Our era of human & machine collaboration – Digital Leadership Day 2023 talk – Lassi Kurkijärvi

Summary

Lassi Kurkijärvi's talk explores the evolving relationship between humans and machines in the context of digital transformation. He reflects on how past technological disruptions shaped society and emphasizes the collaborative potential of AI. Kurkijärvi advocates for empathy, adaptability, and continuous learning as essential tools for embracing AI. Rather than fearing AI as a replacement for humans, he envisions a future where technology enhances human capabilities. With practical examples from healthcare and business, he urges organizations to integrate AI thoughtfully, empowering their workforce to thrive in the coming technological era.

Takeaways

• 😀 Humans have always faced technological disruptions, from the invention of the automobile to the rise of artificial intelligence. Adaptability has been key to survival and progress.
• 😀 The future is about collaboration between humans and machines, rather than competition. AI and humans can work together to achieve better results in fields like business, healthcare, and creativity.
• 😀 AI is not a replacement for workers but a tool to augment human abilities. Examples like AI-assisted pathology show how combining human expertise with AI can lead to extraordinary improvements.
• 😀 Adaptability is one of the three human superpowers needed to navigate technological change. Just like humans adapted to past revolutions, they must adapt to new technologies today.
• 😀 Continuous learning is crucial in the age of rapid technological change. Organizations and individuals must embrace lifelong learning to stay relevant and thrive.
• 😀 Empathy is key when integrating new technologies. It’s important to consider the fears and concerns of people worried about AI taking their jobs, and to ensure that new technologies make work better, not worse.
• 😀 Historical disruptions, like the invention of the telephone or the commercialization of antibiotics, show that technology can fundamentally change society for the better or worse. We must be mindful of how we use it.
• 😀 The ethical and societal implications of technology are immense. AI can be used for both good (e.g., life-saving innovations) and evil (e.g., warfare), and we must steer it toward positive outcomes.
• 😀 Successful digital transformation involves more than just adopting new technology; it requires a shift in leadership, business processes, and the re-skilling of employees to work alongside new tools.
• 😀 Companies should focus on how technology can optimize workflows and enhance human productivity rather than obsessing over building their own proprietary AI systems. Established platforms already offer powerful AI solutions.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the video script?

The central theme of the video script is the role of AI in transforming business, human adaptation to technological change, and the importance of collaboration between humans and machines for a better future.

How does Lassi Kurkijärvi describe the relationship between humans and technology?

Lassi Kurkijärvi explains that humans have always adapted to new technologies throughout history. He emphasizes that AI should not replace humans, but rather complement them, creating a collaborative environment where both humans and machines work together to achieve greater outcomes.

What historical example does Lassi refer to when discussing human adaptability to technology?

Lassi refers to the evolution of the automobile and mobile phones as historical examples of technological disruption. These innovations initially caused fear and concern but were eventually embraced as part of daily life.

Why does Lassi believe empathy is important in the context of AI?

Lassi argues that empathy is crucial because many people fear AI might replace their jobs. Understanding and addressing these concerns helps leaders create a more supportive and human-centric approach to integrating AI into the workforce.

What are the three human superpowers Lassi mentions, and why are they important?

The three human superpowers Lassi mentions are empathy, adaptability, and learning. These qualities are important because they enable humans to effectively interact with and adapt to new technologies like AI, ensuring that they remain valuable contributors in a rapidly changing world.

How does Lassi explain the role of AI in different industries?

Lassi explains that AI is already enhancing productivity and outcomes in various industries, including healthcare, customer service, and insurance. He gives the example of AI-assisted pathology, where AI tools help doctors diagnose diseases more quickly and accurately, improving overall healthcare services.

What does Lassi mean by 'Collaborative Intelligence'?

Collaborative Intelligence refers to the partnership between humans and AI, where both work together to achieve better results than either could on their own. Lassi believes this collaboration is key to maximizing the benefits of AI in business and society.

What is the main concern Lassi addresses regarding AI and job displacement?

Lassi acknowledges the fear that AI might replace jobs but stresses that this concern should be addressed by reskilling workers and using AI to improve work rather than eliminate it. He advocates for using AI to make work more meaningful and productive for people.

How can businesses take advantage of AI to drive transformation?

Businesses can drive transformation by integrating AI into their existing workflows and operations. Lassi highlights that businesses don't need to create AI from scratch but can leverage existing platforms like ServiceNow, Salesforce Einstein, and SAP to optimize their processes and enhance productivity.

What ethical considerations does Lassi raise regarding the use of AI?

Lassi emphasizes the need for ethical considerations in AI integration, particularly ensuring that AI is used responsibly and for the benefit of society. He mentions the importance of empathy and considering the impact on people's livelihoods as we move toward greater automation.