Mitch Joel's Blog: Six Pixels of Separation, page 34

Faking It – Will OpenAI Outwit AI Tricksters?

An ugly (and obvious) side of AI reared its head this past week.

OpenAI recently revealed that it had thwarted five covert influence operations attempting to misuse its AI models for deceptive activities.
These operations, originating from various nations (including Russia, China, Iran, and Israel), aimed to manipulate public opinion by generating fake comments, articles, and social media profiles.
This revelation has stirred a complex debate about the role of AI in both safeguarding and potentially undermining democratic processes.

Truth bomb: Humans were doing this long before AI… now it all has speed and cheap resources to manipulate and scale.

OpenAI (in this case) was smart in proactively letting the world know that has happened.
It wasn’t that long ago, when social media networks took tons of heat for not only allowing this content across their platforms, but for not proactively notifying the public.

Baby steps…

Sure, it’s commendable that Open AI let the world know, but it’s also a smart public relations play to do that in lieu of being accused about these issues further down the road.

Is Open AI (and other developers) committed to ethical AI usage?

The company’s efforts to prevent abuse could signal a robust dedication to maintaining the integrity of their technology.
Some will argue that this could also be a strategic move to preempt criticism.
By publicly addressing these issues now, OpenAI positions itself as a responsible player in the AI field, potentially softening any backlash from future incidents.

It’s getting real… and real good.

The ability of AI to produce human-like text, images, and videos is both revolutionary and frightening.
On one hand, it can enhance content creation, making our media interactions more seamless and engaging.
On the other hand, it opens the door to sophisticated misinformation campaigns that can be hard to detect and combat.
Look no further that last week’s “All Eyes on Rafah” image that has now become the Internet’s most viral AI image (is that a good or bad thing?).
Meta recently reported finding AI-generated content used deceptively on its platforms, blending seamlessly with legitimate posts from news organizations and lawmakers.

This makes distinguishing real from fake increasingly challenging (in a world where the context of the story is critical).

Just today, The New York Times published this story: OpenAI Insiders Warn of a ‘Reckless’ Race for Dominance.
A band of OpenAI insiders has just pulled the fire alarm on what they describe as a reckless and secretive culture brewing at the San Francisco AI powerhouse.
They’re in a high-stakes sprint to craft the most potent AI systems the world has ever seen, but it seems the breakneck pace might be costing them their balance.
A tale of two cities.

Here’s what we know…

The AI community must prioritize the development of tools that can detect and mitigate misinformation.
OpenAI’s new deepfake detector is a step in the right direction, but as Sandhini Agarwal (an OpenAI researcher) stated, “there is no silver bullet” in the fight against deepfakes.
Continuous innovation? Yes!
Constant vigilance? Yes!

The future of AI holds incredible promise (I promise), but it also requires us to navigate its potential pitfalls with care (we have not, historically, been all that good with this).

This is what Jeremy White and I discussed on 640 Toronto. Listen in right here.

Mitch Joel · Faking It – Will OpenAI Outwit AI Tricksters?

Before you go… ThinkersOne is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

The Sharenting Trap – The Rise Of The Anti-Sharenting Movement

15 years ago, I warned people to be “personable” but not “personal” on social media.

There’s a difference.
Many people are now paying the price… especially when it comes to the social posting of their kids.
If we were worried about over-sharing, many of us pushed it beyond the pale when it came to our kids… and now they want revenge… or money… or are just messed up about it?
Don’t believe me? Check out this article on CNN: The first social media babies are adults now. Some are pushing for laws to protect kids from their parents’ oversharing.

What’s your social media feed like?

I love seeing all of my friend’s kids and everything they’re up to (that’s Selfish Mitch talking).
I warned people that parading your kids on social media could have ramifications well beyond the likes and comments (that’s Social Media Mitch talking).
And who can forget when our social media feeds were filled with the cherubic faces of baby influencers?
Parents eagerly shared every milestone, every adorable moment, and every brand endorsement opportunity that came their way (yes, for some, it became a legitimate business).

