The Human Risk Podcast

How can we be better at influencing others? On this episode, I explore the world of influence with behavioural scientist Steve Martin.Steve has made a career out of studying the art and science of persuasion, and in this conversation, we dive deep into his latest book Influence at Work.Together, we unpack how influence is a key part of all aspects of life, including compliance. We discuss why 'influence' often gets a bad rap as manipulative, and how it’s misunderstood as a 'dark art.' We discuss the nuances of influence: when it’s most effective, how to wield it ethically, and why sometimes the simplest approaches to influencing can be best.Steve explains how influence can be harnessed for positive change and shares some surprising insights from his decades of research.Hear how influence plays a pivotal role in compliance, organizational success, and personal interactions, plus how behavioral science can offer practical tools to help you be a better influencer—and resist being influenced yourself. We also explore Steve’s personal reflections on his career in behavioural science, how the discipline has evolved and what it needs to do to stay relevant.Whether you’re trying to influence colleagues, customers, or just navigate daily life, this episode is packed with actionable advice that everyone can use. Guest Biography Steve Martin is CEO of Influence at Work and Faculty Director at Columbia Business School. He is the co-author of Messengers, Who We Listen to, Who We Don’t and Why, and the Royal Society nominated international bestseller ‘Yes! 60 Secrets from the Science of Persuasion’.Steve’s books have sold over 1.5 million copies and been translated into 27 languages.His work applying behavioural science to business and public policy has featured in the National and International press including BBC TV & Radio, The Times, New York Times, Harvard Business Review and Time magazine.He penned the original, now world-famous set of Tax Letters that generated millions in extra revenue for the UK Government and his popular business columns are read by over 2.5 million people every month.Steve is Faculty Director of Behavioural Science at Columbia University’s Graduate Business School NY, guest lectures at Harvard, London School of Economics and London Business School, and is a founding member and Chair of the Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists (GAABS). AI Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and topic of influence in compliance and life[00:00:31] Why influence is a key skill for thriving in the modern world[00:00:52] Introduction of Steve Martin and his background in behavioral science [00:01:32] Steve shares how influence can be misunderstood as a dark art[00:03:00] Steve talks about his new book Influence at Work and why he’ll never write a book alone again[00:05:48] Discussion on why influence is central to human interactions and business[00:08:00] The connection between behavioral science and influence [00:09:30] How behavioral science strategies are designed to influence outcomes[00:12:00] The long history of influence in society and its early roots [00:16:00] Steve explains why quick hacks and shortcuts rarely lead to true influence [00:19:00] The importance of understanding context when applying influence strategies[00:21:00] Discussion on how to balance data, emotion, and economic factors in influence[00:23:00] The growing focus on helping people resist negative influence strategies[00:27:00] How influence can be long-lasting and not just a quick fix[00:31:00] Summary of Steve’s “equation for influence” [00:35:00] The role of evidence, economic consideration, and emotion in influence[00:39:00] Reflections on the differences between being “right” and being “effective” [00:44:00] Steve reflects on his own career and how influence has shaped his work Relevant LinksInfluence at Work, the book - https://influenceatwork.co.uk/our-books/Take the Influence at Work quiz - https://influenceatwork.emhdevelopment.com/the_economist/?Influence at Work, the company - https://www.influenceatwork.com/The previous episode of this show on which Steve and his co-author Joe Marks explored their book Messengers  - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/steve-martin-joe-marks/

How can watching Disney movies, help create more inclusive environments?  The answer is in the word Enchantment.On this episode, I'm speaking to Chloé Valdary, the founder of an organisation called The Theory of Enchantment, to explore her unique approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) training.  