

Michael Gale's Futures In Focus
Michael Gale
Wall Street Journal Best-selling author Michael Gale explores the world ten years from now.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 1, 2024 • 36min
Aaron Painter - Trust and authenticity in a digitally connected world
Aaron Painter explores how the current methods of online trust, such as passwords and security questions, fall short in establishing true identity assurance. We also delve into the idea of combining physical and virtual identification to build trust in a more secure and holistic manner. We discuss the challenges of online trust and how the current internet landscape lacks the ability to authenticate individuals effectively. Explore potential solutions, such as privacy masks, which allow individuals to control the information they share while still being part of trusted networks or communities.

Mar 1, 2024 • 38min
Neil Cloughley - Future of Sustainable Regional Aviation
Neil Cloughley, CEO of Farrad, they discusses Farrad's vision to revolutionize regional air travel using a hybrid-electric aircraft. Neil emphasizes the importance of using existing aviation technologies while integrating emerging automotive technologies to create sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient air travel solutions. We explore reducing operational costs, emissions, and noise pollution in regional air travel while leveraging the potential of unused regional airports for both passenger and cargo transportation. We also discuss the challenges and advancements in electric motors, safety standards for aircraft, and the potential future transition to electric air travel. Read Michael's corresponding article for Forbes here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgale/2022/08/30/imaging-a-short-range-electric-powered-flight-for-the-cost-of-a-netflix-subscription-and-its-closer-than-you-think/?sh=491c79681694

Mar 1, 2024 • 29min
Mike Bell - Food preparation and the future of the restaurant business
The CEO of Misuse Robotics, Mike Bell, talks about their core product, "Flippy," which is designed to automate the process of making fries in restaurants. We discuss the significant labor gaps in the restaurant industry and how the problem has intensified post-COVID-19, leading to a labor crisis. They believe that automation is the realistic solution to tackle this issue. The conversation delves into the potential impact of automation in the next ten years. We highlight that automation in the back of house (food preparation) may have a more immediate effect than the front of house (ordering and serving) due to the complexity of the technology involved. Read Michael's corresponding article for Forbes here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgale/2022/09/27/from-fry-cook-today-to-michelin-star-tomorrow--will-your-next-mean-be-prepared-by-robot-human-or-both/?sh=38fbdcb73f7e

Mar 1, 2024 • 44min
Crystal Rutland - Augmented Human-Machine Collaboration
Crystal Rutland discusses the evolution of technology, particularly AI and machine learning, and its integration into human lives by 2033. She emphasizes the importance of human-machine interaction, the upcoming "augmented age," and the need for a new cognitive user interface (UI) to bridge the gap between human intellect and AI capabilities. We explore examples in healthcare, transportation, and empathy augmentation through technology. Concerns about ethical AI, biases, job displacement, and user adaptation are highlighted, stressing the importance of responsible and user-centric design in navigating these challenges. Companies like Tesla and Volkswagen, as well as emerging concepts like battery swapping for EVs, are seen as potential avenues for transforming user experiences in the future. Read Michael's corresponding article for Forbes here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgale/2022/10/18/seven-insights-into-how-the-future-of-mankind-will-be-attuned-by-designing-the-new-augmented-reality/?sh=1d49c18632be

Mar 1, 2024 • 28min
Steven Cristol - The shift towards self-employment and freelancing
Steven Crystal discusses the changing landscape of work, focusing on the trend towards self-employment and freelancing. We explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted work habits and highlighted the breakdown. Stephen emphasizes the importance of understanding one's motives and drivers of satisfaction before considering self-employment. He mentions that self-reflection and self-awareness are essential in making informed decisions about one's career path. The conversation also touches on the rise of purpose-driven work and the need for companies to adapt to changing work trends to attract and retain talent. Overall, we explore the future of work and how individuals can prepare themselves for the evolving job market. Read Michael's corresponding article for Forbes here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgale/2023/08/29/future-of-work-self-employment-trends-and-evolving-career-landscapes-unveiled-with-steven-cristol/?sh=e5e27e853218

