Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel

In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Max Bennett, AI entrepreneur and author of A Brief History of Intelligence. Max takes us on a fascinating journey through evolution of intelligence, from the first brain 600 million years ago to the artificial intelligence of today. Drawing from his experience in building AI for marketers and now as the founder of Alby—an AI startup—Max offers a unique perspective on how we think about and design intelligent systems.

Max’s insights are especially timely, given the growing ethical debates around AI’s role in our lives. This episode dives into some of the most important questions we face as AI becomes increasingly embedded in our personal and professional lives. As AI continues to automate more jobs and shape new industries, Max also offers a thought-provoking perspective on how we might continue to find purpose in a world where machines take over more tasks. This conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of AI, ethics, and the impact of automation on society.

Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! RSVP here to join us on the LinkedIn News page this Wednesday at 3 PM EST.

This month marks two years since OpenAI launched its first free version of ChatGPT to the general public. In these two years, generative AI has become a transformative force across industries. 

Last year, we asked listeners how they were using AI at work and in life. You answered, and Jessi sat down with LinkedIn Technology Editor, Tanya Dua to share these listener experiences and to break down how ChatGPT is changing the way we work.

Today, we bring you that 2023 episode, plus a few updates from Jessi and Tanya. Together they examine what's changed, what's improved, and what challenges remain.examine what’s changed, what's improved, and what challenges remain. From storytelling and coding to philosophical debates, listeners have pushed ChatGPT to its limits and seen firsthand its potential—and its pitfalls. Tanya shares her thoughts on how tools like ChatGPT 4.0 have advanced, with improved accuracy and the ability to pick up on nuanced cues. Jessi and Tanya discuss how professionals across fields are using generative AI in creative, time-saving ways—sometimes “on the sly”—and reflect on how AI is changing day-to-day tasks, especially through fine-tuned models designed for specific applications like customer service and healthcare.

Whether you’re an early adopter or just curious about AI, this episode offers an insightful look into how ChatGPT has transformed our understanding of work, creativity, and collaboration.

Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! RSVP here to join us on the LinkedIn News page this Wednesday at 3 PM EST.

What makes a brand memorable? Why do some brands feel like home, while others remain simply functional? In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel speaks with industry experts Steven Wolfe Pereira and Marisa Thalberg, who share insights from years of leadership in branding and marketing. They break down the essentials of brand-building, explaining why it's crucial not only for businesses but also for personal career growth.

Steven and Marisa reveal why defining a brand’s purpose and promise is key to making it memorable and effective, offering actionable strategies for crafting a brand that stands out in any field. Together, they explore the “four P’s” of branding—Product, Pricing, Place, and Promotion—and discuss how each element contributes to a powerful brand identity. Whether you're an entrepreneur aiming to build your business or an individual navigating your personal career journey, this episode provides an essential guide to branding as a tool for lasting impact.

Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! RSVP here to join us on the LinkedIn News page this Wednesday at 3 PM EST.

What does it take to reinvent yourself after decades of success? Jessi Hempel sits down with the multi-talented Anna Kendrick, whose journey from acclaimed actor to first-time director offers invaluable insights for anyone considering a bold career pivot.

Anna shares the story behind her directorial debut with Netflix’s Woman of the Hour, a true-crime drama. Far removed from the lighthearted films that Anna is known for, Woman of the Hour chronicles the stranger-than-fiction story of a 1970s aspiring actor and a serial killer whose lives collide when they're cast on The Dating Game.

Together, Jessi and Anna dive deep into the courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone, even when the world knows you for one thing, and how to follow your intuition when making creative decisions. From her Tony-nominated start on Broadway at age 12 to her directorial debut, Anna reveals the inner workings of her creative process and her thoughts on failure, intuition, imposter syndrome, and the terrifying yet necessary act of leaping into the unknown. This episode offers not just a behind-the-scenes look at Anna's latest project but also inspiration for anyone seeking to reinvent their own career.

Watch Woman of the Hour on Netflix now, and tune in to hear how Anna Kendrick is embracing the next chapter of her career.

Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! RSVP here to join us on the LinkedIn News page this Wednesday at 3 PM EST.

In this special episode of Hello Monday, recorded live onstage at the Lesbians Who Tech Summit in New York City, Jessi sits down with Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker. As a pioneer of purpose-driven businesses, Neil shares invaluable insights on building a company that doesn’t just stand out in the marketplace but also stands for something meaningful. From Warby Parker’s innovative buy-a-pair-give-a-pair model to cultivating a strong company culture that attracts top talent, Neil reveals the steps to creating a brand with social impact at its core.