If you're someone for whom DE&I conjures up negative thoughts, then you're going to want to hear this. Because Chloé's approach is nothing like traditional DE&I. This episode is the third in a mini-series looking at the subject — you'll find links to the other episodes below.In a fascinating discussion, Chloé shares how her program blends philosophy, psychology, and culture to create environments of belonging and compassion. Together, we examine why many traditional DEI programs fall short and how her methodology seeks to address deeper human dynamics in workplaces.We discuss the power of enchantment—a term Chloé uses to describe the balance between light and shadow in every individual—and how recognizing this balance allows us to foster more meaningful connections.With references to popular culture, including Disney films like Beauty and the Beast, Chloé offers a compelling case for why empathy and self-reflection are essential tools in any organization’s toolkit.You'll hear how The Theory of Enchantment can be used to address conflict, enhance collaboration, and ultimately create more innovative and inclusive spaces. Whether you’re a leader, manager, or simply curious about human behavior, this conversation offers practical insights that go beyond the traditional DEI framework.Guest BiographyChloé Valdary is the founder of Theory of Enchantment, an innovative approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion that blends philosophy, psychology, and popular culture to help organizations foster belonging.Since its founding in 2018, Theory of Enchantment has been deployed in various organizations to build trust, compassion, and connection among employees.With a background in international studies and a concentration in conflict and diplomacy, Chloé has a unique perspective on building inclusive environments.She draws on sources ranging from Carl Jung to Disney films to guide her transformative work. Chloé is also a writer and cultural critic, exploring how love and compassion can serve as the foundation for solving societal challenges.Timestamped AI-generated Summary of Key Points[00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and overview of the mini-series on diversity and inclusion.[00:01:00] Background on previous episodes and why traditional DEI approaches need rethinking.[00:02:00] Introduction of Chloé Valdary and the Theory of Enchantment.[00:03:00] What "enchantment" means in the context of DEI training. [00:04:00] Exploring the balance between light and shadow in human behavior. [00:06:00] How popular culture, like Disney films, reflects deeper human truths.[00:09:00] Using self-reflection to build trust and navigate conflict in the workplace. [00:11:00] How diversity leads to innovation through self-understanding. [00:15:00] The need to address insecurities and biases to build inclusive teams.[00:18:00] Criticizing to uplift and empower, not to tear down. [00:22:00] How recognizing insecurities can resolve conflict and build trust. [00:25:00] The importance of creating space for emotional vulnerability at work.[00:30:00] Theory of Enchantment’s practical application in organizations.[00:33:00] Using design thinking to develop tailored DEI solutions.[00:36:00] The three core principles of Theory of Enchantment. [00:42:00] Historical examples of reconciliation and conflict resolution.[00:49:00] Chloé’s background and inspiration for the Theory of Enchantment.[01:03:00] Closing thoughts and how to learn more about Chloé’s work.Relevant Links:The Theory of Enchantment - https://www.theoryofenchantment.com/The Atlantic article 'Can Chloé Valdary sell skecptics on DEI?' - https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/01/can-chloe-valdary-sell-skeptics-dei/617875/The previous episodes of the mini-series:Chloé Valdary, Morgan Hamel & Peter Stein on De-Polarized Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/chloevaldary-morganhamel-peterstein-on-diversity-equity-inclusion/Morgan Hamel on Moral Polarization - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/morgan-hamel-on-moral-polarization/

How does moral polarization challenge even the most well-intentioned leaders?In this episode, I speak with Morgan Hamel, who talks frankly about her journey from working in business ethics to launching her own ethical fashion business.In our conversation, Morgan reflects on the complex dynamics of running a business that sought to balance purpose and profit and how that vision was tested by the demands of a polarized world.Morgan’s story offers a candid look at the pressures business leaders face today—particularly around ethical decision-making and navigating stakeholder expectations. She shares her personal experiences of how social media, moral polarization, and the expectations of "doing good" can create enormous challenges for business owners who want to stay true to their values while also being commercially successful.We explore the notion of moral polarization and how leaders can prepare themselves to handle the reputational and psychological pressure that comes with balancing ethics and business in today’s climate.Morgan Hamel Morgan describes herself as an entrepreneur and ethics expert who has dedicated her career to exploring the intersection of business and ethics. She began her journey in business ethics after studying applied ethics at Utrecht University. She later spent 11 years working in the ethics office of a large Canadian corporation, where she helped develop integrity programs and worked on aligning corporate actions with ethical codes.After leaving corporate life, Morgan founded her own ethical fashion business, "The Garment," which sought to change the face of fashion by connecting women with responsibly made clothes. However, her business came under immense pressure during the moral and social upheaval following the death of George Floyd.Morgan ultimately made the difficult decision to close the business, leading her to reflect on the deeper issues of moral polarization that businesses face today. Today, she works with organizations, boards, and executives to help them navigate the complexities of ethical leadership in a polarized world.AI-generated timestamp summary[00:00:00] - Introduction to the mini-series on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.