Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

Is sustainability the secret sauce to outperforming your rivals in business, or are we trapped by our narrow definition of what it really means? This week I'm talking with Ricky Marton, Founder of Koru, to clearly define what sustainability means and debunk the myths that often leave people seeing it as a nice-to-have. And, we don't just talk; we reimagine the whole spectrum of sustainability. As you'd expect, we talk about the role tech plays in sustainability and how it has the potential push your business not just towards a better future but also into a realm of innovation and efficiency like never before. However, getting it right means more than seeing tech as an easy button to a complex problem. While there are no shortage of hurdles, we explore how looking beyond the conventional boundaries and challenges of sustainability can be the competitive edge you never knew you needed. Ready to turn what you thought you knew about sustainability on its head? Let's go! Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Sustainability and Technology 11:35 - Demystifying Sustainability 22:50 - The Intersection of Technology and Sustainable Business Practices 34:20 - Overcoming Misconceptions and Practical Steps Forward 45:40 - Technology as a Force for Sustainable Innovation 57:10 - Looking Ahead: The Future of Business and Sustainability 1:02:30 - Closing Reflections and Call to Action

I sometimes wonder if I'll ever get to the end of the week and go, "huh, there's nothing to talk about" but that won't be happening anytime soon. This week was a mix of humor and nervous laughter looking at what's happening at the intersection of tech, business, and human experience. Five things made this list this week. (Special thanks to those of you who send stuff my way). Wonka Fiasco - Take a look, and you'll see...a world of pure disappointment. AI is a great tool for enhancing what you already can do relatively well, but it's not a magician as an event group discovered in Glasgow. It may be able to make some dynamic and wonderful marketing materials, but people don't respond well when the real experience falls flat. 4-Day Work Week - There's been growing interest in the question of whether a 4-day work week could actually work. 61 companies in the UK committed to it and after over a year, it turns out it's netting some really positive results. So, should everyone jump on the bandwagon? Maybe not, but there's some interesting insight to take from the trail. Apple EV - If you had your eyes set on buying an iSedan in the future, I hate to let you down. While many may not have even known Apple was exploring electric vehicles, they were....until this week. As they refocus their resources on GenAI, it's an indication that AI isn't going anywhere and will be the electricity or Internet of our day. GenAI Gone Mad - How would you react if Gemini responded to your prompt for a picture of the founding fathers with a Black George Washington or a prompt for CoPilot to brainstorm was met with a demand to worship or face severe consequences? Probably not well, as many people did not. But what's really going on here? Should we build a bunker? I don't think so, but you'll have to hear why. Robot Apocalypse - While we're probably fine with Skynet as a Texas Internet Provider, I'm guessing society isn't quite ready for robots to show up at your front door, especially if its AI is having a bad day like OpenAI's was last week. Well, they may show up much sooner than you realize. If you haven't heard of Figure.ai, they're making waves as all the big tech is throwing money at their humanoid robots. Maybe now we should build a bunker....or at least start making robot-friendly casseroles. Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction 2:18 - Wonka Fiasco 8:15 - 4-Day Work Week 15:00 - Apple Electric Vehicle 18:04 - Generative AI Gone Mad 29:38 - Robot Apocalypse #GenAI #Robotics #ai #artificialintelligence #futureofwork

How often do we take for granted the power of understanding every word we hear or read? This week, I'm chatting with Anuja Dhawan from Dübverse to dive into how AI is making the world a more inclusive place through content accessibility. It's not just about reaching more people; it's about truly connecting with them, no matter where they are in the world. For many of us, navigating content in English is a breeze, but imagine hitting a wall of text in a language you barely understand. This is the daily reality for countless individuals, impacting their work and their ability to engage with content that matters. In the past, bridging this gap meant pouring endless hours and significant resources into translations, often with mixed results. Now, AI is shifting the landscape, making it simpler and more efficient to bring content to everyone, in a language they can understand. This episode is more than a discussion; it's a practical look at how we're moving forward, breaking down barriers and making sure that when it comes to content, no one is left behind. So join us as we map out this journey towards a more inclusive world of content, powered by AI. And, if you don't get a chance to listen to full episode, be sure to subscribe to the cliff-notes version on Substack: https://christopherlind.substack.com Show Notes: 00:00 - 05:00 - Introduction 05:01 - 15:00 - Understanding the Challenge 15:01 - 30:00 - AI to the Rescue 30:01 - 45:00 - The Human Experience in Digital Content 45:01 - 55:00 - Breaking Down Barriers 55:01 - 01:03:01 - Looking Ahead

