unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

Michael Spence, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and author, dives into the intricate dance of market signaling and its impact on economic growth. He discusses how AI will reshape development in the U.S. and beyond, and whether competing economies might surpass it. Spence highlights the evolution of economic theory, emphasizing cognitive diversity as a key to tackling global challenges. The conversation also touches on how education serves as a signaling tool and the shifting dynamics of technology in a fragmented global landscape.

Emma Seppälä, a Yale School of Management professor and Scientific Director at Stanford's Center for Compassion and Altruism Research, delves into the connection between happiness and success in business. They discuss how high-stress cultures hinder creativity and performance. Emma shares practical strategies like meditation and breathwork to enhance emotional intelligence and resilience. The conversation also touches on the importance of authentic leadership in fostering growth, emphasizing that true success should not come at the expense of well-being.

Sebastián Edwards, a UCLA professor and expert on Latin American economics, delves into Chile's transformative economic journey since the 1970s. He discusses the rise of neoliberalism through the Chicago Boys and its regional impact, contrasting Chile's successes with Argentina's struggles. The conversation extends to historical debt defaults and their implications, as well as Chile's recent social unrest driven by growing inequality. Edwards offers a critical lens on these historical events, highlighting lessons for the future of Latin America's economy.

Dan Davies, an economist and author of 'Lying for Money' and 'The Unaccountability Machine', discusses the intertwined nature of fraud and systemic failures in financial systems. He explores how collective decision-making leads to accountability issues, using real-world examples like the Wells Fargo scandal. The conversation dives into the role of trust in fostering fraud and highlights the disconnect between economics and information theory. Davies advocates for improved organizational design to navigate these complexities and emphasizes the importance of adapting to market changes.

Carissa Véliz, an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford and an expert on privacy and surveillance, dives deep into the significance of privacy in our digital age. She discusses why philosophers have overlooked this important topic historically. Carissa highlights the ethical dilemmas posed by data commoditization and the need for stronger legal frameworks. The conversation tackles the tension between convenience and privacy, as well as the individual and corporate responsibilities in protecting personal data.

Clive Thompson, a journalist for the New York Times Magazine and Wired, explores how generative AI is reshaping coding and software engineering. He discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by tech companies and the cultural impact of coders on society. Clive compares the creative mindset of coders to that of artists and highlights the paradox of efficiency in tech development. He also shares insights on his upcoming cycling book, linking themes of mobility and technology, as well as the changes in work dynamics for software engineers.

Mark Koyama, Professor of Economics at George Mason University and co-author of "How the World Became Rich," explores the fascinating roots of economic growth. He discusses the varied factors driving economic development, including geography, culture, and institutions. Koyama delves into why Europe industrialized successfully while others fell behind, and the lingering effects of colonialism. He also emphasizes the importance of historical context for understanding modern economic dynamics and innovation, making a case for the revival of economic history in today's tech-driven world.

In this engaging discussion, Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves," explores the intricacies of conversation. She emphasizes the need for better communication skills in education, the dynamics of small talk, and the importance of empathy in dialogue. Alison shares insights on crafting engaging conversations and the art of questioning, while uncovering how humor and trust shape interactions. Her tips promise to enhance both personal and professional relationships!

In this engaging conversation, Arvind Narayanan, a Princeton professor and author of "AI Snake Oil," delves into the critical distinctions between real AI capabilities and hype. He highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding predictive AI, especially in sensitive areas like criminal justice and healthcare. Arvind critiques the lack of regulation and the historical parallels between AI and cryptocurrency enthusiasm. He also discusses the evolving landscape of AI professions, stressing the need for ethical standards and the importance of transparency in technology.

Ruth Whippman, a journalist and author of 'BoyMom' and 'America the Anxious,' dives into the complexities of raising boys amid modern gender politics. She discusses the impact of cultural expectations and the nurturing gap for boys, emphasizing the balance between fostering emotional intelligence and societal pressures. Ruth critiques the hyper-masculine ideals perpetuated by marketing and explores the challenges of labeling traits as either masculine or feminine. The conversation highlights the need for empathy and understanding within the evolving landscape of masculinity.