In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad Prevost discusses the relevance of Kurt Vonnegut's 1952 novel, Player Piano, in the context of today's AI-driven world. Prevost explores the book's depiction of a future where machines perform both physical and cognitive labor, drawing parallels to current advancements in AI and its societal implications. He emphasizes the need to consider the human experience during this transitional period, addressing issues of job displacement, identity, and societal value. Prevost also reflects on the promises and challenges of AI, advocating for a thoughtful and balanced approach to integrating AI into our lives and work.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:29 Introducing 'Player Piano' by Kurt Vonnegut

01:55 Relevance of 'Player Piano' to AI and Modern Society

07:21 The Hierarchical Society in 'Player Piano'

08:35 The Turning Point: Paul Proteus' Struggle

11:05 AI's Impact on Society and Human Identity

14:57 Big Self School's Mission and AI Integration

17:21 Conclusion and Invitation to Engage

Host Chad Prevost explores how AI is transforming the modern workplace and the growing importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, and ethical decision-making. He highlights the shift towards human-centric skills as routine tasks become automated, emphasizing that the future of work involves integrating AI with human strengths like creativity, strategic thinking, and interpersonal communication.

Featuring insights from recent reports and studies, the episode underscores the need for a collaborative approach between AI and humans to create innovative and meaningful workplaces.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human

00:32 The Role of AI in the Future of Work

01:37 Human-Centric Skills in the AI Era

03:16 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

04:32 The Value of People Skills

06:08 Actionable Takeaways for Professionals

07:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Host Chad Prevost emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in leadership, discussing its impact across various generations from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. He outlines the numerous benefits of self-awareness, such as improved decision-making, communication, and stronger relationships, backed by research from Korn Ferry and TalentSmart.

Prevost encourages leaders to engage in reflection, seek feedback, and consider coaching to enhance their self-awareness. The episode aims to de-stigmatize coaching and position self-awareness as a fundamental component of effective, humane leadership.

00:00 Introduction to Leading Human Podcast

02:01 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership

04:22 Benefits of Self-Awareness for Leaders

08:41 Cultivating Self-Awareness

10:40 Coaching and Self-Assessment

11:49 Balancing Self-Awareness and Leadership

14:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad discusses the ineffectiveness of current workplace mental health and wellness programs, based on a recent study in Portugal's insurance sector. Dr. Chad highlights the shortcomings of these programs, which often act as empty gestures rather than meaningful solutions.

Key topics include the importance of addressing workplace culture, psychological safety, and the need for leaders to manage energy instead of just time. We also offer actionable strategies to create a more supportive work environment, emphasizing structural and cultural change over superficial fixes.

00:00 Welcome to Leading Human

01:34 The Evolution of Our Podcast

02:59 Introducing the Topic: Wellness Theater

03:19 Why Wellness Programs Fail

06:24 The Study from Portugal

07:59 Addressing the Real Issues

11:54 Four Ideas to Improve Workplace Wellbeing

17:53 Conclusion and Call to Action

A link to the study here.

In this micro episode, Chad discusses a significant shift in workplace dynamics due to advancements in AI. The key to future success in the workplace lies not in technical skills, but in self-awareness and psychological astuteness. He emphasizes that effective communication and emotional intelligence will trump technical prowess as machines take over more technical tasks. The episode also highlights how positive work environments, with engaged and psychologically healthy employees, can enhance productivity and profitability.

00:26 The Shift in Workplace Skills

01:15 The Importance of Psychological Sophistication

01:45 Impact of Positive Mindset on Productivity

02:31 Challenges of Negative Workplace Behaviors

03:16 The Future of Work: Human Intelligence Over Machines

03:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

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In this episode, Coach Chad explores the concept of inner leadership and its significance in today's rapidly changing workplace, heavily influenced by AI. The discussion highlights common misconceptions about leadership being merely 'soft skills' and emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety. Coach Chad provides compelling statistics on work-related stress and employee disengagement, arguing that true leadership mastery starts with self-mastery. Practical steps for leaders include recognizing their own strengths and blind spots, practicing empathy, and fostering a positive work culture. The use of tools like the Enneagram is recommended for enhancing key leadership attributes such as self-knowledge, communication, and team building.

00:24 The Impact of AI and Workplace Changes

00:49 Understanding Burnout and Workplace Stress

01:31 The Role of Leadership in Workplace Culture

03:11 The Importance of Soft Skills

04:28 Self-Mastery and Modern Leadership

05:14 Practical Steps for Inner Leadership

06:22 The Enneagram and Leadership

07:33 Wrap

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In this insightful episode, Chad engages with Bob Hutchins, an expert in marketing communications and organizational psychology. Bob shares his unique journey from running a successful digital marketing agency to pursuing a PhD that intersects generative AI, creativity, and human meaning-making. The conversation delves into the concept of media ecology, as influenced by thinkers like Neil Postman and Marshall McLuhan, exploring how new media environments affect human behavior. Discussing the phenomenon of media trauma, Bob highlights the compound impacts of consuming traumatic events through screens. The dialogue then shifts to how AI and technology can both challenge our sense of human identity and offer opportunities for deeper human connection and creativity. Bob emphasizes the importance of AI literacy and proactive human-centered approaches as we navigate the evolving technological landscape.

High Notes:

00:42 The Intersection of Marketing and Psychology

02:45 Generative AI and Human Behavior

05:47 Media Ecology and Neil Postman's Influence

11:23 Understanding Media Trauma

21:39 Balancing Technology and Humanity

27:26 Ethical Marketing: Beyond Manipulation

28:14 Empathy in AI Education: A Personal Story

32:42 Navigating the AI Landscape: Red Box Era

33:46 AI and Human Flourishing: Opportunities and Challenges

43:40 The Future of Creativity in the Age of AI

45:03 Redefining Human Identity and Creativity

47:20 The Evolution of Work and Meaning

52:34 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

More about Bob:

Bob Hutchins, MSc. is a marketing and communication strategist, author, and speaker with a master’s degree in behavioral and organizational psychology and ongoing PhD research focused on generative AI and its effects on human creativity and meaning-making. Co-author of Our Digital Soul and Finally Human, he explores how technology shapes human behavior, connection, and well-being. With decades of experience in marketing, machine learning and media, Bob helps individuals and organizations navigate the digital world with intention and authenticity.

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Dr. Chad discusses the need for stability and grounding in a tumultuous and changing world, particularly focusing on the impacts of AI and social media on our self-perception. He provides four practical steps to help individuals stay grounded: ask what your actions are in service to, stop managing perception based on others' opinions, carve out space for self-reflection, and accept the complexity and mystery of one's own self.

Chad emphasizes the importance of focusing on self-awareness and intrinsic motivation, rather than seeking validation and certainty from external sources.

High Notes:

00:44 Navigating AI and Self-Awareness

02:04 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception

04:14 Four Steps to Stay Grounded

04:35 Step 1: Question Your Motivations

06:58 Step 2: Stop Managing Perceptions

08:06 Step 3: Carve Out Space for Self-Reflection

11:08 Step 4: Accept Your Complexity

14:09 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Mentioned in this episode:

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