Kevin Benedict

Clouds, Edges, and AI: A Masterclass with IDC’s Rob Tiffany
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December 11, 2024

Join us for a deep dive with IDC 's Rob Tiffany, a national treasure in computing history and technology innovation, and a connoisseur of fine wines. With his dual roles as IDC Research Director and technology guru, Rob brings a unique blend of expertise, wit, and wisdom to our podcast. Together, we

BUGS: The Future of Food?
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December 04, 2024

In this fascinating episode, Dr. Aaron Dossey—a biochemist, biomedical scientist, and champion of entomophagy (the practice of eating insects)—takes us on a journey into the incredible potential of bugs as a sustainable, nutritious, and innovative food resource for humanity. From breeding stick

The American Innovation Alchemy
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November 25, 2024

I have long been interested in learning what makes the United States so good at being entrepreneurial, innovative and aspirational.  In this article we're going to explore these topics, while at the same time acknowledging there were many inequalities and injustices that restricted opportunitie

Information and a Strategy with Expert Christopher P. Willis
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October 22, 2024

Sending an email is easy - getting people to read it is another thing.  Today, our guest is Christopher P. Willis, the CMO of Axios HQ. Chris breaks down how to communicate effectively in today's crazy busy world. He shares secrets on how to penetrate the noise and actually get people to listen

Executive Reflections with Leadership Expert Matt Laukaitis
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October 09, 2024

In this episode of FOBtv, we drill down into the evolving world of business leadership and enterprise transformation. With nearly two decades of experience working with some of the world’s leading brands, Matt Laukaitis offers a unique perspective on leadership and how to thrive in an environment

Creating, Operating and Managing Subscription Services with Expert Joe Rohrlich, CEO of Recurly
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October 09, 2024

In this episode of FOBtv, we dive deep into the world of subscription services with Recurly CEO Joe Rohrlich. In today’s economy, we’re surrounded by subscriptions for everything — from the media we consume, to the products we use, and even the software we depend on daily. But providing subscr

Harnessing the Power of AI
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September 27, 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already close to being a general-purpose technology (GPT), with the potential to revolutionize nearly every aspect of human life—similar to historical breakthroughs like electricity, the steam engine, and the internet. AI promises to drive innovation, economic growt

The Business Impact of Emerging Networks
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September 24, 2024

Over the next decade, the rise of emerging networks will profoundly reshape industries, economies, and societies. These networks—spanning energy, finance, healthcare, communication, and more—are driven by common themes such as decentralization, sustainability, real-time data analytics, and globa

Forces Driving the Future of Networks
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September 24, 2024

As we examine the common threads emerging from our analysis of future networks and their role in advancing human civilization, a deeper understanding of the underlying forces and human needs becomes apparent. These networks are more than technological innovations; they are manifestations of a profou

The Historic and Future Impacts of Networks
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September 13, 2024

Throughout history, networks have been central to the development of human society. In the early stages of civilization, networks were built on relationships—personal connections between individuals, families, and communities. These relationship-based networks were the foundations of early trade,

The Historic Impact and Future of Networks
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September 13, 2024

Throughout history, networks have been central to the development of human society. In the early stages of civilization, networks were built on relationships—personal connections between individuals, families, and communities. These relationship-based networks were the foundations of early trade,

AI-Powered Engagement: Revolutionizing Customer Experiences with Verint's Jasen Williams
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August 05, 2024

In this episode of FOBtv, Jasen Williams, the Global VP of Corporate Marketing at Verint, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of customer experience, and the transformative role AI will play in it. Learning from the experts!future. *I use generative AI to assist in all my work.******

Enterprise AI with Inflection AI's Ted Shelton
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July 24, 2024

In this episode, we'll delve into the captivating world of artificial intelligence with Inflection AI’s Chief Operating Officer, Ted Shelton. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Inflection AI, from its inception to its current position as a major player in the AI landscape. We'll uncov

Navigating the AI Revolution with Gartner Analyst, Deepak Seth
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July 16, 2024

In this interview, we sit down with Gartner’s Deepak Seth to explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its far-reaching impacts across various industries and business processes. With decades of experience and a commitment to lifelong learning, Seth shares insights from h

Generative AI in Engineering and Construction with Expert Joel Carson
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July 03, 2024

Ever wondered how AI is shaking up the world of engineering, construction and geology? We're chatting with Joel Carson, the Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association, about the rise of AI-powered tools in engineering, construction and design in this episode. Get the inside scoop

The Future of Innovation
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July 02, 2024

Click to EnlargeInnovation is one of the most important driving forces behind our society and economy, pushing us towards remarkable advancements and opportunities. Over the next decade, the landscape of innovation will undergo significant transformations, shaped by a mix of cutting-edge technologie

AI and Analyzing Supply Chain Risk with Expert Tom Thimot
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June 27, 2024

What if your global supply chain could anticipate disruptions before they happen? ???? In this episode, we sit down with Tom Thimot, CEO of Supply Wisdom, to uncover the emerging technology that's revolutionizing risk management in massive, extended supply chains. Get ready to discover how AI and au

