Congratulations on making it through another week! What better way to celebrate than a rundown on some of the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. From AI Voice to Humanoid Robots to the Future of Wearables, I've got you covered.

With that, let's get to it.

Advanced Voice Mode - Who needs friends? OpenAI's advanced voice mode is finally here. Now, you can talk to yourself in public and not be considered crazy. In all seriousness, it's a pretty impressive development, but what exactly should you do with the functionality?

Meta Connect 2024 - On the topic of AI Voice, the Zuckster is betting big on it as was clearly demonstrated at the Meta Connect 2024 event. Honestly, their latest AI developments are incredible, which is to be expected. However, would you be surprised to find out the maker of Facebook would create new tech with some serious long-term risks?

Meta Orion - While you might think AR & VR tech went the way a neutron star, you'd be wrong. Meta made the news again this week with a lot of noise about their Orion glasses. Honestly, watching a few videos, I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a pair, but don't get your hopes up. They won't be available to the public. However, my predictions on the trajectory of the tech are spot on.

Humanoid Robots - It's been a while since I stirred people's fears of humanoid robots taking over the world, but with all the advancement in 2024, I thought it was time to kick the hornet's nest again. If you thought they'd fallen to the wayside, prepare for a poor night's rest tonight because these things are getting crazy. On the bright side, you'll have a suite of options when deciding which one kicks down your door.

AI Governance Veto - If you were hoping new legislation might slow the freight train of AI development, prepare to have your hopes dashed. California governor Gavin Newson vetoed SB 1047 and its attempts to make our insane superpower safe for humanity. However, with compelling arguments like "that will cost money" and "it will slow down development," can you blame him?

Show Notes:

In this Weekly Update, Christopher examines the capabilities and implications of OpenAI's advanced voice mode becoming available for pro users, emphasizing its potential applications and possible hazards. He discusses MetaConnect 2024 highlighting Meta's advancements in AI voice technology, particularly its implications for content creation and virtual enhancements. Christopher also addresses the rapid progress of humanoid robots and their emerging roles in sectors like space exploration, healthcare, and home use. The episode ends on the potential societal challenges linked to AI and emerging technologies, including the ethical considerations and the need for balanced regulation, using California's vetoed AI safety bill as a case study.

00:00 - Introduction and Weekly Update Overview

01:22 - Exploring OpenAI's Advanced Voice Mode

05:39 - Practical Use Cases for AI Voice

13:26 - MetaConnect 2024 Highlights

24:19 - Introducing Meta Orion

31:19 - Humanoid Robots: The Next Frontier

40:40 - California AI Veto - Regulation and Governance

50:20 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

#ai #metaconnect #aivoice #humanoidrobot #metaverse

It's that time of week for another rundown on the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. As a favor, if you find these updates helpful, comment, like, and share it with a friend.

With that, let's get to it.

Copilot Wave 2 - Will Copilot 2.0 be the end of large swaths of professional jobs, as many advertisements subtly imply? I have concerns some leaders will fall for it, but it'd be a big mistake. A deeper reflection on how work is really performed quickly highlights AI's capability to replace human capacity.

LinkedIn AI - I understand social media platforms want to use their users' data to train their AI and ultimately improve their products. And, as a user, I recognize there are tangible benefits that come from engaging in that transaction. What I don't appreciate is that functionality being quietly turned on without a heads up, allowing me to understand the terms and make a conscious decision.

WFH Stereotypes - My post this week may have given you a teaser on my feelings about USA Today's gross misrepresentation of WFH/Hybrid employees by exploiting poorly gathered data from a recent survey. However, I have a lot more to say on the matter, and it's not about piling on the RTO hype but encouraging leaders to focus on performance not activity.

AI Environmental Concerns - How much are we willing to scorch the earth so AI can develop a catchy pirate jingle or draft an email that'd take 30 seconds of your time? At the rate we're going, the Earth might start to resemble our red planet neighbor in the span of our lives. What worse? There are completely reasonable solutions to all the problems if we'd just slow down a little bit.

