In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Em and Craig tackle the complex concept of "truth finding" in the modern digital age, exploring how technology and AI have transformed our ability to discern fact from fiction.

Subjective vs. Objective Truth: The hosts explore the tension between objective facts and subjective perceptions of truth. Em notes that what was once considered "fact" (like the Earth being flat) can later be disproven, highlighting how truth evolves with knowledge.

Empiricism vs. Theory: Craig identifies as an empiricist, focusing on observable outcomes rather than theoretical explanations, while Em prefers understanding the underlying mechanisms. They discuss how both approaches have value in truth-seeking.

Technology's Impact on Truth: The hosts examine how AI, algorithms, and social media have created filter bubbles that shape and sometimes distort our perception of reality. Em references the "Amber Heard case" as an example of how online mob mentality and bots can manipulate public perception of truth.

Trust Markers: Craig explains his process for finding trustworthy voices online, noting he looks for people who demonstrate curiosity, flexibility, accountability, and willingness to change their mind when facts change. They discuss how putting one's name to information adds accountability.

Media Transformations: The discussion covers how traditional media with editorial standards is being replaced by faster, less rigorous social platforms, accelerating both information flow and misinformation. They note how careers and reputations can be destroyed almost instantly before the truth can be established.

Human Connection: Em emphasizes that despite technological advances, the most valuable tool for truth-finding remains "robust, candid conversations between people that you trust," suggesting that human connection provides a level of critical inquiry that machines cannot.

Biases and System Thinking: The hosts reference Daniel Kahneman's work on "fast" (intuitive) versus "slow" (analytical) thinking systems, discussing how being aware of our cognitive biases helps us better evaluate truth claims.

Psychological Safety: Both hosts stress the importance of creating environments where people can safely question assumptions and explore ideas without fear of punishment, noting that punitive approaches to open inquiry can silence important truths.

OK Boomer, OK Zoomer: hosts Em and Craig look at solving the Workplace Generation Puzzle, examining how different generational experiences shape values, communication styles, and workplace expectations.

Four Generations in the Workforce: Em explains that for the first time, we have four generations simultaneously in the workplace (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z), each with different value systems and communication preferences, causing previously successful workplace programs to fail.

Generational Overview: The hosts provide a historical context of generations:

Technological Evolution: Craig shares how Gen X witnessed tremendous technological changes, from analog television to digital media, and how this shapes communication preferences. Em notes how modern recording technology that once required expensive equipment is now available on smartphones.

Communication Medium Preferences: The hosts discuss how different generations prefer different communication methods, with Gen Z often anxious about phone calls while older generations value them. Craig suggests younger people might stand out positively by calling rather than texting.

Psychological Impacts: Em highlights the "spotlight effect" where teenagers feel all eyes are on them, but explains how social media has amplified this for younger generations by making this surveillance real and constant, contributing to mental health challenges.

Generational Tensions: The hosts acknowledge the resentment between generations, with younger people frustrated about housing affordability, environmental issues, and economic challenges while older generations criticize work ethic and respect for authority.

Finding Common Ground: Despite different expressions, all generations share fundamental human desires for validation, appreciation, respect, and belonging. Em emphasizes that finding this common humanity is essential for workplace harmony.

Crisis as Unifier: Craig references "The Fourth Turning" by Neil Howe, noting how crises like World War II or the early COVID-19 pandemic forced people to come together across generational divides.

In this episode, hosts Em and Craig explore the important distinction between being "nice" versus being "kind" in workplace and personal interactions, examining how these approaches impact relationships and communication effectiveness.

Defining Nice vs. Kind: Em describes "nice" as bland, safer, and more palatable but potentially insincere, while "kind" involves honesty and authenticity that may sometimes be uncomfortable but ultimately serves others better.

Toxic Positivity: The hosts discuss how workplace cultures that prioritize "nice" communication can evolve into toxic positivity, where difficult but necessary conversations get shut down because they aren't "nice," even when honesty would be the kindest approach.

David Yeager's Matrix: Em shares insights from Yeager's book "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People," which presents a matrix of leadership styles based on levels of support and standards:

Radical Candor/Honesty: Craig introduces the concept of "radical candor" as a communication approach that values honest feedback delivered with care. Em notes she practices this herself, establishing early in relationships that she'll be direct, which serves as a filter for compatibility.

Feedback Role-Play: The hosts demonstrate effective feedback techniques through a role-play scenario where Em (as manager) addresses Craig's work attendance issues while maintaining psychological safety, showing curiosity rather than judgment, and focusing on objective observations.

Building Psychological Safety: The conversation emphasizes how kindness creates psychological safety for difficult conversations, while "niceness" can mask festering problems that eventually surface in more damaging ways.

Practice Makes Perfect: Em stresses the importance of practicing difficult conversations before high-stakes moments, suggesting people write down and rehearse boundary-setting phrases to build confidence.

In this episode, hosts Em and Craig tackle the serious topic of workplace bullying, exploring its definition, causes, and strategies for addressing it in modern work environments.

