Future-Focused

Ever wondered why some organizations soar while others struggle to keep up? While it's a complicated mix, one secret often lies in how they develop their managers. This week, we're diving into the critical world of manager development with a special focus on new managers. In this conversation, I'll be exploring the essential tools and tactics necessary for cultivating successful managers from the start. Joining me in the conversation is Eric Girard, an author, seasoned trainer, and expert in managerial excellence. Together we'll be unpacking the transformative power of effective management training. We'll also highlight how getting it right doesn't just boost individual performance but elevates entire teams, reshaping the future of an organization. As usual, you can expect a blend of practical advice, innovative strategies, and real-world examples aimed at enhancing manager skills across the board. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an established executive, this conversation will help you either build a robust team or refine your current approach. So, come check out why investing in new managers is crucial for organizational success and how it can be the game-changer your company needs to thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

Is the traditional office a relic of the past, or is there still a case for the 9-to-5 at a desk under fluorescent lights? Is "flexible work" even possible for non-office jobs? This week, I'm digging into the provocative and often polarized debate about flexible work. This will be a dynamic conversation as I explore the intricate dance between innovation and tradition with Nik Froehlich, the CEO of Saritasa, who finds himself at a crossroads. While he champions the in-office experience, he acknowledges the pressing need to evolve with the changing tides of work culture. Together, we'll dissect the complexities of implementing flexible work arrangements without sacrificing the essence of collaboration and company culture. This conversation will go way beyond theory. We'll be unpacking real challenges executives face while talking through practical steps and real-world insights from the front lines of leadership. Regardless of whether you're a startup entrepreneur, a corporate executive, or just someone curious about the future of work, I think you'll find this conversation will offer a ton of valuable perspectives on balancing flexibility with functionality. Hopefully, you'll leave convinced that adapting to flexible work isn't just an option while simultaneously empathetic to the complexity and challenges required to make it a reality.

With all the technological advancements, it frequently feels like everything is changing. And, in some ways it is. However, there are a lot of things that remain comfortably familiar when you scratch beneath the media noise. If you're feeling overwhelmed and missed this week's conversation with Bill Conerly, check out the highlights. Have a great rest of your week! #economics #futureofwork #ai

Change is unsettling, and AI is changing a lot. Given that, you're not alone if you feel as though you're at risk of losing something to AI. And, in some ways, it's an inevitability that you will. However, losing something old creates an opportunity to gain something new, and right now, we all have the opportunity to gain a lot.

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 Coral Pau-San 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 technology; it's a testament to the power of AI in radically transforming what was 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.

This week I'm talking with Ayush Prakash, a Gen Z author, podcast host, and leader from Montreal to explore the vital role of cross-generational collaboration in equipping Generation Z and today's youth with AI and technology skills. Throughout our conversation, we'll discuss the challenges and opportunities this digital era presents and why we need to work together to help everyone navigate and harness these changes for their future. We also delve into the assumptions about Gen Z as digital natives, the profound impact of social media, and the necessity of guiding them in a world increasingly shaped by technology. We also discuss the importance of older generations' wisdom in complementing the adaptability and tech-savviness of the youth. This episode is essential for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of the digital age and the collaborative efforts required to prepare future generations for success in a tech-driven world.

For years, I've championed the shift from mere knowledge acquisition to its practical application, and it's heartening to see the strides we're making in this direction. Tech is providing a burgeoning ability to bridge the gap between learning and applying, and AI simulations are pioneering a future where learning and doing are seamlessly integrated. This concept challenges the traditional structure where one must demonstrate they know first before doing, suggesting a future where theoretical learning and practical application are indistinguishable, creating a more dynamic and effective learning environment.

Are we truly equipping our customers for success in today's rapidly evolving digital world? In this Future-Focused I'm having a conversation with Steve Cornwell, Former Founder & CEO of Northpass, now SVP of Strategy, Customer Education at Gainsight. We'll be delving into the pressing challenge that many companies face: effectively educating and empowering their customers for success. This dialogue will explore the innovative strategies and insights that have transformed traditional customer education, addressing the broader issue of how digital learning platforms are not just tools but vital catalysts for customer success and engagement.

This week is a slight divergence from the usual weekly update. Steven Bartlett recently had a conversation with Yuval Noah Harari on The Diary Of A CEO on the state and future of artificial intelligence. Yuval brought an interesting perspective as a historian, and after listening to the conversation, I wanted to share some of my thoughts and reactions to the dialogue. Despite our different worldviews, there were many points of mutual agreement as well as wisdom and insight worth considering. At the same time, I felt there were a few missed opportunities to go deeper or provide an alternative point of view. Finally, the discussion was rather heavy and esoteric, so I brought some practical and individual actions everyone could take without feeling overwhelmed by what is largely an inevitable future many have little influence over.

Are we on the brink of a narrative revolution in AI analytics? This week I had a conversation with Steven Wasick, Founder & CEO of infoSentience, where we explore the intersection of AI, storytelling, and data analytics. Unlike the conventional approach of large language models (LLMs) like GPT, we explored world of 'conceptual automata', a game-changing technology that redefines how we perceive and generate narratives from complex data sets. We touched on the challenges that traditional LLMs face in maintaining accuracy and context, especially when dealing with large volumes of data. We also highlighted the unique flexibility and customization capabilities of conceptual automata, which allow for more accurate, interactive, and context-aware reporting – akin to having an intelligent, data-savvy journalist at your fingertips. But, this wasn't just about the tech as is true with all my discussions. We hit on the future of AI in business, the ethics of AI-generated content, and most importantly, the irreplaceable value of the human element in interpreting and strategizing from AI-provided insights. For anyone intrigued by the potential of AI to transform not just how we analyze data but how we narrate and understand it, you'll want to check it out.