Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

There is a whole lot happening at the intersection of tech, business, and human experience this week, but there were a few things in particular that made it to the top of my list.

Foldable iPhones - Out of the four, this is the lightest in terms of topics. In short, Apple is looking to get into the foldable device space, which leaves this question on my mind. Why?

Google Bard is now Gemini - OpenAI is probably the most prominent generative AI name out there, but they aren't the only big dog. This week Google has done some major work on Bard. So much so, they've completely rebranded it to Gemini, and what they've done is a lot more than slap on a fancy new name.

Congress vs. Big Tech - We often don't consider the longer-term and less obvious repercussions of major changes, and social media is no exception. We didn't really know how powerful of a tool we were handing out to the massess when it hit the main stage, and now we're seeing some of the longer-term effects. The question everyone seems to want answered is "who's to blame" but perhaps that's the wrong question to be asking.

Meta AI Content Tagging - While we may not be able to stop people from creating fake content with AI, we can hopefully help them be more informed by making them aware it was produced by AI. However, it begs the question, what is truly generated by AI, and what is AI-assisted? We we move into age of mistrust, these are important questions that need to be answered.

Show Notes:

0:00 - Introduction

2:06 - Google Bard is Gemini

12:59 - Big Tech vs. Congress

22:00 - Meta AI Content Tagging

Will 2024 usher in a new era of learning through AI and simulations?

This week I'm talking with with Mike Vaughan, CEO of The Regis Group, to delve into how AI-driven simulations are reimagining the possibilities for skill development. We explore the transition from traditional knowledge architecture to immersive, AI-enhanced simulations, offering a hands-on approach to skill development.

In our conversation, we talk candidly about the evolution of simulations, highlighting the historical challenges while unpacking how tech has increased accessibility and cost-effectiveness, making them a viable option for a broad range of organizations. We also get into the nitty gritty AI's expanding role in personalizing learning experiences and preparing individuals for real-world scenarios.

But we got beyond just about the technology. We discuss the challenges professionals face in adapting to this new landscape, emphasizing the need for a mindset shift away from content and toward experience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of education and work, where AI is not just an aid but a central player in the human development.

And, if you want to clif-notes version, visit my SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com

Show Notes:

0:00 - Introduction

5:12 - Evolution and Accessibility of Simulations

19:23 - AI's Impact on Personalized Learning

31:10 - Challenges to Professional Mindset

39:02 - Integrating AI into Simulation

51:09 - Future of Education & Learning

This week I've got three topic for the weekly update. One comes directly from a listener/viewer, so keep them coming.
Remote Worker Promotion - Some disappointing news for remote workers. You're less statistically less likely to get promoted than your in office peers with the remote stigma standing strong. I've got some strong opinions on this one.
Job Loss to AI - Good news for employees. AI is still a less financially viable option than human workers. In fact, many companies that dove headfirst into robots and AI are now recognizing just how important people are.
Neuralink Implant in Humans - Don't expect to be controlling your smartphone or thermostat with your mind anytime soon, but this week we crossed a significant milestone in connecting humans to machines. What the future holds is going to be interesting.

Are we on the brink of a narrative revolution in AI analytics? This week I had a conversation with Steve Wasick, Founder & CEO of infoSentience, where we explore the intersection of AI, storytelling, and data analytics. Unlike the conventional approach of large language models (LLMs) like GPT, we explored world of 'conceptual automata', a game-changing technology that redefines how we perceive and generate narratives from complex data sets.

We touched on the challenges that traditional LLMs face in maintaining accuracy and context, especially when dealing with large volumes of data. We also highlighted the unique flexibility and customization capabilities of conceptual automata, which allow for more accurate, interactive, and context-aware reporting – akin to having an intelligent, data-savvy journalist at your fingertips.

But, this wasn't just about the tech as is true with all my discussions. We hit on the future of AI in business, the ethics of AI-generated content, and most importantly, the irreplaceable value of the human element in interpreting and strategizing from AI-provided insights. For anyone intrigued by the potential of AI to transform not just how we analyze data but how we narrate and understand it, you'll want to check it out.

And, be sure to read the complete summary on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction AI in Reporting and Analytics

13:56 - InfoSentience's Unique AI Approach

28:09 - AI's Impact on the Role of Analysts

32:09 - Human Behavior and Psychology in Tech

38:15 - Adapting to Technological Shifts in Professional Roles

46:04 - Customization and Data Modeling in AI Solutions

50:16 - Content Creation and Transparency in AI

57:40 - Limitless Potential of AI in Business Intelligence

Productivity isn't just about doing more – it's about creating a life

And, be sure to read the complete summary on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com

This week there are four items top of mind on the weekly update. Three of the suggestions come from viewers/listeners, so keep them coming.

Is best-in-class education a key pillar of your product strategy? If not, it should be.

This week I talked with Steven Cornwell, SVP of Customer Education Strategy at Gainsight, about the critical importance education plays in driving a successful product strategy. While often treated as an afterthought or nice to have, done right it has the capability to transform your business.