A lot has happened since last week's update, with some major developments in tech. This is a clear indication that the pace of change is not slowing. This week I've got five things that were brought to my attention this week. (Special thanks to those of you who send stuff my way). End of Humanity - A listener shared an article about Eliezer Yudcowski's lastest predictions, suggesting humanity could end as early as 2 years from now. I don't adhere to the doomsday narrative; however, there is some wisdom in what's driving the prediction. Nueralink Success? - The headlines are saying patients are now successfully controlling a computer with their minds. Regardless of how you feel about it, we're moving into a new age of people mixed with machines. This means you'll need to be prepared to make decisions on how far we're willing to go. Air Canada Chatbot Chaos - "The AI Did it!" It was only a matter of time before AI did something a company didn't like and the solution was to throw it under the bus. However, the law isn't in favor of an AI scapegoat, which should be an encouragement for what's ahead. Open AI Sora - The progress in advanced AI content creation marches on, and if you haven't seen Sora's ability to turn a simple text prompt into an incredible, realistic video, check it out. However, it's not in everyone's hands and that's a good thing. Is society ready for what this brings? I don't think so. Risks to Flexible Working - As if proximity bias wasn't already a problem, the latest fears around AI may present some new and heightened risks to flexible working. While I hope I'm wrong on this one, it's a risk we should all be prepared to address. Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction 2:09 - End of Humanity 6:20 - Nueralink Success? 10:26 - Air Canada Chatbot Chaos 17:06 - Open AI Sora 23:15 - Risks to Flexible Working

Are we leveraging technology to its fullest potential when it comes to the learning and development of employees? This week I'm releasing a special episode with Donald H. Taylor, Lead Researcher for the Global Sentiment Survey, in preparation for the release of the report. In our conversation, we not only explore some of the key insights that come from the report but what they mean. As you can imagine, artificial intelligence plays a dominating role but perhaps not how you'd expect. We discuss the rapidly evolving role of AI as well as what it means for employees and emerging professionals alike, connecting the changes we're seeing today to historical transformations like electricity and the smartphone. At a time when it feels like everything is changing, this may help calm the nerves of folks feeling justifiably overwhelmed. Furthermore, we get into some of the challenges that lay ahead and what we can do to mitigate the risks associated with those challenges. Making these shifts will not only serve as a benefit to those looking to leverage technology but will also serve as a guiding light to staying relevant and valuable in an organization. If you're curious how to navigate the rapidly changing of learning and technology, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. You can access the survey here: https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/survey/ And, if you don't get a chance to listen to full episode, be sure to subscribe to the cliff-notes version on Substack: https://christopherlind.substack.com ***Show Notes*** 0:00 - Introduction 03:45 - Introduction to Donald H. Taylor and the Global Sentiment Survey 12:17 - The Role of AI in L&D: 24:53 - Historical Transformations and Learning 37:08 - Successfully Navigating The Changes 49:32 - Addressing & Mitigating Challenges 58:26 - Looking Ahead

In a world currently flooded with daunting headlines about AI, I hope today's conversation will stand as a beacon of positive innovation. Can technology truly help someone overcome an overwhelming cognitive disorder? This week I'm sharing an inspiring conversation I had with Dr. Coral Hoh, the founder and inspirational leader behind Dysolve. Together we explore how, when used properly, AI is not just a tool of convenience but a transformative force in accessibility and equity, offering new hope for individuals with dyslexia and cognitive disorders. This episode isn't just about the mechanics of innovative echnology; it's a testament to the power of AI in radically transforming what as formerly impossible. Amidst the cacophony of AI skepticism, we shine a bright light on the potential for technology to dramatically enhance human capability and bring about a future where cognitive challenges are no longer barriers to success. Tune in for an uplifting journey into the future of education and neurodiversity. And, if you don't get a chance to listen to full episode, be sure to subscribe to the cliff-notes version on Substack: https://christopherlind.substack.com Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction 07:35 - Impact of Cognitive Disorders 15:27 - Unpacking the Technology 24:46 - Brain Plasticity and AI 33:58 - The Importance of Empathy 41:03 - Looking Ahead:

