In a working world where the conversation is increasingly dominated by AI, we need to consciously prioritise human connection and old-school practices, like face-to-face conversations, physical books, and time for deep thinking, to avoid becoming trapped in a cycle of constant acceleration that ultimately undermines our wellbeing and what makes us fundamentally human.

Jon Whittle is the former CEO of CSIRO's Data61, Australia's national AI research and development centre. He led a team of around 500 scientists, engineers and support staff across Australia. Jon’s working is transitioning to helping organisations understand and adopt AI in an effective, human-centred way, particularly with boards and leadership teams.

Three reasons to listen

• To reframe AI adoption around human needs rather than pure efficiency
• To discover the risks of outsourcing human connection to AI
• Ao learn how to adopt old-school practices that preserve your humanity

Episode highlights

• [00:10:24] Leading hundreds of scientists and engineers
• [00:13:14] What it means to be human in an AI world
• [00:23:25] The danger of sharing problems with AI rather than other humans
• [00:31:33] What Jon has learned from classical Indian dance
• [00:36:18] AI for Business
• [00:39:55] Jon's media recommendation
• [00:42:06] Takeaways from Pia and Dan

Links

• Connect with Jon via LinkedIn
• AI for Business – Jon’s book
• CSIRO presents: Everyday AI – Jon’s podcast
• Turning Down the Noise – Jon’s media recommendation
• Track and improve your team performance with Squadify
• Leave us a voice note