Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

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

With another week coming to a close, I'm bringing you another rundown on the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. From deep fakes to AI burnout, there's a lot going on. With that, let's get to it. SearchGPT - OpenAI has Google in its sights with its latest AI solution, which isn't quite ready for public consumption. Whether they've learned from the AI-search blunders the other big players experienced has yet to be seen. However, the demo video having factual errors in the results isn't a good start. Kamala Harris Deepfake - I'm not sure anyone is surprised to hear deepfake tech is being used in 2024 election media. However, when one of the world's most prominent billionaires violates his own community guidelines to spread it, people get rightfully fired up. Maybe it's time we set aside the tech risks for a minute and address the underlying problems. AI Olympic Surveillance - While millions flocked to Paris to watch the Olympics, they may not have realized they'd be the primary thing being watched by the machines. While there are some practical reasons why, and the way it's being handled seems solid, it's understandable why privacy concerns would be heightened. AI Workload & Burnout - A recent study shows that despite AI's promises, employees are quickly finding themselves with heavier workloads and greater burnout than ever before. A deeper investigation into the data makes it pretty apparent why, and it's not surprising. However, if we don't change course, we're going to have an even bigger problem on our hands. AI Data Crisis - As if it wasn't bad enough that the potential training data runway was running out, legislation and legal matters are tearing up significant chunks of what runway was left. This has many wondering whether we'll continue the exponential growth in AI's capability. Show Notes: Christopher examines the latest developments in the world of business, technology, and the human experience. This week's topics include OpenAI's new SearchGPT and its impact on search engines, the ethical concerns surrounding Elon Musk's deepfake video of Kamala Harris, the role of AI surveillance at the upcoming Olympics in Paris, and a revealing study on how AI is increasing workload and burnout among employees. Christopher also talks about the potential implications of AI running out of training data. 00:00 - Introduction 01:10 - The Rise of SearchGPT 11:12 - Elon Musk's Deepfake Controversy 22:07 - AI Surveillance at the Olympics 30:57 - AI's Impact on Workforce: Burnout and Workload 43:55 - Concerns About AI Data Shortage 50:13 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts #ai #cybersecurity #privacy #politics #burnout

Will AI be the key to unlocking unparalleled human potential in the workplace or a threat to our very existence? This week, I'm digging into this, one of the most pressing questions of our time, with with Arjun Nagendran, founder of Relative AI. However, our conversation goes even deeper, tackling the nuanced ways AI can transform how we develop skills, enhance communication, and foster genuine human relationships. Arjun brought it with his dynamic experience at the intersection of robotics and AI, sharing insights from his work with the U.S. Navy and the Gates Foundation. We unpack how organizations can leverage AI to not only streamline processes but also to unlock hidden potential within their teams, sharing many real-world applications, such as how to use AI to analyze conversations at scale, predicting outcomes based on human psychology and linguistics, and improving employee engagement through data-driven strategies. However, like so many of my conversations, we go far beyond the technical details. There was a heavy focus on the human side of AI integration, reinforcing the importance of empathy, communication, and teamwork. We highlighted how AI can help us understand and enhance soft/power skills, leading to more cohesive and effective teams. I think any business leader, HR professional, or, quite frankly, anyone interested in the future of work will walk away with something. With that, listen in as we challenge the conventional wisdom about AI and explore its potential to create a more connected, efficient, and human-centered workplace. As always, it's my aim to keep you ten steps ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of business and technology. Show Notes: In this episode, Christopher digs into the intricacies of using AI for skills and human connection with Arjun Nagendran, founder of Relative AI. They emphasize the strategic use of AI to mitigate organizational problems and enhance workforce skills. Arjun shares insights from his diverse background in robotics, virtual reality, and AI, highlighting how organizations can leverage data to solve practical problems, improve sales processes, and foster teamwork. They also explore the potential and limitations of large language models and the importance of specialized AI for achieving competitive advantages. The conversation provides valuable advice for organizations contemplating their AI strategies and the critical role of data and context in successful AI implementations. 00:00 - Introduction 01:14 - Arjun Nagendran: From Robotics to AI Innovations 04:50 - Exploring the Power of Language in AI and Human Interaction 12:42 - Unpacking the Potential of Conversational Data with AI 22:09 - Specialized AI: Beyond Generic Models to Tailored Solutions 27:59 - Strategic Applications of AI: Business Insights vs. People Development 32:53 - The Maturity Curve and Organizational Readiness for AI 35:35 - Effective AI Implementation Strategies 42:40 - The Risks of Mismanaging AI in Organizations 44:12 - Leveraging AI for Specialized Solutions 50:18 - Navigating the AI Landscape: A Strategic Approach 59:29 - Embracing AI: Practical Advice for Early Adopters #ai #NLP #digitaltransformation #skills #futureofwork

