Future-Focused with Christopher Lind Christopher Lind

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

Happy Friday Everyone! Congratulations on making it through another week, and what a week it has been. I've got another significant round of updates, and I'd encourage you to make sure you're sitting down. It takes a lot to give me pause, and this week's updates did just that. 

Also, as always, thanks to those of you who send along topics and questions. I do these updates for the benefit of the community, so don't hesitate to send things along if you want them added to the list.

With that, let's get into it:


Pollution Vacuum - If greenhouse gas is such a problem, why don't we just suck it out of the sky? While waving your Dyson in the air on your driveway might result in your neighbors calling the cops, it may not be as crazy of an idea as it sounds. While Iceland's "Mammoth" is an encouraging step in reducing our carbon footprint, we need to be careful we don't end up creating more problems than we solve.


OpenAI GPT-4o - If you've followed previous updates, you've heard me say we may be approaching the top of the logarithmic graph of LLM advancement. I will officially take this opportunity to eat my words. Just when you think we've hit a ceiling, you realize any perceived ceiling is the floor of a new level of capability. While it may seem like some insignificant changes at first glance, there's more than meets the eye.


Google Project Astra - I resisted the urge to do a deep dive into the full scope of Google's Project Astra since an 8-hour update probably wouldn't trend well. However, amidst a tidal wave of capabilities, there's a powerful undercurrent that will radically shift the world of work. To anyone holding tightly to the activities that currently occupy your workday, I'd highly recommend you loosen that grip or risk being dragged to the bottom of the sea.


Universal Basic Income - With the forecasts of significant job disruption and the relentless march forward of AI capability, it's no surprise there's a rise in conversations about what we do to support people through the change. Sam Altman has been in the news recently for his talking points on the potential of AI-funded Universal Basic Income. While it's a far more complex and nuanced concept that is often treated, we'd be wise to avoid taking shots across the political bow about the merit of the idea and dig into what we realistically can do to support people through the inevitable disruption that's coming.



Show Notes:

The episode opens with a highlight on a new large-scale pollution vacuum developed by Climeworks in Iceland, signifying a step towards reducing atmospheric carbon. The narrative then shifts to the advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly GPT-4o by OpenAI and Google's Project Astra, forecasting the transformative impact on personal and professional life. Key topics include the rapid acceleration in AI capabilities, the integration into daily activities through conversational and visual AI, and potential implications for employment and societal adjustment. The host wraps up with a thoughtful take on universal basic income as a potential strategy to mitigate AI-induced economic disruptions, urging a balanced and unified approach to navigating the complex future landscape.

00:00 Kicking Off with Future-Focused Updates

01:32 Exploring the World's Largest Pollution Vacuum

10:49 Diving into OpenAI's GPT-4.0 Release and Google's Project Astra

25:59 The True Cost of 'Free' AI Tools

28:48 Exploring Google's Project Astra

31:46 The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World

39:32 Universal Basic Income: A Solution to AI Disruption?

46:49 Concluding Thoughts on AI, Work, and Society



#AI #ClimateChange #AIAgents #OpenAI #Google #UBI

Will your technical skills be enough to navigate the AI revolution?

This week I'm sitting down with with Mark Herschberg, author and fractional CTO, who brings a unique flavor of technical expertise combined with career development and skill enhancement. Mark has walked the road from MIT to the forefront of AI innovation, yet he highlights how being a top-notch engineer is only part of the equation. Together, we dig into the crucial, often-overlooked skills that drive success in today's rapidly evolving workplace.

We also explore how AI is reshaping the job landscape, automating routine tasks, and elevating the importance of strategic roles. We discuss the rise of "centaurs" in the workforce, where human creativity and AI precision combine to outperform either working alone.

Regardless of whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, you will find valuable insights into the skills and strategies that will keep you ahead in a world where technology and human expertise intersect more than ever.

Show Notes:

This episode explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market and the necessary skills for navigating a technology-driven future. Christopher talks with Mark Herschberg, a CTO with a background in AI and career development, shares insights on the importance of technical and non-technical skill development amidst rapid technological change. The conversation covers the evolution of job roles with AI integration, the misconception of prompt engineering as a career, the shift towards continuous education, and the importance of having a career plan. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of applying knowledge through action rather than just acquisition, highlighting the need for a balance between enhancing technical competencies and developing timeless, human-centric skills for success in today's dynamic work environment.

00:00 - Introduction

01:08 - Mark Hirschberg: From MIT to AI Expertise

04:32 - The Evolution of Technical Skills and AI's Impact

09:23 - Legal and Healthcare: AI's Transformative Role

17:07 - AI Adoption Challenges and the Future of Work

26:31 - The Centaur Model: Blending Human Insight with AI

29:56 - Unlocking Career Success with Timeless Skills

33:42 - The Gap in Academic Education

37:18 - The Evolution of Job Requirements

44:43 - Continuous Learning: A New Model for Career Development

46:12 - Practical Career Planning Advice

52:14 - Leveraging Your Network for Career Planning

58:07 - Concluding Thoughts on Continuous Development



#skills #careerdevelopment #careercoaching #ai #futureofwork

With the pace of change, I never struggle to find topics for my weekly update, but this week may have been one of the hardest to winnow down the list. At the end of the day, I landed on four, and they ended up being a formidable mix of enthusiasm and disappointment.  