Generational Workplace Dynamics: Em explains how having four generations in the workplace (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z) creates communication challenges, with each generation having different expectations about hierarchy, collaboration, and workplace behavior.

Defining Bullying: Craig shares the technical definition of bullying as "repeated and unreasonable behavior that poses a risk to health and safety," while Em emphasizes that bullying fundamentally involves power imbalances being used to harm others.

Attachment Theory and Bullying: Em explains how early childhood attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized) influence how people respond to bullying. Those with secure attachment are more likely to disengage from bullying situations, while those with other attachment styles may fawn, fight back, or respond inconsistently.

Distinguishing Bullying from Miscommunication: The hosts discuss the challenge of differentiating between intentional bullying and communication issues that may stem from neurodiversity or personality differences, noting that sometimes personalities simply don't mesh well.

Psychological Aspects: They explore how bullies often use subtle tactics that confuse victims, such as the "smiling assassin" approach where aggressive behavior is masked with friendly demeanor, making targets question their own perceptions.

HR's Role: The hosts highlight the importance of human resources departments in providing objective third-party perspectives to mediate conflicts and establish clear procedures for reporting and addressing bullying.

Practical Strategies: For organizations, establishing clear anti-bullying policies and procedures is essential. For individuals, developing strong personal boundaries and recognizing unhealthy dynamics are crucial self-protection skills.

Future Considerations: The conversation touches on cyberbullying and the challenges of addressing anonymous digital harassment, with Em sharing her personal experience of being targeted online.

In this episode, hosts Em and Craig discuss the intersection of AI and human communication, exploring how AI is transforming the workplace while emphasising the enduring value of human connection.

AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: Craig frames AI not as true intelligence but as "engineered collaboration at scale" that helps distill knowledge from across the internet. He suggests AI works best as a "first draft fairy" that helps overcome creative blocks.

Practical Applications: Craig shares examples of using AI tools like Claude to prepare interview questions and simplify complex technical concepts. Em discusses how AI could help prepare panel discussion questions.

Bias and Transparency Concerns: The hosts debate whether AI models can be biased based on their training data. Craig explains that different countries are developing their own AI models to reflect their cultural contexts, similar to how media outlets have political leanings.

The Value of Human Connection: Em emphasises that AI cannot fully replace human interaction, especially in areas requiring emotional intelligence, body language interpretation, and genuine connection. They discuss how human fallibility and authenticity are becoming more valued in contrast to AI's perfection.

Academic and Creative Impacts: They discuss university policies being developed to detect AI-generated content in student work. Em voices concerns about creative professions becoming obsolete while acknowledging that adaptation is necessary.

Prompt Engineering: Craig explains how learning to communicate effectively with AI through "prompt engineering" can maximise its usefulness, including providing context about audience and format.

In this season opener, hosts Em and Craig explore gender dynamics in tech, focusing on women's unique challenges with imposter syndrome, funding disparities, and opportunities in an evolving industry that increasingly needs diverse perspectives. 

Volvo Cars for their EVA initiative, which researches safety for all body types (not just adult males) and shares this data openly with all car manufacturers, similar to how they previously shared seatbelt technology.

In this episode we discussed the importance of setting boundaries and effective time management, particularly for people working in the tech industry and introverts.

- Establishing personal values, priorities, and understanding the difference between organisational and individual goals is crucial.

- Boundaries are not about building walls or saying "no," but rather about creating psychological safety and empowering others to express their needs.

- The episode highlights the challenges of dealing with "toxic" people who lack empathy, and provides strategies for navigating such situations:

- The discussion emphasises the need for leaders to create an environment where employees feel empowered to express their boundaries.

References and Links:

- Gillespie, David. Toxic at Work. HarperCollins, 2023.

In this episode we discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically large language models, on various aspects of human life. We explore the impact on leaders and creatives, delving into the potential benefits and challenges of AI. Here are the key points:

• AI's rapid advancement and democratisation raise concerns about privacy, security, and accountability.

References Mentioned:

In this episode of BABG we dive in to communication and connection, including how to maximise impact on video calls.

• Communication and connection are critical for leadership, influencing others, and achieving goals. The ability to communicate effectively starts with listening and builds rapport.

Books for further reading on communication:

• Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most (Stone, Patton, & Heen)

In this episode of BABG podcast, we discuss public speaking.

- Hear how Emmanuella finds public speaking more terrifying than singing, despite being an introvert and Craig being more extroverted. 

- Understand why effective communication occurs only when the other person receives and understands your message. 

- Craig shares a story about accidentally making a witty joke while presenting early in his career, which gave him a positive association with public speaking.

- Preparation is key - Craig suggests rehearsing the first 2-5 minutes thoroughly. What did Arnold Schwarzenegger do?!

- Communication is an ongoing process. Why to limit words on slides. Consider voice modulation, pauses, dress, etc.

- And remember to smile and give good vibes to new speakers.

References:

- Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech (mentioned as going off script during a pivotal moment)"