What does AI mean to leadership | Milo Jones | TEDxIEMadrid

Summary

In this TEDx talk, the speaker explores the implications of AI for leadership in the new normal. Starting with a humorous look at AI's past with 'Clippy', the speaker moves to discuss AI's current capabilities, referencing AI's victory over the world's best Go player. Drawing on his experience in the US Marine Corps, the speaker emphasizes the importance of character in leadership. Using the analogy of 'centaur' chess, where humans and computers compete as teams, he highlights the need for a good process and humility in leadership, suggesting that the combination of human judgment and AI advice can outperform both AI and human experts alone.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an integral part of the new normal and is set to redefine leadership.
• 📈 Major tech companies like Google, Apple, Facebook, IBM, and Microsoft are heavily investing in AI, indicating its significance.
• 🤖 The speaker's initial perception of AI was negative, associating it with the annoying 'Clippy' from Microsoft Office, but acknowledges that AI has evolved significantly.
• 🔍 AI today is exemplified by virtual assistants like Siri, Cortana, and Alexa, which demonstrate the practical utility of AI in daily life.
• 😨 There are concerns about AI leading to technological unemployment and the rise of machines, but the speaker encourages a balanced view.
• 🏆 AI's capabilities were highlighted by its victory over the world's best Go player, showcasing its advanced strategic abilities.
• 🤝 Leadership in the Marine Corps emphasizes leading by example and looking out for subordinates, principles that remain relevant in the AI era.
• 🤔 The speaker uses chess as a metaphor for discussing the future of leadership with AI, drawing on historical AI milestones in the game.
• 🏆 The concept of 'Freestyle Chess' introduced by Gary Kasparov, where humans and AI collaborate, offers insights into effective human-AI teamwork.
• 🌐 The victory of the 'Zachary' team in Freestyle Chess demonstrates that a good process for integrating human and AI decisions can outperform both individual excellence and superior technology.
• 🛠️ Leadership in the AI era calls for a focus on process and humility, recognizing the strengths of both humans and machines and their collaborative potential.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the TEDx talk?

The main topic of the TEDx talk is the implications of artificial intelligence for leadership in the new normal.

Why does the speaker mention Clippy when discussing AI?

The speaker mentions Clippy to contrast the outdated and ineffective AI of the past with the advanced AI capabilities of today, highlighting the evolution of AI.

What are some examples of modern AI that the speaker mentions?

The speaker mentions Siri, Microsoft's Cortana, and Amazon's Alexa as examples of modern AI that can assist with various tasks.

What does the speaker suggest is a common thread among Google, Apple, Facebook, IBM, and Microsoft?

The speaker suggests that these companies are all actively pursuing deals in artificial intelligence, indicating its significance.

What is the significance of AI beating the world's best human Go player?

The speaker highlights this event as a milestone, demonstrating AI's advanced capabilities and its potential impact on the future of leadership and strategy.

What are the two fundamental principles of leadership in the United States Marine Corps according to the speaker?

The two fundamental principles are leading by example and looking out for the welfare of subordinates.

What is 'Freestyle Chess' as mentioned in the talk?

Freestyle Chess is a format where teams of humans and computers play against each other, with the rules of chess remaining the same but allowing for collaboration between humans and AI.

Who won the Freestyle Chess match organized by Gary Kasparov, and what does this imply for leadership in AI?

A team of two amateur chess players with decent AI advice and a good process for decision-making won. This implies that a combination of human judgment and AI advice can outperform both superior AI alone and better human players without a structured process.

What does the speaker suggest is the role of human leaders in an AI-driven world?

The speaker suggests that human leaders should lead by example, look out for the welfare of their subordinates, focus on process, and exhibit humility, accepting that certain decisions are better made by AI.

How does the speaker envision the future integration of AI into everyday life?

The speaker envisions a future where intelligence is embedded in everything, similar to how electricity is today, and where AI becomes the new normal without removing the need for human leadership.