Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

Congrats on making it through another week. Is it just me, or does that feel like an accomplishment by itself? To celebrate, I've got another round of updates on what's been happening at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. As always, thanks to everyone who has contributed to the running list. And with that, here we go! End of Remote Work? - Opening this week's on a spicy note. This one continues to leave me shaking my head. Despite the overwhelming data, many executive leaders seem set on forcing their employees into their familiar box. Check out why this one in particular gets me feisty. GenZ & Millenial Loyalty - There's a rise in commentary discussing the dwindling loyalty of GenZ and Millenial employees, but they conveniently fail to tell the whole story. While it drives clicks and soothes execs struggling with dismal retention, I'd encourage people to considering the bigger picture. AI vs. The Law - While tragic, it's not completely surprising to see an exponential rise in teens abusing AI to bully their peers. Kids do stupid stuff and often fail to consider the implications. Unfortunately, the lack of legal accountability seems to only be making matters worse. AI Resurrection - If you could bring back a dead loved one with AI, would you do it? It may sound like science fiction, but there's a growing number of people who are going for it. I've got all sorts of mixed feelings here. LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report - When the largest professional social platform in the world reports its findings on what's happening, it's worth paying attention. This week, LinkedIn reported its latest findings on what's happening in employee skill development, and it has implications for business leaders, learning professionals, and employees alike. Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction 2:00 - End of Remote Work? 8:26 - GenZ & Millenial Loyalty 15:33 - AI vs. The Law 21:50 - AI Resurrection 29:00 - LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report

In a world where the constant buzz of technology can overwhelm all our senses, how do we find clarity amid the chaos? This week, I unpacked this question and more with Andrej Safundzic, Founder & CEO of Lumos. Together, we explored the jungle of digital overload, sharing stories, insights, and strategies to navigate through. Andrej brought his unique journey from edtech in East Africa to shaping the future of govtech, highlighting the transformative power of technology when harnessed correctly. We also discussed the evolving landscape of IT, which has interesting connections to every professional role. This led to our focus on the critical role of adaptability in today's fast-paced world and how AI can be a tool for empowerment rather than a source of distraction. Curious how you can turn the tide of tech overload into a force for positive change in your life? Check it out! Show Notes: 00:00 - The Digital Deluge 06:45 - Charting the Course 12:30 - Philosophy of Risk 19:20 - The IT Evolution 27:50 - Adapting to Change 34:40 - AI as a Catalyst 42:15 - Overcoming App Overload 49:30 - Empowerment Through Technology 56:00 - Looking Ahead:

Another wild week of change at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. This week has brought with it a number of new developments and changes that have a lot more to them than meets the eye. Also, thanks to all of you who have sent things along to keep my agenda relevant to you. Always appreciate the engagement. McDonald's Deepfake - A classic 80's dude smoking a cigarette while pounding a quarter-pounder may seem harmless enough, but the flurry of noise it created begs a deeper question. When does AI fabrication cross the line from harmless fun to harmful misinformation? Anthropic Claude 3 - Will our AI subscriptions soon look like our streaming subs? The GenAI wars are in full swing as Anthropic drops their latest release, crushing the benchmarks of their competition. Should everyone jump on the bandwagon or will this become another Apple vs. Android / AMD vs. Nvidia debate. Time will tell. AI Cracks Fusion - This update should light up your day, figuratively and possibly literally. AI has been trained to solve a huge problem in fusion power, tearing mode instabilities. Now, that may not mean much to you but it's an interesting development in both the clean energy and AI discussion. Chief Ethics Officer - As if companies don't have enough C-suite execs, will 2024 be the year of the CEO2? While there's definitely value in a greater focus on ethics and morals as we move into an AI-drive world, is a new top exec at the table the right move? Maybe, maybe not. AI > Humans - AI is more creative than humans, according to the University of Arkansas. Before you throw in the towel and prepare to submit to your machine overlords, you may want to read the fine print. While AI may have crushed it competition in some specific ways, that shouldn't be surprising and it doesn't mean AI beats humans in a head-to-head showdown....at least not yet. Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction 1:25 - McDonald's Deepfake 7:05 - Anthropic Claude 3 13:35 - AI Cracks Fusion Problem 18:44 - Chief Ethics Officer 24:32 - Humans vs. AI

