Humans, Now and Then

How informed do you feel about the future of Artificial Intelligence? Have we addressed its challenges and biases, or do we need more conversations to improve its trajectory? In this episode of Humans, Now and Then, I speak to B Cavello, Research Program Lead at the Partnership on AI, on the opportunities to improve AI, the importance of educating the public on its use, and why it's so important to bring more people together to discuss its future.

Bio:

B Cavello is a Program Lead at the Partnership on AI (PAI), a non-profit multi-stakeholder initiative focused on advancing the benefits and addressing the challenges of machine intelligence. PAI was founded by Amazon, Apple, DeepMind, Facebook, Google, IBM, and Microsoft in partnership with leading academic and civil society organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the MacArthur Foundation, and OpenAI. B leads PAI research in areas such as fairness, transparency, AI's impact on labor, and works closely with PAI Partner organizations.

Previously, B served as Senior Engagement Lead for IBM's AI division, the Watson Group, where they led strategic conversations with world leaders about implementing Artificial Intelligence in the real world. In June 2017, B was recognized as an IBM LGBT+ 'Out Role Model' for championing diversity and inclusion in and beyond IBM.

Prior to IBM, B was both Product Development and Community Director at Exploding Kittens, a record-breaking crowdfunded card game startup. B also co-led Phenomenon Media 501c3, an arts and education nonprofit, developing an educational tool for teaching code without the need for computers. B's personal projects focus on social good and range from textile art to computer education and security and even a game to help NASA researchers study climate change.

B received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Texas at Dallas, and was selected as an MIT-Harvard Assembly Fellow for the 2019 Ethics and Governance in Artificial Intelligence Initiative cohort.

Find B on Twitter at twitter.com/b_cavello

Resources:

Partnership on AI: https://www.partnershiponai.org/

• Partnership on AI Shared Prosperity Initiative: https://www.partnershiponai.org/shared-prosperity-initiative/
• B's work at PAI: https://www.partnershiponai.org/team/b-cavello/
• Katya Klinova, B's colleague at Partnership on AI working on the Shared Prosperity Initiative: https://www.partnershiponai.org/team/katya-klinova/
• Rosie Campbell, working on publication norms at the Partnership on AI: https://www.partnershiponai.org/team/rosie-campbell/

B mentions Elan Lee, Xbox Designer and CEO of Exploding Kittens. You can learn more about Exploding Kittens at explodingkittens.com

LARPing = Live Action Role Playing

IBM Watson Artificial Intelligence Division: https://www.ibm.com/watson

Mary Gray and Siddharth Suri, Ghost Work. https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Work-Silicon-Building-Underclass/dp/1328566242

Frontier Development Lab: https://frontierdevelopmentlab.org/

Kevin Slavin's TED talk, How Algorithms Shape our World: Kevin Slavin: How algorithms shape our world

The full transcript of this episode will soon be posted to vividspring.com/humansnowandthen

Subscribe, rate and review Humans, Now and Then on Apple Podcasts or wherever you stream.

Want to continue the dialogue? Join the conversation at:

twitter.com/humansnownthen

instagram.com/humansnowandthen

facebook.com/humansnowandthen

What is the state of your company's culture? Has the pandemic demonstrated its resilience and strengths? Or, has it raised awareness for a need to improve? In this episode, I speak to Hilton Barbour, a Marketing and Culture Consultant working at the intersection of strategy and culture, about what each of us can do, as leaders and as individuals, to build a company culture where people can thrive.

Bio:

"Over the past 20 years I've been fortunate to put that mantra to task in a diverse number of settings, categories and markets. From global brands as diverse as IBM, Coca-Cola, Nokia, Enron, Hilton Worldwide and Ernst & Young to markets as unique as Canada, Japan, UK, Germany and Bulgaria, I've lead numerous brand, digital and business strategy engagements.

"My passion is to create winning brands by helping businesses become more adept at handling change and more effective at creating extraordinary customer experiences. I have a strong belief in the power of organizational culture to transform organizations. Culture really is the true competitive differentiator for organizations in the 21st Century While I'd never publicly disagree with Peter Drucker about Culture eating Strategy, I fundamentally believe that 'Strategy is the Engine, Culture is the Fuel.'"

