Welcome to 2025 and the first episode of the year! If you’ve been following along through 2024, you know I’ve intentionally pulled back from regular guest interviews. Instead, I’ve primarily focused on weekly updates and reflections on the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. However, dialogues aren’t completely off the table. However, they’ll only make the cut when they’re with people and on topics I genuinely want to engage with, people I feel bring unique perspectives to the table and aren’t afraid to tackle the big, messy questions we all need to confront with me. When I met Brian Beckcom, I knew he was that kind of person.

Brian’s a trial lawyer with over 25 years of experience, which may seem off-brand. However, he’s far from it. He’s also a computer scientist and deep thinker with a passion for ethics and philosophy. With his unorthodox background and dynamic suite of experiences, I couldn’t resist recording a conversation. Our shared yet distinct experiences give us a unique lens to explore how AI is challenging what it means to be human, forcing us to reevaluate long-ignored ideas around ethics and philosophy, and redefining how we measure value in a world increasingly dominated by technology.

To set expectations, this wasn’t an interview—it was a dynamic conversation where the two of us wrestled with urgent questions about the future. How do we navigate the growing influence of AI without losing what makes us uniquely human? What risks do we take if we fail to revive the importance of ethics in decision-making? And perhaps most importantly, how do we ensure we’re asking the right questions now, before it’s too late?

I walked away from the conversation energized and more thoughtful than ever, and I hope you will too.

Show Notes:

In this inaugural episode of Future-Focused for 2025, Christopher talks with Brian Beckcom, a seasoned trial lawyer with degrees in computer science and philosophy, to explore the deep intersections of technology, law, and human experience. The primary focus of the conversation is around the philosophical and ethical implications of AI, discussing its rapid advancements, the fundamental questions it raises about human consciousness, and its potential to reshape reality as we know it. The conversation also touches on practical applications of AI in law and medicine, the importance of intentional thinking, and the need for diverse perspectives in navigating our AI-driven future. Join Christopher and Brian for a thought-provoking start to the year as they challenge listeners to reclaim their attention and think critically about the world evolving around them.

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

01:13 - Guest Introduction: Brian Beckcom

04:16 - AI's Impact on Professional Fields

10:19 - Philosophical Implications of AI

25:22 - The Turing Test and AI's Evolution

31:55 - Implications of Quantum Mechanics

35:06 - AI and Consciousness

38:53 - Ethical Considerations in AI

51:48 - The Importance of Reflective Thinking

57:12 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#ai #ethics #philosophy #futureofwork #leadership

There are eleven days left in 2024, and depending on how your year has gone, you might be celebrating, mourning, or perhaps a mix of them all. Either way, we’re all about to step through the holiday season and embark on 2025. Given the flurry of activity, this will likely be my last update for 2024. While possible, out of a desperate need to release the pressure of my pent-up thoughts, I’ll record another update; I’m really going to try and take a digital respite.

But before I do, here are my updates for the week.

RTO Hiccups - I could barely contain my laughter when seeing the headline that Amazon is discovering they don’t have room for all the people they’re forcing back to the office. Will they admit they’ve made a cosmic mistake and pivot? I’m not banking on it, and it seems other companies are following their folly, as AT&T plans to follow their lead in January.

AI Pro Tips - I have an internal wrestling match whenever encountering clickbait articles on “how to succeed with AI.” On the surface, the advice sounds reasonable enough, and at first glance, I typically nod in agreement. However, deeper reflection always reveals that hidden in much of the reasonable wisdom lies tremendous risk and disaster.

Ditch Humans; Hire AI? - One of the growing hypes for companies in 2025 will be to ditch human workers for AI. One company has unashamedly launched a massive ad campaign in San Francisco, proclaiming it’s the future and is seeing exponential growth. Senior execs are publically bragging about how they’ve stopped hiring humans altogether. But like all hype, buying into it will inevitably lead to disaster for everyone involved.

