Nichol Bradford

I’m delighted to showcase a special guest blog from my Stanford colleague, Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt. Frederik is Google’s original Chief Innovation Evangelist, and just published his first book, “What’s Next Is Now.” *** Let’s face it: our minds are wired to crave certainty about the future. We scour the news, analyze trends, and even check our horoscopes—all in search of a glimpse into what’s coming next. But here’s the thing: that relentless hunt for predictions is a mistake! Why? Because the future isn’t something that happens to you. It’s something you actively shape. By obsessing over predictions, we become passive observers, waiting for the future to unfold. But what if we flipped the script? What if we stopped worrying about what might happen and started creating the future we want? I’m a future optimist because I believe in embracing the opportunities ahead rather than fearing uncertainty. The choices you make today are the building blocks of your future. The more intentional and varied your choices, the more opportunities you create for yourself. On the flip side, if you avoid stepping outside your comfort zone, someone else ends up making choices for you. Ever wonder how people find themselves in unfulfilling careers? It’s often because they stopped making intentional choices that could have led them down a different path. They become passengers in a car driven by fate, luck, or happenstance. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to be a passenger. You can be the driver. Imagination is your most powerful tool. By engaging with the possibilities of each moment, you start to see a different landscape for your future. (More insights at the link in comments below!)

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Artificial intelligence is already making waves in healthcare by enhancing everything from patient care to administrative efficiency. My IDEO colleagues, Jenna Fizel and Yicheng Sun, explore how AI is revolutionizing healthcare with real-time documentation, personalized treatments, and empathetic interactions. This transformative technology is reshaping how we design patient experiences, creating opportunities for more human-centered, responsive care. The future of healthcare is here—and it's powered by AI. Curious about these exciting developments? Read more from Jenna and YC's insights here: https://lnkd.in/gR6qTetp

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Thank you Christopher J. Fernandez, CVP HR Microsoft for your time, insight, and strategies for a successful internal GenAI HR implementation at Microsoft. Everyone, tune in to learn how to increase your odds of success. Truly. Hint: Its Human. #aihi #AI #Microsoft #HumanResources #HRtech #employeeengagement

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Big fan of this direction from Day One Ventures and Masha Bucher. One might wonder why it would be bad for the divide between society and technology to grow. There are many arguments to make, but I'd like to suggest one from a purely practical standpoint, one that should appeal even to people who believe technology primarily drives the future. Artists often play the role of integrators/synthesizers/sense-makers of what can be a confusing pull into the future (whether driven by technology, ideology, or otherwise) based on society's current conceptual frameworks. Keeping the divide small means a larger portion of the society has updated their concepts to align with the best models we have of the world. A larger portion of society with updated concepts means we have more people better equipped to tackle the challenges of the future. With that in mind, I'd expect a need to increase investment in artists broadly speaking as we increase investments in technology in order for technology to actually progress in solving important challenges as quickly as possible. Looking forward to seeing what comes next Jenny Chao! #art #artists #ai

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A lot of conversation around #AI could feel repetitive, but luckily for us, MIT Sloan Management Review has recently delivered us brand new research and insights into how to effectively utilize #generativeAI: including how to optimize performance and productivity with AI, and importantly, how to set reasonable #sustainability goals and build discovery groups to promote #diversity in the workplace! The article goes a lot more in-depth than my short post could do justice — including lists of upcoming trends and technological shifts to be mindful of in 2024, as well as a webinar series by MIT Sloan lecturer George Westerman that aims to demystify and contextualize the role of AI in near-future. Definitely give this a read when you have some time. I’ve been arguing that ultimately, AI is a tool not unlike a calculator — new technology will feel less scary and disruptive once we have had time to fully understand it. These reports prove my point, and even just one full year into the big AI boom, we have a model of #ethical and #sustainable rules to set as a precedent for the future. How do you feel about this? If you have had time to read the full article, do you have any new takeaways?

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Here’s a look inside my latest Innovators @ Visa session with Ron Adner, a leading authority on innovation and strategy.      We had such a compelling conversation. His point about shifting from an “ego-system” to an “ecosystem” mindset really resonated with me — clinging to old paradigms can blind us to emerging opportunities.       Dr. Adner also emphasized the importance of adaptability and understanding how to navigate the evolving boundaries of our ecosystems, and shifts into new ecosystems — or how to “play the right game.” Not only do we have to know what opportunities to go after, we have to strategize correctly for how to go after them.       Many technological and behavioral shifts are gradual, so we must remain vigilant to avoid becoming complacent. Businesses and individuals who have the courage to pivot are the ones who will succeed.       For Visa, there is a critical balance between leading and playing a supportive role to our clients and partners, across the ecosystems we operate in. It was encouraging to hear this alignment in philosophies as I believe collaboration is a driving force for success.       Thank you, Dr. Adner, for a fantastic discussion. To those who attended, I’d love to know your biggest takeaway. What’s one way you’ve adapted your work lately?      #InnovatorsAtVisa #LifeAtVisa

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Another excellent Generative AI report. Key Findings 🚀 Nearly 3 in 4 leaders (72%) report using Gen AI at least once a week, up from 37% in 2023.  🚀 AI adoption by Marketing and Sales leaders tripled, from 20% to 62%, with usage by Operations, HR, and Procurement doubling.  🚀 Spending on AI has increased by 130%, with 3 in 4 companies planning further investment in 2025.  🚀 9 out of 10 leaders agree that AI enhances employee skills, up from 80%, while concerns about job replacement have eased.  #AIDecade #AIatWharton