Resources:

hiltonbarbour.com

Stan Slap, company culture expert: https://slapcompany.com/

Subscribe, Rate and Review Humans, Now and Then. Join the conversation on Instagram @humansnowandthen, Twitter @humansnownthen, FB @humansnowandthen

Connect with or follow Host Rebecca Scott on LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/rscottcbap

Or, check out her website to see how she can help your organization shape a better future: vividspring.com

The COVID pandemic has led to devastating job losses in 2020. But, can companies avoid substantial layoffs during difficult times? Today's guess believes that they not only can, but should. In this episode, I speak to Tom Van der Lubbe, Co-Founder of the financial services company Viisi, about the power of solidary in organizations, and why layoffs may not be the best solution during difficult financial times.

Bio:

Tom is the Co-Founder of Viisi NV, a financial services company that offers customized mortgage solutions for highly educated customers.

Prior to Viisi, Tom worked for MLP, where he was responsible for the Dutch and Swiss subsidiaries.

His mission is to leave the world in a better shape than it was when we were born.

He experienced that life can be very short, when he had cancer at age 20. So he wants to spend his time on things that matter. He believes in a "why" of individuals and organisations. The "why" is the motivational engine that gives fullfillment in what we do.

To learn more about Viisi: Viisi.nl

Resources:

Tom's Corporate Rebels Article about Solidarity: https://corporate-rebels.com/it-is-about-solidarity-stupid/

Tom's study about the value of putting people first:

Study Results (published in Dutch; can translate the insights in a Chrome browser using Google Translate. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Tom at [email protected]): https://wiezetjijopeen.nu/opinieonderzoek/

Tom's "Who Are you Putting First" initiative: https://whoareyouputtingfirst.org/

Southwest's plan to avoid layoffs: https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2020/10/05/southwest-airlines-furloughs-layoffs-prevention.html

SHRM's research about small business layoffs due to COVID-19:

https://shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/Documents/SHRM%20CV19%20SBO%20Research%20Presentation%20v1.1.pdf

Impact of layoffs:

https://kenaninstitute.unc.edu/kenan-insight/the-covid-19-pandemic-and-small-business-employment/

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-employees-respond-to-change-after-layoffs-1918585

https://www.hamline.edu/HUNewsDetail.aspx?id=4294968349

https://cphr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Impact-of-Forced-Layouffs-Research-Results.pdf

The effects of layoffs and how to cope:

https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/faculty-staff-help-center/resources/work-related/coping-emotional-impact-layoff

Effects of uncertainty due to pandemic, and how to cope:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/dealing-with-uncertainty.htm

Amy Edmondson of Harvard and her research on Psychological Safety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhoLuui9gX8

Dan Price: https://gravitypayments.com/dan-price/

Bob Chapman: https://www.trulyhumanleadership.com/?page_id=36

Bob Chapman, Everybody Matters: https://www.everybodymattersbook.com/

Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Black Swan: https://www.fooledbyrandomness.com/

https://engineering.nyu.edu/faculty/nassim-nicholas-taleb

Explanation of "Kurzarbeit": https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2020/06/11/na061120-kurzarbeit-germanys-short-time-work-benefit

Subscribe, Rate and Review Humans, Now and Then, and join the ongoing conversation on Twitter (@humansnownthen), Instagram and Facebook (@humansnowandthen)

Check out vividspring.com for resources to help your business shape a better future.

Imagine working with cutting-edge startups to help them tackle some of the biggest problems that we face in the world. My next guest does just that. In this episode, I speak to Krista Jones, Founding Executive of the Momentum Program and VP, Venture Services at MaRS Discovery District, about helping startups to grow into companies that will build a better future, and the importance of enabling people to work at their best.

