Today I have the absolute pleasure of being in conversation with a very dear friend, Dr Aaron Balick. A long-time companion of the podcast, Aaron is an internationally recognised psychotherapist, keynote speaker, author, and business and media consultant who applies depth-psychology to help people better understand themselves, business, and culture in the digital age.

Specialising in the psychological impact of technology, AI, and social media, Aaron translates complex ideas into accessible insights for professional development, leadership, and business transformation.

With over 20 years of clinical and academic experience, he’s one of the most scintillating, thought-provoking and wise thought-leaders I’ve encountered in my many years on the speaker circuit. He’s a sought after keynote speaker, renowned for his poignant and actionable insights about how we meet and grow through our challenges, understand human relational dynamics, and navigate the myriad ways in which technologies are shaping our inner and outer lives.

A trusted media contributor and long-time collaborator with the BBC, Aaron also has a regular psychology column at GQ and his broadcast work includes the BAFTA-nominated Suicide and Me, BBC Radio 1’s The Surgery, and Radio 4’s The Moral Maze and The Digital Human. His insights have been featured in The Guardian, Wired, Newsweek, and beyond.

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Nathalie Nahai and Dr Aaron Balick discuss the complexities of the global human psyche, exploring themes of fear, the impact of AI on therapy, and the nature of synthetic relationships. They discuss the challenges posed by technology in human connection, the polarization of society, and the need for economic and social change. The dialogue also touches on the importance of interpersonal relationships, the search for meaning in discomfort, and the role of myths in navigating contemporary challenges. Ultimately, they emphasize the necessity of grounding oneself in reality and fostering genuine connections to navigate the complexities of modern life.

WEBSITES

https://www.aaronbalick.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/draaronb/

https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/profile/aaron-balick

BOOKS & RESOURCES

The Little Book of Calm: Tame Your Anxieties, Face Your Fears, and Live Free – Dr Aaron Balick (https://www.aaronbalick.com/books)

The Psychodynamics of Social Networking: Connected-up instantaneous culture and the self – Dr Aaron Balick

(https://www.aaronbalick.com/books)

The Trading Game: A Confession – Gary Stevenson (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/727417/the-trading-game-by-gary-stevenson/)

CHAPTERS

02:18 The Impact of AI on Therapy

05:28 Navigating Polarization and Media Influence

08:13 The Role of Community in Addressing Loneliness

11:15 The Dangers of Synthetic Relationships

14:25 The Importance of Pain in Growth

17:18 Philosophical Perspectives on Free Will and Relationships

29:57 The Nature of AI Relationships

30:52 Human Consciousness and Algorithms

33:33 Exploring the Unconscious Mind

37:35 The...

In this episode, I speak with Adam Hawkins – a Recruitment Industry Advisor, Strategic International Sales Leader and Non-Executive Director at LinkedIn.

A strategic thought leader and keynote speaker, Adam partners with the recruitment industry to shape talent solutions that augment opportunities on offer for workers in a dynamic, fast-changing world.

With 25 years of experience in executive roles across the full recruitment and talent ecosystem, Adam has advised on strategy, served on company boards, and led international high-performing teams across diverse global markets. Having joined LinkedIn seven years ago as an industry champion, Adam supports recruitment clients to deliver greater value in hiring, learning, and employee engagement alongside the world's largest professional network.

In his current role, he works to inspire and influence the future of talent by embracing new technologies and bringing people together to drive powerful dialogue as the industry shapes the road ahead.

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Adam Hawkins and Nathalie Nahai explore the rapid transformation driven by technology, particularly AI. They discuss the anxiety professionals face due to the pace of change, the role of AI in augmenting human tasks, and the importance of maintaining human agency in an increasingly automated world. The conversation also highlights the tools available for enhancing productivity, the essential human skills needed for the future, and the common mistakes organizations make in adopting AI. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for a balanced approach to technology that fosters creativity and human connection while navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.

