 3M are two of the latest big players in the news for their questionable RTO policies, but one Walmart C-suite exec is taking a stand. Rather than relocate to somewhere in Arkansas, Walmart’s CTO opted to leave the company. It’s encouraging when folks at the top are willing to go against the current. Undesired AI Ressurection - I’ve talked on multiple occasions about the risks of looking to AI for the artificial resurrection of lost loved ones through ghostbots, but how would you feel if your lost loved one was resurrected without your knowledge? One father made his feelings pretty clear when he discovered his tragically murdered daughter on Character.ai. Chipotle AI Recruiting - I love a good pun, and if you interview at Chipotle anytime soon, you may get to interact with one literally. That’s right, they’ve created an AI bot “Ava Cado” to help streamline their hiring. Only time will tell how it all plays out. However, based on my initial investigation into their strategy and plan, I’d give it my AI stamp of approval. Show Notes: In this weekly update, Christopher explores the intelligent use of Generative AI (Gen AI) in job applications, emphasizing the importance of providing thoughtful prompts and avoiding lazy mistakes. The discussion extends to the ethical concerns of AI, such as the unauthorized use of a deceased individual's likeness and the need for better governance. He shares Al Pacino's story of financial recovery highlighting resilience and responsibility, and address financial uncertainty, affirming the value of personal effort over material wealth. Additionally, he examines the impact of return-to-office mandates by major companies like Walmart and 3M, offering advice for employees. Highlighting Chipotle's AI-driven recruitment process 'Ava Cado', we showcase how AI can streamline operations while discussing the broader implications for the future of recruitment. Tune in for a blend of practical advice, ethical insights, and predictions on AI's role in business and technology. 00:00 - Introduction and Weekly Update Overview 01:36 - The Viral ChatGPT Cover Letter Controversy 11:37 - Al Pacino's Financial Downfall and Recovery 20:14 - Return to Office Mandates: Walmart and 3M 31:08 - Unwanted AI Resurrection 39:43 - Chipotle's AI Recruiting Strategy 48:46 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts #ai #recruiting #flexibleworking #strategy #ghostbots

Ever wondered if the futuristic robots we see in movies are just around the corner? Spoiler alert: we're not there yet, but we're making fascinating strides. In this episode, I talk with Jerry Swafford, PhD, a brilliant mind in AI and robotics, to peel back the layers of hype and unveil the real state of humanoid robotics. Jerry brings a wealth of diverse experience, from tinkering with robotic arms for Rolls Royce to pioneering AI-based controllers for humanoid robots. We dig into the heart of the matter, exploring the incredible advancements that have been made, the significant challenges still facing the field, and the ethical considerations we can't ignore. Are we on the brink of an AI revolution, or are we staring down the barrel of an "AI winter"? As you've probably come to expect, you'll find a balanced discussion, clearly separating science fiction from the reality of where we truly stand with humanoid robots. However, I'm confident this episode will challenge your perceptions, ignite your curiosity, and leave you with a clearer understanding of what's possible – and what's not – in the world of AI and robotics. Show Notes: In this episode, Christopher explores the fascinating world of AI and robotics with guest Jerry Swafford, PhD. Jerry shares his journey from Nashville to becoming a specialist in AI and robotics, discussing his research on robotic arms, UAV swarms, and humanoid robots. They explore the complexities of humanoid stability and balance, the advancements in hardware and software, and the potential future of robotics in various sectors. The conversation also touches on the ethical and societal implications of advanced AI and robotics, emphasizing the need for careful development to avoid potential pitfalls. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or a newcomer, this episode offers deep insights into the current state and future possibilities of AI and robotics. 00:00 - Introduction 01:06 - Guest Introduction: Jerry Swafford, PhD 04:44 - Advancements in Drone Technology 15:36 - Challenges in Humanoid Robotics 26:58 - The Rise of Humanoid Robotics 31:53 - Current Limitations and Future Prospects 35:19 - The Role of Large Language Models 38:45 - The Future of AI and Robotics 53:52 - Potential Risks and Ethical Concerns 58:34 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts #ai #robotics #humanoids #techtrends #ethicalai

