FUTUREPROOF.

While I've enjoyed watching Sanjay Gupta over the years on CNN, I have to say, I've learned just as much from his brother Suneel. He's a multifaceted entrepreneur, teacher, and researcher known for his profound expertise in human behavior, energy, and motivation. The founding CEO of RISE, a healthcare startup now owned by Amazon, Gupta notably collaborated with former First Lady Michelle Obama to extend affordable health coaching to those in need. As a celebrated author, he penned the bestselling book "Backable", narrating his transformative journey from setbacks to success. His latest offering, "Everyday Dharma", released on September 5, 2023, masterfully interweaves personal anecdotes, history, science, and both Eastern and Western philosophies to guide readers towards achieving joy and success in every facet of life. Join us as we delve into the insights and stories of this captivating storyteller.

A lot of what this show talks about broadly falls under the umbrella of “what can go wrong” with our shared future—and what we can do about it. And there are a lot of GREAT things about the internet—and quite a few shady, more than unfortunate things right below the surface, including child predators and child sex abuse material, or CSAM.Today I’m speaking with Julie Cordua, the CEO and Executive Director of Thorn, an organization co-founded with Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, focused on leveraging technology to combat child sexual abuse online—and Dr. Rebecca Portnoff, Thorn’s Director of Data Science.In today's interview, we'll delve into the alarming intersection of AI technology and child exploitation: exploring the rise of AI-generated abusive content, the tactics of modern child predators harnessing AI tools, the prevailing threat overshadowing future AI risks, and the evolving stance of AI companies towards child safety since the inception of social media platforms. Join us as we unpack these pressing issues.

Extreme heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the USA. That’s the bad news. But the good news is we have a solution to combat it: Urban tree cover is one of the most effective ways cities can cool heat islands and save lives. The problem: tree coverage is not equitable across urban neighborhoods in the US.That’s where the Tree Equity Alliance — a new coalition of conservation nonprofits American Forests, GreenLatinos, Groundwork USA, and One Tree Planted — comes in. It will work to advance equitable urban tree cover, AKA “Tree Equity.” New data from American Forests now shows:Lower-income neighborhoods have 36% less tree cover and are 6 degrees warmer than wealthier neighborhoods during the hottest summer monthsCommunities of color tend to have 45% less urban canopy and are 9 degrees warmer during that same timeframe.This disparity has lasting effects on the health and economic opportunity in low-income neighborhoods. By pooling funding and resources together, the Tree Equity Alliance aims to achieve Tree Equity in 100 U.S. cities by 2030. To learn more about this initiative and why advocating for adequate urban tree cover in underrepresented communities is essential to fight both climate change and racial justice, I sat down with American Forests’ tree equity lead, Benita Hussain. Prior to joining American Forests, Hussain was the director of the 10 Minute Walk, a national campaign led by The Trust for Public Land which was named as a 2020 Fast Company World Changing Idea under her leadership. Hussain was an environmental policy advisor to Mayor Mike Bloomberg and to late-Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.  She and her writing have been featured in The New York Times, and The Hill, among other outlets, and she sits on multiple environmental and conservation boards.

This is part two of our conversation with Cory Doctorow, a name synonymous with tech activism, digital rights, and the future of the internet—so if you haven’t heard Part I yet, make sure to go check that out first! In the second part of our conversation, we'll be unpacking the shifting tide of antitrust regulations, the evolving landscape of tech monopolies, and the very essence of what it means to have digital self-determination in today's age. Plus, a sneak peek into Cory's upcoming book, 'The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation.' So, whether you're a tech enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or just curious about the future of the digital world, this episode promises insights that will both challenge and enlighten. Buckle up, it's going to be a thrilling ride! Let's dive in.

So today we're diving deep into the digital realm with none other than Cory Doctorow. For those unfamiliar, Cory is a digital rights activist, a prolific novelist with over 20 books under his belt, and a key voice in the discourse around technology, monopolies, and the future of the internet. He's been at the forefront of the digital rights movement for two decades, co-created the Boing Boing blog, and has been a staunch advocate for a free and open internet.In our conversation, we'll explore the intricacies of platform growth, the economics behind tech monopolies, and the challenges of the modern digital landscape. Cory offers a unique perspective on the transformation of the internet, from its golden age to what he terms the "enshittification" of the web. We'll also delve into the power dynamics between tech giants, the role of antitrust laws, and the implications for everyday users like you and me.So, whether you're a tech enthusiast, an aspiring digital rights activist, or just curious about the future of the internet, this episode promises to be both enlightening and thought-provoking.

A few weeks ago we sat down with  Adam Alter, renowned Professor of Marketing at New York University’s Stern School of Business and New York Times bestselling author. Adam is a thought-leader in the field of judgment, decision-making, and social psychology, with a keen interest in how subtle environmental cues impact our cognition and behavior. His latest book, released this past May, is Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most.We ran out of time but I had one more question to ask him—so we got him back on to make a bonus episode which we'll run this week. If you missed the original episode, including our full conversation, you can catch it here!