[00:01:12] - Morgan's background in business ethics and her decision to start an ethical fashion business.[00:02:33] - Morgan reflects on her business's failure due to the competing demands of ethics and commercial success.[00:04:00] - The pressures of leading ethically in a polarized world, particularly on social media.[00:07:10] - The dangers of moral polarization in business decision-making.[00:10:20] - How post-2012 pressures (social media influence) have changed the ethical landscape for businesses.[00:18:00] - Lessons from Morgan’s decision to close her business despite its commercial success.[00:30:00] - A discussion on aligning business actions with ethical values and balancing profit with purpose.[00:46:55] - Morgan’s reflections on handling reputational risk and psychological pressure.[01:00:40] - The rise of post-2012 ethical risks and how leaders can prepare themselves.[01:10:00] - Morgan’s current work on moral polarization and her advice for business leaders today.LinksTo find out more about Morgan, visit her website: https://www.morganhamel.com/Morgan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-hamel-365537210/The previous episode of this mini-series on DI&E: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/chloevaldary-morganhamel-peterstein-on-diversity-equity-inclusion/The essay she wrote with Keith Darcy on Stakeholder Activism: https://www.morganhamel.com/stakeholder-activismMorgan's TED Talk: https://tedxyyc.ca/talk/morgan-hamel/

What do you think of when you hear the words Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)? If it's something negative, then this is the episode for you; because I'm exploring how we can transform DE&I from something theoretical but impractical to something that can really work and have a positive impact for everyone. In other words, how we can de-polarize it?On this milestone 300th episode of the Human Risk podcast, I’m joined by three remarkable guests—Chloé Valdary, Morgan Hamel, and Peter Stein—who are working together to revolutionize how organizations approach DE&I.Morgan, a former fashion ethicist, shares her story of navigating the challenges of DE&I while running her own business and how it led her to Chloé and Peter's groundbreaking work at The Theory of Enchantment.Throughout the episode, we explore how their unique approach moves away from traditional and often divisive methods of addressing DE&I. Instead, they advocate for a humanistic approach that fosters genuine connection and respect, even across seemingly insurmountable divides.If you’ve ever felt disillusioned by standard DE&I strategies, this conversation will open your eyes to a new way of thinking.You’ll also hear about the challenges of implementing meaningful DE&I practices in today’s polarized world, with real-world examples of companies that have struggled — and sometimes failed — to get it right. This is a refreshing and practical discussion for leaders and professionals who want to find a more sustainable, inclusive, and human-centred way to manage DE&I in the workplace.Biography of the GuestsMorgan Hamel describes herself as a fashion ethicist and former compliance officer, now focused on exploring the intersection of ethics, reputation, and diversity in business. Morgan ran her own fashion company, The Garment, where she experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating DE&I, ultimately leading her to close the business. Passionate about finding new solutions to old problems, Morgan now collaborates with Chloe and Peter to help businesses tackle polarization and inclusivity more meaningfully.Chloé Valdary founded The Theory of Enchantment, an innovative framework for DE&I that emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and emotional resilience. Chloé’s work has gained international recognition for its refreshing take on a traditionally contentious space. She’s committed to depolarizing organizations and fostering environments where diverse perspectives are welcomed and celebrated.Peter Stein partners with Chloé at The Theory of Enchantment, bringing a broad humanist perspective to the world of DE&I. With a background that spans academia and business, Peter focuses on building bridges across ideological divides, helping organizations heal from the harm caused by poorly implemented DE&I practices. His work is rooted in a belief that compassion and open dialogue are key to effective change.AI-Generated Timestamped Summary[00:00:00] Introduction: 300th episode celebration and series overview[00:01:00] Introducing guests: Morgan, Chloe, and Peter's unique collaboration[00:03:00] Morgan shares her journey from running a fashion company to her current focus on ethics and DE&I.