Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

Productivity isn't just about doing more – it's about creating a life that's more purposeful, balanced, and fulfilling. This week we're going beyond the ordinary, diving into the heart of true productivity. To navigate that with me, I'm joined by Brian Nelson-Palmer, the founder of Productivity Gladiator, who is committed to revolutionizing the productivity landscape in people's personal and professional lives. In our discussion, we'll explore strategies and life hacks, honed from years of experience and success. Brian brings with him a wealth of knowledge from his diverse background, including his roles as a fitness instructor and rock band drummer. This episode isn't just about ticking off tasks on a to-do list; it's about redefining what productivity means in your life. Together we'll explore the secrets of effective time management, how to achieve a harmonious work-life balance, and the practical steps you can take to enhance your everyday productivity. This won't just be about ticking off tasks on a to-do list; it is the key to redefining what productivity means in your life. I'm confident everyone will find something in here for them. And, be sure to read the complete summary on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction 08:45 - Brian's Journey to Productivity 17:30 - Balancing Life and Productivity 26:10 - Effective Planning Strategies 34:55 - The Power of Saying 'No' 43:20 - Leveraging Technology for Productivity 52:35 - Closing Thoughts

This week there are four items top of mind on the weekly update. Three of the suggestions come from viewers/listeners, so keep them coming. Employee Etiquette Training - That's right, as employees are coming back to the office, some employers aren't too keen on the habits they've picked up in the remote world. Naturally, the response is to send people to etiquette school. Wait, what?! Return to Work Craziness - The fanfare continues as companies go to great lengths trying to convince their employees the office is a wonderful place to be. However, are these comical, sometimes downright ridiculous efforts causing more damage than good? DEI on the Decline - A recent report shows hiring of DEI roles is down almost 50%, so should we conclude that DEI is no longer a priority? I think there's more to the story, but you'll have to check it out. Apple Vision Pro - Preorders are sold out, so should we expect to run into people on the street walking into streetlamps as they try and stay current on their favorite shows? Probably not, but what does this mean for XR tech? Show Notes0:00 - Introduction 2:06 - Employee Etiquette Training7:33 - Return to Work Craziness 17:13 - DEI on the Decline25:35 - Apple Vision Pro

Is best-in-class education a key pillar of your product strategy? If not, it should be. This week I talked with Steven Cornwell, SVP of Customer Education Strategy at Gainsight, about the critical importance education plays in driving a successful product strategy. While often treated as an afterthought or nice to have, done right it has the capability to transform your business. However, it's more than haphazardly scheduling some webinars, having your existing staff "train" people when they see fit, or populating a website with digital content. It's an intentional focus on understanding the customer's biggest challenges and architecting solutions that meet customers where they are rather than pulling them somewhere else. While this opportunity area has room for improvement, there have been significant strides in the attention it receives from business leaders and advancement in technology designed to optimize the capability. So, if you have any involvement in driving product or service strategy and are curious what the future holds, you'll want to check out our conversation. And, be sure to read the complete summary on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction to Customer Education and Experience 6:18 - Evolution from Traditional Training to Digital Platforms 18:32 - The Future of Customer Experience and Education Integration 28:38 - Innovations and Challenges in the B2B Software Industry 39:57 - Expanding Career Opportunities in Customer Education 49:57 - The Role of AI in the Future of Learning and Education 57:43 - Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

This week is a slight divergence from the usual weekly update. Steven Bartlett recently had a conversation with Yuval Noah Harari on Diary of a CEO on the state and future of artificial intelligence. You can find the original conversation here, but if you listen to my intro, I encourage discernment before consuming: Yuval brought an interesting perspective as a historian, and after listening to the conversation, I wanted to share some of my thoughts and reactions to the dialogue. Despite our different worldviews, there were many points of mutual agreement as well as wisdom and insight worth considering. At the same time, I felt there were a few missed opportunities to go deeper or provide an alternative point of view. Finally, the discussion was rather heavy and esoteric, so I brought some practical and individual actions everyone could take without feeling overwhelmed by what is largely an inevitable future many have little influence over. I'll be back next week with the usual commentary. I've had a few people share some topics already, so I've got the agenda lined up. However, if you have additional topics, feel free to send them along. Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction & Initial Reactions/Consideration 4:03 - Big Picture Highlights 5:04 - The Pace of Change 11:15 - Human & Tech Intersection - The Complexity of the Human Mind 16:02 - Will AI Take Free Will 21:32 - Forging Human Relationships 27:18 - The Pursuit of Amortality 34:40 - Exploitating of the Vulnerable 38:02 - AI Created Systems 44:32 - AI Impact on Jobs & Skills 52:30 - Practical Applications 59:45 - AI is not for Relationships 1:01:42 - Build Human Relationships 1:03:51 - Read You Bible 1:08:13 - Evaluate AI Promises Carefully 1:12:33 - Know Your Why