Happy Friday, everyone, and congratulations on making it through another week. While temperatures may be dropping here in Wisconsin, the intersection of business, tech, and human experience continues heating up. As usual, I've got a rundown on some of the most notable, so let's get rolling. SpaceX Starship - While I always thought the moon landing videos were cool, I never fully understood why people got so excited about them. That is until I watched the SpaceX Starship catch this week. While I continue struggling to understand the end game of space exploration, I couldn’t resist jumping off the couch as the tower perfectly caught that rocket. Tesla's "We, Robot" - Tesla's latest big event had all the elements of an actual Hollywood event, including the immeasurable amount of hot air and empty promises being blown around. Whether you want to talk about the remotely-managed Tesla robots or the impractical CyberCabs, there was no shortage of fluff. However, I'll at least acknowledge that it was a pretty solid SciFi event. Amazon's Gone Nuclear - You know, I was just thinking to myself, “We need mini nuclear power plants everywhere.” Like their same-day delivery, Amazon has delivered with a $500M investment in modular nuclear power to fuel the growing energy demand of AI. Maybe it’s just my growing up on The Simpsons, but I can’t help but wonder if this might not work out so well. Nudity Bot Chaos - There are a handful of AI applications I feel strongly have no redeeming qualities, and undressing or nudifying bots/apps are one of them. The ability to exploit someone without their consent for your satisfaction isn’t okay under any circumstance. Unfortunately, there’s an exponential rise in them, and the damage they’re causing is horrendous. I get people get feisty about “governance,” but there are some things that just shouldn’t be allowed. AI Human-Level Reasoning - Based on some sources, you’d think AI surpassed human capability in early 2023, but according to Meta’s AI Chief Scientist, we’re a long way out. He goes so far as to say the AI modeling we’d need to get there is nothing more than a theory. What I find most interesting about his “solution” is its circular logic. While it is an interesting theory, I don’t see us ever getting there. #ai #amazon #meta #tesla #spacex

Happy Friday Everyone! Congratulations on making it through another week. If you've been following me for a long time, you know what that means! Another rundown of the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. With that, let's get to it. ChatGPT 'Canvas' - OpenAI hits back at Anthropic's 'Artifacts' with their latest enhancement, 'Canvas,' which is a surprisingly helpful tool once you get the hang of it. While far from perfect, we're starting to see how GenAI is evolving from a one-shot, prompt hero to a surgical, on-demand collaborative partner. AI Interviews - The number of people I've recently talked with who were caught off guard when welcomed to an interview by a notification they'll be talking with an AI Bot is astonishing. While I see the potential, based on their feedback, I'm not convinced we've learned our lesson from the previous messes of AI screening. AI Sentience - I have a pretty diverse list of AI leaders I appreciate, Mo Gawdat being one of them. However, he's taking some heat for his comments about AI having already reached sentience, and I understand the criticism. However, I think rather than debating whether AI is or isn't truly sentient, we should instead focus on how good it is at convincing people it is. RTO Insanity - Can we finally all acknowledge this RTO nonsense is nothing more than a power trip? You first step in solving a problem is acknowledging you have one. A KPMG survey recently showed that nearly 90% of CEOs weren't even afraid to publicly acknowledge they support openly discriminating against people for no reason other than where they do their work. Please, can we stop the madness?! Meta MovieGen - Finally! You won't be limited to forging your family photo memories thanks to Meta. Soon, you can even enhance your video memories with AI. At this point, why bother even going on vacation? Just buy a green screen and record some videos in your house. A little AI magic and "poof," you and your family are world travelers. YouTubers have been doing it for years, but soon, you'll have the power in the palm of your hand. Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, Christopher explores the integration and advancements of AI in various spheres, particularly in workplace technology and human resources. Highlights from this week include the introduction of ChatGPT Canvas, designed for coding and writing, and a discussion on AI's role in interviews and potential biases. Christopher also debates the implications of AI as potentially sentient, drawing skepticism and varied opinions. Additionally, it critiques corporate strategies for returning employees to the office and the backlash from employees, warning about potential long-term implications. Finally, Christopher explores Meta's new MovieGen feature, raising both opportunities for creativity and concerns about digital authenticity. 00:00 - Introduction 01:39 - Exploring ChatGPT Canvas 10:57 - The Future of AI in Job Interviews 22:57 - Mo Gawdat's Controversial Views on AI Sentience 31:39 - The Return to Office Debate 42:13 - Meta's MovieGen: Revolutionizing Video Editing 47:53 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts #ai #genai #remotework #flexibleworking #futureofwork