Jessi and Neil dive into the early days of Warby Parker, recounting how a group of business school students identified a problem and built a solution that disrupted the eyewear industry. Neil also offers advice for founders on how to integrate purpose into their business strategy, be prepared to stand by their values during tough times, and stand out in today’s startup landscape.

Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! RSVP here to join us on the LinkedIn News page this Wednesday at 3 PM EST.

For decades, the American middle-class dream encouraged the idea that work should be a central part of our identity and a source of meaning. But now, people are starting to question that philosophy. Burnout is rampant, wages are stagnating, and job security amidst a rapidly changing job market feels fragile.

This week we’re bringing back the first of three episodes from our June 2023 Good Jobs series: Jessi’s insightful conversation with Bruce Feiler, author of The Search: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World. Bruce argues that it’s time to break away from traditional narratives around careers and work. In this illuminating conversation, Bruce debunks common lies we tell ourselves about careers and offers practical advice for finding meaning in work.

Tune in to hear Bruce’s fresh perspective on work, life, and the balance between the two, as we explore the future of meaningful employment.

Continue the conversation at Hello Monday Office Hours! RSVP here to join us on the LinkedIn News page this Wednesday at 3 PM EST.

Is your money mindset holding you back from achieving your dreams? In this special episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments and one of the most influential leaders in finance, recognized by TIME and Fortune for her impact on business and leadership. Together, they explore how beliefs about money—formed early in life—can influence your financial future, and how to develop healthy money habits for long-term success.

Mellody shares insights from her new children's book, Priceless Facts About Money, offering practical tips for teaching kids financial literacy and setting them up for a brighter future. You’ll learn how to break free from financial anxiety, understand the true value of money, and separate your self-worth from your bank account.

This unique episode was filmed live in-studio. For an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes experience, check out the extended video version on LinkedIn Premium. Tune in to learn how to master money mindsets and empower yourself—and the next generation—to achieve financial freedom.

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More financial resources from Mellody Hobson:

Have you ever felt intimidated or overwhelmed by conversations about economics and finance? Well you are certainly not alone! This week, Jessi sits down with economist and viral content creator Kyla Scanlon to demystify the economy and show us how it shapes our lives. Kyla is the founder of the financial education company Bread, and the author of the new book In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work.

Kyla explains complex topics like the housing crisis and labor shortages in simple, digestible ways, empowering us to make informed choices in our personal and professional lives. She explains why shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance is key to addressing economic challenges like renewable energy shortages and the housing crisis, creating more sustainable economies. She and Jessi discuss how the economy can even be beautiful: at its core, it’s built on trust, relationships, and human-to-human interactions.

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If you're wrestling with the fast-paced rise of AI and what it means for our future, you are not alone. In this episode, Jessi sits down with Neil Lawrence, DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge and author of The Atomic Human: What Makes Us Unique in the Age of AI. Neil shares a refreshing and optimistic perspective on artificial intelligence. While the common narrative is “adapt to AI or get left behind,” Neil challenges that urgency with a more hopeful and thoughtful outlook. He believes that while AI is changing the world rapidly, it will never replace the complexity, creativity, and humanity that make us unique. He explains why we should focus on solving meaningful problems, trusting that technology will evolve to assist us, rather than letting AI advancements dictate our reactions.

We humans are not great at predicting the future, often defaulting to fear in the face of the unknown. But rather than letting our negativity bias take over, Neil suggests we remain open to possibilities and focus on our unique strengths. As AI transforms industries and our daily lives, Neil believes we should pause, take a step back, and look at the bigger picture. He encourages us to think less about the tools themselves and more about the real-world problems we care about solving.

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How can effective communication transform your team’s performance and culture? In this episode of Hello Monday, Martin Gonzalez, Principal of Org and Leadership at Google and co-author of The Bonfire Moment, shares actionable strategies for tackling the hardest people problems that startups face. His wisdom reaches far beyond startups, and can help improve conflict resolution, culture, and performance on any team. He sits down with Jessi to discuss how to foster open communication, how to argue better, and how to cultivate a culture of growth and innovation within teams. He highlights the importance of differentiating people skills from tech skills and why cultural innovation in the workplace takes time and patience. Gonzalez also emphasizes that a happy or comfortable team isn’t always an effective one—your goal as a leader should be to cultivate a culture where team members can challenge each other, grow, and add real value.

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