Un-Machine Yourself

Everyone is talking about AI right now. Some people are terrified it will take their jobs, while others claim it is the single greatest opportunity in human history. Host Joris Van Heukelom sits down with Salmaan Sana to strip away the hype and talk about what is actually happening to us as we rely more on technology.

When we let machines draft our writing, summarize our thoughts, or manage our schedules, we run a real risk. Skills act like muscles. If you stop using them, they fade. Salmaan shares how he caught himself losing his personal voice after overusing AI tools, leading him back to a simple notebook and pen to protect his creative edge.

This conversation shifts the focus away from tech hype and back toward natural intelligence. Joris and Salmaan talk through what it takes to stay grounded. They look at finding room to sit with uncomfortable problems, and protecting key human capabilities like empathy, original judgment, and real curiosity. Listen in for an unpolished conversation on how to use AI wisely without giving away your agency.

Credits:

Hosts: Joris van Heukelom, partner at Hatch

Guest: Salmaan Sana, Senior Trainer

Behind the scenes:

Audio mixing / Visuals / Production:

Robbyn Gray

In this episode, Mariska and Matt Dubois unpack why projects fail—focusing on scope creep and indecisiveness. They explore how politics, fear, and weak accountability blur requirements and scope, leaving project managers caught between delivery and power dynamics.

Guest: Matt Dubois

Host: Mariska Peters

Produced by Hatch:

Producers: Jessica Revet & Robbyn Gray

Visuals & Audio Mixing: Robbyn Gray

Join Rebekah Espinosa, U.S. Account Director at Hatch, as she hosts Guido Pellegrino, President of GeoStructures and ASAP Group, on the latest episode of Hatch Invites! We’re diving into how Hatch integrates and helps transform leadership and team dynamics, and how to measure real success of programs like PM Bootcamp —because investing in your people can yield high returns!

Here are a few key takeaways from the podcast:

- Leadership by example is paramount.

- Trust forms the bedrock for effective collaboration.

- Measuring success should include people and behavior, not just financials.

- Investing in people for long-term success. Prioritizing growth and well-being yields significant returns.

Hatch Invites is a remote and in-person platform that explores the transformative power of humanized leadership.

Hosted by Joris van Heukelom, a researcher and partner at Hatch, Hatch Invites features interviews with leaders from all industries and walks of life. Guests discuss their personal leadership journeys, the elements of humanized leadership they believe are crucial for success, and how to build and lead human-centered organizations.

Our guest, Skyla Herod, a behavioral neuroscientist, shares her expertise on how our brains work and how we can use this knowledge to make better decisions.

Here are three key takeaways from the podcast:

- Our brains are wired to prioritize safety and efficiency, often leading to irrational decisions.

- We can train our brains to become more rational by understanding how neural networks and biases work.

- By taking more time for decisions, breathing through our initial impulses, and reflecting on our values, we can make more conscious choices.

About Dr. Skyla Herod, Ph.D.:

Dr. Skyla Herod, Ph.D., is a behavioural neuroscientist with Hatch. She applies her expertise in brain-behaviour relationships to executive development and workplace transformation. With a 20 year career in academia and industry, Dr. Herod combines scientific rigour with practical insights to create brain-based strategies that enhance leadership, employee well-being, and organizational culture. She helps organisations drive sustainable growth and long-term success through tailored, neuroscience-informed interventions.

Hatch Invites: SPEED UP! - AI-thens Manuel, Nora and Tatjana

In this episode of Hatch Invites, host Joris van Heukelom will explore the aftermath of the Deutsche Telekom SPEED UP AI-thens event with 3 special guests from Deutsche Telekom. Focusing on the theme of leading with care in the age of artificial intelligence.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

Manuel Kirailidis, initiator of the SPEED UP Learning event at Deutsche Telekom, shares insights into the success of the AI-focused event in Athens.

Nora Weber, senior expert at Deutsche Telekom, discusses the impact of AI on personalization, customer loyalty, and value management in the commercial sector.

Tatjana Wittig, co-creator of the Artificial Intelligence Competence Center (AICC), dives into the ethical considerations of AI and the importance of responsible implementation.

Join us for an engaging conversation on the evolution of AI, its challenges, and the responsibility we all share in shaping its future.

🌐 Connect with us

Visit our website: www.iamhatch.com

Stay updated on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/joinhatch

Hatch Invites: 2024

Many organizations see endless opportunities to make things better, healthier, smoother, and more efficient. They are often excited about artificial intelligence. We at Hatch believe that technology will never distinguish the potential of organizations unless you relentlessly focus on the potential of the Humans within.

Our focus is to put a spotlight on the potential of humans. Humans as individuals, humans in group, humans in relation to technology. We call it Humanizing Humans.