How much longer will Wall Street's tightly kept secrets be restricted to elite traders and brokers, and what would a shift mean for those who have built careers on it? In this week's episode, we’re tearing down the barriers that have long kept high-level financial analytics out of reach for everyday investors. I did this alongside Andrew Einhorn, CEO of LevelFields, where we discussed how AI is democratizing finance, leveling the playing field, and making sophisticated tools accessible to everyone—not just the elite on Wall Street. We explored the transformative power of AI as it unlocks hidden market opportunities and drives economic growth through diversification. We also examined how it can de-risk investments and uncover patterns in data that human analysts would miss, opening up a world of possibilities. We also couldn't ignore the controversial resistance from traditional financial institutions. Why are they so hesitant to embrace AI? Spoiler: it's more about preserving control than protecting investors. But the truth is, when AI levels the playing field, everyone wins. A red thread through the discussion was how AI is transforming the role of traders. While Hollywood might paint a glamorous picture, the reality is often mundane. As a result, AI can step in to handle the routine data crunching, freeing up human capital for higher-order thinking and creativity, which is a familiar story for many jobs. So, listen in and see how AI is dramatically changing the world of finance as you know. Show Notes: In this episode, Christopher has an engaging conversation with Andrew Einhorn, CEO of LevelFields, about the transformative power of AI and analytics in the financial sector. Andrew shares his unique journey from aspiring judge to tech entrepreneur, revealing how his company leverages AI to automate complex financial tasks and level the playing field for individual investors. Key topics include the evolution of AI in processing financial data, market sentiment versus actual data, and the broader implications of AI-driven automation in various industries. Discover how AI is not only changing the financial landscape but also improving work efficiency and economic opportunities across the board. 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 01:04 - Guest Introduction 14:19 - Challenges and Pivot to Financial Services 21:57 - Creating Level Fields: Leveling the Investment Playing Field 29:50 - Cutting Through The Fluff in Financial News 32:51 - Home Builders: A Case Study 35:38 - Leveraging AI in Financial Analysis 43:23 - AI's Broader Implications and Challenges 47:21 - Disruption in the Financial Industry 53:35 - The Future of Work with AI 01:00:42 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts #finance #ai #futureofwork #trading #wallstreet

Congratulations on making it through another week! What better way to celebrate than a rundown on some of the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. From AI Voice to Humanoid Robots to the Future of Wearables, I've got you covered. With that, let's get to it. Advanced Voice Mode - Who needs friends? OpenAI's advanced voice mode is finally here. Now, you can talk to yourself in public and not be considered crazy. In all seriousness, it's a pretty impressive development, but what exactly should you do with the functionality? Meta Connect 2024 - On the topic of AI Voice, the Zuckster is betting big on it as was clearly demonstrated at the Meta Connect 2024 event. Honestly, their latest AI developments are incredible, which is to be expected. However, would you be surprised to find out the maker of Facebook would create new tech with some serious long-term risks? Meta Orion - While you might think AR & VR tech went the way a neutron star, you'd be wrong. Meta made the news again this week with a lot of noise about their Orion glasses. Honestly, watching a few videos, I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a pair, but don't get your hopes up. They won't be available to the public. However, my predictions on the trajectory of the tech are spot on. Humanoid Robots - It's been a while since I stirred people's fears of humanoid robots taking over the world, but with all the advancement in 2024, I thought it was time to kick the hornet's nest again. If you thought they'd fallen to the wayside, prepare for a poor night's rest tonight because these things are getting crazy. On the bright side, you'll have a suite of options when deciding which one kicks down your door. AI Governance Veto - If you were hoping new legislation might slow the freight train of AI development, prepare to have your hopes dashed. California governor Gavin Newson vetoed SB 1047 and its attempts to make our insane superpower safe for humanity. However, with compelling arguments like "that will cost money" and "it will slow down development," can you blame him? Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, Christopher examines the capabilities and implications of OpenAI's advanced voice mode becoming available for pro users, emphasizing its potential applications and possible hazards. He discusses MetaConnect 2024 highlighting Meta's advancements in AI voice technology, particularly its implications for content creation and virtual enhancements. Christopher also addresses the rapid progress of humanoid robots and their emerging roles in sectors like space exploration, healthcare, and home use. The episode ends on the potential societal challenges linked to AI and emerging technologies, including the ethical considerations and the need for balanced regulation, using California's vetoed AI safety bill as a case study. 00:00 - Introduction and Weekly Update Overview 01:22 - Exploring OpenAI's Advanced Voice Mode 05:39 - Practical Use Cases for AI Voice 13:26 - MetaConnect 2024 Highlights 24:19 - Introducing Meta Orion 31:19 - Humanoid Robots: The Next Frontier 40:40 - California AI Veto - Regulation and Governance 50:20 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion #ai #metaconnect #aivoice #humanoidrobot #metaverse

