Episodes

  • #2: Breaking Barriers: AI, Autonomy, and the Quest for Psychological Safety in the working place

    #2: Breaking Barriers: AI, Autonomy, and the Quest for Psychological Safety in the working place
    Apr 16 2024
    In this episode of Digital Flux with host Dennis Wachter, owner of pace digital, the conversation centers around the evolving working culture, leadership in uncertain times, and the role of AI in the workplace. Guest Ian McLellan, with over two decades of experience in leadership across global brands, discusses shifting work structures towards autonomy, the importance of psychological safety, and AI's potential to foster a cultural shift. The dialogue delves into practical uses of AI for improving decision-making and the critical balance between technological advancements and human adaptability. McLellan emphasizes the necessity of corporations to guide employees through technological changes, fostering an environment of learning and adaptability. The episode advocates for embracing AI not as a threat but as a tool for augmenting human capabilities, emphasizing continuous learning as essential for future-proofing careers. 00:00 Welcome to Digital Flux: Navigating the Digital World 00:23 The Evolution of Work Culture and Leadership in Uncertain Times 00:44 Ian McLellan: A Journey of Leadership and Innovation 02:32 The Mission and Ethos of Modern Leadership 03:53 Navigating Success and the Role of a Leader Today 05:27 The Importance of Psychological Safety and Autonomy in the Workplace 06:07 The Daily Challenges and Responsibilities of Leadership 13:55 Adapting to Rapid Changes and the Role of Social Media 17:47 Building Psychological Safety in a Diverse Work Environment 23:13 Cultural Principles and the Role of Companies in Shaping Work Culture 28:48 Navigating Cultural and Bureaucratic Challenges Abroad 29:24 Improving Workplace Culture and Team Dynamics 34:12 The Role of AI in Enhancing Work and Decision-Making 38:44 Addressing the Impact of AI on Jobs and Company Culture 49:47 Optimizing Work Culture for a Future with AI 52:43 Embracing AI for Creativity and Failure Tolerance 54:27 Final Thoughts on AI and Its Potential for Positive Change Some stuff about me: https://denniswachter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-wachter/
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    56 mins
  • SXSW Wrapped #5 - Gaming for Mental Health, Dune 2, and Amazon's AI Future: Insights from SXSW

    SXSW Wrapped #5 - Gaming for Mental Health, Dune 2, and Amazon's AI Future: Insights from SXSW
    Mar 14 2024
    In this episode of Digital Flux with Dennis Wachter, recorded at South by Southwest, Dennis explores the therapeutic potential of gaming on mental health, the use of real-time technology in movies like Dune 2, and Amazon's vision for the future of artificial general intelligence. Discussing the neurological benefits of active entertainment like gaming on neuroplasticity and mood improvement, the episode reveals how immersive games are transforming our engagement with stories. Dennis also shares insights from a Dune 2 producer on the merger of movies and games through real-time technology. Finally, the episode covers Vishal Sharma from Amazon's outlook on developing diverse, cooperative artificial general intelligences to enhance their products, highlighting the immediate need to refine AI's accuracy. 00:00 Welcome to Digital Flux: Live from South by Southwest 00:24 The Therapeutic Power of Gaming 01:17 Bridging Realities: From Dune 2 to Gaming Worlds 01:53 Amazon's Vision for Artificial General Intelligence 02:26 Signing Off: See You Tomorrow
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    3 mins
  • SXSW Wrapped #4 - Wellness Innovation and the Eye: A Gateway to Health Insights