[00:09:00] The difficulty of finding DE&I approaches that unify rather than divide.[00:16:00] Chloe discusses the harm caused by mainstream DE&I practices and the need for more human-centered approaches.[00:22:00] Peter shares stories of organizations harmed by divisive DE&I programs.[00:36:00] Morgan’s reflections on the value of the Theory of Enchantment’s work in depolarizing organizations.[00:50:00] The power of viewpoint diversity and why curiosity is key to effective DE&I.[00:54:00] Conclusion: What to expect in future episodes featuring more in-depth interviews with each guest.LinksTheory of Enchantment website: https://theoryofenchantment.comMorgan's website: https://www.morganhamel.com/The Governance Certificate in Depolarization run by Morgan: https://www.cpaalberta.ca/Professional-Development/Executive-Programs/Governance-Certificate-in-De-PolarizationJordan Peterson's interview with Chloé: https://youtu.be/3rZkv_prTOk?si=MyPXub1_0AMM-4S0John McWhorter’s book, Woke Racism: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/696856/woke-racism-by-john-mcwhorter/Bud Light Diversity Controversy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bud_Light_boycott

How does neurodiversity impact creativity? On this episode, I explore the challenges of mental health and how it can be both a driver of astonishing creativity and the cause of significant pain. I believe that having conversations about mental health is crucial if we want to create an inclusive society and get the best out of everyone. To discuss this topic, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Matt Ottley, an author, illustrator, composer, and musician whose work spans multiple mediums and touches on profound themes. Matt’s journey as a creative artist has been deeply shaped by his experiences with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder, giving him a unique, and sometimes challenging, perspective on creativity and mental health. Together, we discuss how Matt’s mental health has influenced his artistic process, how he navigates the extreme highs and lows of bipolar disorder, and how these experiences have culminated in his latest work, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness. This project is a powerful multimedia exploration of psychosis and recovery, blending music, art, and storytelling. Matt has generously shared some of his music with us for the episode, so you’ll hear his words and his art. Whether you’re interested in how art intersects with mental health, curious about how neurodiversity shapes creativity, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of personal challenges turned into extraordinary work, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Biography of the Guest: Matt Ottley is an acclaimed Australian artist, composer, author, and illustrator whose work spans multiple disciplines, including visual art, literature, and music. Born in Papua New Guinea and later raised in Australia, Matt’s career has seen him navigate a diverse range of artistic pursuits, from working as a flamenco and classical guitarist to composing orchestral works and illustrating children’s books. However, what makes Matt’s story truly compelling is how his experiences with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder have shaped his artistic journey.In addition to being a highly respected figure in the Australian arts community, Matt’s work often delves into profound and deeply personal themes, particularly around mental health. His most recent multimedia project, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness, is a powerful and immersive exploration of psychosis and recovery. This ambitious blend of visual art, music, and storytelling has been described as a groundbreaking representation of the experience of living with bipolar disorder. Beyond his personal website, Matt’s work has been recognized globally. He has exhibited in major galleries, published numerous books, and collaborated with orchestras to create performances that fuse sound and sight. His art and music often reflect his internal experiences and challenges, offering a window into the complexities of neurodiversity. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary of Key Points: [00:00:00] – Introduction by Christian Hunt, explaining the episode’s focus on mental health, creativity, and neurodiversity.[00:01:00] – Christian introduces Matt Ottley, highlighting his artistic career and experiences with bipolar disorder.[00:03:00] – Matt describes his childhood in Papua New Guinea and Australia and how his early creative talents emerged in unique ways.[00:07:00] – Matt discusses how bipolar disorder first began to shape his creative output and artistic development.