Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

In week is a dynamic conversation with Jeremy Berman, the Co-Founder and CEO of Dream See Do, a company that's really challenging the norms in talent development and learning platforms. We regularly talk about the need to shift our mindset from using technology as a tool to recognizing its power to transform the human experience. When it comes to corporate learning, it's about moving from 2D to 3D in the way we approach learning experiences. At the core is a long-standing concept rooted in the art of growing and nurturing—whether it's a plant in a pot or a human in an organization. However, many struggle to grasp what getting it right means in the technological age. In the conversation, we didn't shy away from discussing in detail how technology and AI features can actually enhance human connection, not replace it. We unpack the beautiful synergy that comes from blending human intuition with technology. We also delve into why this is all so important for entrepreneurs, leaders, and really, anyone who wants to transform their business. After all, talent strategy is business strategy. So if you're curious about how to genuinely enrich human interactions through technology and take your talent development from 2D to 3D, you've got to check out this episode. I guarantee it will leave you with some serious food for thought. Look forward to having you join the conversation. Until then, keep challenging the status quo! ****Show Notes**** 0:00 - Introduction 1:44 - From Camp Counselor to Music Producer 13:04 - Foray into Transforming Learning Experiences 24:23 - Skill Development Lifecycle | from Idea to Execution 35:04 - Moving from 2D to 3D 42:49 - Change Requires more than Technology 49:40 - The Challenge of Being Ahead of the Curve 54:55 - AI Done Right

Is containment the only path to avoid AI completely destroying humanity? Is containment even possible? If so, what does this look like and how do we get there? This week, I'm responding to another thought-provoking dialogue from a recent Diary of a CEO between Steven Bartlett and Mustafa Suleyman. Having help co-found Google's DeepMind program, Mustafa has no shortage of experience and insight into the AI conversation. His perspective on the need to contain and the way we go about it was intriguing. It was interesting reflecting on his positions and identifying where we aligned and where we diverged. In this video, I respond to a lot of his seemingly Ecclesiastical perspective on embracing the wonder and terror that AI brings and the inevitability of both. I'd also highly encourage you to stick around until the end where I unpack Mustafa's recommendation his future children. While there was tremendous wisdom in it, it was incomplete. So, if you're trying to make sense of all that's happening in the world of AI but are interested in seeing it through a non-traditional set of eyes, check it out. And, if you found this video beneficial, check out more of my content and be sure to subscribe as I continue living life at the intersection of business, technology, and the human experience. You can check out Steven's original DOAC conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTxnLsYHWuI

This week I'm back with an episode that's going to rock your world in terms of skill development and assessment. I sat down with Kian Katanforoosh, the Founder & CEO of Workera, and they are pioneering the future of how we understand, measure, and cultivate skills, all turbo-charged by AI. Now, if you're still living in the dark ages of skill assessment—think multiple-choice tests and outdated metrics—you need to tune in. Kian and I dive deep into what he calls 'signature domains,' these incredibly well-calibrated assessments that provide a multi-faceted view into skill levels. Forget what you think you know about quizzes; we're talking about revolutionary changes that have been validated by psychometricians and backed by data. But hold on, because it gets better. We're not just talking about testing for the sake of testing. This is about aligning skill development with your business objectives. If you've been wrestling with how to shift from being just a content provider to a strategic partner in your organization, this episode is your roadmap. What about AI? Yep, we're going there too. Sometimes the talk around AI gets a little, let's say, dystopian, but we're keeping it real. We shed light on how to involve AI in your processes without losing the essential human touch. I've got to tell you; we had so much to talk about that we barely scratched the surface. We were flooded with questions and topics, and we couldn't even get to all of them in the time we had. That's how rich this conversation was. So consider this a 'to be continued...' because Kian will be back for another round to tackle what we didn't get to cover this time. So, are you curious yet? You should be. Make sure to subscribe, and don't forget to hit that notification bell. Trust me, you won't want to miss what we have coming up. ***** Show Notes ***** 0:00 - Introduction 4:27 - The Myth Of Measurement 10:42 - Deconstructing Skills 20:04 - Durable vs. Perishable Skills 29:22 - Reconstructing Skills (Demo) 40:29 - Assessing Skills 49:08 - The User Experience