AI Meeting Clones - While sharing with someone my thoughts on an AI meeting clone product, I could visibly see the lightbulb go on in their head. Suspicions about something fishy with several of their co-workers suddenly clicked into place. As much as I share caution about companies replacing employees with AI, there seems to be a rising trend of employees opting to replace themselves with AI. What could possibly go wrong?

Autonomous AI - Prominent CEO of an autonomous AI company proclaims autonomous AI is the future of AI. Surprise, surprise. However, I don’t disagree with many of the claims he’s making about where we are headed. Where we’d butt heads is around his claims on the overwhelming sunshine and puppies outcomes we can expect by willingly handing over the keys. What comes to mind is the childhood saying, “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?”

Show Notes:

In this Weekly Update, Christopher Lind wraps up 2024 with his final episode of the year, exploring several of the latest trends at the intersection of business, technology, and the human experience. Key topics include the contentious return-to-office policies at Amazon and AT&T, the prudent and imprudent uses of AI for senior leaders, and the impending rise of autonomous AI in 2025. Christopher also highlights the risks of over-relying on AI for sensitive tasks like succession planning, employees using AI clones to take their place in meetings, and discusses controversial startup campaigns advocating for AI over human employees. Finally, he underscores the importance of thoughtful deliberation and urges listeners to decompress and reflect as we prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the new year.

00:00 - Introduction and Digital Detox Announcement

02:29 - Amazon's Return to Office Fiasco

08:37 - AT&T's Return to Office Plans

15:20 - The Role of AI in Business Decisions

25:29 - AI Replacing Human Employees

29:19 - Thoughtful AI Integration in Business

35:47 - AI Meeting Clones: A Bad Idea

43:36 - The Future of Autonomous AI

50:56 - Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead to 2025

#ai #futureofwork #returntooffice #flexibleworking #leadership

Happy Friday Everyone. I hope you've had a fantastic weekend and are coming into the home stretch as we wrap up the year. A lot happening at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. And, if you enjoy thriller flicks, you'll definitely enjoy this week's update. Just don't watch or listen right before bed.

With that, let's get to it.

Google Willow - Pop quiz. How many zeros are in a septillion? Who cares, you might ask? Well, you should care because Google's quantum processor, Willow, performed in five minutes what the world's most powerful supercomputer would need ten septillion years to complete. Mind blown? It should be, and it has people from all industries sitting back in their chairs wondering what just happened.

Anthropic 18-month Countdown - In November, Anthropic warned us that if we didn't take AI regulation seriously, we could expect the apocalypse in eighteen months or less. That means by my watch, we're at seventeen and counting, but is there legitimacy to it? Afterall, doesn't Anthropic have a lot to gain by spooking the world? Yes, and yes, which is why you shouldn't build a doomsday bunker just yet, but you should be paying attention.

Nefarious AI Models - Is it possible that AI could scheme its own plan to deviate from the prompt of its human and perform unseen acts to accomplish its will? Depending on your definitions around some of those terms, the answers is yes, and it's been confirmed by Apollo Research that demonstrated AI can and will lie, manipulate, and scheme to do what it thinks is best over the one prompting it.

Robot Companions - If you thought robot friends and companions were a thing only in the movies, think again. There's an exponential rise in teenage addiction to chatbots, resulting in catastrophic outcomes. And, that doesn't seem to be slowing things down. Companies like Realbotix are creating human-like clones as a healthy alternative to our real human counterparts. If you're not into thriller movies with tragic endings, we'd be wise to get a handle on this.

Show Notes:

This Weekly Update highlights Google's major breakthrough with its new quantum chip, Willow, discussing the unprecedented computational power and its potential ramifications on fields like cryptocurrency and cybersecurity. Christopher also confronts the risks posed by AI, including deceptive behaviors in frontier models and the acute rise of AI addiction among teenagers. He emphasizes the need for responsible AI regulation and provides guidance for parents on engaging with their children's technology use. Additional insights include the trajectory of AI advancements and the ethical considerations we must address moving forward. Don't miss Christopher's personal reflections and critical advice on navigating these technological shifts responsibly.

