DeepSummary
In this episode, Malcolm Gladwell interviews Rob Thomas, Senior Vice President of Software and Chief Commercial Officer at IBM, about the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on productivity and the economy. Rob discusses the concept of the 'productivity paradox,' where despite fears about AI taking over jobs, it may actually be the key to driving continued economic growth through increased productivity.
Rob emphasizes the importance of open source AI models, which allow for transparency and prevent the technology from being controlled by a handful of companies. He shares examples of IBM's work with clients like the football club Sevilla and a shipping company to illustrate how AI can provide unique insights and efficiencies across various industries.
The conversation also touches on the rapid pace of AI model improvement, with Rob noting that models can become obsolete within weeks due to the continuous training and fine-tuning process. This poses challenges for companies trying to keep up with the latest advancements, but also highlights the need for a culture that embraces risk-taking and innovation.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The 'productivity paradox' suggests that while many fear AI will take over jobs, it may actually be the key to driving continued economic growth through increased productivity.
- Open source AI models are crucial for transparency, preventing monopolization by a few companies, and ensuring the technology benefits humanity as a whole.
- IBM is working with various clients across industries, from sports teams to shipping companies, to leverage AI for unique insights and efficiencies.
- The rapid pace of AI model improvement, with models becoming obsolete within weeks, presents challenges for companies but also highlights the need for a culture of risk-taking and innovation.
- Transparency and explainability are essential principles in AI systems, as understanding the 'why' behind decisions is crucial.
- Focusing on broader concepts like macroeconomics and population trends may be more effective for writing a book on AI that remains relevant beyond the rapidly changing technological landscape.
- IBM has a long history of working on automation and AI-related technologies, dating back to the company's early days.
- Embracing a data-driven, delegative culture where the smartest people make decisions, rather than the highest-paid, is becoming increasingly important in the AI era.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “For AI, it has to win. For AI, it has to win. It's not just important for business, but it's important for humans.“ by Rob Thomas
- “I think you have to, to some extent, level it up to bigger concepts, which is kind of why I go to things like macroeconomics, population, geography, as opposed to going into the weeds of the technology itself.“ by Rob Thomas
- “And so I feel like we've been working on this topic of how do we deliver better insights, better automation since IBM was formed, if you read about what Thomas Watson junior did, that was all about automating tasks.“ by Rob Thomas
- “I think it would be really bad for the world if this was in the hands of one or two companies, or three or four. Doesn't matter the number, some small number.“ by Rob Thomas
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Episode Information
Smart Talks with IBM
Pushkin Industries and iHeartPodcasts
6/25/24
In a rapidly evolving world, we need to balance the fear surrounding AI and its role in the workplace with its potential to drive productivity growth. In this special live episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell is joined onstage during NY Tech Week by Rob Thomas, Senior Vice President of Software and Chief Commercial Officer at IBM. They discuss “the productivity paradox”, the importance of open source AI, and a future where AI will touch every industry.
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