So today we’re going to be hearing from Tom Kemp, a prominent tech policy advisor and CEO based in Silicon Valley. He's set to release his compelling book, "Containing Big Tech: How to Protect Our Civil Rights, Economy, and Democracy," which masterfully intertwines the dangers posed by the Big Tech industry. From the alarming overcollection and weaponization of our sensitive data to the problematic use of AI in processing and acting upon our information, Tom leaves no stone unturned in shedding light on the critical issues arising from Big Tech's dominant market position.Having played an instrumental role as a technology policy advisor for political campaigns and advocacy groups, Tom Kemp was at the forefront of promoting the passage of the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) and co-authoring bills like the California Delete Act of 2023. His expertise in cybersecurity and privacy has garnered widespread recognition, making him a sought-after interviewee on these subjects.During our interview, we delved into the inspiration behind his book, his unique perspective influenced by years of experience in Silicon Valley, and the evolution of the digital surveillance-based business model that has become so pervasive. Kemp also illuminated the shadowy world of data brokers and their significant impact on privacy concerns.But it's not just about highlighting problems; Kemp offers actionable solutions. He provided key recommendations from his book to combat the challenges posed by Big Tech and discussed the essential role individuals can play in containing Big Tech's excesses in their everyday lives.Overall, I think you’ll  gain valuable insights into the pressing challenges posed by Big Tech and some ways forward that just might safeguard our rights and democracy, which seems like a good thing to do, no? So let’s jump right in!

Back in May, Extreme Networks one of the top companies in the cloud networking space, announced that Living Tomorrow Innovation Campus, an experimental lab located just outside of Brussels, selected Extreme as its network connectivity partner to build, test and validate cutting-edge, technology-driven experiences and products that are likely to become widely adopted by the year 2030. The new Campus will become the largest technological showcase to date, with a 10,000-square-meter demo center, a large space that includes a conference center and 96 hotel rooms outfitted with smart technology. Living Tomorrow’s IT team will also rely on Extreme’s solutions to leverage AI to automate tasks related to daily network maintenance and detect anomalies in network activity. One of the things that this show keeps coming back to is the idea that less sexy topics like infrastructure are actually majorly impactful when it comes to developing the world we’ll inhabit tomorrow—and I think there are many people listening right now that find infrastructure and connectivity sexy, but there are a lot of listeners who may not. So, this episode’s for you guys.Today, we use the Living Tomorrow Innovation Campus project as an entry point for a discussion with Markus Nispel, Extreme’s CTO for EMEA and Wes Durow, Extreme’s CMO, for a discussion about connectivity, AI, innovation, and much more—and I think you’ll get quite a bit out of this, even if you’re not a 10 out of 10 on the technical scale. So let’s jump right in!

🎙️ Welcome to another riveting episode where we sit down with some of the most fascinating minds shaping the future. Today, we're thrilled to have with us Adam Alter, renowned Professor of Marketing at New York University’s Stern School of Business and New York Times bestselling author. Adam is a thought-leader in the field of judgment, decision-making, and social psychology, with a keen interest in how subtle environmental cues impact our cognition and behavior. His latest book, released this past May, is Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most.In this episode, we're giving you a taste of the book. We dive deep into Adam's insights on the human tendency to quit just before breakthroughs, turning threats into challenges, and the evolving dynamics of borrowing in the realm of innovation. We'll also explore the paradox of rigidity in the creative process, the significance of age and experience, and the invaluable role of diversity and nonredundancy in sparking breakthroughs.As we uncover these intriguing topics, we'll also grapple with the question of whether being 'stuck' is a matter of fate or just a phase. This conversation is guaranteed to shift your perspective and arm you with strategies to leverage in the face of your own challenges.So, whether you're an executive in the tech industry, a forward-thinking innovator, or someone intrigued by the psychological intricacies of success, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge. Prepare to be inspired as we tap into the brilliant mind of Adam Alter. 🎧 Let's get started!

Tobias Rose-Stockwell is a writer, designer, and technologist who is known for his work in various fields. His writing and research have been featured in numerous prestigious outlets, including The Atlantic, WIRED, NPR, The BBC, and CNN. Rose-Stockwell's work often addresses issues related to technology and media. His research has been used in implementing key interventions to reduce toxicity and polarization within leading tech platforms​.He is also the author of the book "Outrage Machine," the new book which delves into the influence of social media on news, discourse, and democracy​.Social media changes introduced in the past decade unintentionally created an "Outrage Machine" that has reshaped society and politics, argues Tobias Rose-Stockwell. His book "Outrage Machine" illustrates how social media exploits our instincts and psychological vulnerabilities, often being used by authoritarians and threatening democratic norms. Despite detailing the problem, the book also offers solutions, placing social media within a historical context of media technology disrupting our understanding of the world, while providing a hopeful outlook.