Is sustainability the secret sauce to outperforming your rivals in business, or are we trapped by our narrow definition of what it really means? This week I'm talking with Ricky Marton, Founder of Koru, to clearly define what sustainability means and debunk the myths that often leave people seeing it as a nice-to-have. And, we don't just talk; we reimagine the whole spectrum of sustainability. As you'd expect, we talk about the role tech plays in sustainability and how it has the potential push your business not just towards a better future but also into a realm of innovation and efficiency like never before. However, getting it right means more than seeing tech as an easy button to a complex problem. While there are no shortage of hurdles, we explore how looking beyond the conventional boundaries and challenges of sustainability can be the competitive edge you never knew you needed. Ready to turn what you thought you knew about sustainability on its head? Let's go! Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Sustainability and Technology 11:35 - Demystifying Sustainability 22:50 - The Intersection of Technology and Sustainable Business Practices 34:20 - Overcoming Misconceptions and Practical Steps Forward 45:40 - Technology as a Force for Sustainable Innovation 57:10 - Looking Ahead: The Future of Business and Sustainability 1:02:30 - Closing Reflections and Call to Action

I sometimes wonder if I'll ever get to the end of the week and go, "huh, there's nothing to talk about" but that won't be happening anytime soon. This week was a mix of humor and nervous laughter looking at what's happening at the intersection of tech, business, and human experience. Five things made this list this week. (Special thanks to those of you who send stuff my way). Wonka Fiasco - Take a look, and you'll see...a world of pure disappointment. AI is a great tool for enhancing what you already can do relatively well, but it's not a magician as an event group discovered in Glasgow. It may be able to make some dynamic and wonderful marketing materials, but people don't respond well when the real experience falls flat. 4-Day Work Week - There's been growing interest in the question of whether a 4-day work week could actually work. 61 companies in the UK committed to it and after over a year, it turns out it's netting some really positive results. So, should everyone jump on the bandwagon? Maybe not, but there's some interesting insight to take from the trail. Apple EV - If you had your eyes set on buying an iSedan in the future, I hate to let you down. While many may not have even known Apple was exploring electric vehicles, they were....until this week. As they refocus their resources on GenAI, it's an indication that AI isn't going anywhere and will be the electricity or Internet of our day. GenAI Gone Mad - How would you react if Gemini responded to your prompt for a picture of the founding fathers with a Black George Washington or a prompt for CoPilot to brainstorm was met with a demand to worship or face severe consequences? Probably not well, as many people did not. But what's really going on here? Should we build a bunker? I don't think so, but you'll have to hear why. Robot Apocalypse - While we're probably fine with Skynet as a Texas Internet Provider, I'm guessing society isn't quite ready for robots to show up at your front door, especially if its AI is having a bad day like OpenAI's was last week. Well, they may show up much sooner than you realize. If you haven't heard of Figure.ai, they're making waves as all the big tech is throwing money at their humanoid robots. Maybe now we should build a bunker....or at least start making robot-friendly casseroles. Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction 2:18 - Wonka Fiasco 8:15 - 4-Day Work Week 15:00 - Apple Electric Vehicle 18:04 - Generative AI Gone Mad 29:38 - Robot Apocalypse #GenAI #Robotics #ai #artificialintelligence #futureofwork

How often do we take for granted the power of understanding every word we hear or read? This week, I'm chatting with Anuja Dhawan from Dübverse to dive into how AI is making the world a more inclusive place through content accessibility. It's not just about reaching more people; it's about truly connecting with them, no matter where they are in the world. For many of us, navigating content in English is a breeze, but imagine hitting a wall of text in a language you barely understand. This is the daily reality for countless individuals, impacting their work and their ability to engage with content that matters. In the past, bridging this gap meant pouring endless hours and significant resources into translations, often with mixed results. Now, AI is shifting the landscape, making it simpler and more efficient to bring content to everyone, in a language they can understand. This episode is more than a discussion; it's a practical look at how we're moving forward, breaking down barriers and making sure that when it comes to content, no one is left behind. So join us as we map out this journey towards a more inclusive world of content, powered by AI. And, if you don't get a chance to listen to full episode, be sure to subscribe to the cliff-notes version on Substack: https://christopherlind.substack.com Show Notes: 00:00 - 05:00 - Introduction 05:01 - 15:00 - Understanding the Challenge 15:01 - 30:00 - AI to the Rescue 30:01 - 45:00 - The Human Experience in Digital Content 45:01 - 55:00 - Breaking Down Barriers 55:01 - 01:03:01 - Looking Ahead