Bio:

Krista has been the driving force behind the creation of Momentum, a MaRS program helping scaling Canadian companies reach $100 million in revenue by 2024. Krista has been a passionate innovator and builder of technology-based businesses for over 30 years. She has spent her career working in and advising over 300 organizations, including public companies, high-growth firms and startups. Krista is an engineer, entrepreneur, mentor, people connector and expert problem solver. She has a unique combination of strategic, technical, operational and marketing expertise. And she is known for her comprehensive knowledge of the existing and emerging enterprise tech stack (architectures, technologies) and commercialization practices. She brings a human centered approach to business value creation. Her greatest joys come from working with and learning from diverse, talented and ambitious people, as well as being a mother to three amazing young adults.

Resources:

MaRS Discovery District: https://www.marsdd.com/

Google's 6-month Career Certificates: https://grow.google/certificates/

Now's a GREAT time to subscribe, rate and review Humans, Now and Then, and join the conversation on Twitter (@humansnownthen), Instagram and Facebook (@humansnowandthen)

Looking to engage your workforce and inspire them to shape the future? Go to vividspring.com to learn more.

We often think of employees or coworkers in the context of their role, as we work with developers, marketers, managers and others to complete our company's goals. However, what if we made the shift from thinking in terms of what we do toward something more meaningful, who we are, as humans? In this episode of Humans, Now and Then, I speak to Mark LeBusque, author of 2 books and the founder and director of marklebusque.com, about how focusing on what we need as humans can help us thrive in the workplace.

Bio:

Mark LeBusque is the founder and director of marklebusque.com and is known for his fearless and pragmatic approach to humanising managers and workplaces. Mark is a sought after coach, facilitator and speaker, has published two books and attended Harvard University to study the Adaptive Leadership Framework.

Prior to creating marklebusque.com, Mark has experience in operations, sales, human resources and general management roles over a successful 25 year career. Go to www.marklebusque.com to learn more about how Mark can help you humanise your workplace.

Resources:

Benefits of an engaged and happy workforce:

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/12/13/promoting-employee-happiness-benefits-everyone/#5d28f41e581a
• https://www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/blog/a-people-centric-workplace-good-for-growth-and-profits
• https://www.recruiter.com/i/the-real-advantage-of-happy-employees/
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/nazbeheshti/2019/01/16/10-timely-statistics-about-the-connection-between-employee-engagement-and-wellness/#252273322a03

Follow @humansnowandthen on Instagram and @humansnownthen on Twitter to continue the conversation.

How has your business been impacted by this year's events? Have you successfully pivoted toward a better future, or are you one of the many business leaders that is looking for real solutions to the hard problems your business faces? If so, my next guest can help. In this episode of Humans, Now and Then, I speak to Ford Saeks, Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker, Author and the President and CEO of the company Prime Concepts, about how to market to customers effectively, how to adjust course in difficult times, and the personal accountability that each of us has in creating our own success.

Bio:

Ford Saeks has redefined the formula for business success. His efforts have helped companies generate a total of over a billion dollars in sales worldwide. From start-ups to Fortune 500's, Saeks is widely recognized as a Business Growth Innovator. With over 20 years' experience (ranging from retail to wholesale), he has founded over ten companies, authored four books, awarded three U.S. patents, and received numerous industry awards. Tenacity and innovation are what fuels this revenue-generating powerhouse. From grassroots to Google, Ford provides his clients with fresh perspectives and doable tactics to resolve marketing, operations, and growth challenges. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., an integrated marketing services firm, Ford specializes in helping businesses attract loyal and repeat customers, monetize social media, and ignite creativity. Learn More about Ford Saeks at www.PrimeConcepts.com

Resources:

Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker and Author W Mitchell:: https://Wmitchell.com

The acronym C.R.A.P. is used to outline the principles of graphic design : Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity: http://web.mit.edu/6.813/www/sp18/classes/13-graphic-design/#principles_of_visual_design

Motivational Speaker Les Brown: https://lesbrown.com/

Dweck, Carol. Mindset. Penguin Random House, 2007. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/44330/mindset-by-carol-s-dweck-phd/

Clear, James. Atomic Mindset. https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

Fordify TV: Fordify Your Business #Fordify TV

Subscribe, Rate and Review Humans, Now and Then, and follow us on:

Twitter: @humansnownthen

IG: @humansnowandthen

Find Rebecca Scott on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/rscottcbap

What if we dare to envision a future that is not defined solely by technological innovation, but rather by joy? In this episode of Humans, Now and Then, I speak to Rod Banner, CEO of the company 3LA and Founder of the JoyTech project, about the dawn of Partnerism, the benefits of striving for a more joyful world, and how the leadership of the future can help get us there.