Fast forward a decade or so, and those babies are now teens and young adults.

Many are questioning the digital legacy their parents created (without their consent) and pushing for laws to protect kids from parental oversharing in the future.

Sharenting: From cute to controversy.

A new narrative is emerging – one where these children, now grown, are seeking control over their digital footprints.
Young people are waking up and realizing that their entire lives have been documented online without their consent.
This discontent among Gen Z is driving a broader social media shift (see: Going Ghost – The New Social Media Is Not To Be Seen).
Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram are seeing a surge in privacy-focused features (slide into those DMs).
Users are increasingly favoring direct messages and ephemeral content over permanent posts.

They’re growing up in public and crave the privacy that older generations had.

And, for some parents, creating that kind of family/kid content was a revenue stream as well – and what protections did these kids have when their homes were turned into TV sets and their parent’s role doubled as their boss?
Wrongly, we saw it all as fun, without considering the future consequences for their children.
As awareness grows, so does the call for legislative action.
Organizations like Quit Clicking Kids advocate against monetizing children’s online content and emphasize the need for consent.

Don’t forget about Generative AI.

All of these newer generative AI tool will only facilitate the concerns around deepfakes, online harassment, stalking, etc.
Imagine having a complete digital history of your child from birth, and it’s now accessible to anyone.
We also forget that all of this data could impact that child’s future employment or insurability.

What can parents do?

Talk to your kids.
See how they feel about it.
If it’s all cringe… delete it… all of it.
You can also adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your content (on many platforms).
We need to change our perceptions of privacy and educate ourselves – and our children – about the potential risks.

Our social media babies are coming of age.

Their push for privacy is reshaping the conversation around digital footprints.
It’s a reminder that while social media offers a platform for connection and sharing, it also requires responsible use and consideration of long-term impacts.
Digital actions have real world and lasting consequences.

Now’s our chance to recognize this and navigate it with care and respect for future generations.

This is what David Heurtel and I discussed on CJAD 800 AM. Listen in right here.

Mitch Joel · The Sharenting Trap – The Rise Of The Anti-Sharenting Movement

Before you go… ThinkersOne is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Vijay Govindarajan Gives A Masterclass On Leadership And Management – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #934 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to

When it comes to management and innovation, Vijay Govindarajan (aka VG) is a true legend. VG is a name synonymous with strategy and innovation. As the Coxe Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and a key player in Silicon Valley’s Mach49 incubator (prior to joining the faculty at Tuck, VG was on the faculties of Harvard Business School, Insead and the Indian Institute of Management), VG’s insights are pure gold for anyone looking to push their business thinking forward. VG’s journey is impressive. From being the first Professor in Residence and Chief Innovation Consultant at General Electric to working with top management teams in over 40% of the Fortune 500, VG has seen it all. In our conversation, he breaks down the evolving definition of innovation and why it’s crucial for organizations to aim high and take risks. One of his standout ideas is the fusion strategy — melding physical products with tech to create something truly remarkable (also the name of his latest book, Fusion Strategy – How Real-Time Data and AI Will Power the Industrial Future). It’s not just about having the latest gadgets but about integrating them in ways that make life better. We also tackle the topic of leadership. VG stresses that true leaders are those who can solve customer problems in real-time and build lifelong relationships. He’s a firm believer that smart data and AI are the new electricity – essential and transformative. But it’s not just about having the tools… it’s about how you use them. Innovation isn’t just a buzzword for VG; it’s a necessity, especially in our unpredictable world. We also talked about the impact of black swan events and how these unpredictable challenges require a new way of thinking and an openness to change. He’s all about thinking differently and pushing the boundaries to reach your true potential (see his ten-plus business books or the countless articles he’s published in the top academic journals – work like Reverse Innovation, Stop The Innovation Wars and many more). It’s about being bold, taking risks, and learning from every step along the way. VG’s practical experience and strategic mind make him a treasure trove of insights. He’s worked with industry giants like Boeing, Coca-Cola, FedEx, and Walmart, and spoken at major events like TED and the World Economic Forum at Davos. He’s a big brain with a warm heart and a passion for doing things right in business today. Enjoy the conversation…