End of Mortality? - Will AI really be the end of mortality as we know it? An upcoming documentary is shining light on the tragic stories of people who were sold that tale at elaborate prices but ultimately lost more than their savings. What's strange about the whole thing is that the person resurrected with tech never sees any benefit from it. I can't help but ask, who is all this even ending mortality for?

Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, Christopher explores Microsoft's new Copilot 2.0 and its potential impacts on business workflows, the ethical concerns surrounding LinkedIn's data usage for AI training, and the ongoing debate about remote work efficiency. Additionally, he examines the environmental costs of AI advancements, specifically the water consumption and energy dependencies and discuss the controversial emergence of digital 'eternity' bots aiming to keep deceased loved ones 'alive'. The episode calls for a holistic approach to integrating new technologies while highlighting the importance of human judgment and ethical considerations.
00:00 - Introduction and Overview
01:17 - Microsoft Copilot 2.0: Revolutionizing the Workplace?
13:03 - LinkedIn's Controversial AI Data Usage
21:39 - Debunking Remote Work Stereotypes
26:10 - Understanding Human Performance at Work
33:20 - Environmental Impact of AI
42:19 - The Ethics of Digital Immortality
52:33 - Final Thoughts and Cautionary Advice #ai #leadership #futureofwork #linkedin #flexibleworking

Is social media a force for good or a ticking time bomb? And, given it's not going anywhere, what can we do about it?

This week I'm exploring those questions and more with Matthew Krayton, Founder & Principal at Publitics as we seek to wield the double-edged sword that is social media and explore its profound impact on society.

We'll unpack the evolution of social media from its humble beginnings to the algorithm-driven powerhouse it is today, examining how these platforms have democratized access to information and given a voice to the voiceless. At the same time, we can't ignore how they're creating echo chambers that fuel division and misinformation.

Throughout it all, we don't shy away from the tough questions: How has social media changed our behavior, both online and offline? What are the psychological effects of living in a world where likes and shares can make or break our self-esteem? And perhaps most importantly, how can we navigate this landscape in a way that promotes a healthier, more connected society?

The whole thing is a fascinating look at how the same tools that connect us can also drive us apart. I think you'll find the conversation challenges assumptions and reveals the complex realities of our digital lives. It's my hope this episode will make you rethink your relationship with social media.

So, whether you're a digital native or someone trying to make sense of this ever-changing world, there's something here for everyone.

Show Notes:

In this episode, Christopher engages with Matt Krayton, founder and principal at Publitics, to scrutinize the profound effects of social media on society. We explore its evolution, political impact, and effects on human behavior and mental health. Matt shares his journey from aspiring teacher to digital media expert, offering insights into both the positive and negative ramifications of our connected world. Key themes include the democratization of information, anger-driven content, and strategies for healthier online engagement. The discussion also covers the emotional responses to social media, handling misinformation, crisis management, and the future ramifications of technologies like AI and deepfake.

