Devin talks with Anthony D. Paul, director of Strategic Foresight at Amtrak, about the future of rail travel. Anthony explains why he’s not in favor of replacing human crews with AI robots, what co-working spaces and trains have in common, and the lessons train operators can learn from Airbnb and Barbie. The two futurists cover everything from the practical realities of repairing trains in motion to the idea that trains can one day become social spaces, not just modes of transport. 

[02:17] Why Rail?

[05:29] Bringing Back Third Places

[07:12] AI Conductors

[09:59] A Company’s Mission vs. Its Business

[13:35] Three Types of Travelers

[19:06] Robotic Cockroaches Circa 2055

[20:05] Speed Round

Links

Devin Liddell on LinkedIn

Anthony D. Paul on LinkedIn

Teague

About the Host: Futurist Devin Liddell

Devin Liddell is the Principal Futurist at Teague. With over two decades of experience in innovation and design strategy, Devin has worked with industry giants like Boeing, Intel, and Nike, helping organizations anticipate changes across both near- and far-term horizons to create their preferred futures. Devin is a frequent contributor to Fast Company. 

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