This week on Shape of Tomorrow, I dive deep into a concept that’s been resonating with many of you: Strategic Surface Area. Born from a newsletter article I wrote while reflecting on the ingenuity of Venice, this idea is about how leaders can create space at the edges of their organizations to reignite momentum when things feel existentially stuck. I unpack the core design principles behind it—intentionality, visibility, and loose coupling—and share examples from different sectors to bring the idea to life.

I also give a quick rundown of the latest shifts in the GenAI landscape: Google’s Gemini 2.5, Microsoft Copilot’s new agents, and OpenAI’s native image generation capabilities inside ChatGPT. The big players are accelerating, and it’s time to consider how these tools fit into your own workflow.

In Episode 125 of Shape of Tomorrow, I explore the rise of digital agents—tools designed to take action, make decisions, and complete work without constant direction. I share examples of how these agents are beginning to operate independently, coordinating with one another and stepping into roles that once required human oversight. This episode is a practical look at how these systems are quietly reshaping how work gets done.

While traveling through the timeless towns of Latisana, Udine, San Daniele, and Venzone, I found myself reflecting on the paradox of permanence in a world shaped by exponential technologies. This episode explores that tension and dives deep into ARK Invest’s Big Ideas 2025 report, unpacking how converging innovation platforms—AI, Robotics, Energy Storage, Blockchain, and Multiomic Sequencing—are set to reshape industries and societies. Join me as I consider what this future means not just for global economies, but for the quiet places where time seems to stand still.

Ciao, from Venezia Italia!

Venice isn’t just a stunning destination—it’s one of history’s greatest innovation labs. Founded by refugees in a marshy lagoon, the city transformed its greatest constraint into its greatest strength, pioneering breakthroughs in architecture, commerce, and even mass production centuries before the industrial revolution.

But Venice’s story isn’t just about the past. Today, it faces new challenges—rising sea levels, overtourism, and population decline. True to its legacy, the city continues to innovate through initiatives like VeniSIA, a sustainability accelerator shaping solutions for the future.

In this episode of Shape of Tomorrow, I explore how Venice’s history offers powerful lessons on resilience, systems thinking, and turning obstacles into opportunities. Join me as I reflect on what this extraordinary city can teach us about shaping a future that lasts.

I’m diving into key takeaways from the Paris AI Summit and the biggest AI trends shaping business in 2025. From innovation to strategy, let’s explore what’s next and why it matters.

In episode 121, we explore a groundbreaking quantum computing breakthrough from Microsoft that could reshape AI, medicine, and material science. Then, we dive into Apple's bold move to democratize AI with the iPhone 16E and unpack 'The Great Unbundling'—the seismic shift dismantling traditional business models across industries.

In this week’s episode of Shape of Tomorrow, we dive into the evolving role of AI in knowledge work and the unexpected cognitive challenges it presents. A recent study from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon reveals that AI reliance may be impairing critical thinking, a finding that raises important questions about how we integrate these tools into our workflows. We also explore Anthropics’ AI Economic Index, which tracks AI’s role in augmenting vs. automating work, and discuss OpenAI’s move into custom chip manufacturing—an industry-shifting development that could reshape the AI hardware landscape.

In the second half, we spotlight Tana, an AI-powered note-taking and productivity tool that blends structured databases with dynamic metadata tagging, automated meeting summaries, and knowledge graph insights. Could this be the answer to information overload?

Tune in for insights, strategy, and a fresh perspective on how AI is reshaping both work and thought.

This week on Shape of Tomorrow, host Michael Ianni-Palarchio explores the power of minimalism and how subtraction—rather than addition—can drive innovation across industries. He also reviews Tapestry, a new app designed to give users control over their digital content consumption, and unpacks Microsoft Edge’s AI-powered Scareware Blocker as a critical step in cybersecurity. With insights spanning design, technology, and personal focus, this episode challenges the way we think about simplicity, control, and security in a complex world.

In this episode of Shape of Tomorrow, Michael Ianni-Palarchio dives into one of the biggest shake-ups in AI so far this year: the rise of Deep Seek, a Chinese startup that has developed an advanced reasoning model at a fraction of the cost of major AI players like OpenAI and Google. Michael unpacks the implications of this breakthrough, from the impact on financial markets to the future of AI innovation and competition.

He also explores the growing importance of reasoning models in AI—how they move beyond pattern generation to true problem-solving and decision-making. Finally, he shifts gears to leadership, outlining the critical mindset shifts executives must embrace to navigate an accelerating tech landscape.

If you’re looking to stay ahead in the world of AI, this episode is essential listening. Tune in now!

Welcome to this week’s episode of Shape of Tomorrow. Today’s conversation covers some of the most significant forces shaping our future. I begin by examining the monumental investments in AI infrastructure, like the U.S. Stargate project, and their implications for innovation and global leadership. From there, I reflect on the enduring relevance of podcasting, exploring how this medium fosters meaningful conversations, storytelling, and connection in a world increasingly dominated by fast-paced, visual content. I also turn to the medical technology industry, where data, analytics, and AI are driving transformative advancements in patient care, operational efficiency, and product innovation. Finally we will talk about the new capability called Operator from OpenAI.

Each topic highlights the intersection of strategy, innovation, and leadership, offering valuable insights into how these forces are reshaping industries and creating opportunities for the future.