While last week's update was a slight deviation, this week I'm back to the usual rundown of the latest happenings at the intersection of business, tech, and human experience. And, what a rundown it is. With that, let's get to it. OpenAI Strawberry - OpenAI isn't getting into the healthy living space, but they are trying to make their LLMs think more critically. Is it working? You'll have to listen for my honest opinion, but let's just say it's more of something alright. Instagram Teen - While teenagers will always find a way around rules, I commend Meta for taking formal steps to protect youth from the dangers of social media. However, to all the parents out there, I wouldn't advocate you relegate your parenting responsibilities. After Hours WFH Drama - Your daughter makes a cameo on your 8:30 pm video call, and the next thing you know, you've got a meeting with HR. It sounds too crazy to be real, but truth is often stranger than fiction, as a marketing exec discovered. $10M AI Scam - Artificial bands making artificial music for an artificial audience, to the tune of 10M in royalties. It's certainly one way to put your musical talents to work, but it might also land you in prison for the rest of your life, as one North Carolina musician is discovering. $2k Fusion Reactor - Clean energy may be closer than we realize but in a very unexpected way. A college student recently combined his skills with Amazon and Anthropic, building a desktop fusion reactor for under 2k. Might want to put a hold on that spendy solar conversion. Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, Christopher explores the latest in AI advancements with OpenAI's 'Strawberry' model, also known as O1. The discussion dives deep into its capabilities, limitations, and potential impacts on user behavior and misinformation. Additionally, he shares his thoughts on Instagram's new teen settings aimed at creating a safer social media environment for younger users, along with practical advice for parents. Next, he objectively discusses the unexpected predicament a marketing executive found himself in when his daughter briefly cameoed a work meeting. Next, he examines a controversial case of AI-generated music fraud, involving a musician who used AI to create fake bands and fake listeners, leading to significant financial gains and legal consequences. Finally, he spotlights a groundbreaking achievement by a college student who built a working fusion reactor for $2,000 using parts from Amazon, demonstrating the incredible potential and simultaneous risks of AI-driven innovation. Tune in for a riveting discussion on the interplay of technology, ethics, and human experience. 00:00 - Introduction 01:59 - OpenAI's Project Strawberry: What's New? 14:56 - Instagram's New Teen Settings: A Safer Social Media? 25:29 - A Marketing Professional's Unexpected Incident 35:26 - Musician's AI Scam Exposed 43:38 - College Student Builds Fusion Reactor 50:04 - Final Thoughts and Future Prospects #ai #cleanenergy #flexibleworking #instagram #socialmedia

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you’ve had a phenomenal week.So, this Weekly Update is a deviation from my usual format. I’ll be back to usual next week, so if this is your first listen, you’re welcome to check out previous updates to familiarize yourself to the style. However, this week, I felt compelled to respond to a recent episode of Diary of a CEO (DOAC) between host Steven Bartlett and guest Yuval Noah Harari on the state of society and the role AI is playing on it. What I appreciate most about Harari is he’s an historian, not a tech guru, which means his reflections connect the past to the present and the potential future. The conversation is long, heavy, and at times dark, which isn’t for everyone, so I thought I’d to share my thoughts as an alternative. However, you’re welcome to check it out.As a teaser, I dive into the concept of “alien intelligence” and why we’re dangerously underestimating how different AI is from the way we think and the implications that has. I also break down the societal risks of AI, from its growing influence in decision-making to how it might already be shaping your worldview without you even realizing it. Are we at risk of worshiping at the altar of AI, blindly submitting ourselves to the decisions curated by tech? I'll also tackle the issue of information overload—how fear, hate, and greed are served up like junk food—and why we need to rethink what we consume, both physically and intellectually. And, with it being an election year I had to address what happens to democracy when we start viewing anyone who thinks differently as an enemy to be destroyed? Harari predicts complete collapse is possible, and I’ll explain why that should matter to you right now.While the topic is a heavier one, it’s one we all need to have. So, if you care about where AI is taking us and what we can do to ensure we stay human in a world increasingly influenced by machines, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. Listen