Bio:

Rod is a relentlessly forward-thinking entrepreneur. A Brand Marketer who became a technologist, he learned how to build brands and sharpen messaging. Today, he is laser-focused on the actual architecture of businesses – their culture and their core value propositions.

His consulting firm, 3LA.com has created a phenomenal team of luminaries to optimise Proposition Architecture, Brand & Business Design and Marketing Performance. He has founded and exited multiple businesses and mentored countless tech industry luminaries.

Rod has been acknowledged as part of the TechCity Insider 100 list, the Fresh Business Thinking Power 100, The Maserati 100, The Smith & Williamson Power 100 and GQ's list of the 100 Most Connected Men in Britain. He is a member of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists and a fellow of the RSA.

Rod also Chairs WPP's brand hub, Adgistics and sits on the board of The Sound Agency. But his passion project is JoyTech.org – a growing community exploring how tech can bring more joy to the world.

Contact:

3LA.com

Partnerism.org

Joytech.org

Also, check out the 'On Your Side' project: https://3la.typeform.com/to/idgUnr

Resources:

Opinions on Universal Basic Income in the US

https://www.economist.com/united-states/2020/08/08/universal-basic-income-gains-momentum-in-america

World Happiness Rankings:

https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2020/social-environments-for-world-happiness/

https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2020/cities-and-happiness-a-global-ranking-and-analysis/

UK Suicide Rates in Men continue to rise:

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2019registrations

Kaiser Family Foundation report on the decline of mental health during the pandemic

https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/

According to ourworldindata.org, suicide is one of the leading causes of death for young people across the world. For support, these organizations are here to help:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US). Available 24 hours. 800-273-8255
• Samaritan (UK). Call 116 123. email: [email protected]
• Crisis Service Canada (CA). Available 24/7. Call 833-456-4566. From 4 pm-Midnight ET, text 45645.
• International Association for Suicide Prevention

Smart Cities are no longer a thing of the future. Through the expanding availability and enablement of IoT at scale, we are finding ourselves figuratively and literally living within an increasingly connected world. In Season 2 Episode 6 of Humans, Now and Then, I speak to James Caton, expert in IoT and Smart Cities, about the benefits and risks of IoT at scale, and why citizens should stay informed about the use of Smart City technologies in their communities.

Bio:

James Caton has spent 20 years helping governments and companies adopt IOT technologies to improve how they serve their customers. Recently he spent 3 years in India, building a $180M smart cities business serving a dozen municipalities. Today he advises companies and governments who seek to incorporate artificial intelligence into their operations.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmcaton/

Email: [email protected]

Please Subscribe, Rate and Review Humans, Now and Then on Apple Podcasts or your favorite streaming service.

Follow @humansnowandthen on IG and FB, and @humansnownthen on Twitter

What makes a great leader during difficult times? And, how can organizations effectively find and onboard the leaders that will bring them into the future?

In this episode of Humans, Now and Then I speak to Debra Young, co-founder and managing partner of the global executive recruitment firm Sheer Velocity, about the rise of the Chief Wellbeing Officer, the secrets behind onboarding leaders successfully, and one of the most underrated needs we have as people in our work: aligning to our purpose

Bio:

Debra J. Young, PHR, is Sheer Velocity's Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Before founding Sheer Velocity, she was Executive Vice President of a top five retained executive search firm. Prior to that, Ms. Young was a Managing Partner of a national boutique retained executive search firm responsible for starting their Denver office where she successfully managed the recruitment and placements of senior-level executives. Her human resources and recruiting career started four years prior while working as a Human Resources Administrator for a Fortune 500 company.