00:00 - Introduction and Reflections on 2024

01:09 - Exciting Plans for 2025

03:03 - Google's Quantum Computing Breakthrough

17:27 - Anthropic's AI Regulation Warning

27:34 - Apollo Research: Testing AI Frontier Models

37:18 - Teenage Addiction to AI Chatbots

42:44 - Realistic Humanoid Robots: Companionship and Risks

47:08 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

#ai #robotics #quantumcomputing #techtrends #philosophy

This week, I’m deviating from the usual path if running through some of this week’s highlights at the intersection of business, technology, and the human experience. Here's why. Steven Bartlett’s recent interview with Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, on The Diary of a CEO and it caught my attention in a way few conversations do. It was too important not to address.

In this episode, I’m breaking down key moments from the interview through the lens of business strategy, technological evolution, and the human experience. From Schmidt’s take on five-year strategies and the role of competition to his insights on innovation, culture, and the often-misunderstood reality of remote work, I’m not just responding—I’m expanding, challenging, and adding context.

And then there’s AI. Schmidt describes it as a societal shift on par with electricity or the internet, but is it being implemented in ways we fully understand—or even notice? I explore what that means for our future, and where his optimism may miss some critical nuance.

This is more than a response—it’s a deep dive into the ideas shaping how we lead, innovate, and thrive in today’s fast-changing world.

Show Notes:

In this Weekly Update, Christopher steps away from the weekly highlights to deliver an in-depth response to Eric Schmidt’s recent interview on The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett. Breaking the dialogue into three core themes—business strategy, technological innovation, and the human experience—Christopher offers his unique perspective on topics like five-year strategic planning, the pitfalls of over-focusing on competition, and the reality of innovation within teams. He also dives into Schmidt’s views on AI as a transformational force, exploring both its potential and the unseen ways it’s reshaping our world. From remote work debates to the future of human-AI collaboration, this episode challenges assumptions and provides actionable insights for leaders navigating today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Whether you’re leading a team, embracing technology, or simply curious about what’s next, this conversation is packed with value.

0:00 - Introduction

4:13 - Business Strategy

12:15 - Innovation & Team Structure

18:21 - Organizational Culture

26:38 - Remote Work

34:11 - AI's Impact on the World

41:20 - Will AI Eliminate Our Jobs?

48:04 - Protecting Ourselves from AI

55:57 - Will Future Generations Be Okay?

1:03:52 - How Do Tech Companies Prioritize Their Customers?

1:11:00 - The Importance of Critical Thinking

1:18:09 - Conclusion

#FutureOfWork #LeadershipStrategy #DOAC #BigIdeas #TechAndHumanity

To my US audience, I hope you had a phenomenal Thanksgiving and found some loose-fitting pants to navigate the weekend. However, before you go too far off the grid, I’ve got an abbreviated Weekly Update to keep your mind sharp while you fight the shopping lines.

Show Notes:

In this Thanksgiving-themed Weekly Update, Christopher addresses the struggles many face during the holiday season and emphasizes the importance of authentic gratitude amid hardships. He shares personal reflections on job loss, family adjustments, and how to genuinely cope with difficult times. Lind also discusses the surprising findings of AI's role in conversations and work, offering insights on improving human interactions and the future of labor with AI advancements. Important topics include the necessity of empathetic listening and the resilience required to navigate through challenging times.

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

01:57 - Navigating Hard Times During the Holidays

15:19 - The Art of Conversation and AI

25:15 - AI's Limitations and Human Value

34:51 - Conclusion and Encouragement

Welcome to another Weekly Update as we come into the end of November! Let's get straight into it!

Rise of Robotheism - Is AI becoming a new religion? While I don’t anticipate many people will sign up to worship at the altar of OpenAI, there’s a growing trend in tech leaders and people looking for AI to save us. It gained enough popularity it even had a label.

AI Physician Replacement - Elon Musk recently went on record saying it won’t be long before AI replaces doctors and lawyers, and some recent findings out of John Hopkins would give some the impression he’s right. However, I think a deeper analysis would argue, not quite.

AI Work Transformation - A Microsoft software engineer recently shared how while AI is doing much of his coding, he still has plenty of work to do. It seems some of the concerns about AI replacing workers aren’t holding water, and some research about organizational adoption will further mitigate the risks.

Autonomous Military - The US military is confident their multi-billion dollar investment in AI will pay dividends, but what kind of metrics do you use to measure success? And, what ethical considerations are being taken? This is essential as we’re already seeing fully autonomous weapons being field tested.

AI Scammer Defense - The elderly are primary targets for international scammers and they ruin the lives of countless people daily. However, I love how one EU telecom company is fighting back with a cleverly named AI “dAIsy.”

Show Notes:

In this Weekly Update, Christopher explores the convergence of AI, technology, and the human experience. He discusses 'robo-theism' and the belief among certain tech leaders that AI could become a new deity. Christopher responds to Elon Musk’s comments about the potential of AI to replace doctors and lawyers, also highlighting recent research from John Hopkins University. Additionally, he examines the slow adoption of AI by companies due to data and infrastructure challenges. He further digs into the rise of AI in the military, raising ethical concerns about autonomous weapons. Finally, on a lighter note, he shares how a UK telecom company is using an AI bot named DAISY to waste the time of phone scammers.

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

01:30 - Exploring Robo-Theism and AI as a Deity

18:02 - The Future of AI in Medicine and Law

26:15 - AI in Software Development

37:36 - AI in the Military: Ethical and Philosophical Concerns

48:38 - AI vs. Scammers: A Clever Solution

51:16 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#robotheism #healthcare #futureofwork #ai #military

We are smack dab in the middle of November, and what a November it has been. As usual, there has been no shortage of turbulence and upheaval, which always makes it challenging to prioritize. However, a few notable topics made the top of my list.

With that, let’s get to it.

Kindness Revolution - In the wake of the 2024 election, tension remains high as people wrestle with the uncertainty of what’s ahead. Unfortunately, uncertainty doesn’t typically bring out the best in people, and we see that everywhere we look. Perhaps it’s time for a different kind of revolution as we prepare for 2025.

AI Whisperverse - While many headlines point to some overt ways AI will influence human behavior, perhaps that’s not where our biggest concerns should sit. With AI quietly controlling where our attention is focused, it may influence us in ways we don’t even notice. That subtle influence has been given a label, and it’s as eerie as AI’s influence.

AI Parenting - New parents may be one of the easiest targets for overpriced gadgets and gizmos as they adjust to caring for their little humans. The AI boom has locked onto that opportunity with a new wave of devices designed to make parenting easier, but is it a helpful trend or distraction from some of life’s most precious moments?

Large Behavior Models - If you’ve been trying to keep track of all the AI jargon and were just getting your arms around LLMs, hold onto your hat. LLMs are quickly becoming old hat as LBMs make their way to the main stage. With their improved capabilities in human-like performance, they’re garnering attention in use cases related to interpersonal interaction. Will this be the next wave of AI innovation? Only time will tell.

Show Notes:

In this Weekly Update, Christopher emphasizes the importance of kindness and understanding in a polarized world. He reflects on personal experiences with vitriol and the value of empathy in difficult conversations. He also discusses the rise of 'Whisperverse' AI, the ethical challenges of AI parenting tools, and the future potential of Large Behavior Models (LBMs) over Large Language Models (LLMs). He highlights the necessity for critical thinking in an age of AI-driven convenience and the implications for future technological innovations.

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

01:29 - Navigating Post-Election Emotions

11:08 - Encouragement for Authentic Leadership

19:39 - The Rise of AI and the Whisperverse

30:05 - AI Parenting: Convenience vs. Connection

40:28 - The Rise of Large Behavior Models

47:57 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#AI #Parenting #Kindness #Relationships #TechTrends

Happy Friday Everyone! And, what a week it has been. Whether your candidate of choice won or lost, I think we can mutually agree we'd all benefit from a collective sigh, even if for different reasons, and stiff drink as we slide into the weekend.

While the election dominated many headlines, there was no shortage of things happening at the intersection of business, technology, and the human experience.

With that, let's get into it.

Russia Fines Google - When you see a country fining a company for a collective total that exceeds the global GDP, you naturally assume it must be for something egregious. Discovering it's for being mad that a YouTube Channel got blocked leaves you shaking your head. However, there's more to this behavior than meets the eye.

AGI or Lack of Compute - There's a lot of what can seem like double talk in the AI space, and this week Sam Altman is in the headlines for it. In one breath he says we will achieve AGI with the current hardware. In another he says progress is slowing due to lack of compute. Which one is it? It can be both, but it does speak to the innovation curve we're on.

AI Conflict Resolution - How would you feel if your spouse or partner responded to an argument with a clearly AI-generated response? Well, it's becoming a common activity and not everyone appreciates it. While I see tremendous value in AI helping you think through difficult and emotionally charged situations, the heart of your approach is what determines the outcome.

Meta's AI Touch - Meta recently announced they'd cracked the code to give AI the ability to "feel," but what does that really look like and what does it mean? I'd argue it's still a bit early to fully know, but it's incredible to see how technology has deconstructed what was formerly a uniquely human capability into a digital alternative.

Rise of AI Coders - Google boasts that 25% of all its new code is written by AI. However, one has to ask, what parameters are they using to define newly written code? Depending on the answer to that question, I'd argue that 25% is either vastly too low or a gross overestimate. Either way, there's no denying AI is and will continue radically changing jobs and the skills people need to thrive.

Reimagining Learning Outcomes - I sympathize with the student who's having the book thrown at him for using AI on his research paper, especially since every one of his peers is doing the same thing. However, the legal response is resulting in what I believe is a positive and much-needed action, reimaging learning outcomes. After all, is how students type words on a screen really what we want to measure?

Show Notes:

In this Weekly Update, Christopher covers the usual range of topics, blending business, technology, and human experience. Key discussions include Russia's exorbitant fine against Google and its implications on credibility and technology rights, predictions about the future of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and the current limits due to compute power, the use of AI in resolving personal arguments and the associated risks and benefits, Meta's advancements in AI's ability to perceive touch, and the increasing role of AI in coding at Google. Additionally, the episode examines a controversial academic case from Massachusetts involving a student using AI for a research paper, prompting a debate on redefining academic integrity in the age of AI.

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Update Overview

01:40 Russia's Unenforceable Fine Against Google

13:37 Sam Altman's Contradictory Statements on AGI

20:28 AI in Relationships: A Double-Edged Sword

28:49 Meta's Breakthrough in AI Sensory Perception

32:41 AI Impact on Google Coding

42:46 AI in Education: A Controversial Case

53:02 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

#ai #education #meta #google #futureofwork

DescriptionHappy Friday, everyone, and congratulations on making it through another week. What better way to kick off November 2024 than a rundown on the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience? As usual, I picked five of my favorites.

With that, let’s get into it.

OpenAI Safety Team Disbands, Again - OpenAI is making headlines as their safety team falls apart yet again after losing executive Miles Brundage. While some of the noise around it is likely just noise, his cryptic warning that OpenAI is not ready for what it’s created has some folks rightfully perking up their eyes and ears.

Meta Social Media Lawsuits - While big tech companies keep trying to use Section 230 as an immunity shield from the negative impact of social media, a judge has determined lawsuits will be allowed. What exactly that will mean for Meta and other big tech companies is still TBD, but they will see their day in court.

Google & Character.AI Sued - It’s tragic whenever someone takes their life. It’s even more tragic when it’s a teenager fueled to take the path by an AI bot. While AI bots are promoted as “for entertainment purposes only,” it’s obvious entertainment isn’t the only outcome. We continue seeing new legal precedents being established, and it’s just the beginning.

GenAI Bias Flub with Chanel - I’m not exactly sure what Chanel’s CEO Leena Nair expected when she asked AI to create an image of her executive team or why on earth anyone at Microsoft moved forward with the request during her headquarters visit. However, it demonstrated how far we still have to go in mitigating bias in AI training data and why it’s so important to use AI properly.

AI vs. Humans Research - Where is AI better than humans and vice versa? A recent study tried to answer that question. Unfortunately, while the data validates many of the things we already know, it also is ripe for cherry-picking, depending on the story you’re trying to tell. While there were some interesting findings, I won’t be retracting any of my previous statements based on the results.

#ai #ethicalAI #Meta #Microsoft #lawsuit

I hope you’ve had another fantastic week and are coming into the home stretch before the weekend. What better way to celebrate than to run through some of the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience?

With that, let’s get to it.

AI Job Seeking Gone Wrong - If you’re going to use AI to help write a cover letter, and I’d strongly encourage you to do so, please at least take the time to proof it for [insert info here] gaps. The rise in failure to do so is causing a lot of noise, but is it an AI problem or a people problem?

Lessons from Al Pacino - While I have my concerns about people becoming overdependent on AI, it’s not an issue limited to AI use. Just ask “The Godfather.” Al Pacino has an incredible story about how taking his eye off the ball left him discovering he was bankrupt in his 70s. So, don’t think avoiding AI means you’re secure.

Walmart RTO Response - Walmart and 3M are two of the latest big players in the news for their questionable RTO policies, but one Walmart C-suite exec is taking a stand. Rather than relocate to somewhere in Arkansas, Walmart’s CTO opted to leave the company. It’s encouraging when folks at the top are willing to go against the current.

Undesired AI Ressurection - I’ve talked on multiple occasions about the risks of looking to AI for the artificial resurrection of lost loved ones through ghostbots, but how would you feel if your lost loved one was resurrected without your knowledge? One father made his feelings pretty clear when he discovered his tragically murdered daughter on Character.ai.

Chipotle AI Recruiting - I love a good pun, and if you interview at Chipotle anytime soon, you may get to interact with one literally. That’s right, they’ve created an AI bot “Ava Cado” to help streamline their hiring. Only time will tell how it all plays out. However, based on my initial investigation into their strategy and plan, I’d give it my AI stamp of approval.

Show Notes:

In this weekly update, Christopher explores the intelligent use of Generative AI (Gen AI) in job applications, emphasizing the importance of providing thoughtful prompts and avoiding lazy mistakes. The discussion extends to the ethical concerns of AI, such as the unauthorized use of a deceased individual's likeness and the need for better governance. He shares Al Pacino's story of financial recovery highlighting resilience and responsibility, and address financial uncertainty, affirming the value of personal effort over material wealth. Additionally, he examines the impact of return-to-office mandates by major companies like Walmart and 3M, offering advice for employees. Highlighting Chipotle's AI-driven recruitment process 'Ava Cado', we showcase how AI can streamline operations while discussing the broader implications for the future of recruitment. Tune in for a blend of practical advice, ethical insights, and predictions on AI's role in business and technology.

00:00 - Introduction and Weekly Update Overview

01:36 - The Viral ChatGPT Cover Letter Controversy

11:37 - Al Pacino's Financial Downfall and Recovery

20:14 - Return to Office Mandates: Walmart and 3M

31:08 - Unwanted AI Resurrection

39:43 - Chipotle's AI Recruiting Strategy

48:46 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#ai #recruiting #flexibleworking #strategy #ghostbots