Humanity Working

Humanity Working
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Semiweekly

Humanity Working is a podcast focused on how new technology such as AI is changing the experience of work, and how humans can thrive in this new world. Each episode we explore what is changing, how it is affecting the way work gets done, and the impact it has on the people doing work - with a particular focus on those who have a creative aspect to their work. The podcast is hosted by Paul Slater - Principal AI Technologist at Adobe Systems, often alongside Matt Neal - Innovation Leader at BeOne Medicines. We frequently feature authors, business leaders and top tier academics. Join us as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of work.

  1. Bonus Episode: Navigating the Age of Chaos, Featuring Bob Johansen

    Mar 3

    Bonus Episode: Navigating the Age of Chaos, Featuring Bob Johansen

    Paul welcomes back three-time guest Bob Johansen to discuss his co-authored book, Navigating the Age of Chaos, and the shift from VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) to BANI (brittle, anxious, nonlinear, incomprehensible) as a more accurate frame for today’s world. Bob explains that unlike VUCA, BANI assumes some external events won’t make sense even with data and experts, yet leaders must still decide, often with less information than they want. Paul and Bob explore why today differs from past crises—citing global climate disruption, AI systems even designers don’t fully understand, and unprecedented cyber threats—and how chronic anxiety, cognitive overload, and polarization shape responses. The conversation highlights how BANI+ can be used to respond to the challenges of BANI, and other positive actions we can all take to deal with the challenges of the current world. 00:00 Housekeeping and Audio Note 01:05 Bob Returns and New Book 02:15 Setting the Agenda for BANI 03:41 From VUCA to BANI 08:40 Why Today Feels Different 10:05 Anxiety and Human Impact 12:15 Nonlinear Climate and Decisions 16:46 Cognitive Overload and Unthinkable Risks 20:54 BANI Plus Flipping Positive 23:32 Simulation Gaming and Readiness 26:33 Coach Eck Cave Story 29:32 Stories and Resilient Clarity 31:55 Small Actions Beat Helplessness 35:59 Gratitude and Mental Fitness 38:32 Wrap Up and Next Book Tease 39:01 Credits and Call to Action Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential. For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.

    40 min
  2. The AI-Ready Human Deep Dive

    Feb 24

    The AI-Ready Human Deep Dive

    The team returns after the launch of Paul's new book, The AI Ready Human, and this time Matt plays the role of interviewer!  In this episode Matt and Paul discuss the book’s core framework: the “Magnificent Seven” stacked capabilities—readiness, organization, control, balance, motivation, resilience, and adaptability—created in response to programs that treat AI only as a tool and overemphasize prompt engineering. The explore how to truly create evergreen skills in a world that is ever changing, and how to manage a form of AI that feels neither particularly artificial or intelligent. They explore concerns about AI training on mixed-quality internet data, the possibility of moving from broad AI to narrower, task-specific systems, and the accelerating growth of AI-generated content. And they look at how the themes from the book have broader applicability to work and life. Resources mentioned in this episode: The AI-Ready Human on Amazon The AI-Ready Human on Barnes and Noble The AI-Ready Human on (the awesome) Bookshop.org A Signed Hardback Copy of The AI-Ready Human 00:00 Show Returns and Book Launch 01:00 Special Episode Setup 02:29 Why 90 Days Format 05:48 Magnificent Seven Skills 06:25 Beyond Prompt Engineering 11:50 Evergreen Yet Changing 14:32 Maestro Leadership Metaphor 20:40 AI as Unreliable Teammate 25:02 Bias Data and Narrow AI 31:15 Ethics and authorship 32:28 AI content flood 34:42 AI traps and trust 36:52 Context and memory 41:41 Naming your AIs 45:41 Confidence and hallucinations 47:05 Autonomy mastery purpose 49:23 Rebuilding mastery at work 53:28 Adapting your human role 57:07 Wrap up and next topics Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential. For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.

