FUTUREPROOF.

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Today I’m thrilled to bring Alan Eagle to you to discuss his new book, Learned Excellence, with Eric Potterat. If you don’t know Alan, he’s Eagle is an author and executive communications consultant, helping leaders and companies shape and tell their stories. He spent 16 years at Google, partnering with executives to communicate the company’s story to clients, partners, employees, and the public. He is the co-author of the books How Google Works and Trillion Dollar Coach, and the author, all by himself, of seven letters-to-the-editor published in Sports Illustrated. He has never won the New Yorker Caption Contest.  

To give you a little tease of the new book, on shelves now, we discuss why we care so much about what other people think, the 10 techniques we can use to handle stress and achieve the excellence we crave, why balance is so critical to prevent burnout, and more. So without further ado, let’s jump right in!

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Welcome to another FUTUREPROOF, the podcast where we dive into how to succeed in the world of tomorrow. And if there’s one thing we learned from 2023, it’s that the intersection of technology and ethics is going to be critical to that world in 2024.

In today's episode, we're joined by Dr. Nick Mattei, a distinguished Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Tulane University and an expert in the intersection of AI, Big Data, and ethics. With a background that includes time with the IBM TJ Watson Research Laboratory, Nick brings a unique perspective on how AI and advanced technology are shaping our society. As AI regulation discussions unfold on Capitol Hill, his insights into the ethical implications of these technologies are more relevant than ever. We'll explore the challenges of managing massive data, balancing personalized marketing with ethical standards, and the importance of transparency and consumer trust in the age of AI. Get ready for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Nick Mattei, a visionary in the AI academic community, who is guiding us through the complex yet fascinating world of AI and ethics.

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Welcome to another FUTUREPROOF, the podcast where we dive into how to succeed in the world of tomorrow. And frankly, I don’t think any of us can succeed in that world if we don’t get a firm grasp on the topic of sustainability. 

Today, we're delighted to have Michael Bayr, Head of Communications at Ucon Acrobatics, a trailblazer in sustainable fashion. With a career that started with co-founding Be-Mag, the oldest roller skating magazine, Michael has been at the forefront of design and cultural trends for over two decades. At Ucon Acrobatics, he's pioneering sustainable practices in the production of bags and backpacks, transforming the industry with a commitment to eco-friendly materials and circular economy principles. Join us as we delve into how Ucon Acrobatics is revolutionizing sustainability in fashion, the challenges of sustainable production, and the future of eco-conscious design. Get ready for an insightful conversation with Michael Bayr, a leader reshaping the way we think about fashion and sustainability.

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InDrive, a ride-hailing app where passengers name their price and drivers respond, recently launched in Miami. Popular in Latin America and Asia, InDrive is now entering markets like Africa and the U.S., offering no commission to drivers until January 2024 and a minimum $10 fare in Miami. The app, tackling challenges like long wait times, focuses on markets with limited mobility and prioritizes sustainable growth.

Today, we're joined by Adam Warner, Operations Strategy Director at InDrive. Adam, who moved from Lyft to InDrive, advocates for fair wages and surge-free fares. He's dedicated to making ride-hailing equitable for everyone.

Adam will discuss InDrive's innovative pricing model, its effects on the rideshare market, gig worker protections, and AI's role in the gig economy. We'll also cover the changing regulations affecting drivers and riders worldwide.

Join us for a conversation with Adam about revolutionizing gig work, the technology reshaping rideshare, and its worldwide implications. This talk is crucial for those interested in transportation's future.

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In today’s episode, we delve deep into the transformative role of digital technologies in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlighting that over two-thirds of these goals can benefit directly from digital advancements, our discussion focuses on the urgency and methods to accelerate solutions for global challenges. It’s important to explore how businesses can harness technologies like AI, advanced materials, and 3D printing not just for growth, but for the betterment of our planet and its inhabitants. 

Joining us to navigate this complex yet fascinating terrain is Mar-cha Hoek, a distinguished figure in the realm of sustainable business and capital. Marga, a three-time CEO, Chair, and Board Member, has been a global voice for the G20 and is celebrated for her visionary, purpose-driven leadership. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including being recognized by Thinkers50 for her global management thinking. As the author of influential books like "New Economy Business," and "The Trillion Dollar Shift," and now her latest, "Tech for Good," she has been a trailblazer in marrying technology with sustainability.