WEBSITES

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlawrencehawkins/

AI TOOLS

· Glean (note taking study tool) - https://glean.co/

· Gong (revenue intelligence platform) - https://www.gong.io/revenue-ai/

· Otter (for meetings, transcripts, summaries) - https://otter.ai/

· Google Notebook LM (summaries, note taking, research) - https://notebooklm.google/

· Gamma (design presentations, websites, social media posts) - https://gamma.app/

· HeyGen (AI video generator) - https://www.heygen.com/

CHAPTERS

00:49 The Global Human Psyche and Transformation

05:09 Anxiety in the Age of AI

09:59 The Role of AI in Work and Creativity

19:03 Tools for the Future: Embracing Technology

31:04 Finding Balance: Human Skills and AI Integration

32:23 Human-Centric Skills in a Tech-Driven World

37:18 Navigating Mistakes in Technology Adoption

43:02 The Importance of Workforce Strategy and Reskilling

49:11 Balancing AI Use with Human Capabilities

01:01:30 The Future of AI: Opportunities and Risks

Today, I’m delighted to speak with a truly exceptional guest - Caroline Chubb Calderon. A strategic advisor, futurist, humanist and executive “future coach”, Caroline is one of these remarkable leaders whose expertise and skill are deeply rooted in the ground of compassion, care and love for the living world.

Devoted to reimagining the future of humanity in the age of intelligent machines, her work focuses on the roles we humans can play in the coming redefinition of human-machine relationships, what it means to be human in a world of limitless algorithms, the future of work and society, and, most especially, how we might develop leaders to lead this revolution with integrity, ethics and a view towards multi-generational benefit.

With her team at HelloHumanity, Caroline works with future-shapers to enhance the qualities of humanity that are so critical at this juncture in the development of AI – those qualities that will continue to set us apart from robots, machines and algorithms, including ethical and moral decision-making, imagination, socio-emotional intelligence, and daring and visionary leadership.

Having spoken at TEDx and on prominent stages around the world, Caroline is actively involved with IEEE’s working groups defining the standards for Ethical AI, and she has contributed to two seminal books on disruptive leadership. She has also worked with some of the most imaginative organizations on the planet, guest lectured at many top MBA schools and leadership forums, and won awards for her work with Fortune 100 clients.

Caroline is also a senior meditation teacher and brings the ethics of western and eastern wisdom into her work. She fuses together the fields of innovation, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, ethics, purpose-driven leadership, behavioral science, and neuroscience to prepare executives to take their most important helm — to lead for humanity.

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Caroline Chubb Calderon and Nathalie Nahai explore the complexities of the global human psyche amidst rapid technological transformation. They discuss the importance of introspection, the need for collective action, and the role of technology in fostering human connection. The dialogue emphasizes empathy, compassion, and community as essential elements for navigating the challenges posed by AI and other disruptive forces. They envision a flourishing future that prioritizes regenerative economic models, equitable governance, and a deep understanding of interconnection within nature. Ultimately, they call for a shift in consciousness towards right relationships with life and a commitment to nurturing the planet and each other.

WEBSITES

https://www.carolinechubbcalderon.com/

https://www.hellohumanity.com/

BOOKS & RESOURCES

The AI Con (https://thecon.ai/) – Dr. Emily M. Bender & Dr. Alex Hanna

The Children’s Fire (https://amzn.to/4dnP0GT) – Mac McCartney

CHAPTERS

03:08 Introspection vs. Collective Action

06:05 The Role of Compassion in Action

08:43 Reconnecting with Nature and Community

11:55 Imagining a Flourishing Future with AI

14:52 Rethinking Economic Models in the Age of AI

28:12 The Power Dynamics of AI and Governance

29:33 Democracy in the Age of AI

31:17 Envisioning a Council of Life

33:48 The Ethical Implications of AI Technology

36:07 Transforming Power...

In this episode, I speak with Caroline Carruthers, an award-winning data expert and co-founder of global data consultancy Carruthers and Jackson. She was one of the first women to take on the role of Chief Data Officer in the UK public sector for Network Rail and has worked across multiple industries to build data capability from the ground up, delivering real change to each organisation around how they valued their data as an asset.