Staying future-focused in no easy task, especially with the pace of change, largely driven by advanced technology. This week is no exception, but hopefully this weekly update will help you stay ten steps ahead. Four things in particular came to my attention this week. (Special thanks to those of you who send stuff my way). Open AI Chipset? - Sam Altman is trying to rise 7 Trillion (yes, Trillion with a 7), so OpenAI can break its way into the chip (and I'm not talking doritos) industry. And, this move is more than just a diversifying the portfolio move. Is AI Driving Layoffs - It's a question on everyone's mind and all the news of companies going through round after round of layoffs isn't helping the situation. While AI has a role, it's probably not a simple as it is often presented. A BS in AI? - The new trend in higher education is to roll out new degree programs in the field of artificial intelligence. That's leaving many professionals and parents wondering if it's the right move to get ahead. You may want to listen to my response before filling out your FAFSA. LinkedIn In-Demand Skills - Despite all the hype around AI and technical capabilities, the skills companies are most in dire need of right now won't show up on the BS in AI curriculum. Does that mean we can just keep doing what we've always done and be fine? Not quite. Show Notes 0:00 - Introduction 2:05 - OpenAI 7 Trillion Ask 7:19 - AI Driving Layoffs 14:52 - BS in AI? 21:00 - LinkedIn In-Demand Skills

In a world rapidly changing in response to technology, how crucial is cross-generational collaboration in guiding the next generation through the labyrinth of the digital age? This week I chatted with Ayush Prakash, a Gen Z author & podcast host from Montreal, to explore the vital role of cross-generational collaboration in equipping the next generations with AI and technology skills. Our conversation covers the challenges and opportunities this digital era presents, and how youth can navigate and harness these changes for their future. We delve into the assumptions about Gen Z as digital natives, the profound impact of social media, and the necessity of guiding them in a world increasingly shaped by technology. We also discuss the importance of older generations' wisdom in complementing the adaptability and tech-savviness of the youth. This episode is essential for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of the digital age and the collaborative efforts required to prepare future generations for success in a tech-driven world. For a summary of the discussion, visit my SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction 7:57 - The Misconceptions of Gen Z as Digital Natives 15:05 - The Impact of Social Media on Youth and Community Values 24:23 - Navigating Technological Changes and Their Psychological Effects 34:08 - The Role of Cross-Generational Collaboration in Tech Adaptation 42:04 - Addressing the Challenges of Identity and Self-Perception in the Digital Age 50:55 - Empowering Gen Z with AI and Tech Skills for a Better Future 1:02:42 - Inspiring a Healthy, Forward-Thinking Perspective in the Digital Era

There is a whole lot happening at the intersection of tech, business, and human experience this week, but there were a few things in particular that made it to the top of my list. Foldable iPhones - Out of the four, this is the lightest in terms of topics. In short, Apple is looking to get into the foldable device space, which leaves this question on my mind. Why? Google Bard is now Gemini - OpenAI is probably the most prominent generative AI name out there, but they aren't the only big dog. This week Google has done some major work on Bard. So much so, they've completely rebranded it to Gemini, and what they've done is a lot more than slap on a fancy new name. Congress vs. Big Tech - We often don't consider the longer-term and less obvious repercussions of major changes, and social media is no exception. We didn't really know how powerful of a tool we were handing out to the massess when it hit the main stage, and now we're seeing some of the longer-term effects. The question everyone seems to want answered is "who's to blame" but perhaps that's the wrong question to be asking. Meta AI Content Tagging - While we may not be able to stop people from creating fake content with AI, we can hopefully help them be more informed by making them aware it was produced by AI. However, it begs the question, what is truly generated by AI, and what is AI-assisted? We we move into age of mistrust, these are important questions that need to be answered. Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction 2:06 - Google Bard is Gemini 12:59 - Big Tech vs. Congress 22:00 - Meta AI Content Tagging

Will 2024 usher in a new era of learning through AI and simulations? This week I'm talking with with Mike Vaughan, CEO of The Regis Group, to delve into how AI-driven simulations are reimagining the possibilities for skill development. We explore the transition from traditional knowledge architecture to immersive, AI-enhanced simulations, offering a hands-on approach to skill development. In our conversation, we talk candidly about the evolution of simulations, highlighting the historical challenges while unpacking how tech has increased accessibility and cost-effectiveness, making them a viable option for a broad range of organizations. We also get into the nitty gritty AI's expanding role in personalizing learning experiences and preparing individuals for real-world scenarios. But we got beyond just about the technology. We discuss the challenges professionals face in adapting to this new landscape, emphasizing the need for a mindset shift away from content and toward experience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of education and work, where AI is not just an aid but a central player in the human development. And, if you want to clif-notes version, visit my SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction 5:12 - Evolution and Accessibility of Simulations 19:23 - AI's Impact on Personalized Learning 31:10 - Challenges to Professional Mindset 39:02 - Integrating AI into Simulation 51:09 - Future of Education & Learning