In our conversation with Marga, we'll address some critical questions. How do we define the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and why is it pivotal in addressing today's societal challenges? What are some examples where AI, like generative AI, has driven positive change? We'll also discuss the potential of advanced materials in the fight against climate change, the integration of 4IR technologies in business for sustainable efficiency, and the role of investors in advocating for 'Tech for Good' practices. Additionally, Marga will share her insights on how new technologies can foster a more diverse and inclusive job market and the intriguing use of 3D printing in coral reef restoration.

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Alain Sylvain was a really incredible die guy who is the founder and CEO of Sylvain, a strategy and design company headquartered here in New York City he also played a key role in the number of organizations including his alma mater Vassar College and kindred and networking organization for DEI and E.S.G. professionals and he also serves on New York City's mayor's creative council. He leaves behind three children and his wife after passing away suddenly at age 47 last week and he had so much to say that I really felt this was a good opportunity to share some of it with you.

And it's almost wrong of me to say that he had so much to say in the past tense because the reality is he still has quite a lot to say that we can learn from about brand purpose and about how companies don't have to choose between doing good and being profitable. So I wanted to bring one of my past conversations with him from this podcast back to you guys in honor of him.

From his family: One way to help honor and build on the community of love that Alain created is to direct donations to Anseye Pou Haiti and the Haitian Education and Leadership Program.

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Welcome back to another scintillating FUTUREPROOF conversation! Our guest this week is with Babak Pahlavan, an incredible mind in the world of technology and AI. A product thinker and a seasoned entrepreneur who sold his startup CleverSense to Google in 2011, then spent more than a decade with the company, Babak brings a wealth of experience to his new venture, Ninja Tech, which is looking to revolutionize the AI space. 

In this interview, Babak shares his insightful perspectives on the evolving roles of AI as co-pilots and autopilots in our lives, tackling both the technical intricacies and the broader impacts on society. His vision for a future where AI enhances human capabilities is not just fascinating—it's a glimpse into a world where technology and empathy intersect. So, buckle up and get ready for a thought-provoking ride into the future, starting right now.

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 In a world where GenAI's influence is inescapable, from Hollywood disruptions to the talk of the advertising industry, how is it truly shaping the media business? Today on FUTUREPROOF. we're diving deep with Alex Persky-Stern, CEO of the trailblazing startup Waymark. They're not just talking about GenAI; they're revolutionizing commercial video production with it. 

After creating a sensational short feature with DALL-E generated images alone, Waymark could be looked at as a beacon of GenAI's potential. But what truly ignited the birth of Waymark? Alex will unpack that story for us. We'll also venture into the often debated realm of copyright infringement in GenAI and explore its future implications. How will GenAI transform creative job roles, and what does it mean for the digital ad spend? Comparing the might of GenAI to the revolutionary power of the internet — Alex shares his insights. As we touch upon the synergy between AI and human creativity, be prepared for an episode brimming with revelations and forward-thinking perspectives. 

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Today, we're diving deep into a topic that touches every corner of our digital lives: technology overload. Our special guest, Mat Ellis, CEO of Sixty AI and seasoned entrepreneur, is here to unravel the startling findings of a recent survey, revealing the alarming impact of our constant connectivity. With over 85% feeling overwhelmed by pings and alerts, and a staggering majority lamenting the blurred lines between work and personal time, we're in the midst of a digital crisis. 

But there's hope. Mat, with his rich background ranging from Frito-Lay to Goldman Sachs, and then diving into the world of startups, is championing a movement to redefine our relationship with technology. As the founder of Cloudability and now leading Sixty AI's mission to 'Take Back Your Time,' he's on the frontline of creating tools that prioritize our mental well-being in a world of ceaseless digital chatter. We'll explore the groundbreaking AI behind Sixty AI, the vision for a balanced digital future, and the urgent call for a digital detox. Prepare for a conversation that's not just about technology, but about reclaiming our time, our sanity, and our human connections.

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Have you ever wondered why, in a world where we can speak three times faster than we type, we're still relying on outdated buttons and touchscreens? Today, we're diving deep into the revolutionary world of voice technology with none other than Tobias Dengel, the author of 'The Sound of the Future: The Coming Age of Voice Technology,' on shelves now. As the President of WillowTree, a digital experience developer recently acquired for $1.3 billion, he's shaped digital strategies for global giants like T-Mobile, HBO, and Mastercard. 

We're about to uncover the potential of voice tech way past early attempts like Siri and Alexa, understand its transformative power across industries, and discover the profound shifts awaiting the financial sector and beyond. Plus, we'll touch on the key challenges, privacy concerns, and the tantalizing future of this groundbreaking technology. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation, starting right now: