November 15, 2024 • 10 mins
In this episode of AI Uncorked!, we dive into the profound ways AI is revolutionizing industries worldwide. From reshaping the workforce with innovative upskilling and retention strategies to driving unprecedented efficiency in banking, healthcare, and even the solar power sector, AI’s influence is unmistakable. Join us for a dynamic discussion on the latest AI advancements, real-world applications, and ethical dilemmas—like data privacy, job displacement, and the value of human expertise. Tune in to uncover how AI is not just changing business but redefining the essence of work, art, and human interaction. Perfect for tech enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, this is your go-to source for a quick, engaging analysis of AI’s role in our world today.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome back, everybody, to the Deep Dive.
(00:02):
You know, AI is everywhere these days, right?
But today, we're not just talking about robots
taking over the world.
Right, we're going way deeper than that.
It's more like we're on this treasure hunt
for how AI is really changing things.
Like how we work, the art we make.
Even how doctors diagnose diseases.
And the clues we're following.
Industry reports, news from the Financial Times,
(00:24):
even a robot artist at Sotheby's.
Okay, that last one is definitely intriguing,
but let's start with a clue from the Financial Times.
Companies are using AI, it seems,
to solve skills gaps and keep employees from leaving.
Sounds promising, but is it that easy?
Well, take Johnson & Johnson.
They've got this AI system, right?
And it rates employees on these future-ready skills.
(00:47):
Future-ready skill.
I mean, even I's asked, can a computer really decide that?
Exactly.
What skills are we talking about here?
And is an algorithm the best way
to measure something as human as skill?
It's like trying to, I don't know,
measure someone's creativity with a ruler.
And get this, this same AI is also being used
to figure out which employees
might be about to quit their jobs.
(01:09):
Oh, wow.
Yeah, that feels a little big brother-ish, doesn't it?
Definitely.
And what if it's biased?
Oh, absolutely.
That's a huge concern.
There's a lot of potential for bias in these systems.
And here's another puzzle piece.
70% of managers, they don't want their employees
to move to different jobs within the company.
Really?
70%, that's a lot.
Yeah, it's from our research.
(01:30):
Huh, I wonder why.
If AI is supposed to help people find the perfect job,
shouldn't managers be encouraging these moves?
Right, it makes you think,
are they just trying to protect their own teams,
or is there something else going on?
Maybe they don't trust the AI's judgment,
or maybe there's this underlying fear
that AI is gonna disrupt the whole power structure
of these companies.
Yeah, who knows?
(01:50):
Okay, so we've got AI being used to evaluate skills,
predict who's gonna quit, and even facilitate career moves.
But at the same time, there's this resistance
from the people who are supposed to be benefiting from it.
It's like we're missing a piece of the puzzle here.
We definitely are.
To find it, maybe we need to look at a different clue.
Yeah, let's switch gears for a second.
What about this robot artist, I. Day?
(02:13):
Oh yeah, the one whose paintings
are being sold at Subdees.
Exactly.
And one of her pieces,
a portrait of Alan Turing called AI God,
it's estimated to sell for, get this, $180,000.
Wow, that's more than some human artists make
in their entire careers.
Right.
But here's the thing,
I. Day uses cameras and algorithms to create her art.
(02:34):
So it makes you wonder,
where does human creativity end and AI begin?
Right.
Is it really art, or just a super fancy technical trick?
It's kinda like watching a magic show.
Yeah.
You're impressed by the illusion,
but you also kinda wanna know how it works.
But in this case, the stakes are much higher.
I mean, if a machine can create art
that's worth that much money,
what does it mean for human artists?
(02:56):
Are we gonna see a future where museums are filled
with AI generated art while human artists struggle
to make a living?
Or will AI actually inspire new forms of human creativity?
And what about the whole concept of originality?
Right.
If an AI can create thousands of variations on a theme,
does that make a human artist's unique vision less valuable?
(03:17):
These are some big questions.
Huge.
It's not just about the future of art,
it's about the future of human expression itself.
We've got more clues to follow.
AI's impact on education, for one.
But for now, let's leave you with this puzzle.
Is AI a tool for artistic expression,
a threat to human artists, or something else entirely?
It really makes you think, doesn't it?
(03:39):
But AI isn't just changing the art world,
it's also having a huge impact on things like,
well, the energy sector,
especially when it comes to solar power.
Solar power.
How so?
Well, imagine being able to predict
exactly how much solar energy you're gonna produce.
Not just like a rough estimate, but down to the kilowatt.
Wow, that would be incredible.
And that's what AI is making possible.
It can analyze weather patterns,
(04:00):
historical energy use, even satellite images,
to tell us exactly when and where
the sun's gonna be shining the brightest.
So instead of just hoping for a sunny day,
energy companies can actually plan ahead
and make the most of their solar farms.
That's pretty amazing.
Right.
And it's not just about efficiency either.
AI can revolutionize the entire energy grid.
(04:21):
Imagine AI balancing supply and demand,
like a conductor leading an orchestra.
Keeping everything in sync,
making sure there's always enough clean energy flowing.
But wait, doesn't AI use a ton of energy itself?
I mean, all those massive computers and algorithms.
That's a good point.
And you're right, training those AI models
does take a lot of energy upfront,
but it's an investment, you know?
(04:42):
The potential benefits in terms of optimizing energy systems
and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels,
they outweigh those initial costs.
So it's kinda like we're building
a more energy efficient future,
but the construction process itself is energy intensive.
Okay, that makes sense.
But we can't ignore the potential downsides of AI, right?
Like, what about jobs?
Oh, absolutely.
(05:03):
We've all heard those stories
about robots taking over the world.
And while we're not quite there yet,
AI is definitely gonna change the job market
and in some pretty big ways.
Yeah, it's like this game of musical chairs
where the music keeps changing
and some of the chairs are disappearing altogether.
That's a perfect analogy.
It really highlights the need for people to be adaptable,
to keep learning new skills.
(05:24):
Because the jobs of tomorrow,
they might not even exist today.
Right, it's not about being scared of robots,
it's about learning to work with them.
So let's shift gears again and talk about finance.
Ooh, yes, finance.
AI is making waves in the financial world,
like with JPMorgan's index GPT.
It's changing how investors approach thematic investing.
(05:46):
Thematic investing.
Yeah, it's basically investing in companies
that are aligned with certain themes,
like sustainability or artificial intelligence itself.
Oh, I see.
So instead of sticking
to these old school sector classifications,
index GPT can identify emerging trends.
Oh, wow.
So it's like having an AI advisor
who tells you exactly where to put your money.
Exactly, but it's not just picking stocks.
(06:08):
AI is being used to manage risk, catch fraud,
and even improve customer service and banking.
Remember, Bank of America's Erika.
Oh yeah, Erika, the virtual assistant
that can answer millions of customer questions,
like 2047.
Yep, and that's just a beginning.
AI is transforming finance,
from loan approvals to algorithmic trading.
(06:28):
It's a fast-paced world, and AI is how you keep up.
It sounds exciting, but also a little scary.
I mean, are we heading towards a future
where banks are run entirely by algorithms?
That's the million dollar question, isn't it?
But I don't think it's a simple yes or no answer.
AI can automate a lot of tasks,
but it can't replace human judgment,
intuition, or creativity, at least not yet.
(06:51):
So it's all about finding the right balance,
using AI to make us better, not replace us entirely,
like having a co-pilot in the cockpit,
someone who can help us navigate,
but not take over the controls.
It's like we've been on this whirlwind tour
of the AI landscape, from robot artists to solar farms,
from Wall Street algorithms to,
well, maybe even robot doctors someday.
Who knows what the future holds?
(07:11):
But speaking of healthcare,
that's one area where AI could really change the game.
Oh yeah, for sure.
I mean, think about all the potential.
Right, like in diagnostic imaging.
Imagine AI systems that can analyze X-rays, MRIs, CT scans.
Way faster and more accurately than any human doctor could.
Exactly, it's like having a second pair of eyes,
(07:32):
but these eyes are powered by algorithms.
They could spot tiny details,
things that even the most experienced radiologist
might miss.