This week I had an enriching conversation with JD Dillon, Chief Learning Officer at Axonify where we unpacked the complexity of how AI is revolutionizing the workspace, specifically for frontline workers. We often hear about how AI is the future of business, but JD and I dive into why it's not merely a technological shift—it's a human one. For managers, HR professionals, and frontline employees alike, this discussion is filled with insights that will fundamentally alter how you think about AI in the workplace. Have you reflected on how AI could make work more satisfying? We delve into some of the unlikely opportunities AI presents, like building a career ladder in the least expected roles. We highlight the necessity for adaptability and the benefits it brings to the workforce, opening up new avenues for job satisfaction and career growth. Throughout our discussion, we mention buzzwords like 'upskilling', 'cross-skilling', and 'adaptive learning'. Rest assured, we don't just throw the terms around but delve into how these concepts can be integrated into a robust frontline talent strategy for a transformative impact. So go ahead, click that play button and let's delve into this compelling topic. If you find this conversation valuable, please give us a like and don't forget to subscribe for more thought-provoking content. ***** Show Notes ***** 0:00 - Introduction 5:25 - Response to the AI Hype Cycle 13:25 - Involving Front-Liners in the Change 18:25 - What's Changing; What's the Same 36:22 - How AI Is Improving the Experience 48:43 - Transforming the Cashier Job 54:20 - Call to Executive Leadership

Are successful people dealt a better hand than others, or is available to everyone? When it comes to success, who gets to define it, and what does its successful pursuit look like? This week, I'm responding to another powerful conversation between Steven Bartlett and Bozoma Saint John on The Diary of a CEO. I so appreciated how Bozoma brought an unprecedented level of vulnerability throughout this conversation, where she shared both the wins and losses of her career journey. Her harrowing path would have left many giving up and achieving far less than she has. In the video, I respond to and unpack some of the key themes like that it looks like to overcome adversity, how to build a successful career, demystify work/life harmony, and where we should look to find direction for the right path. You'll want to stick around until the end where I challenge a consistent theme that may lead you down a road you won't realize is a wrong turn until it's too late. So, whether you're early, mid, or late career, there's something in here for everyone. And, if you found this video beneficial, check out more of my content and be sure to subscribe as I continue living life at the intersection of business, technology, and the human experience. Source "The Diary of A CEO" episode is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuVTVOdkmek ***** Chapters ***** 0:00 - Introduction 3:17 - Four Key Themes 7:35 - Being a Rising Phoenix 13:55 - Risks of Being a Chameleon 20:12 - Leadership Isn't a Title 24:51 - The Paradox of Control 35:28 - Radical Independence 40:58 - Every Voice Matters 49:17 - The Collateral Damage of Pain 55:41 - What Opportunities Are You Overlooking? 1:01:05 - Becoming A Parent as a Professional 1:09:49 - Empathizing with Others 1:15:04 - Happiness Comes from Within?! 1:21:47 - Learn from Others; Don't Copy Them

This week on I sat down with Jessie Pagliari, the genius behind Every Day Bliss Co., to delve into something that's been on my mind a lot lately—workplace wellness. While the buzz around this topic is often louder than a rock concert, how many of us are really digging in? Jessie and I took the gloves off and got real about what this means for you, your teams, and even your bottom line. In this spirited chat, we first dive into the pitfalls of a one-size-fits-all approach to wellness programs. Trust me, the idea that "if you build it, they will come" doesn't hold water and you'll want to hear why. We also tackle the skepticism conundrum and delve into the million-dollar question—whose responsibility is workplace wellness anyway? So, if you've ever wondered if wellness is just a corporate fad or something truly transformative, buckle up. This conversation is for you. We're 55 minutes deep and didn't even scratch the surface of everything we wanted to tackle. Smash that 'play' button. Let's go on this journey together and disrupt the status quo of workplace wellness. And hey, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe. We've got a ton more conversations coming your way that you won't want to miss. See you on the other side! ***** Show Notes ***** 0:00 - Introduction 3:27 - The Impact of Wellness 13:30 - Where to Start 25:28 - Intentionally Making Space to Destress 39:58 - The Financial Cost of Ignoring the Problem 47:19 - Personalizing Your Wellness Strategy