The Future of Hearing with Expert Kamal Sen, PhD
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June 25, 2024

In this episode, expert Kamal Sen, PhD, takes us on a deep dive into how new information about our brains, combined with AI and cool innovative electronics, will potentially improve the quality of life for millions.  If you have ever struggled with hearing loss, or understanding what people aro

Not So Obvious Strategies for 2024
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June 20, 2024

Click to EnlargeFuturist Frank Diana, speaks often about the importance of recognizing the converging forces that will ultimately deliver our future.  These converging forces come from a variety of different domains such as science, technology, societal, geopolitical, economic, environmental an

Dale Carnegie for Robots
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June 11, 2024

Early in my career I attended, and then helped organize and teach Dale Carnegie courses.  Dale Carnegie was the legendary author of the 1936 book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People."  Mr. Carnegie went on to publish several other bestselling books, and over 9 million people have sin

When HR Adds Digital Agents and Robots
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May 21, 2024

The HR acronym means Human Resources, but how does that change when digital agents and robotic coworkers are added?  How will it change the future of HR, work and jobs?  This and many more topics are discussed with expert Celia Fleischaker in this insightful interview.*I use generative AI

From Cave Walls to Artificial Intelligence: The Evolution of Information
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May 15, 2024

Our pursuit of knowledge has driven an extraordinary evolution in how we capture, distribute, and utilize information. From the dawn of humanity to our modern digital age, the evolution of information technologies has been a driving force behind progress, innovation, and societal transformation.Our

The Hidden Currency of Change: Transformational Energy
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May 08, 2024

Throughout history, both organizations and societies have grappled with the consequences of rapid change. Consider the Gutenberg printing press.  Johannes Gutenberg's invention of the printing press in the mid-15th century created all kinds of rapid, unforeseen and unintended consequences. It d

How Our Minds Resist the Future
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April 25, 2024

Rule #1. The future will always be tainted by our past, as we will attempt to apply our legacy perspectives, biases, moral frameworks and belief systems there, relevant or not. ~ Kevin BenedictHumans display a wide range of psychological traits that can make us resistant to change, and fearful of th

The Future, Progress and Moral Frameworks
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April 24, 2024

Those who believe in the inevitable progress of man, forget that the twentieth century was the bloodiest, most destructive century in human history. The century's two world wars alone resulted in the deaths of at least 60 million people.The 20th century was marked by an explosive convergence of ideo

The Art and Science of Managing Supply Chain Risk
Regalix.tv
November 15, 2018

In this interview, supply chain risk and sustainability expert and SAP Ariba Global Vice President, Padmini Ranganathan, shares her knowledge, insights and experiences with us. She updates us on the latest trends in SCM and shares where the industry is heading.

Clouds, Edges, History and AI: A Masterclass with IDC’s Rob Tiffany | Episode 112
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December 10, 2024

There are Many Reasons to Eat Bugs Now and In the Future with Expert Dr. Aaron Dossey | Episode 111
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December 03, 2024

Running to the Future 2044 | Reimagining the Future
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November 14, 2024

Information and a Strategy with Expert Christopher P. Willis | Episode 110
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October 18, 2024

Information and a Strategy with Expert Christopher P. Willis | Episode 109
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October 18, 2024

New interview with Matt Laukaitis discussing how large enterprises can keep up with change.
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October 10, 2024

Executive Reflections with Expert Matt Laukaitis | Episode 109
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October 07, 2024

Executive Reflections with Expert Matt Laukaitis
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October 07, 2024

Joe Rohrlich of #recurly discusses their #speedtomarket service with #futurist Kevin Benedict
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October 07, 2024

Executive Reflections with Expert Matt Laukaitis | Episode 108
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October 07, 2024

Subscriptions, Subscriptions, Subscriptions with Expert Joe Rohrlich, CEO of Recurly | Episode 108
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October 04, 2024

Subscriptions, Subscriptions, Subscriptions with Expert Joe Rohrlich, CEO of Recurly
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October 04, 2024

Subscriptions, Subscriptions, Subscriptions with Expert Joe Rohrlich, CEO of Recurly | Episode 107
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October 04, 2024

Coaching Bots with Verint’s Jasen Williams #futurist #artificialintelligence #businessstrategy
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August 09, 2024

AI-Powered Engagement: Revolutionizing Customer Experiences with Verint's Jasen Williams
Youtube
August 01, 2024

In this engaging interview, Jasen Williams, the Global VP of Corporate Marketing at Verint, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of customer experience (CX) and the transformative role of AI today and in the future.

Digital Twins with Frank Diana and Alex Whittington | Reimagining the Future
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July 29, 2024

Reimagining the Future Keynote with Frank Diana at TechArena
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July 25, 2024

Enterprise AI with Ted Shelton, COO, Inflection AI | FOBtv
Youtube
July 18, 2024

In this exclusive interview, we'll delve into the captivating world of artificial intelligence with Inflection AI’s Chief Operating Officer, Ted Shelton. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Inflection AI, from its inception to its current position as a major player in the AI landscape. We'll uncover the journey behind their revolutionary chatbot, Pi, designed to provide personal interaction and companionship like no other AI before. Get ready to discover the latest advancements in generative AI and the transformative impact AI is and will have on businesses and individuals alike.