[00:12:00] – Explanation of bipolar disorder and its various forms, including Matt’s personal experiences with psychosis.[00:16:00] – The relationship between extreme emotions, creativity, and mental health and how they fuel Matt’s artistic process.[00:23:00] – Matt describes his multimedia project, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness, as a portrayal of his experiences with psychosis.[00:33:00] – Christian and Matt discuss societal challenges around neurodiversity, creativity, and the stigma attached to mental health.[00:47:00] – Matt explains his creative process, particularly how music, art, and words are deeply intertwined in his work.[01:01:00] – The episode concludes with reflections on empathy, neurodiversity, and the importance of understanding mental health.LinksMatt's website: https://mattottley.com/The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness: https://mattottley.com/product/tree-of-e/ CityLit Mental Wealth Festival: Saturday October 11th – Film Screening of The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness followed by a Q&A with Matt Ottley (via Zoom): https://www.citylit.ac.uk/events/mental-wealth-festival

Sharon O'Dea, co-founder of Lithos Partners, is a digital strategist specializing in workplace strategies. In the podcast, she discusses how to optimize digital workplaces to boost employee performance and mitigate risks. She shares insights on integrating AI and navigating remote work challenges, drawing from her experiences in Iraq and Amsterdam. Topics include the necessity of effective communication during remote working, managing digital tools to prevent cognitive overload, and fostering meaningful connections post-pandemic.

Introducing the Decision-Making Studio Podcast If you’re a regular listener to the show, you’ll know that it’s all about the risks of human decision-making. I try to bring you guests who can help us to better understand them and what we can do to mitigate them. One of those guests is Ben Cattaneo, the host of his own podcast, which was one of the inspirations for this show.  Ben’s show used to be called The All Things Risk podcast, but he recently rebranded it to The Decision-Making Studio podcast. To mark this he launched what he calls an ‘inbetweenisode’ — a short explainer show — on his channel.  It's done with his trademark honesty, insightfulness and a touch of humour.   If you’re listening to this show, then chances are you’ll find Ben’s show interesting.  So, I thought I’d let Ben take over this channel to share why he’s changing the show’s name and breaking up with risk. You’ll find the show on all the usual podcast platforms. Further information and links: https://thedecisionmaking.studio/podcast To hear Ben’s previous appearances on this show: Ben on Decision-making (April 2024): https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/ben-cattaneo-on-decision-making-part-two/ Ben on All Things Risk (March 2020): https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/ben-cattaneo-on-all-things/A cross-cast of this show and the All Things Risk podcast (April 2020): https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/all-things-human-risk-crosscast/

How can passion and irritation lead to innovation and community building? In this episode, my guest is Danielle Letayf, the founder of Badassery, a dynamic community designed for unconventional thought leaders dedicated to igniting change. In our discussion, we delve into the essence of community building, exploring how cognitive diversity and shared values can create spaces that foster genuine connection and innovation. Danielle shares her journey from being the daughter of immigrant parents to a mission-driven entrepreneur in technology and media.You’ll gain insights into the art of amplifying underrepresented voices and the importance of building communities that prioritize depth over scale. Danielle discusses her approach to curating a community where members are challenged and inspired to think differently, emphasizing the power of diverse perspectives in driving meaningful change. Our conversation also touches on the personal challenges of maintaining mental health and balance while pursuing ambitious goals.Through her experiences, Danielle illustrates the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavours, offering a candid look at the trials and triumphs of community building. Guest Biography Danielle Letayf is the founder and CEO of Badassery, a membership community for unconventional thought leaders who are dedicated to igniting change. Danielle describes herself as a passionate community builder with a mission to amplify the voices and stories of those who are often overlooked. Her career spans over a decade in community building, event management, and tech, where she has worked with notable organizations, including AOL and Verizon Media. Beyond her professional achievements, Danielle’s journey is deeply influenced by her upbringing as the daughter of immigrant parents from the Middle East. This background has shaped her understanding of community, hospitality, and the power of storytelling. Danielle is also an advocate for cognitive diversity, believing that diverse perspectives are key to creating impactful and lasting communities. For more on Danielle’s work and her community, visit Badassery’s official website and explore her projects. Timestamped AI-produced summary of Key Points: [00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode and the topic of community building[00:01:00] - Danielle Letayf’s background and the founding of Badassery[00:03:00] - Discussion on the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices. [00:04:00] - The role of cognitive diversity in creating a cohesive community. [00:05:00] - Challenges and strategies in curating a community that prioritizes depth over scale.  [00:08:00] - Danielle’s personal journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship.[00:13:00] - The impact of values on community building and personal growth.[00:17:00] - Balancing ambition with mental health and preventing burnout. [00:22:00] - How Danielle’s experiences in tech have influenced her approach to community building. [00:27:00] - The importance of flexibility and adaptability in pursuing entrepreneurial goals. Links Mentioned: Badassery Official WebsiteDanielle's LinkedIn Profile

What if we saw Artificial Intelligence as a mirror rather than as a form of intelligence?That’s the subject of a fabulous new book by Professor Shannon Vallor, who is my guest on this episode.In our discussion, we explore how artificial intelligence reflects not only our technological prowess but also our ethical choices, biases, and the collective values that shape our world.We also discuss how AI systems mirror our societal flaws, raising critical questions about accountability, transparency, and the role of ethics in AI development.  Shannon helps me to examine the risks and opportunities presented by AI, particularly in the context of decision-making, privacy, and the potential for AI to influence societal norms and behaviours.  This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between technology and ethics, urging us to consider how we can steer AI development in a direction that aligns with our shared values.  Guest Biography Prof. Shannon Vallor is the Baillie Gifford Chair in the Ethics of Data and Artificial Intelligence at the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) at the University of Edinburgh, where she is also appointed in Philosophy.  She is Director of the Centre for Technomoral Futures in EFI, and co-Director of the BRAID (Bridging Responsible AI Divides) programme, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Professor Vallor's research explores how new technologies, especially AI, robotics, and data science, reshape human moral character, habits, and practices.   Her work includes advising policymakers and industry on the ethical design and use of AI. She is a standing member of the One Hundred Year Study of Artificial Intelligence (AI100) and a member of the Oversight Board of the Ada Lovelace Institute. Professor Vallor received the 2015 World Technology Award in Ethics from the World Technology Network and the 2022 Covey Award from the International Association of Computing and Philosophy.  She is a former Visiting Researcher and AI Ethicist at Google. In addition to her many articles and published educational modules on the ethics of data, robotics, and artificial intelligence, she is the author of the book Technology and the Virtues: A Philosophical Guide to a Future Worth Wanting (Oxford University Press, 2016) and The AI Mirror: Reclaiming Our Humanity in an Age of Machine Thinking (Oxford University Press, 2024).  LinksShannon's website: https://www.shannonvallor.net/ The AI Mirror: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-ai-mirror-9780197759066?A Noema essay by Shannon on the dangers of AI: https://www.noemamag.com/the-danger-of-superhuman-ai-is-not-what-you-think/   A New Yorker feature on the book  https://www.newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/in-the-age-of-ai-what-makes-people-unique   The AI Mirror as one of the FT’s technology books of the summer https://www.ft.com/content/77914d8e-9959-4f97-98b0-aba5dffd581c  The FT review of The AI Mirror: https://www.ft.com/content/67d38081-82d3-4979-806a-eba0099f8011     The Edinburgh Futures Institute: https://efi.ed.ac.uk/      The clip from the movie "Real Genius' which she refers to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB1X4o-MV6oAI Generated Timestamped Summary of Key Points:00:02:30: Introduction to Professor Shannon Vallor and her work.00:06:15: Discussion on AI as a mirror of societal values.00:10:45: The ethical implications of AI decision-making. 00:18:20: How AI reflects human biases and the importance of transparency.00:25:50: The role of ethics in AI development and deployment.00:33:10: Challenges of integrating AI into human-centred contexts.00:41:30: The potential for AI to shape societal norms and behaviours. 00:50:15: Professor Vallor’s insights on the future of AI and ethics.00:58:00: Closing thoughts and reflections on AI’s impact on humanity.

