Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

Lots of exciting things are happening, so this week's future-focused weekly update hits on three of the ones top of mind for me. The Rise of Dual Employment: Allegedly, there are more people working two full-time jobs, and organizations seem to be responding in unhelpful ways. Is remote work threatening employee loyalty and commitment? Does forcing them into the office help? Is it even a problem? Digital Twinning in Training and Operations: I'm excited about the rise in digital twinning, an innovative approach to creating digital replicas of real environments for training and operational excellence. I'll unpack how it's revolutionizing experiential learning and operational efficiency, enabling more focused experimentation and cost-effective solutions. From Generic to Custom AI Bots: As we embark on 2024, we're going to transition from generic generative AI to highly specialized AI bots. I'll share my initial thoughts on the potential and pitfalls of these customized solutions, emphasizing the need for cautious optimism and legal discernment in this rapidly evolving field. And, don't forget to share your thoughts. Also, if there are topics you're curious about, let me know. I'll continue sharing my thoughts in this rapid-fire addition to Future-Focused content. Have a great week!

Is our education system truly preparing children for the rapidly evolving world of tomorrow? I sit down with Dr. Phil Hickman, CEO of PlaBook and innovator at the forefront of educational technology, to explore how AI is transforming the way we approach learning and reading proficiency. We dive into the stark realities of current educational challenges, where a significant portion of children struggle with reading—a skill foundational to all future learning and success. We discuss how AI designed right can revolutionize reading education by not only enhancing the learning experience but also personalizing it, catering to the unique needs of each child. From there we highlight the criticality of reading proficiency into the future of work and how skills like critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving are becoming indispensable. We address the resistance to technological advancements in educational settings and how overcoming this resistance is key to equipping the next generation for a future filled with jobs that don't yet exist.

It's my final day before taking some much-needed time off work for the holidays, and it's got me a little spicy. You'll hear the spice as I talk through some of the latest things happening at the intersection of business, tech, and the human experience. Layoffs Right Before the Holidays: Layoffs are in the air, but are they really saving companies money? Furthermore, when it comes to timing, there's no good time, but could companies be more human-centered when they are the only option? CitiGroup Letting Employees WFH: We're almost four years post-pandemic and companies letting their office employees work from home is still making the news. AI Sniffing Out AI Use in Job Applicants: AI can be a really helpful way to identify and hire great candidates, but as expected, there's no shortage of foolish use. The latest is trying to sniff out candidates that "cheated" on their application with AI. And, don't forget to share your thoughts. Also, if there are topics you're curious about, let me know. I'll continue sharing my thoughts in this rapid-fire addition to Future-Focused content. Have a great week! ****Show Notes**** 0:00 - Introduction 1:05 - Layoffs Right Before the Holidays 7:42 - CitiGroup Let's People WFH 11:34 - AI Sniffing AI-use in Job Hunting

Are we truly prepared for the seismic shifts in the workplace that 2024 promises to bring? This week I reconnected my good friend Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research and Advisory, to unpack some of the latest workplace data of 2023 and deconstruct how it fits into the evolving landscape of the modern workplace and the pivotal role of AI in shaping our professional futures. We dove into the crucial gap between employer wellbeing initiatives and employee realities, the shifting dynamics of career mobility, and the impactful role of AI in reshaping leadership and talent acquisition. This conversation is vital as we consider the nuances of employee engagement and the balance between AI efficiency and human leadership in the future of work. Listen in for an insightful discussion that offers valuable perspectives as we all prepare for navigating work in 2024 and beyond. Show Notes: 00:00- Introduction and Key Research Findings 20:37 - AI in Leadership and Management 35:02 - Personalization and Workplace Belonging 45:20 - Leadership Selection and Development 54:12 - Career Mobility and Employee Preferences 1:01:50 - Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

Have you heard the recent uproar surrounding Sports Illustrated's use of AI-generated content and fictitious authors? As we stand at the crossroads of technology, business, and human integrity, this incident opens up Pandora's box of ethical questions and challenges in modern journalism. In this week's update, I'll navigate the complex layers of this scandal, exploring how AI is reshaping the landscape of content creation and the implications it has for authenticity and trust in media. I'll share my candid thoughts on the heart of this dilemma, where the lines between human creativity and machine intelligence blur. Your views, comments, and debates are welcome.