Caroline has authored several best-selling books on the role of data in organisations, including the renowned “Chief Data Officer’s Playbook” and the bestselling “Data Driven Business Transformation.”

Working alongside her co-author, and co-founder of Carruthers and Jackson, Peter Jackson, Caroline now consults public, private and charity sector organisations around the world on how to get the most out of their data.

Caroline was named one of the top 20 inspirational female role models in data by The Female Lead in 2018 and won Computing’s Rising Stars Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2020 for her work consulting major international organisations on their data operations.

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Nathalie Nahai and Caroline Carruthers explore the evolving role of data and AI in society, discussing the balance between information overload and meaningful insights. They discuss the ethical implications of data usage, the importance of human oversight in AI, and the need for transparency in data sharing. The dialogue also touches on creativity, the relationship between art and technology, and the significance of curiosity in navigating the complexities of modern life. Ultimately, they emphasise the importance of finding beauty and meaning in both the creative process and the challenges we face in a data-driven world.

WEBSITES

https://carruthersandjackson.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-carruthers-22b9423/

BOOKS & RESOURCES

The AI Con (https://thecon.ai/) - Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna

Factfulness (https://amzn.to/4jW5Yyc) – Hans Rosling

Eloise Gillow - https://www.eloisegillow.com/about

Blanche Ellis - https://blancheellis.com/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Data and Ethics

01:34 The Evolution of Data Usage

04:32 The Global Human Psyche and Data

07:38 The Dilemma of Information Overload

10:28 AI and Human Productivity

13:42 Challenges in AI Adoption

16:38 Understanding AI Tools

19:38 Ethics and AI in Healthcare

22:34 The Trolley Problem and AI Ethics

32:06 Navigating AI in Traffic Situations

33:58 Human Empathy vs. AI Decision-Making

35:00 Anthropomorphizing AI: The Risks and Realities

37:14 The Importance of Human Oversight in AI

38:59 Curiosity as a Key to AI Understanding

41:19 Creating Space for Creativity in Organizations

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Ismael Kherroubi Garcia, the Founder & CEO of Kairoi, the AI Ethics & Research Governance Consultancy; the Founder of the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network (RAIN) organised by Fellows of the RSA; and Associate Director of We and AI, promoting AI literacy for social inclusion. Ismael’s work in responsible AI has allowed him to draw on his diverse experiences, having worked across fintech, museums, theatre and academia, in sales, human resources and research; and at organisations as diverse as Bloomberg, the Royal Opera House and NASA.

Ismael's training in Business Management and Philosophy of the Social Sciences now informs practical but nuanced approaches to how businesses innovate whilst communicating and adhering to their own values. A key tenet of his work is to advocate for a form of humility that encourages us to bring in voices from different backgrounds where we find gaps in our own understandings. The results are ways of working grounded in meaningful collaborations across organisational departments and with different stakeholders.

Ismael’s work in responsible AI has meant developing AI frameworks and practices across sectors, from charities and universities, to standards development organisations and government bodies. Underpinning all his work is Kairoi’s AI Ethics Canvas and the Four Pillars of Responsible AI for organisational practices: better communications, relevant technical standards, meaningful public engagement and robust governance.

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Nathalie Nahai and Ismael Kherroubi Garcia explore the complexities of artificial intelligence and its ethical implications. They discuss Ismael's journey into AI ethics, the importance of defining AI, and the need for public engagement through storytelling. The conversation highlights the challenges of data quality, the risks of deploying AI without proper consideration, and the societal pressures surrounding AI adoption. They emphasise the role of organisations in shaping responsible AI practices and the necessity of critical thinking in the face of AI hype.

WEBSITES

https://kairoi.uk/

https://weandai.org/

https://www.turing.ac.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismaelkherroubi/

BOOKS & RESOURCES

The AI Con (https://thecon.ai/) – Dr. Emily M. Bender & Dr. Alex Hanna

AI Snake Oil (https://www.aisnakeoil.com/) – Prof. Arvind Narayanan & Sayash Kapoor

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to AI and Ethics

05:03 Defining AI: Tools and Research

11:00 Using Stories to Engage with AI

17:06 The Role of AI in Creativity

23:05 The Alienation of Work and AI

37:50 AI Tools and Their Impact on Society

49:53 Challenges in AI Deployment

01:00:26 Navigating AI in the Workplace

Today I speak with Neil Lawrence, the inaugural DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge, a senior AI Fellow at The Alan Turing Institute, and visiting Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Sheffield.