00:00 - Introduction

09:05 - The Rise of Social Media in Politics

14:31 - The Impact of Social Media Algorithms

22:37 - The Dark Side of Social Media

32:35 - Influencer Culture and Perception vs. Reality

38:02 - The Illusion of Expertise

43:17 - The Trap of Social Media Validation

54:36 - The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

01:00:38 - Navigating the Future of Social Media

01:10:09 - Concluding Thoughts and Future Concerns

#SocialMedia #DigitalMedia #AI #MentalHealth #Politics

While last week's update was a slight deviation, this week I'm back to the usual rundown of the latest happenings at the intersection of business, tech, and human experience. And, what a rundown it is. With that, let's get to it. OpenAI Strawberry - OpenAI isn't getting into the healthy living space, but they are trying to make their LLMs think more critically. Is it working? You'll have to listen for my honest opinion, but let's just say it's more of something alright. Instagram Teen - While teenagers will always find a way around rules, I commend Meta for taking formal steps to protect youth from the dangers of social media. However, to all the parents out there, I wouldn't advocate you relegate your parenting responsibilities. After Hours WFH Drama - Your daughter makes a cameo on your 8:30 pm video call, and the next thing you know, you've got a meeting with HR. It sounds too crazy to be real, but truth is often stranger than fiction, as a marketing exec discovered. $10M AI Scam - Artificial bands making artificial music for an artificial audience, to the tune of 10M in royalties. It's certainly one way to put your musical talents to work, but it might also land you in prison for the rest of your life, as one North Carolina musician is discovering. $2k Fusion Reactor - Clean energy may be closer than we realize but in a very unexpected way. A college student recently combined his skills with Amazon and Anthropic, building a desktop fusion reactor for under 2k. Might want to put a hold on that spendy solar conversion. Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, Christopher explores the latest in AI advancements with OpenAI's 'Strawberry' model, also known as O1. The discussion dives deep into its capabilities, limitations, and potential impacts on user behavior and misinformation. Additionally, he shares his thoughts on Instagram's new teen settings aimed at creating a safer social media environment for younger users, along with practical advice for parents. Next, he objectively discusses the unexpected predicament a marketing executive found himself in when his daughter briefly cameoed a work meeting. Next, he examines a controversial case of AI-generated music fraud, involving a musician who used AI to create fake bands and fake listeners, leading to significant financial gains and legal consequences. Finally, he spotlights a groundbreaking achievement by a college student who built a working fusion reactor for $2,000 using parts from Amazon, demonstrating the incredible potential and simultaneous risks of AI-driven innovation. Tune in for a riveting discussion on the interplay of technology, ethics, and human experience. 00:00 - Introduction 01:59 - OpenAI's Project Strawberry: What's New? 14:56 - Instagram's New Teen Settings: A Safer Social Media? 25:29 - A Marketing Professional's Unexpected Incident 35:26 - Musician's AI Scam Exposed 43:38 - College Student Builds Fusion Reactor 50:04 - Final Thoughts and Future Prospects #ai #cleanenergy #flexibleworking #instagram #socialmedia

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you’ve had a phenomenal week.

So, this Weekly Update is a deviation from my usual format. I’ll be back to usual next week, so if this is your first listen, you’re welcome to check out previous updates to familiarize yourself to the style. However, this week, I felt compelled to respond to a recent episode of Diary of a CEO (DOAC) between host Steven Bartlett and guest Yuval Noah Harari on the state of society and the role AI is playing on it. What I appreciate most about Harari is he’s an historian, not a tech guru, which means his reflections connect the past to the present and the potential future. The conversation is long, heavy, and at times dark, which isn’t for everyone, so I thought I’d to share my thoughts as an alternative. However, you’re welcome to check it out.

As a teaser, I dive into the concept of “alien intelligence” and why we’re dangerously underestimating how different AI is from the way we think and the implications that has. I also break down the societal risks of AI, from its growing influence in decision-making to how it might already be shaping your worldview without you even realizing it. Are we at risk of worshiping at the altar of AI, blindly submitting ourselves to the decisions curated by tech?

I'll also tackle the issue of information overload—how fear, hate, and greed are served up like junk food—and why we need to rethink what we consume, both physically and intellectually. And, with it being an election year I had to address what happens to democracy when we start viewing anyone who thinks differently as an enemy to be destroyed? Harari predicts complete collapse is possible, and I’ll explain why that should matter to you right now.

While the topic is a heavier one, it’s one we all need to have. So, if you care about where AI is taking us and what we can do to ensure we stay human in a world increasingly influenced by machines, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. Listen in, reflect, and let’s stay ten steps ahead together.

Show Notes:

In this Weekly Update, host Christopher diverges from the usual updates as he reacts to a conversation between Stephen Bartlett and historian Yuval Noah Harari on the 'Diary of a CEO' podcast. The episode is breaks down the reactions into three parts, AI and Tech Implications, Societal Implications, and Solutions. Throughout Christopher examines the dangers and misconceptions surrounding AI, societal trust, the impact of junk information, and the current state of global democracy. Emphasizing the necessity of accountability, trusted institutions, and true interpersonal connections, Christopher encourages listeners to reflect deeply on these topics and take meaningful action. The episode concludes with reflections on the potential collapse of democratic systems and a call for unity and cooperation.

