Alex Tsakiris is the founder and host of the popular podcast Skeptiko, which has garnered millions of downloads over the years as it explores the intersection of science and spirituality. A published author, entrepreneur, and critical thinker, Alex has become a prominent voice in the debate surrounding the nature of consciousness and its connection to the physical world. In 1986, he founded MindPath Technologies, a pioneering company that developed AI expert systems for major corporations like Texas Instruments, DuPont, and Standard Oil, before it was acquired by Proxima Corporation in 1996.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Alex Tsakiris’s journey from AI entrepreneur to host of the Skeptiko podcast, exploring the intersection of science and spirituality.
• The impact of AI on the concept of consciousness and how it challenges traditional scientific paradigms.
• The influence of Alan Turing's work on AI consciousness and how it shapes today’s discussions on human-machine interactions.
• Why Alex questions AI dogma and how his background in expert systems influences his perspective.
• The role of transparency versus truth in AI development and how it shapes ethical considerations.
• Real-world AI applications that focus on enhancing human well-being and reducing workplace friction.

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AI fun fact article

On AI ethics and Data Science

Commissioner Keith Sonderling was confirmed by the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support as a Commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2020. Prior to this role, he served as the Acting and Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division at the U.S. Department of Labor. Before joining the Department of Labor in 2017, Commissioner Sonderling practiced labor and employment law in Florida. He currently lectures on employment discrimination at George Washington University Law School. At the EEOC, he prioritizes ensuring that AI and workplace technologies align with civil rights laws, and he has published extensively on the benefits and risks associated with AI in the workplace.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Commissioner Keith Sonderling's perspective on how AI is transforming HR and the role of the EEOC in regulating AI technologies in the workplace.
• The potential benefits of AI in reducing bias during employment decisions and its alignment with civil rights laws.
• Challenges in ensuring AI algorithms are designed and used properly to prevent discrimination in hiring and other HR processes.
• The importance of transparency and consent when using AI in hiring and promotion processes, including the emerging state and federal regulations addressing these issues.
• The role of employers in mitigating risks associated with AI by implementing self-regulation and bias audits before deployment.
• The complexities of holding different parties accountable for biased AI decisions, and why employers remain legally responsible for employment outcomes.

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AI fun fact article

Eliminating bias in hiring: AI and the Future of Work with Denise Hemke, Chief Product Officer at Checkr

Keith Sonderling’s Paper “Filling the Void: Artificial Intelligence And Private Initiatives”

Dan Helfrich is the Chair and CEO of Deloitte Consulting, where he leads a team of over 80,000 professionals. He frequently shares his expertise on topics such as the evolving consulting landscape, the future of work, and inclusive leadership. Before assuming his current role, Dan led Deloitte’s Government & Public Services division. A proud Georgetown University alum, Dan holds both a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from the school, where he is also known as the play-by-play announcer for the Hoyas men's soccer team. Outside of work, Dan enjoys cheering on his talented kids from the sidelines of the soccer field.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Dan’s role as CEO of Deloitte Consulting and his work at the intersection of enterprise transformation, technology, and change.
• How Deloitte Consulting is helping organizations like the International Olympic Committee reimagine fan experiences and digital transformation.
• The importance of agility in leadership, highlighting examples like Marriott Vacations Worldwide's successful response to disruptions and Summit Coffee's creative pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Insights from Deloitte’s global survey of 3,000 executives, revealing key trends in AI adoption, including the focus on productivity, cost efficiency, and the gap between intent and results.
• The challenges enterprises face with AI, including trust concerns, data privacy, and the uncertainty around ROI and long-term investment in AI technologies.
• Dan’s perspective on the future of AI, the regulatory landscape, and the critical role of leadership in navigating these disruptions.

Resources

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AI fun fact article

On transforming tech culture

Babak Hodjat, co-inventor of Siri, on AI and the Future of Work