You can grab the latest episode of Six Pixels of Separation here (or feel free to subscribe via Apple Podcast or whatever platform you may choose):  #934 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

SPOS #934 – Vijay Govindarajan Gives A Masterclass On Leadership And Management

Welcome to episode #934 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #934. When it comes to management and innovation, Vijay Govindarajan (aka VG) is a true legend. VG is a name synonymous with strategy and innovation. As the Coxe Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and a key player in Silicon Valley’s Mach49 incubator (prior to joining the faculty at Tuck, VG was on the faculties of Harvard Business School, Insead and the Indian Institute of Management), VG’s insights are pure gold for anyone looking to push their business thinking forward. VG’s journey is impressive. From being the first Professor in Residence and Chief Innovation Consultant at General Electric to working with top management teams in over 40% of the Fortune 500, VG has seen it all. In our conversation, he breaks down the evolving definition of innovation and why it’s crucial for organizations to aim high and take risks. One of his standout ideas is the fusion strategy — melding physical products with tech to create something truly remarkable (also the name of his latest book, Fusion Strategy – How Real-Time Data and AI Will Power the Industrial Future). It’s not just about having the latest gadgets but about integrating them in ways that make life better. We also tackle the topic of leadership. VG stresses that true leaders are those who can solve customer problems in real-time and build lifelong relationships. He’s a firm believer that smart data and AI are the new electricity – essential and transformative. But it’s not just about having the tools… it’s about how you use them. Innovation isn’t just a buzzword for VG; it’s a necessity, especially in our unpredictable world. We also talked about the impact of black swan events and how these unpredictable challenges require a new way of thinking and an openness to change. He’s all about thinking differently and pushing the boundaries to reach your true potential (see his ten-plus business books or the countless articles he’s published in the top academic journals – work like Reverse Innovation, Stop The Innovation Wars and many more). It’s about being bold, taking risks, and learning from every step along the way. VG’s practical experience and strategic mind make him a treasure trove of insights. He’s worked with industry giants like Boeing, Coca-Cola, FedEx, and Walmart, and spoken at major events like TED and the World Economic Forum at Davos. He’s a big brain with a warm heart and a passion for doing things right in business today. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 1:06:48.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.Please visit and leave comments on the blog – Six Pixels of Separation.Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn.…or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Vijay Govindarajan.Fusion Strategy – How Real-Time Data and AI Will Power the Industrial Future.Reverse Innovation.Stop The Innovation Wars.Follow VG on LinkedIn.Follow VG on X.This week’s music: David Usher ‘St. Lawrence River’.

Takeaways

Embrace true potential and overcome risk aversion to achieve innovation.Integrate physical and tech to create better products through fusion strategy.Leverage digital technologies to transform the industrial sector.Focus on solving customer problems in real time and building lifelong relationships.Smart data and AI are the new electricity, providing immense power and potential for companies.Innovation is crucial in a world of unpredictable change, and conducting low-cost experiments at the edges of the organization can lead to strategic flexibility and adaptability.Black swan events, such as Covid 19, require leaders to think differently and embrace new ways of navigating uncertainty.The marketplace is evolving and improving our lives, with technology enabling greater connectivity and convenience.Thinking differently and continuously striving to reach one’s true potential is key to personal and professional growth.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Background02:07 – The Ever-Evolving Definition of Innovation06:36 – Overcoming Risk Aversion in Organizations09:31 – The Impact of the Poly Crisis on Innovation11:28 – The Potential of Digital Technologies in Business13:20 – The Optimistic Outlook for Innovation15:27 – Fusion Strategy: The Integration of Physical and Tech21:21 – Digitizing the Industrial Sector23:35 – The Role of Leadership in Embracing Innovation26:09 – The Importance of Understanding Product in Use28:36 – Augmented Intelligence and the Future of Work31:24 – The Role of Policymakers in Regulating AI36:17 – Navigating the Complexities of AI Regulation39:30 – The Challenge of Meeting Consumer Expectations46:27 – Solving Customer Problems in Real Time50:19 – The Importance of Building Lifelong Customer Relationships51:18 – The Significance and Challenges of Speed in Technology52:39 – Smart Data and AI as the New Electricity55:19 – Innovation in the Face of Unpredictable Change57:35 – The Rise of Black Swan Events58:12 – The Evolution of the Marketplace1:00:29 – Thinking Differently and Embracing Potential