At Hatch we believe it should be the main topic of your agenda in 2024.

Humanizing humans is about self-awareness and direction, about collaborating in groups, about fears and fantasies. About the imperfections that make us perfect.

To share our focus and insight we would like you to attend “Hatch invites 2024"

More information and tickets here

www.iamhatch.com/events-art/hatch-invites-2024

Hatch Invites: Wes Adams

In this episode of Hatch Invites, Joris van Heukelom introduces Wesley Adams (Wes), the CEO of SV Consulting Group and a positive psychology researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. Wes is set to speak at Hatch Invites: 2024, focusing on humanizing humans and the mission of Hatch to promote self-awareness, finding direction, effective collaboration, and embracing imperfections. Positive psychology, as Wes explains, centers on practices and structures that lead to high well-being and reaching one's full potential, moving beyond the traditional focus on clinical challenges.

Wes emphasizes the importance of positive psychology in achieving holistic well-being and the historical roots of this approach in ancient wisdom. The conversation touches on the significance of leaders in creating meaning at work, with Wes stressing the impact of leadership practices and organizational structures on individual and collective well-being. The three main sources of meaning—community, contribution, and challenge—are discussed, along with examples of companies successfully fostering meaningful work, even in remote settings.

Joris highlights the increasing importance of meaning in work and the potential consequences for companies that don't adapt, citing higher turnover and decreased job satisfaction. Wes also addresses the financial impact, stating that meaningful work leads to lower turnover, increased revenue, and enhanced creativity and innovation. The discussion concludes with advice for leaders, encouraging them to engage in conversations with employees about what makes work meaningful and take intentional steps to foster a meaningful work environment.

Hatch Invites: 2024

Many organizations see endless opportunities to make things better, healthier, smoother, and more efficient. They are often excited about artificial intelligence. We at Hatch believe that technology will never distinguish the potential of organizations unless you relentlessly focus on the potential of the Humans within.

Our focus is to put a spotlight on the potential of humans. Humans as individuals, humans in group, humans in relation to technology. We call it Humanizing Humans.

At Hatch we believe it should be the main topic of your agenda in 2024.

Humanizing humans is about self-awareness and direction, about collaborating in groups, about fears and fantasies. About the imperfections that make us perfect.

To share our focus and insight we would like you to attend “Hatch invites 2024"

More information and tickets here

https://www.iamhatch.com/events-art/hatch-invites-2024

Hatch Invites is a remote and in-person platform that explores the transformative power of humanized leadership.

Hosted by Joris van Heukelom, a partner at Hatch, Hatch Invites features interviews with leaders from all industries and walks of life. Guests discuss their personal leadership journeys, the elements of humanized leadership they believe are crucial for success, and how to build and lead human-centered organizations.

Hatch Invites is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about humanized leadership and how to apply it in their own work and life.

About our guest László Kónya:

László is CEO of Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions HU. He is a digital leader, emotional intelligence champion, and agile mindset advocate. He is passionate about making an impact and developing business. Proven track record of success in driving innovation and growth.

After reading through Ruben Nieuwenhuis’ CV, Roanne was confused - and a bit dizzy. He is the director of TechConnect, a Tech Talent program to activate & educate underrepresented groups into tech/IT jobs; but he is also a book author, as well as a social entrepreneur and the founder of many startups and companies (TechGrounds, Boeren voor Buren, TekkieWorden, CupolaXS, TechMeUp, Growth Tribe); sits in many different advisory boards (Codam, International Advisory Board, Amsterdam Economic Board, Future NL and next to all that, he seems to be the driving force of just about a thousand initiatives.

“So how can I describe your job function, exactly?”, Roanne asks before meeting Ruben at the Amsterdam SOHO house for this recording. Halfway during the interview, she decides: he must be an octopus, which totally makes sense to Ruben. Towards the end of their conversation, however, they both realize he can’t be under water, at all: he needs to be on bridges, as those are his natural environment. Don’t worry: just tune in, and all will become clear.

Ruben also shares how he spent quite a bit of time in his career in helping a world that was, he later understood, increasing inequality and exclusivity. Courageously enough, he decided to then radically change gears. Listen how, and why.

In this conversation, Ruben shares:

- How he long worked in the techindustry without realizing how exclusive it was

- How, when that realization finally came, he radically changed his goals

- Why he is so committed to diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity

- How he combines all his jobs, without being busy

- Why he forces himself to read book he does not want to read - and why you should, too

- Why, as a good leader, you should be in touch with both the high ranks, and the target audience, in order to understand the whole

SHOWNOTES:

This podcast was hosted by [Dr.](www.roannevanvoorst.com/) Roanne van Voorst and facilitated by [HATCH](www.iamhatch.com/) - an experiential learning platform helping you and your company become future-proof.