Co-host of Talking Machines, Neil has over 20 years’ experience in machine learning models, and his technical expertise focuses on uncertainty and machine learning methods. Having recently returned to academia after three years as Director of Machine Learning at Amazon, Neil now leads Cambridge University’s flagship mission on AI, ai@cam – and his new book, The Atomic Human, seeks to reset the conversation around artificial intelligence, contrasting our capabilities with machine intelligence, and revealing the technical origins, capabilities and limitations of AI systems, and how they should be wielded.

With the increased impact of machine learning in society, in particular its use as the principal technology underpinning modern artificial intelligence, Neil has also become interested in the public understanding and policy decisions of machine learning, and the implications for data governance.

As well as his departmental roles he serves on the board of the conference AISTATS and the ELLIS Foundation, and as the founding and series editor for the Proceedings of Machine Learning Research.

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Nathalie Nahai speaks with Neil Lawrence about the implications of artificial intelligence on society, democracy, and human agency. They explore the risks of digital tyranny, the importance of understanding machine learning, and the need for effective legislation to ensure online safety. Lawrence introduces the concept of the 'Atomic Human,' emphasizing the unique qualities that define humanity in the face of advancing technology. In this conversation, the speakers explore the quest for meaning in a world increasingly dominated by technology and productivity metrics. They discuss the intersection of technology and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of human experience and connection. The dialogue also addresses the challenges faced by modern society, including the need for optimism and empowerment in the face of existential threats. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the necessity of finding beauty and meaning in everyday life, even during dark times.

WEBSITE

https://inverseprobability.com/

https://ai.cam.ac.uk/

BOOKS & RESOURCES

Book: The Atomic Human – Neil Lawrence (https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455130/the-atomic-human-by-lawrence-neil-d/9780241625248)

Research: Proceedings of Machine Learning Research - https://proceedings.mlr.press/

Podcast: https://www.thetalkingmachines.com/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to AI and Human Agency

02:40 The State of Democracy and Digital Tyranny

10:48 The Impact of Digital Tools on Society

17:36 Legislation and Online Safety

22:29 The Atomic Human: Understanding Our Unique Qualities

40:15 The Quest for Meaning in a Technological Age

49:13 The Intersection of Technology and Spirituality

57:40 Navigating the Challenges of Modern Society

01:12:47 Finding Optimism in Dark Times

In this conversation, I speak with Dr. Margaret Heffernan – a renowned entrepreneur, CEO, keynote speaker and author, and professor of Practice at the University of Bath’s School of Management.

Having produced programmes for the BBC in the UK for 13 years, Margaret moved to the US where she spearheaded multimedia productions for Intuit, The Learning Company and Standard & Poors. She was Chief Executive of InfoMation Corporation, ZineZone Corporation and then iCast Corporation, was named one of the “Top 25” by Streaming Media magazine and one of the “Top 100 Media Executives” by The Hollywood Reporter. Lead Faculty for the Forward Institute’s Responsible Leadership Programme, Margaret also mentors CEOs and senior executives of major global organizations through Merryck & Co., and she chairs the board of DACS.

The author of seven books, Margaret’s third book, Willful Blindness : Why We Ignore the Obvious at our Peril was named one of the most important business books of the decade by the Financial Times. In 2015, she was awarded the Transmission Prize for A Bigger Prize: Why Competition isn’t Everything and How We Do Better, which was described as “meticulously researched…engagingly written…universally relevant and hard to fault.” Her TED talks have been seen by over 13 million people and in 2015 TED published Beyond Measure: The Big Impact of Small Changes.

Her penultimate book, Uncharted: How to map the future was published in 2020, and quickly became a bestseller – not only was it nominated for the Financial Times Best Business Book award, it was also one of Bloomberg’s Best Books of 2021 and was chosen as the “Medium Best of the Best” business book. In 2024, she was inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame, in recognition of her lasting impact on management thinking.