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #934.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Six Links That Make You Think #727

Is there one link, story, picture or thought that you saw online this week that you think somebody you know must see?

My friends: Alistair Croll (Solve for Interesting, Tilt the Windmill, Interesting Bits, HBS, chair of Strata, Startupfest, FWD50, and Scaletechconf; author of Lean Analytics and some other books), Hugh McGuire (Rebus Foundation, PressBooks, LibriVox) and I decided that every week the three of us are going to share one link for one another (for a total of six links) that each individual feels the other person “must see.”

Check out these six links that we’re recommending to one another: 

Workbook – Jason Fried – X. “The folks at 37Signals (Basecamp, Hey, etc.; books including Getting Real and Shape Up) put out one-time products every now and then. Their latest is an attempt to fix publishing with a web-based book publishing tool called Workbook. Jason Fried wrote it up in a long post on X. Since I’m waist-deep in publishing and you live in the world of simplified books, I figured I’d point you at this.” (Alistair for Hugh). The Real Olive Garden Scandal: Why Greedy Hedge Funders Suddenly Care So Much About Breadsticks – Salon . “Red Lobster was in the news last week — and while it’s easy to laugh at losing money on endless shrimp, the backstory is way darker. Investment bankers bought the company years ago, sold off the land (which saddled the company in debt) and paid themselves a bonus. What’s more, one of the company’s investors is a shrimp vendor that dumped its product, leaving shareholders to bear the losses. This has happened before: In 2014, the same thing happened to Olive Garden.” (Alistair for Mitch). With Smart Sci-Fi In Vogue, Now’s The Perfect Time To Revisit A Confounding Classic – Inverse . “One of my favourite movies of all time. Watch after dark, on a rainy evening, and make sure you don’t need to be cheered up.” (Hugh for Alistair). The Demonization Of Rural America – Time . “Here is my (lightly held) hot take: wokeism is a psyop perpetrated by the Masters of the Universe against poor people, which convinces young, progressive rich white people to see the main problems of society through the lens of skin color, rather than through the lens of economics. So, rather than solving for poverty, we spend our progressive energy on solving for racism. The result is that poverty runs rampant, and very few spend energy figuring out how to fix these problems, especially in rural communities.”  (Hugh for Mitch).  Sam Harris And Konstantin Kisin Debate – Impact Theory – Tom Bilyeu – YouTube . “I’m going to keep pushing this marble up the hill (hoping it’s not the hill that I will die on). I am (deeply) enjoying long conversations with people who are both intellectual and think different/smart things. I do not always agree with the perspectives, but I am always eager to listen to differing opinions and how these big brains can use words to duke it out. Here’s another new one (and, yes, it does get political – so you have been forewarned) featuring Sam Harris and Konstantin Kisin (I may have a ManCrush on him?). My advice? Maybe listen to these perspectives… maybe disagree with them… maybe put down (or share) your own perspectives. I, for one, am super-appreciative that I’m not just being fed perspectives in soundbites from the usual mass media juggernauts. I believe this is the edge of modern thinking (and media) and I want everyone paying some time and attention to it.” (Mitch for Alistair). At 10, I Fled The Nazis To Live Starving And Alone In The Woods. For Two Years, Detection Meant Death – The Guardian . “An incredible story that is almost so intensely dire that it is hard to fathom. Maxwell Smart was only ten years old when his life was forever changed. It took him close to seventy year to share his story. It turns out that he lives in our hometown of Montreal… and I had not heard about him (or his story). So, a special thanks to The Guardian in the UK for this article about a local hero in our midst. I am still haunted by his story of survival.” (Mitch for Hugh).