00:00 - Introduction & Updates

01:16 - Why A Different Weekly Update

05:46 - Artificial vs. Alien Intelligence

09:05 - AI Decision-Making and Ethical Concerns

25:33 - Societal Impacts of AI

31:15 - The Age of Distrust

34:51 - Finding Ground in Timeless Truths

39:07 - The Fragility of Democracy

44:15 - The Dangers of Changing Rules

50:46 - The Need for Accountability

56:42 - The Importance of Unity and Reflection

59:16 - Conclusion and Call to Action

#AI #Democracy #ArtificialIntelligence #DOAC #Leadership

What if we could accurately predict diseases years before symptoms appear without invasive procedures? How would that transform the troubled landscape of modern healthcare?

That's the topic of conversation this week when I chat with Dr. Jonathan Hill, Associate Professor of Cell Biology at BYU and VP of Science and Technology at Wasatch. Together, we're exploring the cutting-edge intersection of AI and DNA sequencing. We unpack AI's hidden potential to decode the complex patterns hidden within our DNA, paving the way for early diagnosis and better treatment options.

In our conversation, Dr. Hill shares how his pivot from traditional medicine led to his current work at the forefront of biological research. You'll learn more about his team's innovative work in DNA methylation and how AI-driven diagnostics could radically change the landscape of modern medicine. In parallel, we talk through some of the challenges of innovation, like the chasm between academic research and practical execution, the importance of change management, and how, despite its tremendous potential, AI isn't for everything.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about the future of medicine, you'll walk away from this one both inspired and informed. So, come check out how the secrets encoded in our DNA are being unlocked, one AI-driven discovery at a time.

Show Notes:

In this episode, Christopher talks with Dr. Jonathan Hill, an Associate Professor of Cell Biology at BYU and VP of Science and Tech at Wasatch, to explore the intersection of AI and DNA sequencing. The discussion highlights how AI is being leveraged for early diagnostic techniques, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Dr. Hill also shares insights into the collaborative approaches taken to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application. The conversation tackles the essentials of integrating AI models, ensuring the cleanliness of data, and the future of healthcare diagnostics powered by advanced technology. Don't miss this insightful dialogue that unpacks the challenges and breakthroughs in healthcare innovation.

00:00 - Introduction

01:14 - Guest Introduction: Dr. Jonathan Hill

06:56 - Challenges in Translating Research to Practice

13:33 - Collaboration and Innovation in DNA Sequencing

26:20 - Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's with DNA Sequencing

32:10 - Innovative Lab Approaches

34:05 - Challenges and Benefits of Healthcare Innovation

40:46 - AI in Diagnostics: Three Levels of Application

51:22 - Simplifying Diagnostic Processes

01:03:44 - The Future of AI in Healthcare

#ai #healthcare #diagnostics #artificialintelligence #Alzheimers

If you're stateside, I hope you had a phenomenal Labor Day weekend and enjoyed the abbreviated week. It's been a wild one here on the personal front and the intersection of business, tech, and human experience.