January 2024 is well on its way, and the pace of change isn't slowing any time soon. With the couple weeks off work, I had some added time to spend time researching and reflecting on some interesting and thought-provoking topics. Here's this week's update on the three that are top of mind for me. AI in Job Applications - Ethical Considerations: Revisiting the growing trend of AI-assisted job applications and my reflections on the diverse public reactions. Is it fair to consider it "cheating" when using AI for job applications? Perhaps we need to reevaluate how we view technology's role in efficiency and effectiveness.Advancements in Robotics - The Tesla Optimus Case Study: If you're not familiar with the Optimus project, you should be. It's quite the evolution of humanistic robotics. We are getting much closer to more human-like robots. I've got mixed feelings on the rapid progress and potential implications of these developments.Transhumanism - The Future of Human Augmentation: That word means a lot of different things to lots of different people, so I'll define it and focus on the ethical and practical aspects of augmenting human capabilities with technology. From AI cochlear implants to Neuralink's brain-chip experiments, I'll touch on the potential benefits and risks of these innovations, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of ethical and moral dimensions.Show Notes0:00 - Introduction2:20 - AI for Job Seekers11:02 - Humanistic Robots17:40 - The Onset of Transhumanism

What does it take to transform knowledge into actionable behavior change and how is technology changing that? This week I dug into this with Chris Taylor, Founder & CEO of Actionable.co. Our conversation explores the intersection of technology, behavior, and learning, unraveling the intricacies of how behavioral analytics can not only measure but significantly enhance the transfer from knowledge to skill. We deep dive into the critical difference between enjoyable experiences and those that fundamentally change behaviors. It also highlights the pivotal role of AI in analytics, which emerges as a beacon of hope, offering insights into individual and collective learning patterns and driving the evolution of sound practices. But it's not just about technology. We also touch on the human elements - the challenges inherent in altering behaviors, the importance of setting clear, achievable objectives, and the need for a consultative approach that values incremental progress and empowers employees. This episode is crucial listening for anyone invested in harnessing the power of knowledge to create real, measurable change in both personal and professional landscapes. And, be sure to read the summaries on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com Show Notes: 00:00 - The Interplay of Technology and Behavior Change 10:26 - Misconceptions of Behavior Change and the Knowing-Doing Gap 20:08 - Technology’s Role in Enabling and Measuring Behavior Change 32:08 - Setting Clear Goals for Learning Programs 41:00 - Personalization in Learning and Behavior Change 50:38 - Data Analytics and AI in Learning: Present and Future 01:02:16 - Closing Thoughts: Harnessing Technology for Better Learning Outcomes

We are into the first week of January and there are already lots of exciting things to watch in 2024. This week's future-focused weekly update hits on three that are top of mind for me. AI's Dual Impact on Job Market: It's a complex world when you explore AI's role in job displacement and creation. There are conflicting reports and projections highlighting the need for cautious and discerning leadership in navigating AI's impact on employment. As leaders, we need to engage in open dialogues and proactive strategies to stay ahead in an era of uncertainty and disruption. Quantum Computing's Leap Forward: I hit the basics of quantum computing and its potential to revolutionize processing power. With predictions of quantum computing hitting the mainstream in 2024, we need to consider the implications for AI, pharmaceuticals, finance, and business optimization. When it lands, it will amplify technological advancements, posing exciting opportunities and new risks. The Power Crisis in Tech Advancement: We can't ignore the energy demands of rapidly advancing technologies like AI and quantum computing. It's easy to forget the significant electricity consumption by data centers and tech giants, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable power solutions. I'm optimistic given the developments in fusion energy, a potential game-changer for clean and efficient power generation, and the evolving landscape of renewable energy sources. 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!

Can a simple cough reveal the hidden story of your health? In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the groundbreaking intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare with my guest, Kitty Kolding, Co-Founder & CEO of RAIsonance. Discover how AI is transforming a common human cough into a sophisticated diagnostic instrument. Kitty sheds light on the challenges, skepticism, and breakthroughs in integrating AI into the healthcare sector, and how this technology is increasing diagnostic efficiency and democratizing healthcare access globally. This conversation is not just about technology; it's about a paradigm shift in healthcare – a leap towards more accessible, equitable, and personalized medical care. Whether you're a healthcare professional, tech enthusiast, or simply someone intrigued by the future of medicine, this episode offers crucial insights into how AI is reshaping our approach to disease diagnosis and management. Show Notes: 00:00 - Journey to Innovation 20:06 - RAIsonance Unveiled 24:51 - Affordability and Accessibility 30:10 - AI and Disease Patterns 45:55 - Beyond Diagnosis 51:20 - Future of AI in Imaging

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.