Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

This is an unguarded and deeply personal episode as I engage in a profound conversation with Pete Sena, Founder & CEO of Digital Surgeons. Our dialogue traverses the unpredictable landscapes of entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the relentless pace of technological innovation.We delve into the heart of what it means to confront life's 'diapers and dumpster fires' – those unexpected, often chaotic moments that challenge our resilience and creativity. Pete shares his journey of navigating through the complexities of the tech world, underlining the importance of tenacity and the power of asking the right questions rather than having all the answers.This episode is more than just a conversation; it's a reflection on the trials and triumphs of our times. We discuss the impact of AI, the pressures of rapid success, and the pitfalls of chasing fleeting validation. Through our discussion, we uncover the essence of what it truly means to remain resilient amidst unprecedented change.Whether you’re an entrepreneur grappling with the fast-evolving business landscape, or someone seeking inspiration in these tumultuous times, this episode promises to offer valuable insights. Join us in this candid exploration and find solace, inspiration, and perhaps, a new perspective on navigating the complexities of our modern world. And, be sure to read the summaries on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com **** Show Notes **** 00:00:00 - Setting the Stage for a Candid Conversation 00:05:25 - Embracing Risk and Uncertainty 00:15:40 - Adaptation in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape 00:27:55 - Stories of Resilience and Adaptation00:39:10 - AI, Automation, and Human Creativity 00:52:30 - The Intersection of Technology and Humanity

This week I had a profound and timely dialogue with the Ed Hess, renowned author and Professor Emeritus of Business dministration, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia. Together delved into the heart of what it means to thrive in the uncharted territory of our current AI revolution. Far from a technical how-to, our conversation uncovers the human-centric skills and practices that can lead us through the labyrinth of rapid technological change.As we reflect on the tides of progress, Ed and I explore the paradoxical truth that the best tools for navigating an AI-dominated future have nothing to do with tech savvy but everything to do with mindfulness, gratitude, inner peace, and the power of human connection. We challenge the narrative of fear and overwhelm with actionable steps that promise not just to cope but to transform.Imagine recalibrating your compass to not just survive but flourish in the AI era, turning the waves of disruption into a current that propels you forward. This discussion isn't just about what's coming; it's a call to arms for what's already here and how to harness it with intention and grace.Join us for this journey where we don't just talk about change – we embrace it, we shape it, and we rise with it. Are you ready to rewire your mindset and innovate your spirit? Tune in and let's discover how to evolve not out of necessity, but out of the desire for a richer human experience in a digital world. And, be sure to read the summaries on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com ***** Chapters ***** 0:00 - Introduction 5:08 - The Coach That Changed Everything 15:26 - Mitigating Confirmation Bias 25:41 - Mindfulness As A Business Strategy 31:18 - Intentionally Slowing Down 43:05 - The Power of Questions 50:23 - Control What You Can Control 1:00:45 - Finding the Courage to Take Action

This week I reconnected with Josh Kamrath, the CEO over at Bongo, and we talked about the power of AI to revolutionize the way we understand, measure, and enhance individual competencies, and dug deep into the nitty-gritty of AI's capabilities to create a more holistic, accurate, and scalable method of gauging skills. While highlighting the incredible potential, we didn't ignore some of the inherent risks we need to consider as we think about augmenting our processes and capabilities with AI. That also led to dialogue about the evolving role of a development professional and what it looks like to keep humans in the loop amidst the change. At a time when accountability for meaningful and measurable skill development from business leaders and employees alike continues to rise, the conversation couldn't be more timely. And, be sure to sign up for my Substack for the readers digest version: https://christopherlind.substack.com/ **** Show Notes **** 0:00 - Introduction 3:01 - Intro to Video-Based Assessment 13:40 - Connecting Skills to Performance 21:59 - Keeping Humans in the Loop 30:51 - So Evolving Role of AI 39:32 - Having a Seat at the Business Table 49:09 - Making the Transition

