Diverse Paths to AI Mastery: Fernando Tarnogol's Interdisciplinary Approach Plain Sight

In this episode of the Plain Sight podcast, Stewart Alsop interviews Fernando Tarnagol, an AI team training lead at Invisible Technologies. Fernando discusses various topics, including significant AI advancements as seen in Google's public ventures into generative image territory, the integration of BARD into Google and his experiments on AI training. He also shares some fascinating insights on AI's potential future developments and how it could impact our world. Fernando compares the evolution and application of AI to exploring uncharted waters and the need for humans to adapt rapidly to survive. He also expresses his expectation for the rise of general artificial intelligence and the challenges it may bring to entities such as corporation and bureaucracy.
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Timestamps
00:02 Introduction and Guest Background00:41 AI Developments and Google's Role02:13 The Impact of Corporate Politics on AI Progress03:15 Exploring the Crypto World03:32 Guest's Journey into AI06:01 The Intersection of Psychology and Technology06:58 The Advent of Blockchain and AI09:18 The Challenge of Predicting the Future of AI10:14 The Paradigm Shift in Science and Society13:02 The Future of AI: Opportunities and Concerns17:10 The Difficulty of Mastering Multiple Fields in the Age of AI24:22 Adapting to the Rise of AI25:25 The Importance of Learning in the AI Era26:23 The Surprises of AI Training27:18 The Challenges and Evolution of AI Training30:23 The Unique Culture of Invisible31:32 The Future of Corporations and AI39:27 The Potential Dangers of AI41:06 The Role of AI in Bureaucracy42:54 The Possibility of Local AI Models44:52 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
Key Insights

Google's AI Developments: Fernando highlights Google's recent advancements in generative image AI and integration with BARD. This move is significant in the AI landscape, showing Google’s effort to catch up and integrate AI into its various platforms.


Corporate Dynamics and Innovation: Fernando discusses the challenges large corporations like Google face when innovating, such as the constraints of corporate politics and shareholder expectations. In contrast, startups or stealth companies can be more disruptive due to their agility and freedom from such constraints.


Fernando's Diverse Background: His journey from working in call centers to VR/AR development and blockchain technology showcases the interdisciplinary nature of modern tech careers and the importance of adaptability in rapidly evolving fields like AI.


AI as a New Paradigm: Fernando and Stewart discuss the paradigm shift from deterministic to non-deterministic models in technology. They reflect on how AI represents a significant leap in this direction, marking a transition to more complex, less predictable systems.


Impact of AI on Society and Future Predictions: The discussion acknowledges the profound changes AI will bring, emphasizing the challenges in predicting the future due to the rapid pace of AI development. Fernando stresses the importance of adaptability and continuous learning to keep pace with these changes.


Role of AI in Training and Learning: Fernando talks about the evolving methods of AI training, highlighting the need to constantly adapt and upskill to meet the changing demands of AI development and training.


Invisible Technologies' Unique Approach: Fernando appreciates how Invisible Technologies treats contractors, emphasizing a culture that extends beyond traditional corporate boundaries. This approach helps create a more cohesive, inclusive work environment.


AI’s Potential in Bureaucracy and Everyday Tasks: There's a discussion about how AI could significantly streamline bureaucratic processes, making life easier and more efficient for individuals.


Local vs. Cloud-based AI Models: Fernando sees benefits in both local and cloud-based AI models. Local models can be useful in situations without internet access, while cloud-based