in, reflect, and let’s stay ten steps ahead together.Show Notes:In this Weekly Update, host Christopher diverges from the usual updates as he reacts to a conversation between Stephen Bartlett and historian Yuval Noah Harari on the 'Diary of a CEO' podcast. The episode is breaks down the reactions into three parts, AI and Tech Implications, Societal Implications, and Solutions. Throughout Christopher examines the dangers and misconceptions surrounding AI, societal trust, the impact of junk information, and the current state of global democracy. Emphasizing the necessity of accountability, trusted institutions, and true interpersonal connections, Christopher encourages listeners to reflect deeply on these topics and take meaningful action. The episode concludes with reflections on the potential collapse of democratic systems and a call for unity and cooperation.00:00 - Introduction & Updates01:16 - Why A Different Weekly Update05:46 - Artificial vs. Alien Intelligence09:05 - AI Decision-Making and Ethical Concerns25:33 - Societal Impacts of AI31:15 - The Age of Distrust34:51 - Finding Ground in Timeless Truths39:07 - The Fragility of Democracy44:15 - The Dangers of Changing Rules50:46 - The Need for Accountability56:42 - The Importance of Unity and Reflection59:16 - Conclusion and Call to Action#AI #Democracy #ArtificialIntelligence #DOAC #Leadership

What if we could accurately predict diseases years before symptoms appear without invasive procedures? How would that transform the troubled landscape of modern healthcare? That's the topic of conversation this week when I chat with Dr. Jonathan Hill, Associate Professor of Cell Biology at BYU and VP of Science and Technology at Wasatch. Together, we're exploring the cutting-edge intersection of AI and DNA sequencing. We unpack AI's hidden potential to decode the complex patterns hidden within our DNA, paving the way for early diagnosis and better treatment options. In our conversation, Dr. Hill shares how his pivot from traditional medicine led to his current work at the forefront of biological research. You'll learn more about his team's innovative work in DNA methylation and how AI-driven diagnostics could radically change the landscape of modern medicine. In parallel, we talk through some of the challenges of innovation, like the chasm between academic research and practical execution, the importance of change management, and how, despite its tremendous potential, AI isn't for everything. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about the future of medicine, you'll walk away from this one both inspired and informed. So, come check out how the secrets encoded in our DNA are being unlocked, one AI-driven discovery at a time. Show Notes: In this episode, Christopher talks with Dr. Jonathan Hill, an Associate Professor of Cell Biology at BYU and VP of Science and Tech at Wasatch, to explore the intersection of AI and DNA sequencing. The discussion highlights how AI is being leveraged for early diagnostic techniques, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Dr. Hill also shares insights into the collaborative approaches taken to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application. The conversation tackles the essentials of integrating AI models, ensuring the cleanliness of data, and the future of healthcare diagnostics powered by advanced technology. Don't miss this insightful dialogue that unpacks the challenges and breakthroughs in healthcare innovation. 00:00 - Introduction 01:14 - Guest Introduction: Dr. Jonathan Hill 06:56 - Challenges in Translating Research to Practice 13:33 - Collaboration and Innovation in DNA Sequencing 26:20 - Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's with DNA Sequencing 32:10 - Innovative Lab Approaches 34:05 - Challenges and Benefits of Healthcare Innovation 40:46 - AI in Diagnostics: Three Levels of Application 51:22 - Simplifying Diagnostic Processes 01:03:44 - The Future of AI in Healthcare #ai #healthcare #diagnostics #artificialintelligence #Alzheimers 

If you're stateside, I hope you had a phenomenal Labor Day weekend and enjoyed the abbreviated week. It's been a wild one here on the personal front and the intersection of business, tech, and human experience. With that, let's get to it. New Beginnings - I've been hinting that I had some personal news coming for the past couple of weeks, and the secret is out. My wife and I recently gave birth to baby #8, and it's been a fantastic new beginning on the heels of the end of my time at ChenMed. Yet, there's been some essential life lessons learned through the experience. Canva Price Gouging? - 400% price hike?!? Say what?! While many are reeling from Canva's recent pricing changes, there's more to it than meets the eye. While I'd have had some spirited conversations about the strategy, it makes sense, given the cost associated with their AI investment. However, was their investment in things any of their customers wanted? AI Active Listening - It's strange when you open your favorite social app, and that