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Rob Eschmann, Associate Professor at Columbia University and the esteemed author of "When the Hood Comes Off: Racism and Resistance in the Digital Era." Our discussion delved into the intricate intersections of technology, activism, and personal ideologies. We explored how technology is shedding light on the prevailing state of racism in society and the transformative role of social media in empowering grassroots movements for change. We also talked about the complexity and resistance to change, even when faced with new information or concrete data. I invite you to join us as we navigate the digital landscape and its positive impact on accountability for understanding diverse experiences. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. So, dive into our conversation and discover how the digital world is reshaping our understanding of race, identity, and activism. And, be sure to read the summaries on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com ***** Show Notes ***** 0:00 - Introduction 6:07 - Understanding Racism in the Digital Era 8:50 - The Role of Social Media in Unmasking Racism 16:06 - The Future of Activism in the Digital Age 37:22 - Aligning on the Definition of Racism 43:52 - The Importance of Diverse Exposure 55:28 - Democratizing Information Sharing 1:04:27 - Exposure to Information Changes Behaviors

Taking a break from the usual monologue, this week I had the privilege of engaging in a profound conversation with the esteemed Kevin Surace a recognized Futurist and influential figure from Silicon Valley. If you aren't familiar with his name, you're certainly familiar with his work and likely use it daily.Throughout our discussion, we delved into the intricate topic of artificial intelligence, its burgeoning role in our everyday lives, and the striking similarities to the early days of Excel in the finance sector. For those curious about the historical trajectory of technology and its impact on occupations – spanning from the invention of the wheel to the advent of ATMs – this conversation promises to enlighten. Additionally, we ventured into the complex terrain of human behavior and its intersection with technology.I won't unveil all the insights here. Instead, I invite you to immerse yourself in our discussion, comprehend the impending future, and contemplate how we, collectively, can maneuver through the current wave of technological advancements. As always, it's essential to remember that beyond the machinery and algorithms, it's the human element that often matters most. Read my top takeaways and reflections on this episode here: https://open.substack.com/pub/christopherlind/p/ai-through-the-ages **** Show Notes **** 0:00 - Introduction 1:18 - The Genesis of Digital Assistants 10:17 - Deconstructing Human & AI Interaction 22:51 - Technology is about Problem Solving 32:04 - From AI to Soundproof Drywall & Windows 43:05 - The History & Interworkings of AI-Language Models 56:42 - The Real Secret to a Leading LLM 1:02:18 - Using AI to Improve Human Skills 1:16:52 - The Impact of AI to Jobs & Work

This week I chatted with a long-time friend and fellow Chief Learning Officer alumni and our conversation did not disappoint. We brought our shared experiences together to share insights, reflections, and some behind-the-scenes tales from our time in the trenches.We delved into the art of building meaningful vendor partnerships and the criticality of staying perpetually curious in a fast-paced industry. Throughout the conversation, we tackled the nuances of strategic partnerships and how to truly be a business ally, not just a function. The depth of our discussion went beyond the traditional realms, touching on the broader implications of strategic decisions and the impact they have on businesses at large.Whether you're in the heart of strategic decision-making or just passionate about driving impactful change in your organization, this conversation is a goldmine. Dive in for a fresh perspective, rich insights, and a dash of our combined experience. Trust me, you won't want to miss this deep dive. Tune in now! Read my top takeaways and reflections on this episode here: https://open.substack.com/pub/christopherlind/p/diary-of-a-chief-learning-officer **** Show Notes **** 0:00 - Introduction 3:01 - From Selling Credit Reports to Mcdonald's Executive 16:14 - Avoiding Order Taking 25:46 - From Objector to Advocate 35:35 - Self Awareness & Proactivity to Mitigate Disruption 42:51 - Changes in the Tech Landscape 49:21 - Innovative Simplicity 54:57 - Curiosity as a Strategic Skill

This week is another thought-provoking conversation with Laura Wells, the Founder and CEO of AwakeTeams. In our discussion we delved deep into the realm of soft skills and how they shape the workplace. We tackled some prevailing myths head-on: the notion that people's brains and capabilities are static and that soft skills can't be quantified or improved upon. Surprise, surprise – we busted those myths wide open! Our conversation also ventured into the symbiotic relationship between trust, communication, and collaboration. Plus, we touched on the fascinating interplay between interpersonal skills and the rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace. To get the full spectrum of insights and the essence of our discussion, I invite you to watch the complete video. Join us and uncover the transformative power of evolving human connections in today's professional world. Read my top takeaways and reflections on this episode here: https://open.substack.com/pub/christopherlind/p/busting-soft-skills-myths **** Show Notes **** 0:00 - Introduction 2:07 - From Consumer Packaging to Brain Science 7:21 - Demystifying Neuroplasticity 12:54 - Transforming Soft Skills Training 21:55 - New Learnings in Neuroscience 32:52 - The Challenge of Behavior Change 44:24 - The Connection to Employee Engagement 54:47 - Overcoming Non-Believers

