The Human Protocol

Mykel Salomon

The Human Protocol Podcast is about staying human while building the future. Hosted by Mykel Salomon, each weekly episode explores the intersection of technology, leadership, and purpose — from AI transformation and innovation to the personal stories of the people shaping it all. Through honest conversations with founders, thinkers, and builders, we uncover how values, meaning, and impact endure in a world being rewritten by code. Whether you’re leading in tech, navigating change, or simply curious about the human side of progress, this is your space to reconnect with what truly matters.

  1. EPISODE 1

    S2E1 - Turning On Machines: What AI Adoption Really Requires from Today’s Leaders w/ Zac Engler

    Summary In this episode of The Human Protocol, host Mykel Salomon engages with Zach Engler, Chief AI Officer at C4 Technical Services, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on leadership, work, and society. They explore the importance of understanding AI, the need for self-reflection, and the future of work in an AI-driven world. Zach shares insights from his journey in AI, the trifurcation of work, and the role of agentic thinking in adapting to new technologies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparing organizations for AI, the implications for government policy, and the need for individuals to embrace change and self-discovery in the face of rapid technological advancement. Takeaways AI is not replacing humans, but changing the nature of leadership. Understanding AI is crucial for effective leadership in the modern era. Self-reflection is essential to navigate the impact of AI on personal and professional life. The future of work will involve a trifurcation of tasks between AI, humans, and a combination of both. Organizations must adopt a crawl, walk, run approach to AI implementation. The societal impact of AI will be profound, affecting all sectors of work. Agentic thinking will be vital as AI becomes more autonomous. Governments need to consider ethical implications in AI development and deployment. Individuals should focus on their identity beyond their job roles in an AI-driven world. The future will require a balance between technology and preserving human culture. Chapters 00:00 Navigating the AI Era: Leadership Challenges 02:54 Zach Engler: A Personal Journey into AI 06:06 The Evolution of AI: From Concept to Reality 09:05 AI's Impact on Work, Life, and Relationships 11:57 The Power of Agency in AI Development 14:49 Agentic Thinking: The Future of Work 17:50 Trifurcation of Work: AI, Humans, and Collaboration 20:56 Preparing for the AI-Driven Future 23:47 The Race for AI Supercomputing 26:56 The Future of AI: Predictions and Possibilities 33:53 The Importance of AI Leadership 39:16 Navigating the AI Landscape 42:29 Turning On Machines: A Historical Perspective 51:53 Embracing AI: Messages for Individuals and Organizations 58:28 The Future of AI and Humanity

    58 min
  2. EPISODE 2

    S2E2 - Choose To Be Your Own Champion w/ Dorice Horenstein

    Summary In this episode of The Human Protocol, host Mykel Salomon and guest Dorice Horenstein discuss the importance of being your own champion in a world filled with stress and burnout. They explore the concept of positive intelligence, the need for balance in life, and the impact of social media on self-perception. Dorice shares her journey from education to becoming a global thought leader, emphasizing the significance of inner strength and values. The conversation highlights the necessity of empathy, connection, and community in navigating the challenges of modern life. Takeaways The greatest strength is showing up fully human. Choosing to be your own champion is essential today. AI transforms tasks, not humanity itself. Authentic intelligence cannot be replaced by AI. Change comes from within, not from external forces. Balance in life is crucial for well-being. Social media can distort self-perception. Embracing imperfection leads to personal growth. Positive intelligence is a daily practice. Community-driven futures require empathy and connection. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Human Protocol 02:14 Dorice Horenstein's Journey 05:10 The Importance of Being Your Own Champion 09:15 Finding Inner Values and Strength 09:19 Balancing Life's Challenges 10:49 The Role of Social Media in Self-Perception 12:13 The Concept of Positive Intelligence 13:51 Daily Practices for a Balanced Life 14:11 Understanding the Choose Framework 15:03 Maximizing Human Potential 15:47 The AIM to Core Framework 16:44 The Need for Empathy and Connection 19:44 Looking Towards the Future

    51 min
  3. EPISODE 3

    S2E3 - The Story of Support Driven and the Power of Community in the Age of AI w/ Scott Tran

    Takeaways Community is where we become, not just belong. Support Driven started as a podcast to connect support professionals. Building a community is about serving its members, not the other way around. AI is changing customer support, creating both challenges and opportunities. Relationships are key to business success, not just the product. Quality over quantity is essential in community building. The best way to grow a community is one person at a time. Support Driven is a space for people to help each other, regardless of their tools. The legacy of Support Driven is about fostering human connections. Navigating the future requires balancing technology with human relationships. Summary In this episode of The Human Protocol Podcast, host Mykel Salomon speaks with Scott Tran, founder of Support Driven, a community for support professionals. They discuss the importance of community in the age of AI, the journey of building Support Driven, and the challenges and opportunities presented by technology. Scott shares insights on fostering relationships, the impact of AI on customer support, and advice for those looking to build their own communities. The conversation emphasizes the value of human connections and the legacy of creating spaces where people can help each other. Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Community 03:58 The Birth of Support Driven 11:54 Navigating Growth and Challenges 14:30 The Impact of AI on Customer Support 21:22 Building Relationships in Business 28:59 Navigating the Noise of AI Content 31:26 The Role of Community in Job Searching 34:37 Building Relationships in Support-Driven Communities 36:12 Advice for Aspiring Community Builders 38:22 Recognizing the Value of Community Growth 39:24 Sustaining Community Through Conferences 41:12 The Importance of Location for Community Events 42:57 Future Plans for European Conferences 46:11 Legacy and Independence of Support Driven 50:52 Creating a Sustainable Community Garden 54:10 Embracing Change with AI

    45 min
5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Human Protocol Podcast is about staying human while building the future. Hosted by Mykel Salomon, each weekly episode explores the intersection of technology, leadership, and purpose — from AI transformation and innovation to the personal stories of the people shaping it all. Through honest conversations with founders, thinkers, and builders, we uncover how values, meaning, and impact endure in a world being rewritten by code. Whether you’re leading in tech, navigating change, or simply curious about the human side of progress, this is your space to reconnect with what truly matters.