Was the release of ChatGPT and the subsequent generative AI models the beginning of the end for humanity? Should we be more concerned about the longer-term implications or the risks right around the corner? In this special episode, I'm responding to another thought-provoking dialogue from a recent Diary of a CEO between Steven Bartlett and Sam Harris. Sam brought to the conversation a unique perspective, looking at the situation through the lens of a philosopher and neuroscientist rather than a technologist. Reflecting on the conversation, there were areas where, despite our differing worldviews, we aligned. However, there were also some specific areas where we diverged. In the video I respond to some of the key themes such as the lack of direct connection between greater intelligence and greater ethics, the immediate threat of misinformation, the erosion of trust in society and the implications, what it really means to be human. I'd also highly encourage you to stick around until the end where I unpack the richness of Sam's recommendation to every person for improving their happiness. I'm not even sure he realized the magnitude buried in the simplicity of his statement. So, if you're eager to challenge your thinking and continue plumbing the depths of AI and the future it brings with it, this video is for you. And, if you found this video beneficial, check out more of my content and be sure to subscribe as I continue living life at the intersection of business, technology, and the human experience. Source "The Diary of A CEO" episode is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmlrEgLGozw ***** Chapters ***** 0:00 - Introduction 2:24 - Big Themes of the Dialogue 5:11 - Is Higher Intelligence Always Better? 12:28 - The Incredible Pace of Machines 17:01 - People Behave like People 19:57 - Two-Factor Authentication for Ethics 22:25 - The Immediate Risks of AI 28:42 - Mitigating the Risks 38:36 - Can We Trust our Intuition? 43:30 - A Return to Humanity 52:34 - Where Does Purpose Come From? 59:50 - Everyone! Do This One Thing

This week I had a fascinating chat with Luis Contreras, the brain behind an innovative AR social application UON that's seriously upping the game. Struggling to grasp how technology can actually enrich our human connections rather than detract from them? This conversation might just flip your perspective. We delved into the delicate balance of meshing the digital with analog, and trust me, it's about more than placing furniture in your room or adding a filter to your selfie. Remember those small yet meaningful moments you wish you could share with the world that a picture doesn't do justic? Or have you ever wanted to literally walk a mile in someone's shoes? Luis gives us a sneak peek into how AR can bridge that gap, making human experiences more relatable, immersive, and honestly, a lot more fun. But hey, I won't give too much away here. Dive into the video, hear our insights on AR's potential, and maybe even get a fresh perspective on tech's role in your daily adventures. Don't just take my word for it - click play, and let's journey into the augmented realm together! P.S. If you ever fancied going on an AR-driven date, you might just find a tip or two! ***** Chapters ***** 0:00 - Introduction 4:43 - Enriching Human Experience with AR 13:22 - The Intersection of AR & Social Media 27:05 - Where It All Began 35:58 - The Product Journey 44:16 - A More Connected Future 55:14 - Sharing The Human Experience with Others

Hey everyone, Christopher here with another Learning Tech Talks. This week was an insightful conversation with the remarkable Helen Marshall, Chief Learning Officer at THRIVE. While we started on our shared experiences in building community, we dove deep into the crux of AI's potential in the L&D landscape and how it intertwines with the undeniable human need for connection. After all, the future of AI isn't just about the code; it's about how we harness its power to unlock our inherent human capability. Together we discussed how AI can enhance our learning experiences without overshadowing the fundamental human elements. And yes, our chat surprisingly touched on the nuanced world of skills terminology and the unexpected charm of donuts.Throughout the discussion we explore the ethical boundaries of AI, its potential pitfalls, and the wonders of personalization. But amidst all the tech talk, one thing became clear: the need for human connection isn't going anywhere, and it's our responsibility in the L&D world to nurture it. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or someone passionate about the world of learning and development, this conversation has something for you.Don't miss out on this exploration; hit that play button and join us in pondering the intricate dance of technology and humanity. See you inside!***** Chapters ******0:00 - Introductions6:03 - The Power of Community21:05 - The Ambiguity of AI25:45 - Getting AI Right in L&D40:46 - The Changing L&D Tech Stack50:13 - Mitigating the Risks of AI56:03 - Defining Personalization

Hey everyone, in this Learning Tech Talks, I had an absolutely enlightening conversation with the incredible Ben Brooks, Founder & CEO of PILOT. We took on leadership and all the ambiguity that comes with it. Through the dialogue, we deconstructed what leadership really means and how to strike that balance between guiding firmly and letting innovation soar. Ever wondered about the sweet spot between a tight-fisted grip and a laissez-faire approach in leadership? We touched upon that and SO much more. We brought forward a number of compelling reasons why we need to redefine leadership, underlining the immense value of diverse perspectives and opportunities for employee growth. If "What defines an empowering workplace?" is a question on your mind, our discussion might just illuminate some answers. Hopefully this conversation helps you recognize leadership is more than a title; it's a universal suite of things that everyone need to do well, albeit with their own unique flavor depending on their situation. ***** Chapters ****** 0:00 - Introductions 4:09 - What Is Leadership? 16:59 - Why Getting It Right Matters 27:18 - Shared Responsibility Between Managers & Employees 36:28 - Making Leadership Development Accessible 49:09 - Leaving Room For Flexibility 55:15 - Relinquishing Control