What better way to celebrate another trip around the sun than a rundown on the latest happenings at the intersection of business, tech, and human experience. And, let me tell you, there have been some major events and developments, so hunker down and let's get to it. Crowdstrike Debacle - You'd think you'd learn your lesson after taking down the digital world in 2010, but apparently not. George Kurtz did it again last week when Crowdstrike brought Windows machines and the companies that run on them to a screeching halt. It's a perilous tale of what happens when you are overdependent on tech. Intuit Layoff Letter - Intuit's CEO Sasan Goodarzi took some major heat for an email he sent to employees outlining the plans they had for upcoming layoffs and everything that follows. While there were a few points of criticism, I don't think all the criticism is fair. At the end of the day, people don't respond to layoffs well no matter what you say. ChatGPT-4o Mini & Lllama 3 405B - Big language, small language. While Meta has captured attention with his now industry-leading LLM, its competitor, OpenAI, is making leaps in a different direction. While I don't think the headlines that "this changes everything" are even remotely accurate, it's worth noting what's happening. Hyper-Personalization Risks - I came to believe Doritos to be the best chip on the planet because of the movies I grew up watching as did many of my friends. However, what happens when that shared experience is no longer shared? While that example may seem inconsequential, the reality that people will continue living in completely different experiences will have a profound impact on society. What impact that will be is still yet to be determined. Samsung Galaxy Deepfakes - Hey look! There's a cat in a top hat and a cane walking through my lawn! Not really, but I could make that happen in seconds with the new Samsung Galaxy AI image enhancement capability. While fake images have always been a thing, you used to have at least to know your way around Photoshop. Not anymore, and that's a bit of a jarring thought. Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, Christopher offers a comprehensive analysis of recent major events at the intersection of business technology and human experience. Key topics include the CrowdStrike incident that disrupted Windows machines worldwide, the critical evaluation of Intuit's significant layoffs and the implications of their CEO's communication, and major developments in the AI space such as ChatGPT 4 Omni Mini and Meta's Llama 3 large language model. Additionally, a thought-provoking discussion on hyper-personalization in media, its risks, and a closer look at the new AI-powered functionalities of Samsung's Galaxy series. Stay ahead with insights into the continuous evolution of technology and its impact on our lives. 00:00 - Introduction 01:09 - CrowdStrike Incident Lessons 13:22 - Intuit's CEO Layoff Email 25:49 - GPT-4o Mini and Meta's LLaMA 3 32:01 - The Risks of Hyper-Personalization 40:52 - Samsung's AI Z Fold: Cool or Concerning? 46:40 - Final Thoughts and Reflections #ai #deepfake #layoffs #leadership #techtrends