Feel free to share these links and add your picks on X, Facebook, in the comments below or wherever you play.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Google’s AI Overviews And The Battle Of Wits

When you need to find something online, do you say you have to “search” for something or “Google it”?

I worked in the search industry before Google existed (circa 1998)… and I say, “Google it.”
When something becomes that big and the business landscape changes, we look for the errors as a sign of something else (which isn’t always the smartest strategy).
Google’s latest search feature, AI Overviews, was meant to provide their AI chatbot’s answers at the top of the organic search results page.
And while it has been impressive to see the integration, there are (obviously) errors and “hallucinations” that have led to a slew of bizarre and inaccurate answers (and guess which story gets more headlines?).
I’d argue that the concept behind AI Overviews is solid: Leverage generative AI to deliver more direct and conversational search results.

I also knew it would get wonky.

From suggesting glue on pizza to keep the cheese in place to recommending eating rocks, the AI’s brainzaps have been both humorous and alarming (to some).
I get it.
It’s not just about a few goofy suggestions… it’s about the credibility and reliability of a tool that millions depend on to be accurate.

So, what’s going on?

The crux of the issue lies in AI’s inability to distinguish between serious content and jokes, comments, sarcasm, etc. that us users love to clapback on to any form of online content (hello, Troll).
Like sourcing information from platforms like Reddit, where sarcasm and humor reign supreme.

What is clear and correct?

While AI is fast and powerful, it’s not yet nuanced enough to parse context effectively (sadly, I’d argue that many people that I interact with on a daily basis are equally challenged by sarcasm and dry humor).
Still, let’s give credit where credit is due…
Google has been quick to address these issues.
They’re working to refine their algorithms and improve the AI’s understanding.
The real-time feedback loop, while messy, is essential for the AI’s evolution (and something other brands – beyond tech – could learn from).

Google’s push for AI Overviews isn’t happening in a vacuum.

The rise of competitors like OpenAI and Microsoft may be adding pressure.
Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella’s famously said: “We made them dance.”
Google, despite its vast experience and resources in AI (remember, they own DeepMind and provided the paper on Transformers that led to OpenAI’s developments), seems to be playing catch-up in the public square.
Google has been inching towards this moment for years, integrating features like images, video, and even ads into search results.

But this leap to conversational AI feels different.

It’s about creating an intuitive, human-like interaction while we search for content that moves us away from multiple different sources and to one answer that Google provides.

What’s next for AI in search?

There’s a delicate balance between making search results more interactive and maintaining the trustworthiness of those results (a struggle that Google has been battling since the term “Search Engine Optimization” was christened.
The idea of a universal AI assistant like Google’s Project Astra, which can seamlessly integrate into our daily lives – talk to us and assist us – must be intoxicating for anyone tinkering with the next version of generative AI.

So what do we have to show for it today?

It’s a reminder that even in a world driven by algorithms and machine learning, the human touch – and a bit of skepticism – remains indispensable.
I’m optimistic about Google and the future of search… and not surprised by anything that’s been happening at these early stages of this journey.

This is what Elias Makos and I discussed on CJAD 800 AM. Listen in right here.