Her new book, Embracing Uncertainty - How Writers, Musicians & Artists Thrive in an Unpredictable World, has just been published, and it’s some of these poignant themes that we’ll be exploring in our conversation today.

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Nathalie Nahai and Margaret Heffernan discuss navigating uncertainty in our data-driven world, emphasizing imagination and creativity in leadership. Their dialogue explores the value of taking time to think and balancing thought with action, while highlighting how diverse experiences foster creativity. They advocate for embracing unpredictability rather than seeking certainty, and examine the complex relationship between AI, creativity, and human experience. The conversation touches on how neoliberal economics has affected individualism and artistic expression, while emphasizing the importance of personal anchors, literature, and art. Throughout their exchange, they reflect on finding meaning through curiosity and rest, and the significance of making small but meaningful contributions to humanity, illustrated by the hummingbird parable. Their conversation ultimately explores how we can flourish amid uncertainty by nurturing creativity and maintaining meaningful connections.

WEBSITES

www.mheffernan.com

TED Talks: https://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_the_human_skills_we_need_in_an_unpredictable_world

BOOKS

Embracing Uncertainty - How writers, musicians & artists thrive in an unpredictable world – Margaret Heffernan (https://www.mheffernan.com/book-embracinguncertainty.php)

Willful Blindness : Why We Ignore the Obvious at our Peril – Margaret Heffernan (

As we approach the longest night in the North, I’m delighted to share with you what has become a cherished tradition of reflection, contemplation, and looking ahead to the year to come. In this conversation, I rejoin Manda Scott and Della Duncan for a collaborative midwinter offering from myself, Accidental Gods, and the Upstream Podcast.

From the questions we’re holding and the highlight’s we’re taking from the year, to the gifts we’d like to share with one another and with you as we cross the threshold into 2025, this is a ritual that I’ve come to really look forward to, and I hope you find it as uplifting as I do.

As always, Manda will close with a guided solstice meditation, the 7 Generations Perspective, which you can find over at Accidental Gods.

To introduced my companions…

Manda Scott is a novelist, podcaster and smallholder. Formerly a veterinary surgeon, Manda’s novels have been shortlisted for the Orange Prize, the Edgar and the Saltire Award and has won the McIlvanney Prize. She is host of the Accidental Gods podcast, which showcases individuals and organisations at the emerging edge of our world, to set the foundation for a future we’d be proud to leave to the generations that come after us.

We’re joined by Della Duncan, a Renegade Economist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a co-host of the Upstream Podcast, a Right Livelihood Coach, a faculty member at the California Institute of Integral Studies, a Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics, a founding member of the California Doughnut Economics Coalition, and the designer and co-facilitator of the Cultivating Regenerative Livelihood Course at Gaia Education.

This is always a special episode for me, and I’m very grateful to be able to dive into conversation with these two brilliant women. I hope you find it inviting and inspiring, and I wish you a peaceful Winter Solstice and a fruitful new year.

SUMMARY

In this enlightening conversation, Manda Scott, Della Duncan, and Nathalie Nahai reflect on their podcasting journey over the past year, sharing insights on the themes of conscious evolution, anti-capitalism, and the ethical implications of technology. They explore the importance of community, personal growth, and the interconnectedness of all life, while also addressing the urgent need for systemic change in the face of ecological and social crises. The discussion culminates in a collective inquiry into how to foster a more compassionate and equitable world, emphasizing the role of individual and collective action in shaping a sustainable future.

KEY THEMES

· The role of imperialism in capitalism

· The importance of community and connection in activism

· Conscious evolution requires a shift in values and worldview

· Understanding the complexities of technology and its impact on society

· The need for systemic change to address ecological crises

· Personal practices can help maintain balance and well-being

· Recognizing the interconnectedness of all life is crucial

· Anti-capitalist strategies must consider the implications for all

· Art and creativity are essential in the age of AI

· Hope and resilience can emerge from collective action

WEBSITES

Manda