Wow, that's incredible.
And think about what that could mean
for people in rural areas or places
where there aren't enough specialists.
Absolutely, it could really democratize access
to healthcare.
And it's not just about speed and accuracy either.
(07:52):
AI could help standardize diagnoses,
reduce the variation between different doctors.
So everyone's getting the same quality of care
no matter where they live.
That's amazing.
But what about the human touch?
Will doctors become obsolete in this AI-powered future?
That's a big question,
but I think it's more complicated than just,
you know, robots replacing doctors.
(08:12):
Yeah, it's not like AI can just step in
and do everything a doctor does.
Right, AI can be a powerful tool for diagnosis,
but it can't replace a doctor's judgment,
their intuition, their ability to connect with patients.
It's like AI can provide the data,
but the human doctor still needs to interpret it,
consider the patient's individual circumstances,
and ultimately make the best decision for their care.
(08:33):
Exactly, a partnership.
Like having a co-pilot in the cockpit.
But even with that partnership,
there are still some big ethical questions to grapple with.
Oh, for sure.
Like who's responsible if an AI makes a mistake,
and how do we make sure that AI is used fairly
so that everyone benefits, not just a select few?
These are crucial questions.
We can't just blindly embrace AI
(08:54):
without thinking about the potential consequences,
but we also can't afford to ignore
the incredible potential it has
to improve healthcare for everyone.
It's a delicate balance.
Yeah.
And I'm hopeful that we can find a way to use AI for good,
while still protecting our values
and making sure healthcare stays focused on people.
I agree.
And I think the key is to approach AI
(09:16):
with a sense of curiosity, humility,
and a willingness to have open and honest conversations
about the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
And that's exactly what we've tried to do in this deep dive.
We've explored the many sides of AI,
the exciting parts, the scary parts,
the practical applications,
the big philosophical questions.
We've seen how AI is impacting the way we work,
(09:36):
the way we create, how we invest our money,
power our homes, and even receive medical care.
It's a journey that's just getting started
and we're all on it together.
So as we wrap up this deep dive, we wanna hear from you.
What insights struck a chord with you?
What questions are you still pondering?
What hopes and fears do you have about the future of AI?
(09:57):
Keep exploring, keep asking those tough questions
and share your thoughts,
because the future of AI isn't something
that's just happening to us,
it's something we're all creating together.
Welcome back, everybody, to the Deep Dive.
(00:02):
You know, AI is everywhere these days, right?
But today, we're not just talking about robots
taking over the world.
Right, we're going way deeper than that.
It's more like we're on this treasure hunt
for how AI is really changing things.
Like how we work, the art we make.
Even how doctors diagnose diseases.
And the clues we're following.
Industry reports, news from the Financial Times,
(00:24):
even a robot artist at Sotheby's.
Okay, that last one is definitely intriguing,
but let's start with a clue from the Financial Times.
Companies are using AI, it seems,
to solve skills gaps and keep employees from leaving.
Sounds promising, but is it that easy?
Well, take Johnson & Johnson.
They've got this AI system, right?
And it rates employees on these future-ready skills.
(00:47):
Future-ready skill.
I mean, even I's asked, can a computer really decide that?
Exactly.
What skills are we talking about here?
And is an algorithm the best way
to measure something as human as skill?
It's like trying to, I don't know,
measure someone's creativity with a ruler.
And get this, this same AI is also being used
to figure out which employees
might be about to quit their jobs.
(01:09):
Oh, wow.
Yeah, that feels a little big brother-ish, doesn't it?
Definitely.
And what if it's biased?
Oh, absolutely.
That's a huge concern.
There's a lot of potential for bias in these systems.
And here's another puzzle piece.
70% of managers, they don't want their employees
to move to different jobs within the company.
Really?
70%, that's a lot.
Yeah, it's from our research.
(01:30):
Huh, I wonder why.
If AI is supposed to help people find the perfect job,
shouldn't managers be encouraging these moves?
Right, it makes you think,
are they just trying to protect their own teams,
or is there something else going on?