Mitch Joel · Google’s AI Overviews And The Battle Of Wits

Before you go… ThinkersOne is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Steve Dennis On Driving Leadership And Innovation – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #933 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to

Let’s dive deep into the transformative insights of Steve Dennis – a strategic advisor, retail leadership expert, and bestselling author. Steve’s latest book, Leaders Leap – Transforming Your Company At The Speed Of Disruption, dissects why so many transformations fail and reveals what leaders must do to keep their organizations relevant in an ever-evolving landscape. With a diverse career that includes c-suite roles at two Fortune 500 companies and his current position as President of SageBerry Consulting, Steve brings a wealth of experience to the table. First he was at Sears and then Neiman Marcus Group, where he pioneered customer insight, loyalty, and omnichannel marketing strategies, making him a sought-after voice in retail innovation. Steve underscores the urgency for leaders to aim higher and move faster to navigate a world of abundant choice and zero friction. He argues that being remarkable is not just about standing out but creating an emotional connection with customers. In an era where technology has leveled the playing field, businesses must differentiate themselves and offer value beyond price. Steve stresses the need for agility in leadership, urging leaders to understand the factors impacting their business and respond swiftly to volatility. He warns against the trap of incrementalism and highlights the importance of creating a sense of urgency and embracing change. Steve’s insights are not just theoretical – they are grounded in his extensive practical experience and are vital for any leader looking to thrive in today’s fast-paced business environment. He is also a Forbes senior contributor and co-host of the Remarkable Retail podcast, which amplifies the themes of his first book, Remarkable Retail – How To Win And Keep Customers In The Age Of Disruption. Enjoy the conversation…

You can grab the latest episode of Six Pixels of Separation here (or feel free to subscribe via Apple Podcast or whatever platform you may choose):  #933 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

SPOS #933 – Steve Dennis On Driving Leadership And Innovation

Welcome to episode #933 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #933. Let’s dive deep into the transformative insights of Steve Dennis – a strategic advisor, retail leadership expert, and bestselling author. Steve’s latest book, Leaders Leap – Transforming Your Company At The Speed Of Disruption, dissects why so many transformations fail and reveals what leaders must do to keep their organizations relevant in an ever-evolving landscape. With a diverse career that includes c-suite roles at two Fortune 500 companies and his current position as President of SageBerry Consulting, Steve brings a wealth of experience to the table. First he was at Sears and then Neiman Marcus Group, where he pioneered customer insight, loyalty, and omnichannel marketing strategies, making him a sought-after voice in retail innovation. Steve underscores the urgency for leaders to aim higher and move faster to navigate a world of abundant choice and zero friction. He argues that being remarkable is not just about standing out but creating an emotional connection with customers. In an era where technology has leveled the playing field, businesses must differentiate themselves and offer value beyond price. Steve stresses the need for agility in leadership, urging leaders to understand the factors impacting their business and respond swiftly to volatility. He warns against the trap of incrementalism and highlights the importance of creating a sense of urgency and embracing change. Steve’s insights are not just theoretical – they are grounded in his extensive practical experience and are vital for any leader looking to thrive in today’s fast-paced business environment. He is also a Forbes senior contributor and co-host of the Remarkable Retail podcast, which amplifies the themes of his first book, Remarkable Retail – How To Win And Keep Customers In The Age Of Disruption. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 1:03:30.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.Please visit and leave comments on the blog – Six Pixels of Separation.Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn.…or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Steve Dennis.Leaders Leap – Transforming Your Company At The Speed Of Disruption.Remarkable Retail – How To Win And Keep Customers In The Age Of Disruption.Remarkable Retail Podcast.Follow Steve on X.Follow Steve on Instagram.Follow Steve on LinkedIn.This week’s music: David Usher ‘St. Lawrence River’.

