SPOS #940 – Bob Tapscott On The Tech Trivergence

Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #940. I’ve had his brother (Don Tapscott) and nephew (Alex Tapscott) on the show countless times. We might as well extend the invitation to Bob Tapscott. Bob has a knack for diving into the deep end of tech and coming up with pearls of wisdom. With a background as a CIO, speaker, and consultant, Bob’s journey spans nuclear power maintenance, Wall Street derivatives, and flying commercial aircrafts by computer. He’s the go-to guy for developing and implementing disruptive strategies that actually work, focusing on corporate performance and customer satisfaction (meaning: He’s the person that is building the tech we all talk about). Bob delves into what he calls the second era of computing - where computers don't just follow orders, they learn, ask questions and show us what we need. It’s a “game-changer” (and I hate that word!), driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Bob breaks it down: We're seeing an growth in computing power that's reshaping our world. AI isn’t just about making things faster - it’s about making things smarter. The company with the most data will have the smartest systems, and that’s a big deal. But with great power comes great responsibility (thanks, Uncle Ben!). We talk about the potential for job displacement and the societal challenges that come with these advancements. It’s not just about the tech... it’s about the frameworks we need to guide its implementation responsibly. Our conversation touches on the exciting and somewhat daunting possibilities of AI, like the development of generative AI tools and the role of startups in this evolving landscape. Bob is particularly keen on the ethical implications - how do we ensure these technologies benefit society as a whole? And let’s not forget the international angle. Tech doesn’t respect borders, so collaboration is key. Bob’s new book, Trivergence - How Ai, Blockchain, And The Internet Of Things Are Ushering In A New Digital Age, is all about navigating this brave new world. He explores the synergies between AI, blockchain, and IoT, showing how these technologies can work together to transform business and society. It’s not a tech manual... it’s a guide for making smart decisions in a world full of uncertainties. Bob talks about the power of Infinite Data - where AI, powered by vast datasets, can generate insights and value without human intervention. It’s fascinating and a must-read for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve. Bob unpacks these concepts with a mix of technical insight and practical wisdom. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a business leader, there’s something here for you. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 1:04:20.
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• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Takeaways

• The second era of computing is characterized by computers being able to ask and learn, rather than just being programmed.
• The exponential growth in computing power, driven by blockchain and AI, is transforming society.
• Data is crucial for AI development, and the company with the most data will likely have the most intelligent system.
• The implementation of AI and other technologies could lead to job displacement and societal challenges.
• Thoughtful frameworks and discussions are needed to guide the responsible and beneficial use of these technologies.
• The development of AI tools like chat GPT is impressive and has the potential to outperform human capabilities in certain tasks.
• The growth of data is exponential, and it presents both opportunities and challenges in the field of AI.
• The consolidation of AI power among big tech companies is likely, but startups can still find success by focusing on specific domains.
• The ethical implications of AI, including autonomous killing machines, raise concerns and the need for careful regulation and oversight.
• The impact of AI is not limited by geographic borders, and international collaboration is crucial for addressing its challenges and maximizing its benefits.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction and Background.
• 09:49 - Exponential Growth in Computing Power.
• 25:38 - Guiding the Responsible Use of Technology.
• 35:20 - Exploring the Potential of AI: Open AI and Generative AI Tools.
• 45:47 - The Exponential Growth of Data and its Implications for AI.
• 53:12 - Startups in the AI Landscape: Focusing on Specific Domains.
• 01:00:06 - The Role of Geography and the Need for International Collaboration in AI.