This week was an electrifying chat with Raj Jha, a true trailblazer in the XR/AI Simulation space. We dove deep into the transformative power of immersive tech, the future of experiential learning, and the incredible potential of generative AI. Remember when we used to debate desktop vs. mobile? Well, the game has changed, and we discussed some of the mind-bending insights on how to use the latest in tech to leapfrog analog methods. But here's the thing: while we touched on the tech, it was the human element, the real-world challenges, and the potential for global impact that truly stood out. From teacher shortages to the quest for equity and access in education, we explored it all. And let me tell you, the future is brighter than you might think! Curious about how AI might just be your new digital coach? Or how we can bridge the gap between traditional and immersive experiences? Well, you'll have to dive into the full video for those golden nuggets. Trust me, it's a conversation you won't want to miss. So, let's keep pushing the boundaries and reimagining the future of together! Read my top takeaways and reflections on this episode here: https://christopherlind.substack.com/p/unlocking-the-future-of-experience **** Show Notes **** 0:00 - Introduction 1:46 - From Automotive Simulations to Human Experience 19:54 - The Effectiveness of Digital Simulation 31:43 - The Adoption of Immersive Tech 39:43 - The Intersection of AI & Immersive Tech 45:10 - Addressing the Talent Shortage 56:36 - Reskilling for Simulation

It's hard to believe it's been four years since the inception of Learning Tech Talks. To recognize the milestone, this conversation is a reflection on the transformative journey our world has been on over the past four years. I delve into significant macro trends, the intriguing intersection of our digital advancements with the essence of human connection, and the pivotal role of personalization in today's tech landscape. As we continue navigating the complexities of an AI-driven world, it's becoming increasingly clear the importance of maintaining human touchpoints. I also highlight a number of key opportunities and offer insights into how to harness the power of technology while staying grounded in our human-centric values. So, if you aim to stay ahead of the curve and ensure relevance in the future, this discussion provides valuable perspectives. Join me as we explore, learn, and chart the path forward. ****Show notes**** 0:00 - Introduction 2:02 - The Continued Evolution of LTT 6:09 - Help Needed 7:24 - Macro Trends 18:02 - Macro Opportunities 31:31 - Skills 35:26 - Operational Excellence 39:24 - Virtual Experiences 47:07 - Adaptive Learning 54:36 - Learning in the Flow of Work 1:00:00 - Improvements to Content Creation 1:07:00 - Improving Accessibility 1:13:00 - Data Visualization & Measurement 1:18:47 - Conclusion

Is it possible for technology to make us fundamentally better at the things that make us uniquely human? It's a bit of a paradox but the potential of what's possible and what's already happening today will blow your mind. In this Learning Tech Talks I'm chatting with Sophie Thompson, one of the brilliant minds behind VirtualSpeech, and let me tell you, it was enlightening. Her founder story sets the stage for why overcoming one of the most paralyzing human skills is so meaningful to her. In our discussion, we delved deep into how the fusion of AI and VR is shifting many paradigms in the ways we approach soft skill development. Ever wondered how the virtual world stacks up against real-world interactions, especially when it comes to diverse personalities? Much closer than you realize, and we unpack why. But what really caught my attention was an unexpected bonus of integrating AI into language learning - Sophie shared some remarkable insights that I believe are going to be game-changers for the continued globalization of everything we do. The more we spoke, the clearer it became that the horizon of skill development is vast and incredibly promising. Curious about what the future holds? Jump into this conversation with us. The future of learning? It's unfolding right here. ****Show Notes**** 0:00 - Introduction 1:55 - Overcoming Social Anxiety with Tech 11:22 - Building Confidence with Soft Skills 21:04 - Using VR Right 33:41 - The Impact of Generative AI 41:57 - The Advancement of Active Learning 54:07 - Making Accessibility Accessible