Ruben mentions the book [Humankind: A hopeful History](www.amazon.com/Humankind-Hopeful…man/dp/0316418536), by Dutch historian Rutger Bregman.

And the book by Marleen Stikker: [Het Internet is Stuk](www.bol.com/nl/nl/f/het-interne…k/9200000115140353/) (the internet is broken, unfortunately not translated in English):

He also tells about the cooperative economy that inspired him so much in [Jacksonville](cooperationjackson.org/).

And shares his favourite, often uncomfortable podcast: [The All In](www.allinpodcast.co/)

Find Ruben on [Linkedin](www.linkedin.com/in/rubennieuwenh…inalSubdomain=nl), or on Twitter: @rubenswindow

After reading through Ruben Nieuwenhuis’ CV, Roanne was confused - and a bit dizzy. He is the director of TechConnect, a Tech Talent program to activate & educate underrepresented groups into tech/IT jobs; but he is also a book author, as well as a social entrepreneur and the founder of many startups and companies (TechGrounds, Boeren voor Buren, TekkieWorden, CupolaXS, TechMeUp, Growth Tribe); sits in many different advisory boards (Codam, International Advisory Board, Amsterdam [Economic Board](https://www.amsterdameconomicboard.com/en/who-are-we#advisory), Future NL) and next to all that, he seems to be the driving force of just about a thousand initiatives.

“So how can I describe your job function, exactly?”, Roanne asks before meeting Ruben at the Amsterdam SOHO house for this recording. Halfway during the interview, she decides: he must be an octopus, which totally makes sense to Ruben. Towards the end of their conversation, however, they both realize he can’t be under water, at all: he needs to be on bridges, as those are his natural environment. Don’t worry: just tune in, and all will become clear.

Ruben also shares how he spent quite a bit of time in his career in helping a world that was, he later understood, increasing inequality and exclusivity. Courageously enough, he decided to then radically change gears. Listen how, and why.

In this conversation, Ruben shares:

- How he long worked in the techindustry without realizing how exclusive it was

- How, when that realization finally came, he radically changed his goals

- Why he is so committed to diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity

- How he combines all his jobs, without being busy

- Why he forces himself to read book he does not want to read - and why you should, too

- Why, as a good leader, you should be in touch with both the high ranks, and the target audience, in order to understand the whole

SHOWNOTES:

This podcast was hosted by [Dr.](http://www.roannevanvoorst.com/) Roanne van Voorst and facilitated by [HATCH](http://www.iamhatch.com/) - an experiential learning platform helping you and your company become future-proof.

Ruben mentions the book [Humankind: A hopeful History](https://www.amazon.com/Humankind-Hopeful-History-Rutger-Bregman/dp/0316418536), by Dutch historian Rutger Bregman.

And the book by Marleen Stikker: [Het Internet is Stuk](https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/f/het-internet-is-stuk/9200000115140353/) (the internet is broken, unfortunately not translated in English):

He also tells about the cooperative economy that inspired him so much in [Jacksonville](https://cooperationjackson.org/).

And shares his favourite, often uncomfortable podcast: [The All In](https://www.allinpodcast.co/)

Find Ruben on [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubennieuwenhuis/?originalSubdomain=nl), or on Twitter: @rubenswindow

In today's episode, Roanne meets with Araz Najarian. She enables leaders, teams, and organisations in being purposeful and relevant. Both those that are scaling up and need support in creating focus and pacing their growth, and also those companies stalling in their growth and needing to re-frame and re-ignite their innovative spirit.

How does she do that, asks Roanne? The short answer is: by being curious, and by sparking people's creativity - yes, even those who insist they are not at all creative.

Araz lives in the Netherlands with her husband and their beagle, and while she loves her work, she also enjoys leaving enough space in her life to go on new adventures and learn new skills.

This is a conversation on invoking inspiration, daring to connect, daring to ask, and daring to grow. Enjoy!

Links mentioned during the podcast:

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice, Shunryu Suzuki: “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.”: www.goodreads.com/book/show/402843…_Beginner_s_Mind

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gett…ss/id1068563276

Note to Self with Manoush Zomorodi:

The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life, Twyla Tharp: www.goodreads.com/book/show/254799…e_Creative_Habit

The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, Shoshana Zuboff: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Age_of_Surveillance_Capitalism

Solid Project, Tim Berners Lee: solidproject.org/

And if anyone is interested in some of the insights Araz mentioned from her ELP Network projects and research, they can find it here: www.elpnetwork.com/en/insights

www.linkedin.com/in/araznajarian/