With that, let's get to it. New Beginnings - I've been hinting that I had some personal news coming for the past couple of weeks, and the secret is out. My wife and I recently gave birth to baby #8, and it's been a fantastic new beginning on the heels of the end of my time at ChenMed. Yet, there's been some essential life lessons learned through the experience. Canva Price Gouging? - 400% price hike?!? Say what?! While many are reeling from Canva's recent pricing changes, there's more to it than meets the eye. While I'd have had some spirited conversations about the strategy, it makes sense, given the cost associated with their AI investment. However, was their investment in things any of their customers wanted? AI Active Listening - It's strange when you open your favorite social app, and that thing you were just talking about shows up as a "promoted post," but is it the result of CMG's active listening? I'm not entirely convinced, but I still think there's reason to shine a light on the matter. Gen Z Office Drama - Those darn Gen Zers and all their needs, amirite?! Reading WSJ's article about how much bosses struggle with their Gen Z employees got me visibly upset for many reasons. We're dealing with individuals, not a group of clones. And, from what I can tell, everything they're asking for seems pretty reasonable. But hey, shameless plug for how I can help. Hallucinations Gone Wrong - Imagine you ChatGPT yourself only to get a comprehensive description that's completely false and defamatory. Well, as one German court reporter discovered, it's not a possibility left to our imaginations. The sadder part was the lack of legal recourse to amend the problem. Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, Christopher shares a major personal update of welcoming a new baby while transitioning from his previous job. He discusses the complexities of keeping personal news private and the societal pressures of living up to others' expectations. The episode transitions into significant tech news, including a massive price hike by Canva and the controversial leaked presentation about data harvesting by Cox Media Group. He also addresses misconceptions about Gen Z in the workplace and highlights the importance of individual relationships. Lastly, the he covers the implications of AI errors, using the example of a court reporter wrongly labeled by an AI tool, and emphasizes the need for vigilance in digital footprint management. 00:00 - Introduction 01:15 - New Beginnings: Welcome Baby 8 11:53 - Canva's Price Hike: Hidden Costs of AI 23:01 - Leaked Presentation: Privacy Concerns with Smart Devices 31:40 - Gen Z in the Workforce 39:28 - AI Slander: Dangers of AI Misinterpretation 45:50 - Final Thoughts and Cautionary Advice #AI #GenZ #Leadership #Parenting #Futureofwork

Happy Friday! We have officially made it to the end of summer 20204. Can you believe it?! While temperatures may be cooling down, tech and workplace changes continue heating up.

So, let's get to it.

Layoff Influencers - I hadn't heard of the term layoff influencer until this past week, and no, it's not people helping influence companies toward layoffs. Read any headlines, and you'll know they don't need help being pushed in that direction. We're talking about the rising trend of people sharing their layoff experience. Is this helpful or harmful? Depends on who you ask.

Private Jet Commute - While there's no shortage of outrage over the new Starbucks CEO and his 1000-mile private jet commute, I can't help but dig beneath the surface concern. Commercial or charter, why are companies still so convinced an executive's physical presence is so necessary? Last I checked, executives don't emit gamma radiation that turns people into superhumans.

Rising AI Concerns - AI is showing up in company annual reports, but not for the right reasons. A recent study showed an almost 500% increase in public mentions by top companies that believe AI is a significant threat. While I'm happy companies are starting to recognize risks, the clear miss is how many still don't understand the benefits. AI isn't the risk; your strategy and execution are!

Procreate Anti-AI - "I {explicative} hate generative AI!!" Those are strong words coming from the CEO of a creative tech company. However, a deeper investigation shows the only generative AI this CEO seems to consistently hate is the kind that does tasks he personally believes people should do. Is this a valid argument against AI or a personal bias gone wild?

Bye, Bye Dev Jobs? - "You've got a max of two years before all your jobs are gone, software developers," according to Amazon CEO. Well, not really. More like, "Developers, your jobs are going to change significantly over the next two years, so you'll need to adapt," according to Head of AWS, a division of Amazon. Funny how headlines tell one story while the details tell another.

Show Notes:

In this Weekly Update, host Christopher Lind provides valuable insights on various topics at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. He begins by teasing upcoming news for next week's episode. The first segment dives into a Bloomberg article discussing the rise of 'layoff influencers' and the changing culture around job loss. Lind shares his personal experiences and reflections, emphasizing the complexities and biases tied to being open about layoffs. The discussion moves to the controversy surrounding the Starbucks CEO's use of a private jet for commuting and the broader implications for leadership and employee relations. Finally, Lind explores the polarizing views on AI's impact on jobs, citing studies and statements from industry leaders. He cautions against extreme positions and encourages balanced, thoughtful approaches to integrating AI in the workplace.

00:00 - Introduction and Weekly Rundown

01:53 - The Rise of Layoff Influencers

16:17 - The Starbucks CEO Controversy

25:20 - AI: A Growing Threat or Opportunity?

30:49 - Procreate CEO is Anti-AI

38:18 - The Future of Developer Jobs

44:55 - Conclusion: Embracing Change and Staying Ahead

#AI #TechTrends #FutureofWork #Equity #Layoffs