unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

In this engaging conversation, John Danner, an esteemed faculty member from UC Berkeley and Princeton, dives into the transformative power of failure. He challenges the glorification of failure in Silicon Valley, urging listeners to see it as a catalyst for growth. Danner discusses the importance of self-knowledge and how understanding one's personality can dramatically influence success. He underscores the need for open communication about mistakes and promotes innovation by recognizing failures as valuable learning experiences.

Jeffrey J. Bussgang, General Partner at Flybridge Capital and Harvard Business School lecturer, dives into the transformative power of AI in the startup world. He discusses how founders are leveraging generative AI for quicker experimentation and optimization. The conversation highlights the importance of combining timeless entrepreneurial principles with modern technology. Bussgang also shares strategies for navigating the evolving roles of venture capitalists and the significance of direct customer engagement in driving success. Practical advice for prioritizing experiments and enhancing productivity is also explored.

Webb Keane, a University of Michigan anthropology professor, delves into how technology reshapes our moral landscape. He examines the cultural nuances of anthropomorphizing AI and the emotional ties we form with machines. Keane discusses ethical dilemmas in our interactions with animals and robots, contrasting the West's moral views with those of other cultures. He also explores the historical evolution of legal accountability for inanimate objects, prompting us to reconsider what it means to be human in a tech-driven world.

In this insightful conversation, Hatim Rahman, an Associate Professor at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management and author of "Inside the Invisible Cage: How Algorithms Control Workers," discusses the complexities of digital platforms on labor dynamics. He explores the balance between algorithmic transparency and accountability, the evolution of traditional bureaucracy in the gig economy, and the power dynamics shifting under algorithmic governance. Rahman emphasizes the need for fairness and informed consent in these evolving employment landscapes.

James Boyle, a law professor at Duke University and former chair of Creative Commons, dives into the ethics of AI and personhood. He discusses how historical views on personhood can inform our understanding of AI's rights. The conversation highlights the significance of empathy and literature in shaping these debates. Boyle argues for recognizing both human and non-human rights, advocating a multidisciplinary approach to navigate the complexities of our evolving definitions of personhood amidst advancing technologies.

Amar Bhidé, a Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University and author of "Uncertainty and Enterprise," dives into the fascinating nuances of uncertainty in economics. He critiques traditional economic models for overlooking the role of imagination and judgment in decision-making. The conversation also emphasizes the power of storytelling in teaching economics and how a narrative approach can enhance understanding. Bhidé challenges listeners to rethink organizational dynamics, advocating for collective engagement over hierarchical control.

Marietje Schaake, a fellow at Stanford's Cyber Policy Center and author of The Tech Coup, delves into the evolving dynamics between tech giants and democracy. She critiques the complacency of political leaders regarding corporate power and highlights the historical shift from technology as a liberating force to a profit-driven threat. The conversation also touches on the need for better tech governance, regulatory frameworks like GDPR, and the urgent demand for lawmakers to become more tech-savvy to protect democratic values.

Richard Overy, an honorary professor at the University of Exeter and renowned military historian, delves into the psychological and social aspects of war. He discusses the shifting landscape of military history, emphasizing the role of cultural factors in conflict. The conversation covers the evolution of war trauma from ancient times to today, contrasting warfare strategies in modern conflicts like Ukraine. Overy also reflects on the significance of leadership in wartime and how historical perspectives shape contemporary understandings of violence and cooperation.

Kartik Hosanagar, a Professor of Technology at The Wharton School, discusses the impact of AI on decision-making. He explores the similarities between human algorithmic thinking and machine intelligence, emphasizing the need for AI literacy. Hosanagar highlights the importance of trust and transparency in AI systems, particularly in fields like healthcare. He also delves into the evolving roles of CTOs and CIOs, and the intersection of AI with creativity, advocating for a balance between human expression and algorithmic influence.

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.