Future-Focused with Christopher Lind Christopher Lind

The first week of June is already behind us, and what a week it has been. There were several things I observed over the last week that I couldn't ignore, but I wasn't able to get to everything. As you may have guessed, the pace of change isn't slowing down, but I hope this week's update will have you seriously considering taking a pause.



As always, thanks to the community for your messages, recommendations, and encouraging words. Keep them coming, and feel free to pass along any feedback. I do this for you, so let me know how I can keep it valuable. With that, let's get to it.



Apple + OpenAI - Are those wedding bells I hear? It's official: Apple and OpenAI tied the knot, but what will their offspring look like? Too early to tell. However, I'd wager to bet we're going to see the number of people who formally engage with LLMs on a daily basis steeply rise. Whether that's a good thing or not, it's still too early to tell.



ChatGPT Outage - If you've been waiting to experience what the apocalypse might be like, you got a slight taste earlier this week. Jokes about the sudden decline in whitepapers and digital media aside, it was concerning to see how some businesses who have already become overly dependent on GenAI had everything come to a screeching halt. Maybe it's just me, but it's always a good idea to have a backup plan.



Microsoft Recall - How excited are you that Windows can log your every movement so you don't have to bother using that pesky brain of yours to remember what you did a few minutes ago? Apparently, people aren't quite ready to extend Microsoft that kind of trust based on their response to the capability.



AI GTA Madness - What happens when you train an AI to win by getting as many points as possible in a specific period of time? It finds a way to get as many points as possible in that period of time, even if it means the most efficient way to do it is continually running over innocent pedestrians. If you still aren't convinced you need to slow down before charging forward with AI, Robert Miles may change your mind.



AI Flash Gordon - What does it look like when a team of AI agents work together to build a complex system? I don't know. I blinked. In all seriousness, the speed at which AI agents can work together is mind-blowing, but unchecked, you might just find they built you a giant mess you have to clean up. So again, while AI is an increcible tool, we need to slow down and think before we act.



Show Notes:

As always, this week's future-focused update covers significant events at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. Key topics include Apple's new deal with OpenAI and its potential impact on AI assistants, concerns over growing AI dependency highlighted by a recent ChatGPT outage, and Microsoft's rollout of the controversial Recall feature. Christopher also discusses AI safety and unintended consequences through the lens of a video game example and the implications of AI agents working together. The episode raises questions about tech overreliance, cybersecurity, and the importance of critical thinking and diverse perspectives in AI development.

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

01:21 - Apple and OpenAI Partnership

05:23 - ChatGPT Outage

14:52 - Microsoft Recall and Privacy Concerns

24:17 - AI Safety and Unintended Consequences

36:14 - AI Agents and Job Disruption

41:18 - Elon Musk's Hybrid Human Concept

47:40 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts



#ai #techtrends #futureofwork #aiethics #digitaltransformation

What does it really take to steer a startup through its roller-coaster early days to stable growth and success and how is that changing in the digital age?



Today, I'm talking with Ben Friedman, founder of Build Scale Grow, who has spent his career guiding startups from tumultuous beginnings through the robust scaling phases. We're diving deep into the art and science of startup growth, shedding light on the pivotal decisions that matter as you shape an organization. We'll also unpack what's changing and what's staying the same in the digital age.



We'll talk candidly—both the wins and the challenges—about what it means to lead with foresight in a world where innovation races ahead daily. Our conversation will be packed with practical advice drawn from real-life scenarios, focusing on how startups can navigate growth while maintaining their core vision. And, even if you're not in the startup world, with all the dynamic changes happening in the professional sphere, everyone will walk away with some timeless wisdom.



So, listen in on how to align dynamic growth strategies with the fundamentals of business success, ensuring your startup not only survives but thrives in today's competitive environment. This will be a masterclass in startup resilience and strategic foresight.



Show Notes:

In this discussion, Christopher is joined by startup and innovation expert Benjamin Friedman to explore the implications of artificial intelligence, startups, and innovation on the future of business. They dig into Benjamin's background in supporting startups through significant growth and scale phases, emphasizing the importance of leadership, team-building, and holistic company development. The conversation also covers the impact of technological advancements like AI on company operations, the nuances of executing ideas successfully in a startup environment, and the pivotal role of human elements such as creativity, resilience, and adaptability for future success. Furthermore, Benjamin shares invaluable advice on taking small, informed steps towards innovation, prioritizing energy towards meaningful engagements, and embracing resilience to navigate the rapidly evolving business landscape and technological shifts.

00:00 - Introduction

01:44 - Benjamin: A Journey Through Startups

06:32 - The Uncertainty of Startups and the Myth of Stability

09:05 - Risk Appetite: Understanding Founders' Mindset

14:29 - The Startup Lifecycle: Growth, Complexity, and Self-Awareness

20:31 - The New Era of Startups: Accessibility and Automation

27:22 - Feedback and Self-Awareness: Key to Startup Success

30:47 - The Global Reach of Technology and AI in Business

34:55 - The Evolution of Automation and AI's Role

41:22 - The Human Element in AI Integration

45:30 - Navigating the Risks and Opportunities of AI

55:27 - Practical Advice for Entrepreneurs and Leaders in an AI-Driven World



#startups #ai #futureofwork #innovation #digitaltransformation

The days may feel long, but the weeks quickly fly by, and this week is no exception. It's hard to believe we're already putting May in the rearview mirror. As usual, there were far too many updates to cover in a single episode; however, I'll be covering some of the ones I think are most notable.