A lot has happened since last week's update, with some major developments in tech. This is a clear indication that the pace of change is not slowing. This week I've got five things that were brought to my attention this week. (Special thanks to those of you who send stuff my way). End of Humanity - A listener shared an article about Eliezer Yudcowski's lastest predictions, suggesting humanity could end as early as 2 years from now. I don't adhere to the doomsday narrative; however, there is some wisdom in what's driving the prediction. Nueralink Success? - The headlines are saying patients are now successfully controlling a computer with their minds. Regardless of how you feel about it, we're moving into a new age of people mixed with machines. This means you'll need to be prepared to make decisions on how far we're willing to go. Air Canada Chatbot Chaos - "The AI Did it!" It was only a matter of time before AI did something a company didn't like and the solution was to throw it under the bus. However, the law isn't in favor of an AI scapegoat, which should be an encouragement for what's ahead. Open AI Sora - The progress in advanced AI content creation marches on, and if you haven't seen Sora's ability to turn a simple text prompt into an incredible, realistic video, check it out. However, it's not in everyone's hands and that's a good thing. Is society ready for what this brings? I don't think so. Risks to Flexible Working - As if proximity bias wasn't already a problem, the latest fears around AI may present some new and heightened risks to flexible working. While I hope I'm wrong on this one, it's a risk we should all be prepared to address. Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction 2:09 - End of Humanity 6:20 - Nueralink Success? 10:26 - Air Canada Chatbot Chaos 17:06 - Open AI Sora 23:15 - Risks to Flexible Working

Are we leveraging technology to its fullest potential when it comes to the learning and development of employees? This week I'm releasing a special episode with Donald H. Taylor, Lead Researcher for the Global Sentiment Survey, in preparation for the release of the report. In our conversation, we not only explore some of the key insights that come from the report but what they mean. As you can imagine, artificial intelligence plays a dominating role but perhaps not how you'd expect. We discuss the rapidly evolving role of AI as well as what it means for employees and emerging professionals alike, connecting the changes we're seeing today to historical transformations like electricity and the smartphone. At a time when it feels like everything is changing, this may help calm the nerves of folks feeling justifiably overwhelmed. Furthermore, we get into some of the challenges that lay ahead and what we can do to mitigate the risks associated with those challenges. Making these shifts will not only serve as a benefit to those looking to leverage technology but will also serve as a guiding light to staying relevant and valuable in an organization. If you're curious how to navigate the rapidly changing of learning and technology, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. You can access the survey here: https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/survey/ And, if you don't get a chance to listen to full episode, be sure to subscribe to the cliff-notes version on Substack: https://christopherlind.substack.com ***Show Notes*** 0:00 - Introduction 03:45 - Introduction to Donald H. Taylor and the Global Sentiment Survey 12:17 - The Role of AI in L&D: 24:53 - Historical Transformations and Learning 37:08 - Successfully Navigating The Changes 49:32 - Addressing & Mitigating Challenges 58:26 - Looking Ahead

In a world currently flooded with daunting headlines about AI, I hope today's conversation will stand as a beacon of positive innovation. Can technology truly help someone overcome an overwhelming cognitive disorder? This week I'm sharing an inspiring conversation I had with Dr. Coral Hoh, the founder and inspirational leader behind Dysolve. Together we explore how, when used properly, AI is not just a tool of convenience but a transformative force in accessibility and equity, offering new hope for individuals with dyslexia and cognitive disorders. This episode isn't just about the mechanics of innovative echnology; it's a testament to the power of AI in radically transforming what as formerly impossible. Amidst the cacophony of AI skepticism, we shine a bright light on the potential for technology to dramatically enhance human capability and bring about a future where cognitive challenges are no longer barriers to success. Tune in for an uplifting journey into the future of education and neurodiversity. And, if you don't get a chance to listen to full episode, be sure to subscribe to the cliff-notes version on Substack: https://christopherlind.substack.com Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction 07:35 - Impact of Cognitive Disorders 15:27 - Unpacking the Technology 24:46 - Brain Plasticity and AI 33:58 - The Importance of Empathy 41:03 - Looking Ahead:

Staying future-focused in no easy task, especially with the pace of change, largely driven by advanced technology. This week is no exception, but hopefully this weekly update will help you stay ten steps ahead. Four things in particular came to my attention this week. (Special thanks to those of you who send stuff my way). Open AI Chipset? - Sam Altman is trying to rise 7 Trillion (yes, Trillion with a 7), so OpenAI can break its way into the chip (and I'm not talking doritos) industry. And, this move is more than just a diversifying the portfolio move. Is AI Driving Layoffs - It's a question on everyone's mind and all the news of companies going through round after round of layoffs isn't helping the situation. While AI has a role, it's probably not a simple as it is often presented. A BS in AI? - The new trend in higher education is to roll out new degree programs in the field of artificial intelligence. That's leaving many professionals and parents wondering if it's the right move to get ahead. You may want to listen to my response before filling out your FAFSA. LinkedIn In-Demand Skills - Despite all the hype around AI and technical capabilities, the skills companies are most in dire need of right now won't show up on the BS in AI curriculum. Does that mean we can just keep doing what we've always done and be fine? Not quite. Show Notes 0:00 - Introduction 2:05 - OpenAI 7 Trillion Ask 7:19 - AI Driving Layoffs 14:52 - BS in AI? 21:00 - LinkedIn In-Demand Skills