Maybe they don't trust the AI's judgment,
or maybe there's this underlying fear
that AI is gonna disrupt the whole power structure
of these companies.
Yeah, who knows?
(01:50):
Okay, so we've got AI being used to evaluate skills,
predict who's gonna quit, and even facilitate career moves.
But at the same time, there's this resistance
from the people who are supposed to be benefiting from it.
It's like we're missing a piece of the puzzle here.
We definitely are.
To find it, maybe we need to look at a different clue.
Yeah, let's switch gears for a second.
What about this robot artist, I. Day?
(02:13):
Oh yeah, the one whose paintings
are being sold at Subdees.
Exactly.
And one of her pieces,
a portrait of Alan Turing called AI God,
it's estimated to sell for, get this, $180,000.
Wow, that's more than some human artists make
in their entire careers.
Right.
But here's the thing,
I. Day uses cameras and algorithms to create her art.
(02:34):
So it makes you wonder,
where does human creativity end and AI begin?
Right.
Is it really art, or just a super fancy technical trick?
It's kinda like watching a magic show.
Yeah.
You're impressed by the illusion,
but you also kinda wanna know how it works.
But in this case, the stakes are much higher.
I mean, if a machine can create art
that's worth that much money,
what does it mean for human artists?
(02:56):
Are we gonna see a future where museums are filled
with AI generated art while human artists struggle
to make a living?
Or will AI actually inspire new forms of human creativity?
And what about the whole concept of originality?
Right.
If an AI can create thousands of variations on a theme,
does that make a human artist's unique vision less valuable?
(03:17):
These are some big questions.
Huge.
It's not just about the future of art,
it's about the future of human expression itself.
We've got more clues to follow.
AI's impact on education, for one.
But for now, let's leave you with this puzzle.
Is AI a tool for artistic expression,
a threat to human artists, or something else entirely?
It really makes you think, doesn't it?
(03:39):
But AI isn't just changing the art world,
it's also having a huge impact on things like,
well, the energy sector,
especially when it comes to solar power.
Solar power.
How so?
Well, imagine being able to predict
exactly how much solar energy you're gonna produce.
Not just like a rough estimate, but down to the kilowatt.
Wow, that would be incredible.
And that's what AI is making possible.
It can analyze weather patterns,
(04:00):
historical energy use, even satellite images,
to tell us exactly when and where
the sun's gonna be shining the brightest.
So instead of just hoping for a sunny day,
energy companies can actually plan ahead
and make the most of their solar farms.
That's pretty amazing.
Right.
And it's not just about efficiency either.
AI can revolutionize the entire energy grid.
(04:21):
Imagine AI balancing supply and demand,
like a conductor leading an orchestra.
Keeping everything in sync,
making sure there's always enough clean energy flowing.
But wait, doesn't AI use a ton of energy itself?
I mean, all those massive computers and algorithms.
That's a good point.
And you're right, training those AI models
does take a lot of energy upfront,
but it's an investment, you know?
(04:42):
The potential benefits in terms of optimizing energy systems
and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels,
they outweigh those initial costs.
So it's kinda like we're building
a more energy efficient future,
but the construction process itself is energy intensive.
Okay, that makes sense.
But we can't ignore the potential downsides of AI, right?
Like, what about jobs?
Oh, absolutely.
(05:03):
We've all heard those stories
about robots taking over the world.
And while we're not quite there yet,
AI is definitely gonna change the job market
and in some pretty big ways.
Yeah, it's like this game of musical chairs
where the music keeps changing
and some of the chairs are disappearing altogether.
That's a perfect analogy.
It really highlights the need for people to be adaptable,
to keep learning new skills.
(05:24):
Because the jobs of tomorrow,
they might not even exist today.
Right, it's not about being scared of robots,
it's about learning to work with them.
So let's shift gears again and talk about finance.
Ooh, yes, finance.
AI is making waves in the financial world,
like with JPMorgan's index GPT.
It's changing how investors approach thematic investing.
(05:46):
Thematic investing.
Yeah, it's basically investing in companies
that are aligned with certain themes,
like sustainability or artificial intelligence itself.