Thanks also to all of you who send feedback and topics for consideration. Keep them coming!

With that, let's hit it.


Reddit Chaos - I'm not a big fan of "told you so" moments, but there is a subtle satisfaction that comes when they arrive. When it comes to connecting Reddit to GenAI, it didn't take long for that moment to show up. As predicted, the lack of data cleaing practices and validation criteria went as expected and there has been a slew of crazy responses. Check them out if you want a good laugh (or cry).


OpenAI Safety & New Model - GPT-What?! That's right, OpenAI has officially announced it has started training the successor of GPT-4. While we still don't have an official name, speculation on what we can expect to see is well on its way. Whatever is cooking, it must pack a punch since alongside that announcement came the announcement to formalize a new Safety Board. While it no doubt was influenced by the recent safety execs, it's a step in the right direction.


Stanford Transparency Index - How much do we really know about how the AI sausage is made? According to a six month study by Standford, not a lot. Their Transparency Index highlights that while there has been improvements since Oct 2023, there is still a lot of room for improvement. Add to that, the "improvements" can be a bit misleading if you look beneath the surface.


Google Safety Framework - Google has shared its safety framework, outlining the process they'll be following to assess when their models approach pre-defined risk thresholds, triggering mandatory mitigation planning. While it's good to have a well defined process, it's hard to know how effective it will be when it's not quite clear what exactly crosses the line.
AI Kill Switch - When a global group of the largest, privately-held AI providers get together and universally agree on a "kill switch," you can't help but ask yourself "what kind of monster have we created?" Another step in the right direction that reveals a lot about where we are on the tech journey. And, I can't help but wonder what it really will take to "put down" one of these Leviathans.



Show Notes:

In this weekly update, Christopher spends dedicates a large portion of this update to AI safety and governance. Key topics include the missteps of AI's integration with Reddit, concerns sparked by the departure of OpenAI's safety executives, and Stanford's Model Transparency Index. The episode also explores Google's safety framework and global discussions on implementing an AI kill switch. Throughout, Christopher emphasizes the importance of transparency, external oversight, and personal responsibility in navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape.



00:00 - Introduction

01:46 - The AI and Reddit Cautionary Tale

07:28 - Revisiting OpenAI's Executive Departures

09:45 - OpenAI's New Model and Safety Board

13:59 - Stanford's Foundation Model Transparency Index

24:17 - Google's Frontier Safety Framework

30:04 - Global AI Kill Switch Agreement

38:57 - Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections



#ai #cybersecurity #techtrends #artificialintelligence #futureofwork

How do businesses navigate the fine line between technological advancement and ethical integrity?

That's the topic of conversation this week as I talk with Dave Burrill, managing director at Bridging Business with IT, about the critical role of ethics in digital transformation. Given technology's prominent role in reshaping our professional landscapes, an ethical framework is essential in preventing moral oversights that could have long-lasting repercussions.

We'll be unpacking the tangible impacts of ethical decisions in technology integration, sharing insights from real business scenarios where the balance of moral values and business efficiency was put to the test. Our conversation sheds light on the strategies companies can employ to align technological innovations with core ethical principles, ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of values.

No fluff—just a straightforward dialogue on how businesses can foster a culture of ethical responsibility while embracing digital innovation. So, listen in to gain a deeper understanding of how to embed ethical considerations into your business strategy, ensuring that your company remains both innovative and principled.

Show Notes:

In this episode, Christopher engages in a deep dive with Dave Burrell, Managing Director of Bridging Business with IT, exploring the critical intersection of business, technology, and the human experience in the context of digital transformations. They discuss the often overlooked ethical considerations in business and technology, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology with human values and business needs rather than just focusing on profits. The conversation sheds light on common pitfalls in digital transformations, such as failing to properly understand and integrate the needs of the business, the limitations of human communication in conveying expertise, and the necessity of iterative planning. They also cover the societal impacts of these challenges, highlighting stories from companies like Nestle and methodologies like agile and waterfall, to illustrate the broad implications of getting digital transformations right for businesses, individuals, and society at large.

00:00 - Introduction: Bridging Business and Technology

01:45 - Meet Dave Burrell: From Construction to Tech Visionary

09:05 - The Evolution of Technology in Business

11:34 - The Pitfalls of Digital Transformation

21:00 - The Ethical Implications of Business Practices

28:48 - Rethinking Project Management for Success

35:50 - Unlocking Team Potential Through Visualization

36:48 - The High Cost of Miscommunication in Leadership

39:37 - The Importance of Diverse Perspectives in Business and Technology

41:22 - The Evolution of the CIO Role and the Need for Business Acumen

52:28 - The Power of Iterative Planning and Business-First Approaches

01:01:36 - The Ethical Imperative of Understanding Human Behavior in Business

01:06:48 - Concluding Thoughts on Improving Business and Society



#digitaltransformation #ethics #futureofwork #leadership #AI

I hope you've had another fantastic week. To all my US-based folks, I hope you have some exciting plans for the Memorial Day weekend. And, regardless of what you're celebrating this weekend, what better way to kick it off than catching up on the latest happenings at the intersection of business, tech, and human experience.