We’re thrilled to welcome Brian Evergreen, a thought-leader and visionary in the realm of technological transformation and human-centered innovation.He’s the former head of Global Head of Autonomous AI Co-Innovation at Microsoft, advisor to Fortune 500 execs on AI strategy, and now the author of Autonomous Transformation: Creating a More Human Future in the Era of Artificial Intelligence, which hits shelves this August and is available for pre-order now. We discuss how autonomous transformation can help create a more human centered approach in the workplace, whether or not technology is the hero or villain in this era of transformation, some of the potential societal challenges that might arise as a result of widespread Autonomous Transformation, how organizations can ensure that their  implementation of Autonomous Transformation technologies doesn’t compromise ethics or human values, and much more. As always, we welcome your feedback. Please make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play - and make sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!Pre-order Brian's book: https://www.amazon.com/Autonomous-Transformation-Creating-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1119985293

I feel like we all want to be able to predict where things are going, right? It’s such a helpful skill, irrespective of what type of role you’re in. But it’s especially important at a time of significant change—so I figured it was time to have a show about that very topic.What makes a good analyst and how can one get better at determining what the future looks like? To address that critical topic, I wanted to turn to Andrew Lipsman. He’s a Principal Analyst (and colleague of mine) at Insider Intelligence, focusing on retail and ecommerce. He was previously SVP of Marketing & Insights at comScore, covering multiple industries and overseeing the company’s global marketing insights and thought leadership initiatives. He’s also been frequently quoted by leading news organizations like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Advertising Age, CNN, Fortune, Reuters and Bloomberg.I speak to Andrew today about why it helps to develop frameworks and models when making predictions, how an analyst calibrates, why the three most important variables in predictions often hold about 80% of the predictive value, why some forecasters gravitate towards “sexy” storylines that might not actually be that accurate, and how futurists and prognosticators can bealance between being right vs. being effective. 

Many of us didn't think all that much about air quality until the pandemic hit. And then post-pandemic, we wanted to go back to *not* thinking about air quality anymore. But then last week, on account of the Canadian wildfires, the air quality got so awful in New York, it made Jeremy realize how there’s no getting around it: the air we breathe is inexorably tied to our health.To learn more about that subject, we wanted to turn to Tyler Smith. He’s Vice President, Healthy Buildings at Johnson Controls, a world leader in smart buildings.  Tyler has spent over 18 years with Johnson Controls in various roles, making him just the person to speak to about this important topic. We talk to Tyler about the concept of Healthy Buildings and why they’re so important for sustainability, how having good air quality inside a building actually impacts the well being and productivity of people using them, and how sensors might actually allow us to detect the next pandemic before it happens. we learned a lot and are sure you will too, so let’s jump right in!

In this episode, we unravel the insanely complex world of management with the help of David Dodson, a renowned educator at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, a serial entrepreneur, and a board member in over 40 public and private companies. David's real-world experience culminates in his highly anticipated book, The Manager's Handbook, which serves as the centerpiece of our discussion today.Dive into this enlightening conversation where David shares the inspiration behind his new book, revealing his belief that anyone can become a great leader with the right tools and mindset. He distills his decades of wisdom into five straightforward steps to building a team, staying focused, making better decisions, and crushing competition—a sneak peek into the transformative guidance his book offers.Listen as David recounts his own on-the-job leadership learning experiences, shedding light on the importance of effective delegation and how it can empower teams. He also presents invaluable strategies for managing underperforming employees, a common but tricky challenge for many managers.As we delve further, David offers insights into hiring the right people for a team, emphasizing the crucial factors to consider during the hiring process. Lastly, he introduces the concept of quality as a competitive weapon, an approach that can differentiate organizations in today's competitive marketplace.Whether you're a seasoned manager or a budding entrepreneur, this episode with David Dodson will equip you with the tools to thrive in the complex world of management. So, tune in and prepare to level up your leadership game.

Jeremy's been been fascinated by the zeitgeist for as long as he can can remember. Some people are dismissive of the zeitgeist, but others  think it can say a good deal about where we’re going as a society. To learn more about that, we knew just who to turn to. Taylor Lorenz is a columnist at The Washington Post covering technology and online culture. In fact, she’s probably one of the leading authorities on internet culture. Before joining The Post, she was a technology reporter for the New York Times' business section. Her reporting is serious yet entertaining and illuminates deep truths about ourselves and the lives we create online. In her debut book coming out later this year, Extremely Online, she reveals how online influence came to upend the world, demolishing traditional barriers and creating whole new sectors of the economy. Extremely Online is the inside, untold story of what we have done to the internet, and what it has done to us—and I’m excited to give you a sneak peek about what you can expect when you place your preorder, and maybe a few tangents along the way. 