    SXSW Wrapped #4 - Wellness Innovation and the Eye: A Gateway to Health Insights
    Mar 13 2024
    In this episode of Digital Flux with Dennis Wachter, the focus is on wellness, the significance of uncertainty, and the pivotal role of the eye in health diagnostics. The episode features Eliav Shaked startup, Retispect, which innovates in early disease detection through advanced retina scans using artificial intelligence. Highlighting the potential of this technology for affordable screening of diseases like Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, the conversation also touches upon the broader implications for personal health monitoring. Additionally, the discussion with Dave Asprey and other experts sheds light on current health trends, including the shift away from traditional pharmaceutical solutions to more democratized medical knowledge and the critical issue of mental health amidst rising physical health spending. The episode closes with insights from Bonnie Wan on finding clarity in life's uncertainties and the importance of addressing mental and emotional well-being alongside physical health. 00:00 Welcome to Digital Flux: Wellness, Uncertainty, and Health Innovations 00:24 Revolutionizing Health Screening with Retispect 01:17 Navigating the Wellness Wave: Insights from Industry Leaders 02:40 Finding Clarity in Uncertainty: Bonnie Wan's Strategic Approach 03:49 Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways and Goodbye
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    4 mins
  • SXSW Wrapped #3 - The Future of AI and AMD's AI Computer

    SXSW Wrapped #3 - The Future of AI and AMD's AI Computer
    Mar 12 2024
    In this episode of Digital Flux, hosted by Dennis Wachter live from South by Southwest in Austin, the podcast explores the dense knowledge offered through 3520 speakers across 144 sessions daily. Dennis discusses selecting sessions based on relevancy and impact on current and future debates, emphasizing diversity and the interconnection of topics. The episode features insights from Peter Deng of OpenAI on AI and humanity's co-evolution, highlighting AI's potential to serve as a thought partner, reduce daily task friction, and possibly develop empathy. Additionally, AMD CEO Lisa Su speaks on AI enhancing creativity, illustrated by movies like Avatar 2 rendered on AMD architecture, and introduces AI PCs that promise significant advancements in data privacy and processing capabilities. 00:00 Welcome to Digital Flux: Live from South by Southwest 00:24 Navigating the South by Southwest Experience 01:14 AI, Technological Development, and Humanity: Today's Overview 02:17 The Future of AI: Empathy, Efficiency, and Enhancing Creativity 03:56 Introducing AI PCs: A Leap Towards Personal AI Capability 04:44 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward
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    5 mins
  • SXSW Wrapped #2 - Navigating the Future: AI in Health and Human Interaction

    SXSW Wrapped #2 - Navigating the Future: AI in Health and Human Interaction
    Mar 11 2024
    In this episode of Digital Flux, host Dennis Wachter discusses key insights from South by Southwest on the intersection of AI, humans, and health. The session highlights a talk by Sandry Carter, a former Amazon executive, on the essential collaboration between humans and AI, identifying seven crucial milestones that mark this era, including the growth of AI contexts, learning models, and the creation of digital twins. A significant focus is placed on NVIDIA's transformation and dominance in AI chip manufacturing. Additionally, the episode covers a panel led by former Facebook executive Stephan Scheeler and neurosurgeons, discussing groundbreaking AI technology for comprehensive brain mapping and the potential it holds for precision medicine and treatment of mental illnesses and brain conditions. 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:16 The Necessity of Co-Creation Between Mind and Machine 00:34 Seven Crucial Milestones in AI 01:04 The Impact of AI on Enterprises 01:14 The Rise of NVIDIA in AI 01:43 The Exponential Growth of Data 02:14 The Arrival of Multimodal Learning Models 02:38 The Beginning of an Experiential Age 03:08 The Creation of Digital Twins 04:01 The Tokenization of Everything 04:30 The Convergence of Technologies 04:54 The Challenges Introduced by AI 05:30 AI and the Aging Brain: Decoding the Mind 05:56 The Limitations of In-Depth Brain Scanning 06:17 The Pioneering of New AI Technology to Map the Brain 06:47 The Future of Brain Mapping 07:16 The Impact of Brain Mapping on Neurosurgery 07:58 Conclusion and Sign Off
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    8 mins
  • SXSW Wrapped #1 - AI and Health Startups, The State of Quantum & Super Computers and Dialogues about Neurodivergency