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Every time Generative AI creates a new image or video of a person, it gets better at replicating real movements and voices. It has advanced to the point where manual oversight no longer works. If tech companies want to have less draconian regulation, they must take more responsibility and commit to a system of identification now. Either way, we need it, because hours or days to show that an imagine is "probably fake" just isn't going to cut it. AI has such promise and potential, but that's just as true of its nefarious uses as its positive ones, and good regulation and responsible business is how we benefit from the upside and limit the downside. #DeepFakes #GenerativeAI #AI

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The future of tech is here, and it's wearing glasses 🕶️ Here is an intriguing article about how Snap's CEO, Evan Spiegel, believes his company is leading the charge in AR smart glasses, with Meta and Apple set to follow. As someone who’s been following the AR space closely, I find it exciting to see companies like Snap pushing the boundaries of what smart glasses can do. Spiegel’s vision of using hands and voice to interact with augmented reality is a game-changer. Snap’s Spectacles, now in their 5th generation, are already making waves among developers. The goal is clear: to bring computing back into the real world, away from screens and closer to our daily lives. While Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories and Apple’s Vision Pro are also making significant strides, Snap’s approach to natural interaction and developer-friendly pricing could be the key to mainstream adoption. It’s an exciting time for AR, and I’m eager to see how these innovations shape our future. #AR #SmartGlasses #TechInnovation #FutureOfTech

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In an increasingly digital world, AI companions will offer new ways to connect, learn and provide emotional support. From elder care to mental health to children's toys, AI companions are already transforming how we engage with and relate to machines. Check out my Kae Capital's GenAI series on how AI will reshape consumer behaviour.

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An interesting piece to unpack - https://lnkd.in/eX9XAycD Really important and nuanced notes on the tension of “magical” teamwork, the need to be aware of and care for psychological selves, and importance of keeping ethics in mind. This line resonates strongly with the mission of IMHS Performance Psychology at Deloitte: “Genius teams must aspire to a certain level of psychological mastery and self-insight. They must constantly monitor and regulate the generative tension — on their own or with outside help.” #thrivingmentally #thrivingtogether

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I had a great discussion about education, autism, neurodiversity, and AI with Chris Madden. Check out his podcast, Imagine AI: YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gKD8Ctnc #AI #education #speechpathologist #speechtherapists #autism #healthcare #neurodiversity American Society for AI

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In an era where innovation outpaces regulation, how can entrepreneurs embed social responsibility into the DNA of their startups? 🌐💡 Recent conversations and insightful pieces, particularly one by Lyel Resner and Dr. Wilneida Negrón, have sparked a profound consideration in my thinking: the imperative for responsible innovation in tech ventures. They posit a tantalizing question - what if the tech giants of tomorrow were built on the foundations of public interest and social responsibility today? Diving into this thought experiment reveals more than just an ethical proposition; it opens up a paradigm where businesses can be both profitable and purposeful. Embedding social responsibility from the outset could guide ventures to prioritize long-term societal well-being over short-term gains. Imagine a future where companies are not just evaluated by their financial performance but also by their contribution to solving societal issues. The notion is ambitious but certainly not unattainable. This approach challenges us as entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to rethink our roles in shaping the future of technology. It's a call to action to pioneer a new wave of responsible businesses that are equipped to address, rather than exacerbate, global challenges. Let’s discuss: How can we as part of the startup ecosystem integrate these principles into our work from day zero? Your thoughts could light up paths not yet traveled. 🚀🌍

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🔍 "The speed of change and the impact of AI may not be fair, but it's reality." 💡 🔨 This quote hits the nail on the head when we talk about resistance to change and the #FutureOfWork. 🌍 Watch this awesome thought-provoking short from #YuvalNoahHarari and Adam Grant. 🚀 Watch now: https://lnkd.in/eMxC9CTc #Leadership #Innovation #Adaptability #AI #ChangeManagement #FutureOfWork #inventedbyhumans

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Still on the Founder Mode topic that Y Combinator's Paul Graham wrote about recently, I continue to reflect and talk to people about it after writing my article. This morning, I remembered the Missionaries vs. Mercenaries distinction that Marty Cagan constantly talks about, where we can relate Missionary with the Founder Mode that Paul Graham described in his article and Mercenaries with the Manager Mode. Did you know John Doerr originally described this Missionary vs Mercenary operating mode? Here's a short video of him teaching about the differences: 🔥 Mercenaries have drive, missionaries have passion. 🎯 Mercenaries are opportunistic, missionaries are strategic. 📝 Mercenaries work on the pitch, missionaries work on the big idea. 🤝 Mercenaries work on the deal, missionaries work on the partnership. 🏃‍Mercenaries are in for a sprint or short run, missionaries are in for the marathon, long run. 👀 Mercenaries obsess over competition, missionaries obsess about customers. 🏆 Mercenaries work under the aristocracy of the founder(s), for missionaries, the best idea wins. 📊 Mercenaries are concerned with financial statements, missionaries are concerned with mission, culture, and values. 👨‍Mercenaries are wolf packs' bosses, missionaries are team mentors and coaches. 🏅 Mercenaries consider entitlement, missionaries consider a contribution. ⏳ Mercenaries are after the "deferred life" plan, missionaries are after a whole life (that works). 💰 Mercenaries have a lust for making money, missionaries have a lust to make meaning. 🌟 Mercenaries pursue success, missionaries pursue significance. #missionaries #visionaries #productculture

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I recently asked ChatGPT for insights and feedback about SeeInMe from the perspectives of Y Combinator founder Paul Graham, IDEO founder David E Kelley, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban, and journalist/author Walter Isaacson. I also asked it to debate their perspectives about GTM strategies, business models, tag lines, etc. Some of it was predictable, but much of the "conversation" and feedback was quite insightful. If you're curious to hear how #ChatGPT represented your views, Paul, David, Mark, Vivek, and Walter, I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you and to assess the validity of the #AI responses. :) https://seeinme.com/

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