thing you were just talking about shows up as a "promoted post," but is it the result of CMG's active listening? I'm not entirely convinced, but I still think there's reason to shine a light on the matter. Gen Z Office Drama - Those darn Gen Zers and all their needs, amirite?! Reading WSJ's article about how much bosses struggle with their Gen Z employees got me visibly upset for many reasons. We're dealing with individuals, not a group of clones. And, from what I can tell, everything they're asking for seems pretty reasonable. But hey, shameless plug for how I can help. Hallucinations Gone Wrong - Imagine you ChatGPT yourself only to get a comprehensive description that's completely false and defamatory. Well, as one German court reporter discovered, it's not a possibility left to our imaginations. The sadder part was the lack of legal recourse to amend the problem. Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, Christopher shares a major personal update of welcoming a new baby while transitioning from his previous job. He discusses the complexities of keeping personal news private and the societal pressures of living up to others' expectations. The episode transitions into significant tech news, including a massive price hike by Canva and the controversial leaked presentation about data harvesting by Cox Media Group. He also addresses misconceptions about Gen Z in the workplace and highlights the importance of individual relationships. Lastly, the he covers the implications of AI errors, using the example of a court reporter wrongly labeled by an AI tool, and emphasizes the need for vigilance in digital footprint management. 00:00 - Introduction 01:15 - New Beginnings: Welcome Baby 8 11:53 - Canva's Price Hike: Hidden Costs of AI 23:01 - Leaked Presentation: Privacy Concerns with Smart Devices 31:40 - Gen Z in the Workforce 39:28 - AI Slander: Dangers of AI Misinterpretation 45:50 - Final Thoughts and Cautionary Advice #AI #GenZ #Leadership #Parenting #Futureofwork

Happy Friday! We have officially made it to the end of summer 20204. Can you believe it?! While temperatures may be cooling down, tech and workplace changes continue heating up. So, let's get to it. Layoff Influencers - I hadn't heard of the term layoff influencer until this past week, and no, it's not people helping influence companies toward layoffs. Read any headlines, and you'll know they don't need help being pushed in that direction. We're talking about the rising trend of people sharing their layoff experience. Is this helpful or harmful? Depends on who you ask. Private Jet Commute - While there's no shortage of outrage over the new Starbucks CEO and his 1000-mile private jet commute, I can't help but dig beneath the surface concern. Commercial or charter, why are companies still so convinced an executive's physical presence is so necessary? Last I checked, executives don't emit gamma radiation that turns people into superhumans. Rising AI Concerns - AI is showing up in company annual reports, but not for the right reasons. A recent study showed an almost 500% increase in public mentions by top companies that believe AI is a significant threat. While I'm happy companies are starting to recognize risks, the clear miss is how many still don't understand the benefits. AI isn't the risk; your strategy and execution are! Procreate Anti-AI - "I {explicative} hate generative AI!!" Those are strong words coming from the CEO of a creative tech company. However, a deeper investigation shows the only generative AI this CEO seems to consistently hate is the kind that does tasks he personally believes people should do. Is this a valid argument against AI or a personal bias gone wild? Bye, Bye Dev Jobs? - "You've got a max of two years before all your jobs are gone, software developers," according to Amazon CEO. Well, not really. More like, "Developers, your jobs are going to change significantly over the next two years, so you'll need to adapt," according to Head of AWS, a division of Amazon. Funny how headlines tell one story while the details tell another. Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, host Christopher Lind provides valuable insights on various topics at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. He begins by teasing upcoming news for next week's episode. The first segment dives into a Bloomberg article discussing the rise of 'layoff influencers' and the changing culture around job loss. Lind shares his personal experiences and reflections, emphasizing the complexities and biases tied to being open about layoffs. The discussion moves to the controversy surrounding the Starbucks CEO's use of a private jet for commuting and the broader implications for leadership and employee relations. Finally, Lind explores the polarizing views on AI's impact on jobs, citing studies and statements from industry leaders. He cautions against extreme positions and encourages balanced, thoughtful approaches to integrating AI in the workplace. 00:00 - Introduction and Weekly Rundown 01:53 - The Rise of Layoff Influencers 16:17 - The Starbucks CEO Controversy 25:20 - AI: A Growing Threat or Opportunity? 30:49 - Procreate CEO is Anti-AI 38:18 - The Future of Developer Jobs 44:55 - Conclusion: Embracing Change and Staying Ahead #AI #TechTrends #FutureofWork #Equity #Layoffs