However, it's more than haphazardly scheduling some webinars, having your existing staff "train" people when they see fit, or populating a website with digital content. It's an intentional focus on understanding the customer's biggest challenges and architecting solutions that meet customers where they are rather than pulling them somewhere else.

While this opportunity area has room for improvement, there have been significant strides in the attention it receives from business leaders and advancement in technology designed to optimize the capability.

So, if you have any involvement in driving product or service strategy and are curious what the future holds, you'll want to check out our conversation.

And, be sure to read the complete summary on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com

Show Notes:

0:00 - Introduction to Customer Education and Experience

6:18 - Evolution from Traditional Training to Digital Platforms

18:32 - The Future of Customer Experience and Education Integration

28:38 - Innovations and Challenges in the B2B Software Industry

39:57 - Expanding Career Opportunities in Customer Education

49:57 - The Role of AI in the Future of Learning and Education

57:43 - Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

This week is a slight divergence from the usual weekly update. Steven Bartlett recently had a conversation with Yuval Noah Harari on Diary of a CEO on the state and future of artificial intelligence.

You can find the original conversation here, but if you listen to my intro, I encourage discernment before consuming:

Yuval brought an interesting perspective as a historian, and after listening to the conversation, I wanted to share some of my thoughts and reactions to the dialogue.

Despite our different worldviews, there were many points of mutual agreement as well as wisdom and insight worth considering. At the same time, I felt there were a few missed opportunities to go deeper or provide an alternative point of view.

Finally, the discussion was rather heavy and esoteric, so I brought some practical and individual actions everyone could take without feeling overwhelmed by what is largely an inevitable future many have little influence over.

I'll be back next week with the usual commentary. I've had a few people share some topics already, so I've got the agenda lined up. However, if you have additional topics, feel free to send them along.

Show Notes:

0:00 - Introduction & Initial Reactions/Consideration

4:03 - Big Picture Highlights

5:04 - The Pace of Change

11:15 - Human & Tech Intersection - The Complexity of the Human Mind

16:02 - Will AI Take Free Will

21:32 - Forging Human Relationships

27:18 - The Pursuit of Amortality

34:40 - Exploitating of the Vulnerable

38:02 - AI Created Systems

44:32 - AI Impact on Jobs & Skills

52:30 - Practical Applications

59:45 - AI is not for Relationships

1:01:42 - Build Human Relationships

1:03:51 - Read You Bible

1:08:13 - Evaluate AI Promises Carefully

1:12:33 - Know Your Why

January 2024 is well on its way, and the pace of change isn't slowing any time soon. With the couple weeks off work, I had some added time to spend time researching and reflecting on some interesting and thought-provoking topics. Here's this week's update on the three that are top of mind for me.
AI in Job Applications - Ethical Considerations: Revisiting the growing trend of AI-assisted job applications and my reflections on the diverse public reactions. Is it fair to consider it "cheating" when using AI for job applications? Perhaps we need to reevaluate how we view technology's role in efficiency and effectiveness.
Advancements in Robotics - The Tesla Optimus Case Study: If you're not familiar with the Optimus project, you should be. It's quite the evolution of humanistic robotics. We are getting much closer to more human-like robots. I've got mixed feelings on the rapid progress and potential implications of these developments.
Transhumanism - The Future of Human Augmentation: That word means a lot of different things to lots of different people, so I'll define it and focus on the ethical and practical aspects of augmenting human capabilities with technology. From AI cochlear implants to Neuralink's brain-chip experiments, I'll touch on the potential benefits and risks of these innovations, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of ethical and moral dimensions.
Show Notes
0:00 - Introduction
2:20 - AI for Job Seekers
11:02 - Humanistic Robots
17:40 - The Onset of Transhumanism

What does it take to transform knowledge into actionable behavior change and how is technology changing that?

This week I dug into this with Chris Taylor, Founder & CEO of Actionable.co. Our conversation explores the intersection of technology, behavior, and learning, unraveling the intricacies of how behavioral analytics can not only measure but significantly enhance the transfer from knowledge to skill.

We deep dive into the critical difference between enjoyable experiences and those that fundamentally change behaviors. It also highlights the pivotal role of AI in analytics, which emerges as a beacon of hope, offering insights into individual and collective learning patterns and driving the evolution of sound practices.

But it's not just about technology. We also touch on the human elements - the challenges inherent in altering behaviors, the importance of setting clear, achievable objectives, and the need for a consultative approach that values incremental progress and empowers employees.

This episode is crucial listening for anyone invested in harnessing the power of knowledge to create real, measurable change in both personal and professional landscapes.

And, be sure to read the summaries on SubStack: https://christopherlind.substack.com

Show Notes:

00:00 - The Interplay of Technology and Behavior Change

10:26 - Misconceptions of Behavior Change and the Knowing-Doing Gap

20:08 - Technology’s Role in Enabling and Measuring Behavior Change

32:08 - Setting Clear Goals for Learning Programs

41:00 - Personalization in Learning and Behavior Change

50:38 - Data Analytics and AI in Learning: Present and Future

01:02:16 - Closing Thoughts: Harnessing Technology for Better Learning Outcomes