What if I told you that the answers to successfully navigating our advanced technological age are plainly written in the pages of a 6,000-year-old manuscript? Sounds counterintuitive, right? In this special episode, I'm deviating slightly from my usual lineup to discuss the intersection of ancient scripture and modern technology. My goal is to highlight how the Bible holds timeless wisdom that can guide us through the chaos and uncertainty of today’s digital world. Reality is, we live in disruptive times where technological advancements are outpacing our ability to understand and manage them. AI, digital interfaces, and the vast expanse of the internet have fundamentally changed the way we interact, work, and live. But with these advancements come significant risks – risks that, if left unchecked, can lead us down a path of isolation, identity confusion, and a relentless pursuit of personal desires at the expense of our collective well-being. Surprisingly, the earliest chapters of Genesis offer profound insights into these very challenges. From the story of Adam and Eve to the Tree of Knowledge, these ancient texts highlight the perils of radical individualism, the confusion of identity, and the destructive power of unchecked desires. By examining these stories, we can uncover practical wisdom that helps us navigate the digital age with a sense of purpose and direction. And, despite the uncertainties ahead, there is hope. The Bible not only warns us of the dangers but also provides encouragement and guidance. It reminds us that we are not alone in this journey and that there is a higher purpose and plan at work. By understanding ourselves and our vulnerabilities, we can make more informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls that advanced technology can present. So, whether you share my biblical worldview or not, I invite you to listen and discover the timeless truths that can help us all navigate our future with confidence and clarity. Show Notes: In this unique episode, Christopher departs from his usual content to share a talk he prepared for a church on the future of technology. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of advanced technology, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and wisdom drawn from biblical principles. He also shares personal stories and struggles, highlighting the necessity of understanding our vulnerabilities. He outlines four major risks associated with technology, grounded in the early chapters of Genesis, and provides insights on how to navigate these risks effectively. Whether you share his worldview or not, this episode offers valuable perspectives on maintaining balance and purpose in a rapidly evolving digital world. 00:00 - Introduction and Context 03:04 - Personal Background 05:41 - Setting the Stage: Technology and Biblical Wisdom 11:26 - Four Key Risks of Advanced Technology 12:49 - Risk 1: Radical Individualism 17:28 - Risk 2: Confused Identities 23:40 - Risk 3: Getting What You Want 28:36 - Risk 4: Cheap Substitutes for Good Things 33:57 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement 42:16 - Conclusion and Call to Action #AI #technology #christianity #ethics #wellbeing

There's the headline, and then there's the truth and story underneath that headline. It's interesting how much variance there often is between the two, and this week is no exception. In this weekly update, I cover five happenings at the intersection of business, tech, and human experience in a way that helps you make sense of what's happening and what you can do to navigate it. With that, let's get to it. ATT Data Breach - Anybody else noticed a recent surge of junk texts or been added to an unusual amount of spam WhatsApp groups? Well, it may be the result of the recent ATT breach. While annoying, the breach may not carry some of the implications the hype would suggest. The breach may not even have had anything to do with ATT. All that said, there are some important lessons we can all take about our personal data practices. Child-Safe AI - We have age limits on military service, smoking, drinking, and voting. Why not AI? Or maybe we work with the marketing team from D.A.R.E to see if we can keep a kid off AI. Joking aside, the risks of AI are exponentially higher when we think about the vulnerabilities of children. Unfortunately, they're often the last ones to be considered. Perhaps it's time we did something about that. Decoding Whale Linguistics - Did you hear what one whale said to the other? Me neither, and despite AI's recent developments in identifying patterns in what would otherwise seem like meaningless whale noise, we still haven't cracked the code. That said, we have made one small step for whales, one giant leap for whalekind. AI Physicians - It's it fun to go through all the hassle of seeing a human doctor only to have them run through a series of standard questions? No, no it is not. Thankfully, AI is making some powerful developments in its ability to automate the mundane, hopefully opening up more room for meaningful doctor/patient interactions. However, whether that's where we end up will depend on the choices we make. Data Worker Exploitation - There's nothing funny about people being paid pennies to expose themselves to horrific working conditions, all so we can have a fancy chatbot that spits out the best chocolate chip cookie recipe or even the cure for cancer. While most people don't realize the conditions of many data workers, we should, if for no other reason than to contribute to helping prevent the exploitation of data workers. At the end of the day, there are better solutions and we need to demand them. Show Notes: In this week's update, Christopher dives into the intricacies of the AT&T data breach, misconceptions, and its broader implications. Explore the risks AI presents to children, with a spotlight on a study examining AI interactions with young users. Discover how AI is decoding whale communications and the limitations of current findings. Learn about Eureka AI's contributions to healthcare, particularly in diagnosing thyroid conditions, and the importance of maintaining human oversight in medical applications. Finally, uncover the exploitation faced by data workers in the AI industry and initiatives advocating for their rights and better working conditions. 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Understanding the AT&T Data Breach 11:16 The Impact of AI on Child Safety 21:07 Decoding Whale Communication with AI 28:26 Eureka AI: Revolutionizing Thyroid Disorder Diagnosis 38:35 The Human Cost of AI: Data Worker Exploitation 48:20 Conclusion and Call to Action #ai #artificialintelligence #healthcare #equity #cybersecurity

Can technology truly enhance human-centered leadership, or is it a competitor for the center? This week, I'm digging into that and more with with Will Guillaume Foussier, CEO and Founder of AceUp. Will’s journey from Harvard’s Innovation Lab to leading a company at the forefront of leadership transformation has given him a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and human-centered development. Together, we'll explore the core principles of human-centered leadership and the surprising ways technology can support these ideals. We'll highlight the importance of personalized development and the transformative impact that thoughtful, tech-enabled coaching can have on leaders at all levels. At a time when the human touch is more crucial than ever, we need to understand how it is intricately linked with technological advancements. Connecting the dots between these two is essential to the success of every leader and the performance of every organization. I think you'll find this episode essential for anyone interested in the future of leadership and the innovative strategies driving real change in the workplace. As always, we'll challenge conventional wisdom and offer new perspectives on integrating human-centered values with cutting-edge technology. Show Notes: In this episode, Christopher welcomes Will Foussier, Founder, and CEO of AceUp, to discuss the transformative role of AI in coaching. The conversation explores the intersection of business technology, human experience, and AI-enhanced coaching. Christopher and Will dive into Will's journey from finance to becoming a leader in coaching services, the critical importance of a coaching culture, and how technology can democratize access to high-quality coaching. They also tackle essential topics such as building trust in coaching relationships, the balance of data privacy and transparency, and the cultural shift needed to embrace AI as a tool for personal and organizational growth. This episode offers valuable insights into how organizations can harness the power of AI to enhance coaching, drive performance, and foster an inclusive, learning-oriented culture. 00:00 - Introduction 01:57 - Meet Will Foussier: Journey to Coaching 08:20 - Challenges and Misconceptions in Coaching 13:30 - The Role of Trust and Leadership in Coaching 18:36 - Implementing Coaching in Organizations 26:38 - Navigating Data Privacy in Coaching 38:21 - The Role of Team Coaching 40:48 - AI and the Future of Coaching 50:58 - The Value of Data in Coaching 59:25 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts #ai #coaching #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #futureofwork