In a world where technology constantly pushes boundaries, the idea of creating a digital replica of our physical environment might sound like science fiction. However, it’s definitely not. This week I'm sitting down with Boaz Goldschmidt, VP of Business Development at Treedis, to explore the transformative world of digital twin technology where the analog world is cloned into the digital space. From its unexpected origins it's coming to market with a surprising number of practical applications. Add to that, it has a lot of disruptive potential for a multitude of industries and Boaz shares how his journey that started with him running a pizza bar led him to a cutting-edge tech company. We talk through how digital twins are revolutionizing everything from workforce training and operational efficiency to predictive maintenance and connected worker solutions. We highlight the value this technology brings, not just in simplifying complex processes but in creating more efficient, cost-effective, and safer work environments. So, whether you're a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or someone curious about the future of technology, this episode will provide valuable insights and inspire you to explore the endless possibilities of digital twins. Show Notes: In this episode we explore the transformative potential of digital twin technology. Christopher is joined by Boaz Goldschmidt, VP of Business Development at Treedis, to explore how digital twins are revolutionizing industries from real estate to manufacturing. They discuss the basics of digital twin technology, its numerous applications such as training, maintenance, and IoT data visualization, and the immense cost and efficiency benefits it offers. Key takeaways include the versatility of digital twins, from onboarding and training to advanced use cases like predictive maintenance and operational simulation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the future of digital transformation and its practical implementation. 00:00 - Introduction 01:37 - Meet Boaz: From Pizza to Tech 11:07 - Understanding Digital Twin Technology 18:43 - Capturing Digital Twins: The Process 25:35 - Adoption and Use Cases of Digital Twins 33:08 - The Basics of Digital Transformation 36:49 - Training and Onboarding with Digital Twins 46:44 - Connected Workers and Real-Time Support 53:32 - Visualization of Live Data and Predictive Maintenance 56:57 - Planning and Simulation with Digital Twins 01:03:06 - Conclusion and Future Prospects

Happy Friday everyone, and congratulations on making it to the end of another week. While summer has been filled with changes and is almost in the rearview mirror, things aren't slowing down. This week, I've got another rundown of the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. With that, let's get to it. Grok 2 Mayem - Elon's Grok 2 made positive headlines for its latest AI benchmarks and image generation capability, which lasted for about five minutes. Attention was then immediately shifted to how his decisions for limited guardrails in the name of non-censorship was being grossly exploited and misused. Undressing App Accountability - It's disturbing the growing number of apps that openly brag about their ability to create nude images of anyone you want without their consent. However, the San Fransico district attorney isn't laughing and is about to turn up the heat by bringing a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against the companies. Eric Schmidt's AI Prophecy - Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt knows a thing or two about AI, and even he's acknowledging his need to constantly change his predictions about where things are going. In his latest shift, he's shying away from his former prediction that smaller models are closing the gap between frontier models, but not for the reason you might expect. Cisco's AI Layoffs - Apparently, 10.3B in profit wasn't enough, leading to their second major round of layoffs in 2024. However, there is one major change, and that's their reasoning. While the first big group was chalked up to vague statements about re-alignment, this round was directly attributed to investment in AI. While there may be some merit to the statements, it seems more like the convenient scapegoat companies are jumping on. Replacing Teachers with AI - The invasion of AI isn't limited to the corporate world, as a high school in the UK is planning to compensate for its teacher shortage with AI tools. While there's heated debate coming from both sides, I see legitimate ways this can be done. However, my biggest concern is related to the execution. Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, Christopher explores five significant developments in AI and technology. The episode starts with a detailed discussion on the release and subsequent controversy surrounding Elon Musk's AI model, Grok 2, and its unrestricted capabilities leading to misuse and chaos. Next, he explores the rise of undressing apps and the legal battle initiated by the San Francisco district attorney against 16 popular applications. The conversation also covers Eric Schmidt's revised predictions on the future of AI, emphasizing the growing divide between frontier models and smaller AI players. He then analyzes Cisco's decision to lay off 5,500 employees to invest more heavily in AI, scrutinizing the broader implications and corporate strategies involved. Lastly, the episode examines the UK high school's use of AI to supplement their teacher shortage, evaluating both the potential benefits and risks. Tune in for a comprehensive look at this week's transformative events in the AI landscape. 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Elon Musk's Grok 2 AI Model: A Double-Edged Sword 13:35 The Rise of Undressing Apps and Legal Battles 19:35 Eric Schmidt's Updated AI Predictions 31:35 Cisco's Controversial Layoffs34:26 Challenges of AI Investments 41:35 AI in Education: Clickbait and Reality 50:13 Concluding Thoughts on AI Integration #ai #education #business #layoffs #Grok2

Congratulations on making it through another week, and what a week it has been. While it's been a whirlwind on the personal front, I've still got a rundown for you on the latest happenings at the intersection of business, tech, and the human experience. With that, let's get to it. Chatbot Dependence - I wonder if we'll soon reach a point where you'll be presented with a warning label whenever you attempt to use AI. Based on OpenAI's safety card, perhaps we should be. One of the latest concerns relates to the risk of emotional dependence with its advanced voice mode. While it may seem out there, user dependence is already rising. AI Voice Hijack - What would you do if your chatbot suddenly started talking back to you in your voice? A glitch in OpenAI's advanced voice mode is already making this happen for a growing number of users. And, while the conspiracies circulating about how and why are neither accurate nor helpful, the situation is a cause for concern. AI Bubble Pop - Depending on what news source you read, the AI bubble is either about to completely implode or grow in unprecedented orders of magnitude. Honestly, I predict a mix of both. There are some economic aspects of AI on the verge of collapse. However, I'm confident there's still plenty of untapped growth we'll see before things slow down. Real-Time Faceswapping - A new risk for deepfakes is on the rise as a popular app allows you to become whoever you want on camera by simply uploading a single picture of that individual. Combine that capability with voice cloning, and why bother with the hassle of AI image and video creation tools for deepfakes? With the click of a button, you just become who you want. Does AI Learn? A prominent study from the University of Bath concluded AI does not demonstrate any complex reasoning skills or have the ability to learn without the prompting and direction of a human. So much for the robot apocalypse, right? Maybe not. While AI might not independently devise a plan to destroy humanity, there's nothing stopping someone from prompting AI to pull it off. Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, Christopher examines the latest advancements in AI voice capabilities, particularly OpenAI's advanced voice mode. He explores the potential risks, including emotional dependence on chatbots and voice hijacking, and discusses the ethical implications and societal consequences. The conversation then shifts to the broader AI landscape, examining claims about the AI bubble and what the future holds for AI innovation. Also of concern is a new app allowing users to become someone else on camera using only a photo of the individual. Finally, a recent study from the University of Bath on AI's independent learning capabilities is also analyzed, highlighting the current limitations and potential risks of AI technology. This comprehensive update aims to keep listeners informed and critical about the rapid developments in AI and their impact on human experience and society. 00:00 - Introduction 01:20 - Exploring OpenAI's Advanced Voice Mode 03:17 - Risks of Emotional Attachment to AI 13:01 - Voice Hijacking Concerns 21:29 - Debating the AI Bubble 30:12 - AI Faceswapping and Deepfakes 37:20 - AI's Learning Capabilities: A Study Review 48:33 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts #ai #deepfake #economics #consciousness #AIvoice