Ms. Young's is a generalist with a focus in

well-being, high -tech, Energy/Utilities, Capital Equipment Rentals, Life Sciences, Healthcare and Industrial/Manufacturing. Within those industries she continues to successfully complete functional assignments for persons in CEO, CWO, CFO, President and top Senior Leadership roles in Well-Being, Finance, Sales, Operations, Human Resources, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Transportation. She has significant experience with Venture Capital, Private Equity, family-owned and publicly traded companies and understands the unique nuances of recruiting into each of them.

Ms. Young's track record confirms she is a trusted partner to her clients. She exhibits the highest level of quality and professional service through a consultative approach, strong work ethic and impressive professional network. Her clients hold her in high regard as a professional business woman whose true passion is finding executives unparalleled career opportunities with exemplary companies. To reconfirm her commitment to finding the right talent for her clients, in addition to her keen ability to identify strong cultural fits, she is certified in the Hogan Assessment and performs that work for the firm.

In 2020, Debra was asked to be part of the Denver Business Journal's Leadership Trust Group which is by invitation only where she participates in group panel discussions with other entrepreneurs and CEO's and writes articles for the Denver Business Journal.

Ms. Young earned her Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts Degrees from the University of Denver, a Paralegal Degree from Carthage College, and has her Human Resources Management Certification from Villanova University. Additionally, she holds a Professional Human Resources (PHR) Certification and is an active member of the Society for Human Resources Management and Mile High SHRM. She currently lives in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with her husband and enjoys spinning, running, music, and performing charitable work.

Resources:

Gallop employee engagement survey

https://www.gallup.com/workplace/316064/employee-engagement-hits-new-high-historic-drop.aspx

Cost of turnover

https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/reports/2012/11/16/44464/there-are-significant-business-costs-to-replacing-employees/

Microsoft Japan found that moving to a 4-day workweek boosted productivity by 40%

https://www.npr.org/2019/11/04/776163853/microsoft-japan-says-4-day-workweek-boosted-workers-productivity-by-40

Catepillar cost savings due to employee engagement

https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/toolkits/pages/sustainingemployeeengagement.aspx

Having a sense of purpose may help you live longer

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/05/25/726695968/whats-your-purpose-finding-a-sense-of-meaning-in-life-is-linked-to-health

Wellbeing the five essential elements

https://www.gallup.com/press/176624/wellbeing-five-essential-elements.aspx

The Rise of the Chief Wellbeing Officer

https://www.forbes.com/sites/colleenreilly/2020/07/07/the-rise-of-the-chief-wellbeing-officer/#6db85de41fce

Jen Fisher from Deloitte

https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/profiles/jenniferfisher.html

Harvard Study: ROI for money spent on wellbeing:

https://www.shrm.org/ResourcesAndTools/hr-topics/benefits/Documents/2010-Harvard-Wellness-Program-Meta-Study-Health-Affairs.pdf

Follow @humansnowandthen on Instagram and @humansnownthen on Twitter. Please Rate & Review and share with others who have interest in shaping a better future.

In the age of rapidly changing technology, when we think of work productivity, we often underestimate the importance of our most critical tool: our brain. In this episode, I speak to Dr. Erik Reis, an expert in the neuroscience of human performance and productivity, about how we can work at our best and achieve tremendous productivity in a flow state.

Bio:

Dr. Erik Reis is a peak-performance consultant, executive health coach, and national speaker, with over 7 years of clinical experience working with some of the most complex neurological and metabolic conditions throughout the world. He believes the connection between optimal neurological function and physical health is essential to understanding how to fully maximize brain function and cognitive performance in the workplace, which is why SHIFT takes a multifaceted approach in working with businesses and employees to optimize workplace productivity and employee engagement.

During his tenure in clinical practice, Dr. Reis continuously saw patients who were struggling with their health as a result of their job requirements and workplace environment(s), which warranted the question "How can WE make work a healthier place?" So SHIFT was created out of the necessity to help as many people as possible who are struggling with their ability to successfully be present at work and at home.

Email: [email protected]

Website: shifttogreat.com