Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

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

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