Have you ever wondered how the sense of smell could revolutionize healthcare? This week, I sit down with Kordel France, a visionary in AI and olfactory science, to explore this fascinating frontier. Imagine diagnosing diseases not by sight or sound but by scent. It's not science fiction—it's happening now. We explore Kordel’s journey from a tech-savvy farm to the forefront of AI innovation that ultimately led him to discover the remarkable potential of AI to replicate and enhance our sense of smell, enabling breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and even space exploration. We'll talk through the intricacies of developing sensors capable of detecting scents with extraordinary precision and the profound implications this has for early disease detection through breath analysis—offering a non-invasive, swift, and accurate diagnostic method. This conversation is more than just an exploration of technology; it's about envisioning a future where AI augments human capabilities in ways we never imagined. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about the future, this episode promises to inspire and inform. Show Notes: In this episode, Christopher explores the fascinating world of AI and olfactory science with Kordel France. We explore the current state and future possibilities of AI-driven scent detection, from healthcare applications like disease diagnosis through breath analysis to innovative uses in space exploration. Kordel shares his personal journey, the complexities of building hardware-integrated AI systems, and his vision for democratizing olfactory technology through extensive data libraries. This insightful discussion also addresses the evolving roles of humans in the age of AI, providing an optimistic yet realistic view of our technological future. 00:00 - Introduction 01:15 - Meet Cordell France: Journey into AI and Robotics 03:26 - Challenges in Developing AI for Smell 16:06 - Applications of AI in Healthcare 19:06 - The Future of AI and Olfactory Science 30:54 - Challenges in Scent Data Collection 37:03 - The Complexity of AI and Robotics 41:05 - The Role of AI in Future Innovations 53:12 - Exciting Applications and Future Prospects 57:54 - Concluding Thoughts and Future Predictions #AI #OlfactoryScience #HealthcareInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #TechPodcast

Growing up, my biological mom was heavily involved in theater, so the phrase, "The show must go on," was said on many occasions. This week is no exception. Despite the disruption and chaos, one thing that seems to help most is putting one foot in front of the other, with the Weekly Update being one of them. So, with that, here's some of the latest happenings. Layoff Experience - Layoffs are tough to talk about. They're even more brutal to experience. This week, I had the opportunity to do more than talk about them after being informed my position will be eliminated. With everything going on in the world, I know my experience is not unique, so I thought I'd share some of my personal reflection in hope of encouraging someone else. AI & Creativity - Is AI creative? Does it make us more creative? Or, does it accomplish none of the above? This week I dug into a study that was on a mission to answer those questions, and the findings were interesting to say the least. While the study's size and criteria wouldn't serve as concrete evidence, they do put some additional points in the camp that AI + People nets a better result. AI Friend - Would you wear an AI device that listens to everything happening around you and engages with you about it like a true friend? Hard pass here, but the fact these devices keep popping up in different flavors speaks to a trend we'd be wise not to ignore. I still remember when taking out your phone in a social setting was rude. It's not crazy to think a future generation might take that to the next level. EU AI Act - Let's regulate our way out of this AI mess we created, amirite? I'm pretty sure that's not the slogan for the EU AI Act, but maybe it should be. Joking aside, it's about time someone took some significant steps to at least lay out a regulatory framework. Will it be perfect an solve all our problems? No, but we have to start somewhere. And, if you think this doesn't apply because you don't live in the EU, think again. I'm still in therapy for my recurring GDPR nightmares. Show Notes: In this week's update, Christopher shares a personal experience with job loss amidst widespread industry downsizing, highlighting the importance of empathy and support. He also examines the impact of AI on creativity, referencing a study showing that AI can enhance the creativity of average writers. Also discussed is an AI friend pendant designed to combat loneliness, sparking concerns about human connection. Finally, there's a detailed look at the EU's new AI Act, the world's first comprehensive framework to regulate AI, with potential global implications. The episode aims to inform and encourage viewers about current trends and coping strategies in the realms of job loss, AI integration, and industry regulations. 00:00 - Introduction 01:20 - My Layoff Experience 04:32 - Encouragement and Vulnerability 12:24 - Impact of AI on Creativity 23:01 - AI Friend Pendant: A New Trend? 31:43 - EU AI Act and Global Implications 40:56 - Conclusion and Future Updates #ai #regulation #creativity #wellbeing #layoffs