Thanks as always to the community that sends potential topics and questions. Without further ado, here we go.



OpenAI Adult Content - With many topics, I can highlight pros and cons and find opportunities even with the most difficult situations. OpenAI announcing it will be exploring the possibility of opening its technology for use in creating adult content is not one of those situations. I am extremely discouraged, concerned, and disheartened to see one of the biggest players in the space already considering the use of its technology for this purpose.



UHC Massive Hack - The good news? Ummm....2/3's of Americans may not have been affected by the ransomware attack on United Healthcare? With our personal and healthcare data being more valuable than gold, it's tragic when a hack of this magnitude occurs. However, it shines a light on how important even basic security measures by every individual can be. Not only could it have potentially prevented the event, but it would dramatically decrease the negative impact.



Med-Gemini & Alphafold 3 - On a much brighter note, there have been two major announcements from the Googlesphere that have major implications on the advancement of healthcare. Med-Gemini has the potential to radically transform diagnostics, healthcare operations, and the quality of patient care. Alphafold 3 has the potential to not only radically compress timelines for treatments but open doors to solving formerly impossible challenges.



Job Satisfaction Data - A recent survey shows nearly 63% of employees are "satisfied," but what dose that really mean? While it's an encouragement to much of the doom and gloom media about the state of employment, a deeper dive into the data highlights there remains significant room for improvement. Add to that, it's clear that certain segments of the population are more satisfied than others. 



Show Notes:

This week's episode provides a weekly update of the biggest happenings, the first is exploring significant concerns regarding OpenAI's venture into generating adult content with its generative AI technology. Christopher expresses deep apprehension about the moral and societal implications of augmenting such content with AI, emphasizing the negative impacts on human dignity and relationships. The discussion shifts to the recent hack of UnitedHealthcare, impacting one-third of the U.S. population, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity measures like multi-factor authentication. The episode also covers advancements in AI-driven healthcare solutions through Google's MedGemini and AlphaFold3, illustrating their potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis and treatment. Lastly, it delves into workplace satisfaction, referencing a significant study that reveals the highest satisfaction rates since 1987 but notes discrepancies in the data. The discussion emphasizes the value of leadership quality and organizational culture over compensation in employee satisfaction, with hybrid work environments showing promising engagement levels.

00:00 - Welcome to the Future Focused Weekly Update

01:21 - The Controversy of Open AI in Adult Content

03:19 - The Ethical Dilemmas and Societal Impacts of AI-Generated Adult Content

19:29 - Personal Stories and the Call for Action Against AI in Adult Media

23:06 - The UnitedHealthcare Hack: A Wake-Up Call for Digital Security

28:05 - Understanding HIPAA and Protecting Your Health Data

30:39 - Google's MedGemini and Alpha Fold 3: AI's Role in Healthcare

46:13 - Employee Satisfaction: Insights and Analysis



#ai #ransomware #healthcare #employeeexperience #futureofwork

Despite what skeptics may say, XR Tech, better known as spatial computing, isn't going anywhere.

This week, I'm talking with Sven Brunner of Sphere to explore the transformative impact artificial intelligence (AI) is having on extended reality (XR). We'll be discussing how AI can address XR's content challenges by providing greater context and enhancing user experiences.

We'll also connect the dots on where XR fits in the future of work and how it can create new opportunities and efficiencies.



Show Notes:

In the episode, Christopher explores the intersection of Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). With insights from Sven Bruner of Sphere, the discussion explores how XR and AI work together to address each other's challenges, offering enhancements in manufacturing and healthcare, among other fields. It covers the historical context of technology replacing older jobs while creating new opportunities, emphasizing the importance of adapting to technological advancements with optimism. The conversation also highlights the significance of regulatory measures for AI, the dynamic changes in employment due to technological progress, and the potential for these technologies to transcend traditional limitations, making way for unprecedented possibilities.

00:00 - Introduction

01:16 - Sven Bruner: A Journey from Switzerland to Silicon Valley

04:43 - The Evolution of XR: From HoloLens to Spatial Computing

11:53 - From ChatGPT to Purpose-Driven Technology

29:07 - Integrating AI with XR for Real-World Solutions

33:25 - Addressing the Fear of Job Loss with AI Integration

36:30 - The Global Challenge of Skilled Technician Shortages

41:05 - Crossing Language and Cultural Barriers with AI

44:38 - AI and XR Creating New Opportunities

48:23 - The Role of AI in Training and Knowledge Transfer

56:47 - AI and XR: A Synergy Solving Each Other's Limitations

01:00:18 - Embracing Technological Advancements for a Better Future



#ai #spacialcomputing #xr #futureofwork #skills