Is there such a thing as an original idea? What if everything were actually a remix?Episode Summary In this episode, I'm exploring the fascinating concept of creativity with filmmaker, educator, and speaker Kirby Ferguson.Kirby is best known for his groundbreaking video series “Everything Is A Remix,” which delves into the idea that creativity is all about copying, transforming, and combining existing ideas to form something new. During our conversation, Kirby shares his insights into how creativity works and why understanding the remixing process can make us better creators and more appreciative consumers of culture. Kirby discusses various examples from his series, highlighting how iconic works in film, music, and technology are often built on the foundations laid by others. He also brings a fresh perspective on the intersection of creativity and technology, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence. The discussion touches on how AI is changing creative work, the ethical implications of machine-generated art, and Kirby’s thoughts on the future of AI in creative industries. You'll hear a nuanced understanding of creativity’s hidden connections and how embracing the remixing process can relieve the pressure to be original. Whether you’re an artist, a technologist, or simply someone interested in the evolution of ideas, this episode offers a thought-provoking journey through the world of creativity. Guest Biography Kirby Ferguson describes himself as a filmmaker, educator, and speaker, best known for his viral video series “Everything Is A Remix,” which originally ran from 2010 to 2012. The series explores the idea that creativity is a process of copying, transforming, and combining existing ideas.Following the success of the original series, Kirby released an updated version in 2022-2023.He has spoken at TED, Google, Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu, among other prestigious venues. Kirby’s work continues to focus on creativity, media, and the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in these fields. Timestamped Summary of Key Points [00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest, Kirby Ferguson.[00:01:00] Kirby’s background and the impact of “Everything Is A Remix.”[00:02:00] The nature of creativity and how everything is a remix. [00:03:00] Kirby’s updated series and ongoing projects. [00:04:00] The genesis of “Everything Is A Remix” and the concept of remixing in creativity. •[00:05:00] Examples of remixing in film, music, and technology.[00:08:00] The pressure to be original and the value of remixing.[00:09:00] The role of eclecticism and broad experiences in creativity.[00:12:00] The connection between creativity and analogy. [00:16:00] The challenge of being a generalist and finding connections across domains.[00:19:00] The balance between novelty and familiarity in creative work. [00:23:00] AI’s role in creativity and the controversy surrounding it. [00:30:00] The ethical implications of AI-generated art. [00:34:00] Kirby’s views on the future of AI in creative industries.[00:45:00] The practical uses of AI in creative work.[00:54:00] The importance of understanding AI’s limitations. [01:01:00] How Kirby’s insights apply to compliance and human risk. Links MentionedEverything Is A Remix website including Kirby's courses - www.everythingisaremix.info. Kirby on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirbyferguson/Kirby's TED Talk 'Embrace The Remix' - https://www.ted.com/talks/kirby_ferguson_embrace_the_remix?subtitle=enQueen & David Bowie 'Under Pressure' - https://open.spotify.com/track/6suU8oBlW4O2pg88tOXgHo?si=3249601d4212498bVanilla Ice 'Ice ice Baby' that uses a sample of 'Under Pressure' - https://open.spotify.com/track/3XVozq1aeqsJwpXrEZrDJ9?si=0c3305b283b84c13 Related Episodes of the Human Risk Podcast 1. Ian Leslie on Conflict - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/ian-leslie-on-conflict-/2. Interview with ChatGPT - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/chat-gpt-3-on-ai-human-risk/