    1 hr

  3. Jan 13

    An Announcement

    In this special episode, Paul announces the release of his new book titled 'AI Ready Human: Your 90 Day Program to Stay Relevant as Technology Transforms Work.'  The book is designed to help readers adapt to the evolving AI-dominated technology landscape through concise daily exercises over a 90-day period.  Listeners and readers of Humanity Working can get a pre-release signed copy of the book by visiting humanityworking.net and looking for the book announcement! 00:00 Special Announcement: New Book Release! 00:22 Introducing 'AI Ready Human' 02:13 Book Structure and Unique Features 03:56 Pre-Order and Availability 05:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential. For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.

    6 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    Conflict Resolution, Fixed

    Why is conflict resolution degrading as a skill in the workplace, and what can we do about it? In their last episode before the holidays, Paul and Matt explore how factors like the personalized internet, social media, and AI are conspiring to make it challenging to handle conflict respectfully and to use it as a driver for positive change. And they propose an exercise you can use in the workplace to help you deal with conflict before it becomes a real issue. 00:00 Introduction to Conflict Resolution 02:01 The Impact of Technology on Conflict 02:58 Social Media and Tribalism 03:55 AI and Conflict Avoidance 04:23 The Decline of Conflict Resolution Skills 08:19 Conflict in Personal Relationships 09:16 Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies 13:57 Addressing Underlying Tensions 17:50 Podcast Wrap-Up and Upcoming Episodes Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential. For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.

    20 min
  5. Bonus Episode: Leading Change in the Era of AI, Featuring Bill Kirst

    12/18/2025

    Bonus Episode: Leading Change in the Era of AI, Featuring Bill Kirst

    Paul is joined by Bill Kirst, host of the Coffee and Change podcast and author of the new book Leading Change in the Era of AI. The conversation explores the psychological and societal implications of rushing toward artificial intelligence. Kirst argues that while technology companies strive to maximize addiction and profit, individuals must pause to ask if they are losing their identity in the "race" for efficiency. From the potential for a "reverse renaissance" led by younger generations to the importance of "messy" human connection over AI simulation, this episode is a call to preserve the unique divinity of the human spirit. Key Topics Discussed: • The "Master’s Degree" in Understanding: Kirst shares a story about his 84-year-old father, who went from feeling inept about AI to feeling empowered and informed after reading the book. • The Addiction Algorithm: A look at how tech companies hire psychologists to tweak algorithms for dependency, repeating the mistakes of the social media era. • The Race to Irrelevance: Slater and Kirst discuss the fear driving governments, corporations, and individuals to adopt AI, asking: "Will we remember ourselves and who we are at the end of said race?". • The Mirror Metaphor: Kirst reveals that the backward binary code on his book cover is designed to be read in a mirror, symbolizing the need for self-reflection before engaging with technology. • Empty Calories vs. Nourishment: An analogy comparing AI interaction to "empty calories" that leave the spirit lethargic, versus the "nourishment" found in messy, authentic human relationships. • The "Reverse Renaissance": Hopeful signs that Gen Alpha and high school students are asking for permission to disconnect and say "no" to constant AI integration. • The Refuge of Human Spaces: The prediction that society will eventually place a premium on "human-only" spaces—like phone-free restaurants—to escape the perfection of the digital world. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: • Book: Leading Change in the Era of AI by Bill Kirst. • Podcast: Coffee and Change hosted by Bill Kirst. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:37 Reactions to the Book 02:06 Common Reactions and Personal Stories 04:02 AI's Role and Ethical Concerns 08:26 The Race for AI Supremacy 15:04 Generative AI and Its Impacts 21:35 Youth Perspectives and Hesitations 26:43 Exploring Human-AI Relationships 27:49 The Emotional Impact of AI Companions 29:07 The Chemical Reactions in Human-AI Interactions 31:50 The Dangers of Over-Reliance on AI 35:41 Human Connection vs. AI Interaction 43:03 The Future of Human Interaction in a Digital World 49:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential. For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.

    52 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    Written Communication, Fixed

    Written communication has expanded from formal emails to Slack messages, tweets, and video scripts. But are you being understood? In this "Quick Fix" episode, Paul and Matt break down why the way we were taught to write in school fails us at work and how the lack of intonation in text creates emotional misunderstandings. Paul introduces a four-layer framework to ensure your writing is effective and resonant, and issues a warning about using AI: don't let it destroy your authenticity. Key Takeaways: • The Sender-Receiver Gap: What feels positive to you as the sender can often be received negatively. Text lacks the vocal cues that usually signal intent, creating a gap where uncertainty and anxiety emerge. • The Framework for Excellence (The 4 Rs): To move from "functionally okay" to excellent, layer your communication to be:     1. Real: Truthful and clear.     2. Receivable: Short sentences that are easy to process.     3. Relevant: Focused on what the other person needs to know, not just what you want to say.     4. Resonant: Toned appropriately for the relationship and circumstance. • The AI Warning: While AI is useful early in the drafting process, relying on it too heavily can strip away your unique voice. This creates cognitive dissonance when people eventually meet you in person and the "real you" doesn't match your written persona. The "Quick Fix" Challenge: Before you hit send on your next important email or text, pause. Read it through the eyes of the receiver. Better yet, use a text-to-speech tool to listen to it. Hearing your words read back to you can reveal issues with tone and clarity that your eyes might miss. Resources & References: • Book Mentioned: Smart Brevity (Recommended for structure, but use with caution to remain authentic). • Tool: Speechify (Text-to-speech app). Up Next: Join us Thursday for a deep dive with Bill Kirst on maintaining our humanity in the age of AI, and tune in next Tuesday for a Quick Fix on Conflict Resolution. Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential. For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.

    23 min
  7. Bonus Episode: What Nature Can Teach Us About Organizations, Featuring Ines Garcia

    12/11/2025

    Bonus Episode: What Nature Can Teach Us About Organizations, Featuring Ines Garcia

    Our most resilient companies have been around for about a hundred years. Meanwhile, some species of life are still thriving after a billion years. Ines Garcia believes that by quietening our cleverness and truly tapping into our understanding of how nature demonstrates adaptability and resilience, we can build organizations that truly last. In this episode, Paul and Ines discuss her new book, Nature's Blueprint for Business: Harnessing the Hidden Power of Edges, and propose radical new approaches to organizational design that could increase innovation, dramatically improve employee experience, and position organizations for the future of work. 00:00:05 Introduction to Biomimicry and Nature Centricity00:02:44 Understanding Biomimicry00:08:38 Artificial vs Natural Organizational Structures00:11:03 Resilience and Adaptability in Nature00:13:41 Quietening Cleverness00:16:35 Practical Applications of Nature's Lessons00:19:46 The Importance of Edges00:21:51 Creating Resilient Organizations00:24:57 Learning From NatureHumanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential. For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.

    43 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    Verbal Communication, Fixed

    Verbal communication is the number one soft skill listed on job descriptions these days for a reason - almost all of us are getting worse at it. In today's episode Paul and Matt discuss why this is a degrading skill, and what specific steps we can all take to make sure we stand out in our verbal communications, whether it's with colleagues, leaders or even among our family and friends. 00:00 Introduction 00:16 The Importance of Verbal Communication 00:52 Challenges in Verbal Communication 02:58 The Decline of Verbal Communication Skills 03:32 The Impact of Technology on Communication 08:22 Improving Verbal Communication Skills 11:14 The Role of Listening in Communication 14:40 Practical Tips for Better Communication 16:46 Upcoming Episodes and Conclusion Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential. For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.

    20 min
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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Humanity Working is a podcast focused on how new technology such as AI is changing the experience of work, and how humans can thrive in this new world. Each episode we explore what is changing, how it is affecting the way work gets done, and the impact it has on the people doing work - with a particular focus on those who have a creative aspect to their work. The podcast is hosted by Paul Slater - Principal AI Technologist at Adobe Systems, often alongside Matt Neal - Innovation Leader at BeOne Medicines. We frequently feature authors, business leaders and top tier academics. Join us as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of work.

Information

  • Creator
    Humanity Working
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    133
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Humanity Working
  • Show Website
    Humanity Working