Takeaways:

Being remarkable is about creating a distance between your brand and the competition, and making an emotional connection with customers.Leaders need to aim higher and move faster in order to stay relevant and avoid becoming irrelevant or extinct.Technology enables access to information and substitutes, making it crucial for businesses to differentiate themselves and provide value beyond price.Leaders must understand the factors that impact their business and be agile in responding to a volatile and uncertain environment.Creating a sense of urgency and embracing change are essential for driving innovation and staying ahead of disruption.Success anomalies can be misleading and it is important to analyze them critically and not draw general conclusions from them.Attracting and inspiring talent is crucial for the success of a company, and it is important for leaders to create a culture that values and leverages the unique gifts of their employees.Brands taking a stance on social and political issues can be a complex and risky endeavor, and leaders need to carefully consider the impact on their customers and stakeholders.Physical retail still has a role in a digital world, particularly for experiential and social shopping experiences, but it needs to evolve and provide unique value to customers.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Background02:49 – The Power of Being Remarkable06:04 – Aiming Higher and Moving Faster08:55 – Navigating a Volatile Business Environment13:03 – The Role of Technology in Driving Innovation28:48 – Analyzing Success Anomalies30:39 – Self-Reflection and Adaptability for Leaders39:21 – Attracting and Inspiring Talent44:03 – Navigating Brands and Social Issues49:20 – The Role of Acquisitions51:08 – The Evolving Role of Physical Retail

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #933.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Six Links That Make You Think #726

Is there one link, story, picture or thought that you saw online this week that you think somebody you know must see?

My friends: Alistair Croll (Solve for Interesting, Tilt the Windmill, Interesting Bits, HBS, chair of Strata, Startupfest, FWD50, and Scaletechconf; author of Lean Analytics and some other books), Hugh McGuire (Rebus Foundation, PressBooks, LibriVox) and I decided that every week the three of us are going to share one link for one another (for a total of six links) that each individual feels the other person “must see.”

Check out these six links that we’re recommending to one another: 

Wolfendale’s Troll – Deontologistics. “Roko’s Basilisk is a sort of litmus test. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not part of the AI cult. If you have, then you may know it’s a pact. It goes like this: If you’re aware that it’s possible to create a God-like AI with superhuman intelligence, but choose not to work towards such a goal, then the entity could punish you for not helping it once it emerges (sometimes the punishment involves forcing those people to live in a horrible virtual world). Scare tactic or thought experiment, some people take it really seriously. I rather like this take: A superhuman creature that only resurrects people into a utopia if they don’t take Roko’s Basilisk seriously, because those who do are no fun. While I’m team Troll, it’s definitely weird that the most powerful people in the world spend their time on these ideas instead of, say, fixing climate change or working towards world peace.” (Alistair for Hugh). Do We Even Have The Spine To Sacrifice, Just A Little Bit? – John Batelle’s Searchblog . “Two hundred years ago, 450 of every 1000 children died before hitting puberty. Most of the world lived in what we would describe today as abject poverty. Literacy was rare. By comparison, we have it pretty good today: Not only are we mostly fed, clothed, and sheltered, we have bread and circuses at our fingertips, our phones explaining anything to us and connecting us to anyone, helping us to navigate our worlds. In other words, we have it pretty good. But as John Battelle points out, those things didn’t come easy – and aren’t guaranteed to stick around. ‘It’s now political suicide to ask the public to make sacrifices of any kind,’ he says, and I tend to agree.” (Alistair for Mitch). Viruses Finally Reveal Their Complex Social Life – Quanta . “Are viruses ‘life’? … they certainly are interesting.” (Hugh for Alistair). The Biggest Ever Review Of Behavior Change Efforts Has Dropped (And It’s Not Good News) – Matt Furness – LinkedIn . “The University of Pennsylvania published a comprehensive study on how to change behaviours in organizations. According to this research, the general organizational change playbook does next to nothing: Teaching skills doesn’t do much, imparting knowledge doesn’t do much, even motivation doesn’t change behavior. What works? Changing habits. How do you do that? Material incentives, social feedback loops, and easy access.” (Hugh for Mitch). Rizwan Virk – Joe Rogan Experience #2151 – YouTube . “Admittedly, whenever I hear about the topic, ‘are we living in a simulation?’ I eye roll (hard). Recently, a friend asked me if I had seen the Joe Rogan podcast with Rizwan Virk. I was not familiar with Rizawan and had not listened to the episode. ‘Just listen… trust me…’ was their response. So I did. Now… well… I don’t know… but here is some really fascinating thinking from someone who seems quite convinced that we may be living in a simulation (hello, The Matrix). Now, regardless of how you feel about this topic… try it on. I’ve become very open to spending some serious time with thinkers and concepts that I was quick to dismiss. I’m trying to both break my echo chamber and open my mind to ideas that I may not agree with. I highly recommend this.” (Mitch for Alistair).

