Ep 50: AI, Deep Tech, and The Empathy Economy's Impact on Business & Society with Dr. Jacqui Taylor

Jan 31

AI, Deep Tech, and The Empathy Economy's Impact on Business & Society with Dr. Jacqui Taylor

Important Note: This episode was a live, in-depth discussion with our community. Dr. Jacqui answered many questions that are not discussed in the summary below. Please listen to the full episode above. To get invitations to join in on future live discussions, make sure you’re receiving my emails. Join the list here.

As a community strategist and expert, I often think about the lack of community in today's world and how it's tied to so many of the world's problems. At the core of who I am, I believe that we are built for human connection so understandably I get nervous when robots and technology start to mirror humans and human empathy and conversation. That's why I knew there was no better person to have this discussion with than Dr. Jacqui Taylor, who is an advisor to the United Nations, G2o, UK government, and founder of the Empathy Economy.

In this episode, we discuss the rapidly growing field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on various industries. Our guest expert, Dr. Jacqui, has been working in this field for over 20 years and brings a unique perspective on the topic, looking at it through the lens of human connection and the Empathy Economy. We explore the ways in which AI is changing the way we run our businesses, the implications for healthcare and education, and the potential impact on the job market. I encourage you to read on with an open and curious mind as we delve into this fascinating topic that is shaping our world.

The Changing Workforce

As technology continues to advance, one of the biggest questions on many people's minds is: will my job be safe? Unfortunately, the answer isn't as simple as a straightforward "yes" or "no." In order to understand the impact of AI on job security, we need to take a closer look at the data.

Dr. Jacqui, has been working with the European Union to understand the implications of AI on job security. According to her research, only 19% of jobs within the EU will be able to continue as they currently exist. That means that less than 20% of jobs will be completely untouched by the advancements in AI technology.

But it's not all bad news. 38% of jobs within the EU have the potential to transition with the integration of AI, but it requires individuals to be willing to embrace the changes and not just be passive consumers. This means that individuals will need to be open to learning new skills and adapting to the changes in order to keep their jobs.

The Disruption of Traditional Education

Not only the workforce, but traditional education as we know it has already been disrupted by technology. Dr. Jacqui mentions that even the youngest entrepreneurs, as young as three years old, are already thinking about how to use technology for the greater good. One story that really stood out was about a five-year-old entrepreneur who was disrupting a conference of 300 Pythonistas in Beijing by challenging them on the responsible use of technology. This just goes to show that even the youngest among us are already thinking about how to use technology in a responsible and impactful way.

The education system is facing a new challenge as the Gen Alpha and Gen Beta generations come of age. These young people have a different approach to learning and problem-solving than previous generations. They are not satisfied with the current system and see the world as broken. They are not content to wait for change to happen, they want to be a part of it. They are not interested in being taught, they want to learn and explore on their own. The education system needs to adapt to this new reality and find ways to support the Gen Alpha and Gen Beta generations in their quest to bring about positive change in the world.

This may mean rethinking traditional teaching methods and providing more opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration. It may also mean supporting these young people in their efforts to connect with one another and pursue their passions and interests, rather than trying to control or limit them. It's important to remember that these young people are the future and it's our responsibility to support and facilitate them in their efforts to bring about positive, responsible change in the world.

The Importance of Responsible Deep Technology

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it's important to consider not just the practical benefits it can bring, but also the ethical implications and societal impact. And let me tell you, the field of AI and deep technology is one that is particularly ripe for this kind of consideration. One thing that Dr. Jacqui stresses is the need for "responsible deep technology" and "responsible AI". Essentially, this means being mindful of the ways in which technology is used and ensuring that it is inclusive and benefits society as a whole. It's not just about creating new and exciting technology for technology's sake, but rather, being thoughtful about how it is implemented and who it will impact.

The Role of Communities in Ensuring Responsibility

Who exactly is going to hold individuals and companies accountable for their actions when it comes to deep tech? Dr. Jacqui believes that communities are a safe place to explore and implement deep technology because they are often purpose-driven and have shared values. This means that there are often people within these communities who will question the actions of others and ensure that the technology is being used ethically.

The Empathy Economy is about collaboration and working together to create a better future for all of us. We believe that technology should be used to enhance human connections and bring us closer together, not drive us apart.

One way we can do this is by building communities of like-minded individuals who share similar values and are passionate about using technology for good. These communities are focused on purpose-driven initiatives, such as using technology to improve healthcare, education, and the environment. By working together and sharing knowledge and resources, we can ensure that technology is being used in a responsible and ethical way.

Shana Lynn