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Humanity Working
Humanity Working is a podcast focused on employee development for the future of work.
In each episode, we engage with authors, business leaders, and top-tier academics to understand how workplaces can adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This podcast aims to provide employers with actionable strategies to build a resilient, adaptable, and future-proof workforce.
Join us as we navigate the changing landscape of work, exploring topics such as workforce transformation, leadership development, employee adaptability, and resilience. Discover the steps you can take to foster a humane, productive workplace that is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Humanity Working
Bonus Episode: Leading Change in the Era of AI, Featuring Bill Kirst
Paul is joined by Bill Kirst, host of the Coffee and Change podcast and author of the new book Leading Change in the Era of AI.
The conversation explores the psychological and societal implications of rushing toward artificial intelligence. Kirst argues that while technology companies strive to maximize addiction and profit, individuals must pause to ask if they are losing their identity in the "race" for efficiency. From the potential for a "reverse renaissance" led by younger generations to the importance of "messy" human connection over AI simulation, this episode is a call to preserve the unique divinity of the human spirit.
Key Topics Discussed:
• The "Master’s Degree" in Understanding: Kirst shares a story about his 84-year-old father, who went from feeling inept about AI to feeling empowered and informed after reading the book.
• The Addiction Algorithm: A look at how tech companies hire psychologists to tweak algorithms for dependency, repeating the mistakes of the social media era.
• The Race to Irrelevance: Slater and Kirst discuss the fear driving governments, corporations, and individuals to adopt AI, asking: "Will we remember ourselves and who we are at the end of said race?".
• The Mirror Metaphor: Kirst reveals that the backward binary code on his book cover is designed to be read in a mirror, symbolizing the need for self-reflection before engaging with technology.
• Empty Calories vs. Nourishment: An analogy comparing AI interaction to "empty calories" that leave the spirit lethargic, versus the "nourishment" found in messy, authentic human relationships.
• The "Reverse Renaissance": Hopeful signs that Gen Alpha and high school students are asking for permission to disconnect and say "no" to constant AI integration.
• The Refuge of Human Spaces: The prediction that society will eventually place a premium on "human-only" spaces—like phone-free restaurants—to escape the perfection of the digital world.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
• Book: Leading Change in the Era of AI by Bill Kirst.
• Podcast: Coffee and Change hosted by Bill Kirst.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:37 Reactions to the Book
02:06 Common Reactions and Personal Stories
04:02 AI's Role and Ethical Concerns
08:26 The Race for AI Supremacy
15:04 Generative AI and Its Impacts
21:35 Youth Perspectives and Hesitations
26:43 Exploring Human-AI Relationships
27:49 The Emotional Impact of AI Companions
29:07 The Chemical Reactions in Human-AI Interactions
31:50 The Dangers of Over-Reliance on AI
35:41 Human Connection vs. AI Interaction
43:03 The Future of Human Interaction in a Digital World
49:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential.
For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.