It seems like the world of social media keeps on evolving—and the business of social media has been changing quite a bit over the last few years. To discuss that, I wanted to turn to Jasmine Enberg. She’s a principal analyst covering social media at Insider Intelligence, the leading research, data and insights provider I happen to work at when I’m not bringing you this very podcast.On this episode, we unravel the complexities around TikTok, its bans outside the US and at the state level, its influence on young users, and the potential xenophobia in the discourse surrounding it.We also discuss the impact of Linda Yaccarino's appointment as Twitter's new CEO, and explore the future of social media, and how generative AI could play a major part. So, join us for this intriguing conversation——I think you’ll enjoy it quite a bit in the process.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the future of technology and its impact on our lives with Sara M. Watson, a renowned tech critic, analyst, and former fellow at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. With a wealth of experience covering data, privacy, tech policy, and responsible development, Sara brings a unique perspective to the conversation.We discuss Sara's radically optimistic vision for the year 2037, a future where humans have more agency, autonomy, and control over their lives. Sara shares her thoughts on the role of agency interfaces, the importance of trust, and the need for a dialogic relationship with technology. We explore how society's relationship with technology must change as we continue to embrace automation, AI, and other emerging tech.Sara also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing human agency without slowing down our adoption of new technology. By asking ourselves crucial questions and adopting a constructive tech criticism approach, we can ensure a future where everyone is an active participant.Finally, we discuss how companies can support this radically optimistic vision for the future by prioritizing agency in their law, code, market, and norms. Tune in to this insightful conversation to learn more about the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in our relationship with technology.As always, we welcome your feedback. Please make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play - and make sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!

🎙️ We just had an amazing conversation with Sami Shalabi, Co-Founder and COO of Outcomes4Me, on the show.Sami is a true visionary in the healthcare technology space, with a background that includes co-founding and leading Google Play Newsstand and Google News to over a billion users. Outcomes4Me, an AI-driven patient empowerment platform, helps cancer patients take a proactive approach to their care by providing personalized, evidence-based treatment options and information.In our interview, we:Delve into Sami's passion for technology, sparked by witnessing an MIT robotics competition on TV.Cover the importance of inspiring today's children to become problem solvers of tomorrow. Discuss Outcomes4Me's State of Patient Empowerment Report, which highlighted the current landscape of cancer treatment. Talk about how humans are increasingly embracing technology to improve their health outcomes. Don't miss this compelling interview with a trailblazer in healthcare technology! 🚀 #HealthTech #PatientEmpowerment #Outcomes4MeAs always, we welcome your feedback. Please make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play - and make sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!

It seems like the broader economic climate is commoditizing each and every last one of us. It’s scary, isn’t it? Feeling like we’re moving into a world where everyone is interchangeable?Not so fast. There’s a reason people buy iPhones instead of other smart phones, and they’re willing to pay a premium to do so. Brands matter. So do personal brands. It’s a topic near and dear enough to me that I devoted my 2nd book, Getting to Like, to it. But a far greater expert on this topic, I’d say, is Aliza Licht.Aliza is an award-winning marketer, bestselling author, podcaster, personal branding expert, and the founder of LEAVE YOUR MARK, a multimedia brand and consultancy. She was named one of "America's Next Top Mentors" by The New York Times and Business Insider's "Top 20 Most Innovative Career Coaches." As a social media pioneer and one of the first fashion influencers, Licht created and was the voice of the anonymous social media phenomenon DKNY PR GIRL, which I covered in my first book, Going Social, a decade ago.Aliza’s new book, On Brand: Shape Your Narrative. Share Your Vision. Shift Their Perception is a comprehensive roadmap to building your personal brand—we give you a taste of it today, and encourage you all to pick it up. As always, we welcome your feedback. Please make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play - and make sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!

One of our favorite topics we keep coming back to is Environmental, Social, and Governance, or  (ESG). It’s come up as a critical topic for many companies over the last few years since investors are demanding more from the firms they do business with. There’s a lot of data that shows consumers care, too—and so do regulators.To learn more and hear a different perspective on the importance of ESG, I wanted to turn to Tim Clover. He’s the CEO and Founder of Australia-based Glow, an online research platform, often compared to SurveyMonkey on steroids. For Tim, it is about a lot more than just creating surveys. It is about the whole workflow for research. We talk to Tim about ESG, its impact on consumer perceptions and brand loyalty, greenwashing and the relatively new term of greenhushing, differing consumer expectations from one market to another, and how ESG has the potential to change how we do business in the longterm. I really enjoyed this conversation and I think you will too, so let’s jump right in. As always, we welcome your feedback. Please make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play - and make sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!