unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

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.

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.