With that, let's jump right into it:

AI Adult Content (Part 2) - I've been caught off guard by people's responses to things I say many times over the years, but the reaction to my warning about OpenAI's exploration of using its tech for "responsible use" in adult media was exceptionally surprising. The craziest part was the vast majority of the reactions weren't directly to anything I said but what people assumed was implied by what I said. So, I thought I'd take the opportunity to set the record straight.

OpenAI Dissolves Safety Team - Did the chicken or the egg come first? Jan and Llya's recent departure from OpenAI and the related dissolusion of the long-term safety team seems like a similar debate. While there's a lot of hype over draconian HR policy and public statements about the long-term conflict between exec members, what's really happening under the surface is a tale as old as time.

OpenAI + Reddit = ? - Unfortunately, my days of teaching middle school math won't be much help in solving that equation. However, the deal between OpenAI and Reddit has no shortage of risks and considerations as we think about how these LLMs will make decisions and ultimately influence people in what they think and how they behave.

Goodbye DEI; Hello Inclusion - As a Pheonix rises from the ashes, so inclusion seems to be rising from the remains of DEI. However, what does that really mean and what are the implications on workplace practices and policies? While the DEI train lost its way in an effort to make the workplace a better place for everyone, I'm not convinced that completely decoupling diversity and equity from the larger DEI-train is the right move.



Show Notes:

In this weekly update, Christopher unpacks several critical topics at the crossroads of business, technology, and human experience. The episode begins with a reflection on the backlash received over Christopher's concerns about OpenAI's potential venture into adult entertainment. He responds to criticism, clarifies his stance from a biblical worldview, and discusses the broader societal implications of adult media, challenging both religious and secular perspectives. Shifting gears, the discussion moves to OpenAI's recent controversies, including the public exits of two key executives due to safety concerns, and a new partnership with Reddit. Christopher addresses the potential dangers and benefits of this partnership, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility in navigating AI's evolving landscape. Finally, the episode touches on the shifting narrative in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), highlighting the rise of 'inclusion' as the new focus. Christopher encourages listeners to engage respectfully with differing viewpoints and underscores the importance of individual discernment in these complex issues.

00:00 - Introduction

01:06 - Addressing the Backlash

04:52 - Navigating Criticism and Misunderstandings

08:26 - The Impact of Adult Media

18:32 - AI in Adult Entertainment

24:16 - OpenAI's Leadership Shake-Up

27:29 - Navigating AI Ethics and Safety Concerns

30:00 - The Business Pressures on AI Development

32:48 - Personal Responsibility in the Age of AI

35:46 - OpenAI's Deal with Reddit

43:03 - The Evolution of DEI to Inclusion



#ai #OpenAi #ethics #DEI #futureofwork

Can we really measure how skilled we are in a world that's constantly changed by AI while simultaneously preparing for the future?

This week I'm digging into this big question and much more with Kian Katanforoosh, founder of Workera and DeepLearning. Together, we explored the impact AI already having on the way work is happening and what it means for employee skills. We also unpack how this whole shift is fundamentally shaking up the way we approach skill development and measurement.

Regardless of where you are, this conversation will hopefully help you understand the real impact of AI on our work and skills while helping you up.



Show Notes:

In this episode, Christopher leads a comprehensive discussion on the practical ways AI is revolutionizing the workplace. Joined by Kian Katanforoosh, CEO and founder of Workera, the conversation explores how AI is changing organizational landscapes, the skills necessary for future-proofing careers, and the challenges faced in implementing AI. They discuss the importance of literacy in AI across different layers of organizations, the rapid evolution of skills due to AI, and the emerging roles of AI agents in business contexts. Key insights include the differences in AI adoption between tech and non-tech industries and strategic actions that companies can take to successfully integrate AI. The conversation concludes with a look at the future of jobs and productivity enhancements driven by AI.

00:00 - Introduction: Navigating AI in the Workplace

05:24 - The Four Tiers of AI Literacy and Their Impact

10:19 - AI Integration: From Strategy to Execution

20:35 - The Changing Landscape of Skills in the AI Era

24:57 - AI's Acceleration of Skill Half-Life and Organizational Learning

27:46 - Navigating Professional Evolution in a Disruptive Era

28:32 - The Importance of T-Shaped Skills and Learning Velocity

29:52 - Adapting Communication in the Age of AI

31:58 - AI's Impact on Jobs: AI, Automation, and New Job Creation

44:13 - Strategies for Successful AI Integration in Organizations

52:37 - Exploring the Potential of AI Agents in the Workplace

01:00:06 - Concluding Thoughts



#ai #artificialintelligence #futureofwork #skills #skilldevelopment