Oh, I see.
So instead of sticking
to these old school sector classifications,
index GPT can identify emerging trends.
Oh, wow.
So it's like having an AI advisor
who tells you exactly where to put your money.
Exactly, but it's not just picking stocks.
(06:08):
AI is being used to manage risk, catch fraud,
and even improve customer service and banking.
Remember, Bank of America's Erika.
Oh yeah, Erika, the virtual assistant
that can answer millions of customer questions,
like 2047.
Yep, and that's just a beginning.
AI is transforming finance,
from loan approvals to algorithmic trading.
(06:28):
It's a fast-paced world, and AI is how you keep up.
It sounds exciting, but also a little scary.
I mean, are we heading towards a future
where banks are run entirely by algorithms?
That's the million dollar question, isn't it?
But I don't think it's a simple yes or no answer.
AI can automate a lot of tasks,
but it can't replace human judgment,
intuition, or creativity, at least not yet.
(06:51):
So it's all about finding the right balance,
using AI to make us better, not replace us entirely,
like having a co-pilot in the cockpit,
someone who can help us navigate,
but not take over the controls.
It's like we've been on this whirlwind tour
of the AI landscape, from robot artists to solar farms,
from Wall Street algorithms to,
well, maybe even robot doctors someday.
Who knows what the future holds?
(07:11):
But speaking of healthcare,
that's one area where AI could really change the game.
Oh yeah, for sure.
I mean, think about all the potential.
Right, like in diagnostic imaging.
Imagine AI systems that can analyze X-rays, MRIs, CT scans.
Way faster and more accurately than any human doctor could.
Exactly, it's like having a second pair of eyes,
(07:32):
but these eyes are powered by algorithms.
They could spot tiny details,
things that even the most experienced radiologist
might miss.
Wow, that's incredible.
And think about what that could mean
for people in rural areas or places
where there aren't enough specialists.
Absolutely, it could really democratize access
to healthcare.
And it's not just about speed and accuracy either.
(07:52):
AI could help standardize diagnoses,
reduce the variation between different doctors.
So everyone's getting the same quality of care
no matter where they live.
That's amazing.
But what about the human touch?
Will doctors become obsolete in this AI-powered future?
That's a big question,
but I think it's more complicated than just,
you know, robots replacing doctors.
(08:12):
Yeah, it's not like AI can just step in
and do everything a doctor does.
Right, AI can be a powerful tool for diagnosis,
but it can't replace a doctor's judgment,
their intuition, their ability to connect with patients.
It's like AI can provide the data,
but the human doctor still needs to interpret it,
consider the patient's individual circumstances,
and ultimately make the best decision for their care.
(08:33):
Exactly, a partnership.
Like having a co-pilot in the cockpit.
But even with that partnership,
there are still some big ethical questions to grapple with.
Oh, for sure.
Like who's responsible if an AI makes a mistake,
and how do we make sure that AI is used fairly
so that everyone benefits, not just a select few?
These are crucial questions.
We can't just blindly embrace AI
(08:54):
without thinking about the potential consequences,
but we also can't afford to ignore
the incredible potential it has
to improve healthcare for everyone.
It's a delicate balance.
Yeah.
And I'm hopeful that we can find a way to use AI for good,
while still protecting our values
and making sure healthcare stays focused on people.
I agree.
And I think the key is to approach AI
(09:16):
with a sense of curiosity, humility,
and a willingness to have open and honest conversations
about the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
And that's exactly what we've tried to do in this deep dive.
We've explored the many sides of AI,
the exciting parts, the scary parts,
the practical applications,
the big philosophical questions.
We've seen how AI is impacting the way we work,
(09:36):
the way we create, how we invest our money,
power our homes, and even receive medical care.
It's a journey that's just getting started
and we're all on it together.
So as we wrap up this deep dive, we wanna hear from you.
What insights struck a chord with you?
What questions are you still pondering?
What hopes and fears do you have about the future of AI?
(09:57):
Keep exploring, keep asking those tough questions
and share your thoughts,
because the future of AI isn't something
that's just happening to us,
it's something we're all creating together.
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