Mar 1, 2024 • 35min
Robby Booth - Advancements in Personalized Healthcare
The conversation revolves around the concerning prevalence of diabetes globally, focusing on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They discuss the current state of technology, treatments, and the need for personalized healthcare solutions. We emphasize the rising numbers of diabetes cases, the challenges faced in managing the disease, and the importance of understanding its impact on individuals. They delve into the development of wearable glucose sensors, advanced insulin pumps, AI integration, and the potential future of healthcare delivery systems, including telehealth and remote patient monitoring. Furthermore, they highlight the economic and accessibility issues surrounding diabetes care and pharmaceuticals. We conclude by envisioning a future where healthcare integrates seamlessly with technology, enabling better patient care and more personalized solutions for managing diabetes. Read Michael's corresponding article for Forbes here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgale/2023/04/25/can-software-be-the-solution-to-the-insulin-war-so-many-are-facing/?sh=4904999470b4

Mar 1, 2024 • 47min
Nils Pihl - Augmented reality's transformative potential
The conversation revolves around the practical aspects of the metaverse, particularly focusing on the development of experiences using augmented reality (AR) and its potential commercial applications. Nils Pihl, CEO of Alki Labs, discusses the significance of precise positioning technology for AR experiences, highlighting challenges in urban environments like Hong Kong due to dense buildings hindering GPS functionality indoors. He elaborates on how their Conjure Kit SDK facilitates shared AR experiences, particularly in retail, emergency services, and communication. The discussion delves into the transformative impact of AR on human communication, the responsibilities accompanying technological advancements, potential applications beyond retail, and investor interests in AR technology for gaming, metaverse, and practical solutions in real-world environments. Read Michael's corresponding article on Forbes here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgale/2023/03/08/dont-wait-on-meta-to-deliver-the-metaverse-its-here-in-this-app-and-available-on-your-phone/?sh=5fe6ce8a556e

Mar 1, 2024 • 44min
Juan Andres Guerrero-Saade - Rapid Evolution of Cyber Warfare
In an imminent future of interconnected technology, cyber warfare is rapidly evolving. With the growing Internet of Things and advances in AI, cyber attacks become more sophisticated, blurring the lines between espionage and warfare. Nations engage in offensive cyber operations, complicating attribution, while non-state actors may act as proxies, challenging response strategies. The consequences extend beyond service disruptions, potentially affecting civilians and reshaping global internet access based on alliances. This evolution presents complex challenges in security and regulation in a highly connected digital world. Read Michael's corresponding article on Forbes here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgale/2023/06/06/the-future-of-cyber-espionage-the-uncomfortable-truth-in-the-near-and-distant-future/?sh=77c13f132c94

Mar 1, 2024 • 35min
Jeffrey Schnapp - The Future of Transportation and the Role of Micro-Mobility Solutions
The discussion revolves around the challenges and opportunities in building technology products that align with the way people move, with a focus on intelligent devices for human mobility, such as the Ajita robot developed by Petro Fast Forward. The conversation also explores the potential for a future where cities are built around walkability and seamless transitions between different modes of transportation, aiming to create a sustainable and efficient transportation system. Read Michael's corresponding article for Forbes here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgale/2023/05/30/better-human-health-an-autonomous-machine-seamlessly-designed-to-deliver-just-that/?sh=61023aca46a1

Mar 1, 2024 • 24min
Jeff Day - Rowing and its potential as a fitness sport
The speakers discuss the benefits of rowing, the history of the sport, its current status, and the reasons why it has been somewhat overlooked in the fitness industry. They explore the possibilities of incorporating virtual reality to enhance the rowing experience and make it more engaging and motivating for users. The CEO of a rowing company, Jeff Day, shares insights into their efforts to create an online rowing application that provides users with beautiful and immersive rowing experiences from different locations around the world. They also discuss the potential for rowing to revolutionize indoor fitness and promote a healthier lifestyle. Read Michael's corresponding article for Forbes here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgale/2023/07/11/virtual-destination-fitness-youve-seen-cycling-and-running-here-comes-rowing/?sh=5b80899a49c8