    SXSW Wrapped #1 - AI and Health Startups, The State of Quantum & Super Computers and Dialogues about Neurodivergency
    Mar 10 2024
    Exploring the Future: Mental Health, AI, and Quantum Computing at SXSW In this episode of Digital Flux with Dennis Wachter, key discussions from South by Southwest cover a wide range of topics, with a focus on the intersection of technology, health, and personal growth. The episode is divided into three main blocks. The first block addresses neurodivergence and the importance of supporting individuals with conditions like ADHD or autism, especially in professional environments, highlighting the need for acceptance and an open culture. Ruby Warrington's insights on breaking generational cycles of dysfunction through the conscious decision not to have children are also featured, along with the role of therapy in healing from such dysfunctions. The second block explores the human immune system through the lens of the Human Immunome Project, emphasizing the complexity of the immune system and the potential for AI to fill knowledge gaps, providing personalized health recommendations. The final block delves into quantum computing, discussing its current state, potential future applications, and how it differs from conventional computing. Dennis Wachter emphasizes the innovative approaches and challenges in quantifying health and mental states, reflecting on society's need to better integrate these understandings into personal and professional life for overall wellbeing. 00:00 Introduction to Digital Flux 00:50 Exploring Neurodivergence and Generational Dysfunction 03:41 The Importance of Regeneration and Health Management 05:14 Unveiling the Human Immune System Project 07:22 Diving into the World of Quantum Computing 09:42 Understanding the Basics of Quantum Computing 10:38 Conclusion and Farewell
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    11 mins
  • SXSW 2024 - Live From Austin - Recaps, Highlights and More of the Newest in Tech, Media & Culture

    SXSW 2024 - Live From Austin - Recaps, Highlights and More of the Newest in Tech, Media & Culture
    Mar 9 2024
    Welcome to SXSW! This year I'll be reporting live from Austin on what's happened at the SXSW conferences & festivals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW® is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture. Everyday I'll wrap up the days happenings, ranging from exciting keynotes & presentations to Hollywood A-Listers and the newest in music, media and film. I'll cover topics like quantum computing, new work culture, psychedelics, accessibility, and the newest from tech and business. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast, and you'll get notified when every episode comes out. Stay in touch with the future and don't get left behind. South by Southwest (SXSW): https://www.sxsw.com Dennis Wachter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-wachter/ https://www.pace-digital.de Some stuff about me: https://denniswachter.com
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    3 mins
  • #1: The Ideas Behind Digital Flux

    #1: The Ideas Behind Digital Flux
    Dec 30 2023
    The digital landscape is rapidly growing, progressing at an unprecedented speed. However, we are still unsure of all our options and their short-term and long-term benefits. Additionally, we are uncertain about how these options impact our behavior, decision-making processes, and overall navigation through life. With so many options available, we often focus on the next immediate choice and lose sight of the bigger picture. This phenomenon was already described as a "racing standstill" by the philosopher Paul Virilio 30 years ago. How can we broaden our perception and understanding without getting overwhelmed by the multitude of opportunities? How can we become more strategic and less tactical? How can we develop perspectives that allow us to navigate our contexts calmly? And does “digital” deserve a didactic? These are the questions that Digital Flux aims to address. In our first episode, we delve into the essence of Digital Flux. Together with my audio producer Lawrence, we explore its meaning and the underlying thinking principles. We also provide a preview of what's to come: discussions on topics ranging from advancements in quantum computers to the effects of personal electronic devices on humanity, as well as sociological phenomena of the digital world like Ghosting and Digital Toxification. Our goal is to facilitate critical conversations that shed light on the digital landscape. This is just the beginning of our journey to uncover the overarching concepts and ideas that shape our interaction with digital life and how digital life, in turn, changes us. Cheers, Dennis Sponsor of todays eposode: https://www.pace-digital.de Podcast: https://digital-flux.podigee.io Some stuff about me: https://denniswachter.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-wachter/
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    25 mins