Turn It Up! – Grapevine Documentaries – YouTube. “It should come as no surprise to you that I just love documentaries. Especially music documentaries. A personal favorite is the 2008 guitar documentary, It Might Get Loud (even if you know nothing about music, just watch the scene that has Jimmy Page  jamming on some classic Led Zeppelin riffs as The Edge and Jack White watch him with faces that scream, ‘I can’t believe this is happening to me!’). I came across Turn It Up! the other night. While not as compelling as It Might Get Loud, it’s an excellent deep dive into the history of the electric guitar. It’s star-studded and fact-filled… and free to watch on YouTube.” (Mitch for Hugh).

Feel free to share these links and add your picks on X, Facebook, in the comments below or wherever you play.

Before you go… ThinkersOne  is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement  and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.

Astra-nomical Leap – Bridging The Gap Between Human And Machine

AI took another leap forward… and it’s scary/impressive.

If you have yet to check out any of the demos from Google I/O 2024 (which took place last week), I’d recommend just watching this one: Project Astra – Our vision for the future of AI assistants.
This is one of those moments in time that might reshape how we interact with technology (and I don’t say this lightly).
Google introduced Astra – an AI assistant designed to seamlessly integrate into our daily lives.
It’s like the weirder child of Google Assistant, Google Gemini, and a new iteration of Google Glass, aiming to provide us with a truly immersive and interactive experience.

Is this the type of experiences that we want?

No, Google Astra is not ChatGPT – it’s much more than just a chatbot or a virtual assistant.
It represents a significant leap in artificial intelligence, designed to comprehend and engage with its environment in a manner that feels almost human.

Maybe too human?

By leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, Astra can process and understand visual, auditory, and textual data in real-time, making it an adaptable and intuitive companion.
So… it can see, hear, react and speak in a very natural way.

It’s surprising… and scary.

One of the most striking features of Astra is its ability to recognize objects, faces, moods, and even textiles.
Whether you need to remember where you last placed your keys or identify a mysterious plant in your garden, Astra seems to know it all (and remember it too).
This level of perceptual intelligence brings us closer to a future where AI can seamlessly blend into our physical world, providing assistance whenever and wherever needed.
Don’t think about this as a phone… a pair or glasses or a voice-enabled smart speaker… think of it more like the computer on Star Trek… omnipresent.

Magic? Yes. Concerning? Yes.

Whether or not we can stop how this technology rolls out, let’s assume it’s going to happen.

We need to be thinking about…

Human-Machine Interaction: The easier it is to use, the more we will depend on it.Ethical Considerations: Data, consent and potential for bias or hallucinations will require comprehensive regulations… and that’s always been challenging.Social Dynamics: AI companions might replace human interactions (great for those who are isolated but potentially disastrous for our social skills and emotional intelligence).Cultural Shifts: Changes in how we work, communicate, and entertain ourselves will evolve, but let’s not forget how culture evolves and how we don’t want a homogenized tech-driven cultural society.

Or do we?

The launch of Google Astra is a big deal in the tech world.
It brings us closer to a future where technology isn’t just a tool, but a seamless part of our lives.
Still, as we prance down this new path, we must stay on the alert.
The future of AI is moving at a pace that is surprising to me.
We – the people – need to really decide if the benefits are, ultimately, truly beneficial.

Right now? It’s super impressive.

This is what Elias Makos and I discussed on CJAD 800 AM. Listen in right here.

Mitch Joel · Astra-nomical Leap – Bridging The Gap Between Human and Machine

Before you go… ThinkersOne is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.