It's that time of week for another rundown on the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. As a favor, if you find these updates helpful, comment, like, and share it with a friend. With that, let's get to it. Copilot Wave 2 - Will Copilot 2.0 be the end of large swaths of professional jobs, as many advertisements subtly imply? I have concerns some leaders will fall for it, but it'd be a big mistake. A deeper reflection on how work is really performed quickly highlights AI's capability to replace human capacity. LinkedIn AI - I understand social media platforms want to use their users' data to train their AI and ultimately improve their products. And, as a user, I recognize there are tangible benefits that come from engaging in that transaction. What I don't appreciate is that functionality being quietly turned on without a heads up, allowing me to understand the terms and make a conscious decision. WFH Stereotypes - My post this week may have given you a teaser on my feelings about USA Today's gross misrepresentation of WFH/Hybrid employees by exploiting poorly gathered data from a recent survey. However, I have a lot more to say on the matter, and it's not about piling on the RTO hype but encouraging leaders to focus on performance not activity. AI Environmental Concerns - How much are we willing to scorch the earth so AI can develop a catchy pirate jingle or draft an email that'd take 30 seconds of your time? At the rate we're going, the Earth might start to resemble our red planet neighbor in the span of our lives. What worse? There are completely reasonable solutions to all the problems if we'd just slow down a little bit. End of Mortality? - Will AI really be the end of mortality as we know it? An upcoming documentary is shining light on the tragic stories of people who were sold that tale at elaborate prices but ultimately lost more than their savings. What's strange about the whole thing is that the person resurrected with tech never sees any benefit from it. I can't help but ask, who is all this even ending mortality for? Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, Christopher explores Microsoft's new Copilot 2.0 and its potential impacts on business workflows, the ethical concerns surrounding LinkedIn's data usage for AI training, and the ongoing debate about remote work efficiency. Additionally, he examines the environmental costs of AI advancements, specifically the water consumption and energy dependencies and discuss the controversial emergence of digital 'eternity' bots aiming to keep deceased loved ones 'alive'. The episode calls for a holistic approach to integrating new technologies while highlighting the importance of human judgment and ethical considerations. 00:00 - Introduction and Overview01:17 - Microsoft Copilot 2.0: Revolutionizing the Workplace?13:03 - LinkedIn's Controversial AI Data Usage21:39 - Debunking Remote Work Stereotypes26:10 - Understanding Human Performance at Work33:20 - Environmental Impact of AI42:19 - The Ethics of Digital Immortality52:33 - Final Thoughts and Cautionary Advice #ai #leadership #futureofwork #linkedin #flexibleworking

Is social media a force for good or a ticking time bomb? And, given it's not going anywhere, what can we do about it? This week I'm exploring those questions and more with Matthew Krayton, Founder & Principal at Publitics as we seek to wield the double-edged sword that is social media and explore its profound impact on society. We'll unpack the evolution of social media from its humble beginnings to the algorithm-driven powerhouse it is today, examining how these platforms have democratized access to information and given a voice to the voiceless. At the same time, we can't ignore how they're creating echo chambers that fuel division and misinformation. Throughout it all, we don't shy away from the tough questions: How has social media changed our behavior, both online and offline? What are the psychological effects of living in a world where likes and shares can make or break our self-esteem? And perhaps most importantly, how can we navigate this landscape in a way that promotes a healthier, more connected society? The whole thing is a fascinating look at how the same tools that connect us can also drive us apart. I think you'll find the conversation challenges assumptions and reveals the complex realities of our digital lives. It's my hope this episode will make you rethink your relationship with social media. So, whether you're a digital native or someone trying to make sense of this ever-changing world, there's something here for everyone. Show Notes: In this episode, Christopher engages with Matt Krayton, founder and principal at Publitics, to scrutinize the profound effects of social media on society. We explore its evolution, political impact, and effects on human behavior and mental health. Matt shares his journey from aspiring teacher to digital media expert, offering insights into both the positive and negative ramifications of our connected world. Key themes include the democratization of information, anger-driven content, and strategies for healthier online engagement. The discussion also covers the emotional responses to social media, handling misinformation, crisis management, and the future ramifications of technologies like AI and deepfake. 00:00 - Introduction 09:05 - The Rise of Social Media in Politics 14:31 - The Impact of Social Media Algorithms 22:37 - The Dark Side of Social Media 32:35 - Influencer Culture and Perception vs. Reality 38:02 - The Illusion of Expertise 43:17 - The Trap of Social Media Validation 54:36 - The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 01:00:38 - Navigating the Future of Social Media 01:10:09 - Concluding Thoughts and Future Concerns #SocialMedia #DigitalMedia #AI #MentalHealth #Politics