Poets & Thinkers

What if our approach to AI and technology development is overlooking the most fundamental human value – dignity? In this thought-provoking episode of Poets & Thinkers, we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, global policy, and human-centered technology with Manail Anis Ahmed.As a global citizen who has shaped educational institutions in the Middle East and led AI policy research, Manail brings a unique cross-cultural perspective that challenges Western-dominated tech narratives.Manail is adjunct faculty in Biotech Entrepreneurship at Johns Hopkins University, expert on education, technology & society, and contributes to the AI Governance Alliance at the World Economic Forum.Manail takes us on a journey across continents, revealing how different societies are navigating the AI revolution through their unique cultural lenses. She unpacks how Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation of women’s workforce participation offers surprising lessons for the West, and how technology workers in Africa are demanding dignity in the digital economy. Throughout our conversation, Manail makes a compelling case for placing human dignity at the center of our technological future.In this enlightening discussion, we explore:Why technology development needs to prioritize dignity over innovationHow the Global South is being exploited in AI development while being excluded from its benefitsWhat Saudi Arabia's approach to women in the workforce teaches us about structural changeThe natural connection between women and entrepreneurship that venture capital overlooksWhy "people, planet, and profit" must expand to include resilience and prosperityThroughout our discussion, Manail articulates a powerful critique of hyper-capitalism and technological determinism. The United States, once the model for prosperity, now shows concerning signs of social fragmentation as its middle class splinters. “We are so insistent on protecting the right to innovation that we forget to protect the right to dignity,” she observes, providing a cautionary tale for developing nations tempted to adopt Silicon Valley’s “move fast and break things” mentality.As we navigate the future of humanistic business leadership, Manail suggests moving beyond profit-first thinking toward resilience and context-specific prosperity. The fundamental question becomes: how can we build systems where people and societies don’t just function but truly thrive, while preserving our planet? The answer may determine whether our technological future enhances or diminishes our humanity.Topics00:30 - Introduction to Manail and her background as a global citizen 02:50 - Teaching responsible AI at Princeton and how it connects to entrepreneurship 10:40 - Manail's work with the Center for AI and Digital Policy 13:50 - The World Economic Forum AI Governance Alliance and "Inclusive AI" 16:00 - How workers in the Global South are exploited in AI development 18:40 - The emergence of an African technology workers alliance 21:00 - Balancing rapid AI deployment with thoughtful regulation 23:00 - How the U.S. model of unbridled entrepreneurialism led to social fragmentation 28:00 - Saudi Arabia's structural approach to enabling women in the workforce 33:20 - Manail's experience creating liberal arts and business education in SaSend us a textGet in touch: ben@poetsandthinkers.co Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poetsandthinkerspodcast/Subscribe to Poets & Thinkers on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/poets-thinkers/id1799627484Subscribe to Poets & Thinkers on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4N4jnNEJraemvlHIyUZdww?si=2195345fa6d249fd

What if our obsession with being the best is actually holding us back? In this inaugural episode of Poets & Thinkers, we explore the myth of greatness with Avram Alpert. He is a writer and teaches at Princeton University. Avi challenges the idea that only the “best” deserve success. He proposes an alternative: “Embracing a ‘good-enough’ approach.” – with a focus on fostering sustainability, fulfillment, and a more equitable society.Avram takes us on a journey through the themes of his book, “The Good-Enough Life”. He unpacks how values influence business, politics, and human connection. We discuss real-world examples of how collaboration, rather than competition, drives meaningful progress. Avram shares how and how leaders can reshape systems to prioritize collective well-being over individual accolades.In this candid and eye-opening conversation, we explore:Why the pursuit of “greatness” can be a trapHow ethical constraints clash with business ambitionsWhat history teaches us about cooperation vs. competitionThe surprising power of “good enough” leadership for a better futureThis episode is an invitation to shift your perspective on success, challenge the status quo, and imagine a world where everyone gets a seat at the table.Topics01:00 - Introduction to Avram Alpert and his work04:30 - The intersection of values and business07:00 - Role of systemic constraints in ethical decision-making12:00 - The paradox of societal progress vs. individual well-being18:00 - Defining greatness vs. “good-enough”22:00 - The “good-enough parent” and its implications for society27:00 - How history shows us the power of collaboration36:00 - The paradox of human nature: individualism vs. collectivism42:00 - What qualities do we need in future leaders?46:00 - The case for a “good-enough” futureResources MentionedThe Good-Enough Life by Avram AlpertFactfulness by Hans RoslingThe Theory of  Moral Sentiments by Adam SmithConnect with Avram:Website: Send us a textGet in touch: ben@poetsandthinkers.co Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poetsandthinkerspodcast/Subscribe to Poets & Thinkers on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/poets-thinkers/id1799627484Subscribe to Poets & Thinkers on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4N4jnNEJraemvlHIyUZdww?si=2195345fa6d249fd