I had the chance to sit down with Peter Schroeder, Founder & CEO of Telzio, whose eclectic journey through media, music, and technology redefines the orthodox path to success in the tech industry. It showcases that the stereotype of people who end up thriving in tech is misleading. During our conversation, we delve into how a non-linear career trajectory, interlaced with the challenges of ADD, can cultivate a distinctive approach to innovation. Peter's insights demonstrate the potential to leverage personal experiences into professional strengths, offering a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship against industry titans and the rise of personalized communication technology. Check it out and discover how thinking outside the traditional career box can lead to groundbreaking advancements and a more humanized approach to tech. ***** Show Notes ***** 00:00 - Introduction 10:30 - Tech Myths Uncovered 20:15 - ADD & Tech Creativity 30:00 - Tech’s Communication Future 40:45 - Underdog Market Entry 50:30 - Tech Personalization Trend 59:10 - Disruption & Innovation

Are we on the brink of a new era in learning and development, one where artificial intelligence not only assists but fundamentally transforms how we grow and adapt? In this solo episode, I delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and its profound implications for our professional and personal lives. As AI takes on more technical tasks, the spotlight shifts to uniquely human skills like creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. I dissect how every professional must pivot from traditional methods of learning to leveraging AI to create more efficient, personalized learning experiences. This episode is more than just an exploration of AI's role in learning and development. It's a call to action for continuous learning and adaptability in an age of unceasing technological advancements. And, be sure to read the summaries on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 16:01 - The Evolution and Impact of Generative AI 33:22 - From Content Creation to Analytics and Action 49:09 - Action Learning and Real-Time Feedback 01:00:26 - Technology to Watch in 2024 01:09:28 - Accepting AI as Inevitability

Are we on the brink of an AI-driven renaissance in business? This is the question that resonated in my mind as I engaged with Gavin Lira, CEO and Founder of The Empathy Firm, this week. We dove deep into the transformative power of AI, exploring how it's not just reshaping our business operations but fundamentally altering our cultural landscapes. Through the course of the dialogue, we unpacked the profound implications of AI in creation and business strategy. Gavin shared his insights and personal experiences with AI, demonstrating how it’s revolutionizing everything from crafting compelling narratives to scaling services unimaginable just a few years ago. We delved into the intricate dance of integrating AI into our businesses, balancing efficiency with the preservation of intellectual property, and nurturing a culture that doesn't just adapt to AI but thrives alongside it. Together, we peeled back the layers of what it means to future-proof your business in an era where AI is no longer a distant possibility but an inevitability. This episode is more than just a discussion; it's a journey into the heart of business innovation, inviting you to reflect on the role of AI in your own professional landscape. ***** Show Notes ***** 0:00 - Introduction to AI in Business 11:36 - Embracing Change: AI's Role in Evolving Workplace Culture 20:19 - AI Creating and Solving Problems in Business Operations 39:40 - Practical Applications of AI in Business 53:10 - AI in Service-Based Businesses: Defensive vs. Offensive Strategy 1:04:41 - The Legal and Ethical Implications of AI Decision-Making

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the sanctity of data privacy and the intricacies of data security have become more than just buzzwords; they are pivotal elements that define the very core of our digital existence. I had the privilege of sitting down with JB Benjamin, CEO & Founder of Kryotech, to delve deep into the world of data defense. As we navigated through the complex maze of data security, JB Benjamin shared insights that challenge conventional thinking and shed light on the critical importance of protecting our digital footprint. This discussion isn't just a technical deep dive – it's a journey into understanding the multifaceted dimensions of data privacy, the ethical implications, and the unseen battles fought in the cybersphere every day. From exploring the latest advancements in cybersecurity to addressing the common misconceptions that surround data protection, our conversation ventured beyond the surface. It’s an exchange that unveils the hidden intricacies of digital security and the relentless pursuit of innovation in this domain. Join us in this captivating session as we unravel the complexities and master the art of data defense. It’s a conversation that promises to leave you more aware, more informed, and more prepared for the digital era ahead. And, be sure to read the summaries on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com **** Show Notes **** 0:00 - From Quantum Physics to AI: The Journey Begins 5:00 - The Creative Mind in Tech: Merging Art and AI 12:00 - Unmasking Data Privacy: The Hidden Dangers 28:00 - The Future of Leadership: AI at the Helm 35:00 - Transforming Tech: A New Era of Data Privacy 51:00 - Empowering Individuals: Simple Steps for Data Protection 1:00:00 - The Power of Choice and Critical Thinking 1:05:00 - Concluding Thoughts: The Role of Individual Action

What happens when the worlds of artificial intelligence and local governance collide? In this Learning Tech Talks, I sit down with Mayor Josh Penner to explore the transformative impact of AI in the public sector. We're not just talking tech jargon; we're delving into how AI is revolutionizing policy-making, community engagement, and operational efficiency in tangible, real-world ways. Listen in as we discuss AI-driven solutions that are tackling urban challenges and reshaping citizen experiences. But the journey with AI isn't without its complexities. We navigate through the maze of ethical considerations and the critical balance between technology and governance. And here's a twist – this episode isn't just for public servants. We uncover the surprising ways in which Josh's experiences with AI in local government have significant implications across various industries. This conversation is a must-listen for any business professional seeking to understand the broader impact of AI. Discover why embracing AI is crucial in your industry and how it's shaping the future of professional landscapes. And, be sure to read the summaries on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction: Exploring AI's Impact on Governance 08:15 - AI in the Public Sphere: Challenges and Adaptations 18:30 - Ethical Implications and AI in Policy Making 29:45 - Transforming Workforce Dynamics with AI 39:10 - Leadership in the Age of AI: Navigating New Challenges 48:50 - The Future of AI in Local Government and Beyond