John C. Maxwell said it well when he said, "Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." This week, I've got a rundown of the latest updates at the interesection of business, tech, and human experience that offer a glimpse into the truth of that statement. And, if you're wondering whether change will at least slow its pace, I wouldn't hold your breath. With that, let's get to it. Instagram AI Influencers - "So, I was talking with my favorite AInfluencer the other day, and you'll never guess what they had to say about..." What kind of crazy world are we living in where our social media apps add functionality that lets you knowingly engage with your favorite influencers, knowing full well you're not even talking to a person? I'm sorry but while there are some people I'd love to meet that I probably never will, an artificial substitute doesn't count. AI Music Legal Troubles—2002 called and wants its Napster back. Sorry, they'll have to hold. 1993 is on hold arguing about a mix tape. While I'll acknowledge the legal kerfuffle around AI music platforms Suno and Udio isn't the same, there are a lot of familiar scents in the air as the music industry dukes it out in the AI arena. No Hope Robots - Work has gotten so bad that even robots are terminating themselves to get out of it. Yes, you heard that right. Now, taking one's own life is no joking matter, as I know from my own experiences, which is why we need to take things seriously when even robots are showing up in the data. There's a lot more to this than initially presents, but it's a growing trend we need to be actively working to mitigate. CriticGPT - While suggesting a snake eat its own tail to address its appetite problems may sound like madness, it apparently isn't when it comes to AI. With the speed AI is creating stuff, the only hope we have in evaluating whether what its creating is any good is AI, at least that's what OpenAI thinks with it's announcement of CriticGPT. And, they may not be wrong despite my initial reactions. AI's Economic Impact - You know it's getting serious when the government is taking serious action on something, and the impending impact of AI on jobs, income disparity, and tax revenue apparently has them spooked. What does it all mean? Well, right now it seems we're more focused on pointing out the problem than finding a solution, but we have to start somewhere. Show Notes: In this week's update, Christopher covers a wide range of intriguing topics at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. Highlights include a discussion on Instagram's AI Studio for influencers, major lawsuits in the music industry involving AI-generated music, reports of AI robots terminating themselves due to monotonous tasks, and OpenAI's newly launched Critic GPT designed to audit ChatGPT. Christopher also examines economic and societal implications of AI, exploring fiscal policies, unemployment concerns, and income disparity challenges in an AI-driven future. Tune in for insightful commentary on how these developments impact both industries and individuals. 00:00 - Introduction 01:18 - Instagram AI Influencers: The New Trend 10:06 - The Music Industry's Legal Battle with AI 18:32 - Self-Terminating AI Robots: A Disturbing Trend 25:57 - AI Auditing AI: The Rise of Critic GPT 36:56 - Economic Impacts of AI: A Growing Concern 45:50 - Preparing for an AI-Driven Future #techtrends #ai #lawsuits #mentalhealth #economics

What will it take to finally put to rest legacy methods of learning? This week, I'll be challenging conventional skill development methods by diving into the world of AI-powered, game-based learning with Huw Newton-Hill, Managing Director of North America at Attensi. Still, believe gamification is just another trendy buzzword? Prepare to be surprised. We'll be doing a deep dive into how game-based learning can dramatically reduce training times while simultaneously closing knowledge gaps. We’ll discuss how these immersive simulations provide a risk-free environment for learners, enhancing both engagement and effectiveness. It will also be an opportunity to explore the rapidly expanding role AI is playing in automating and optimizing the experience while tackling the balance between automation and human interaction in training programs. Done right, we can use technology to create a more personal experience that hits on the most human elements all while having a bit of fun. I think you'll find the conversation is packed with forward-thinking ideas and practical examples of how AI is revolutionizing the way we develop skills. Whether an L&D professional, a business leader, or simply curious about the future of education, this conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving world of skill development. Show Notes: In this episode, Christopher explores the intersection of AI, game-based skill development, and business with Hew Newton-Hill, Managing Director of North America at Attensi. The discussion centers around the evolving landscape of skill development, the impact of AI, and how game-based learning can enhance employee training. Key insights include the balance between human expertise and AI, personalization in learning, and strategies for driving innovation within organizations. Perfect for business leaders and learning professionals looking to integrate AI with purpose. 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 06:49 - Gamification vs. Game-Based Learning 16:46 - The Role of AI in Game Design and Learning 24:39 - Personalized Learning Experiences with AI 31:36 - User-Generated Content and Coaching 37:08 - The Role of Humility in Performance 46:00 - Experimentation and Risk in AI Adoption 49:56 - Understanding Your Organization 56:41 - Collaborative Innovation #ai #skilldevelopment #gamification #futureofwork #genai