Unveiling Inflection AI’s Innovations: Ted Shelton Discusses Generative AI
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July 18, 2024

AI’s Future: Deepak Seth on Trends Reshaping Industries
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July 12, 2024

Navigating the AI Revolution: Insights from Gartner Analyst, Deepak Seth | FOBtv
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July 12, 2024

The Emerging Role of Gen AI in Engineering and Construction with Expert Joel Carson | FOBtv
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July 02, 2024

The Future of Hearing, Algorithms, AI and Image Recognition with Expert Kamal Sen | FOBtv
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June 21, 2024

Analyzing Supply Chain Risk with AI with Expert Tom Thimot, CEO Supply Wisdom | FOBtv
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June 20, 2024

When Human Resources Adds Digital Agents and Robots with Expert Celia Fleischaker | FOBtv
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May 20, 2024

A Purposeful Future is Not Inevitable
Thinkers360
May 07, 2021

The future is not unexpected. Yesterday’s future arrived today. It’s an inevitable pattern. I have been reading a lot about inevitability lately. Last week I listened to Bill Gates and Rashida Jones on the Ask Big Questions podcast. In this podcast Bill Gates shared that we have already damaged the earth and the negative consequences are inevitable.

In my work over the past few months, I have written a series of articles under the title of The Future of Information, Truth and Influence. Many of the articles address the negative and unanticipated consequences of social media on our society. Many authors of the research I have been studying seem to have a fatalistic view. We have let the genie out of the bottle and there is no going back. It’s evitable.

And again today, I came across an article about automation, artificial intelligence and the jobs of the future. The author predicted that our economic system would drive us to compete on automation, and that we will automate away many of the jobs that employ us today. It’s inevitable. The answer according to the author is to tax the use of automation and robots, and then share the proceeds with us humans via monthly payments. I wouldn’t mind having automated robots generating a paycheck for me each month. Bring it on!

The weaponization of robots for the military is also a big societal issue today. Although many experts have been warning humanity not to create killer robots that can be unleashed against humans, many military strategists have already given up the fight and believe it’s inevitable.

The pandemic, I believe, has also invited us to feel fatalistic. Our dependence on globalization, international travel and interconnectedness guarantee we will experience these horrific global pandemics repeatably. It’s inevitable.

Some believe social issues like inequality, injustice, racism, income inequality, wealth gaps, etc., are also inevitable. But I believe it’s possible to have a more purposeful vision to believe in and embrace. We need positive social constructs that enable us to believe that the world can be a better place. If you are not familiar with the term social construct, I am using the definition – a collective belief placed on an object or event by a society. Often, members don’t even realize a social construct exists. They have just always accepted it to be true. For example, growing up in my family’s religious tradition, members believed woman could not be preachers. Today, however, many gifted and inspired woman are preachers. The belief that a woman couldn’t preach was not a reality, it was simply a social construct without merit, validity or value.

Social constructs need to be identified, analyzed, understood and re-evaluated constantly for merit and purpose. Does a particular social construct offer value for us now and/or in the future.

One social construct most of us embrace is the notion of the “rule of law.” We want to be governed by the “rule of law” not by the whims of some power-hungry despot. If we want to change things in a democracy, then we the people change the laws that govern us. This is not a social construct that every culture and society has adopted. Scribbling the words “rule of law” on a piece of paper does not in and of itself provide us value, but the collective belief that following the “rule of law” helps support a more perfect union offers enormous value for us.

Here are some additional and very powerful social constructs that our society has found useful to believe in - human rights, morality, democracy, capitalism, the value of a constitution, liberty, importance and value of an educated population, the notion of property and property rights, the notion of territories and borders, science and the scientific method, medicine and public health, logic, etc.

None of the social and mental constructs listed above are visible. The elk grazing in the meadow above me can’t see a social construct. They are collective beliefs, notions, concepts that add value and order to us humans. They are not inevitable. We have to purposely develop them in order to form a more perfect union.

With the right social constructs, we can stop social media from manipulating the minds of the vulnerable. AI powered robots don’t have to be weaponized. Injustices don’t have to be acceptable. Truth can be honored, the rule of law respected, science can heal, conspiracy theories rejected, and education can improve us. We are responsible for our own social constructs. We need to purposefully create and embrace social constructs that help us form a more perfect union and the future we want tomorrow.

Truth, Science and Reasoning in a Pandemic Age
Thinkers360
May 08, 2020

I have the good fortune to meet with and interview many distinguished business and technology leaders in the normal course of my work. One of the most common subjects of discussion in 2019 was the increasing importance of data and data analytics. Everyone needs data and an understanding of what it means to operate today. Data is captured and analyzed to determine facts, and the facts are weighed and measured to derive the truth. Without data, facts can’t be supported, truth can’t be determined and effective reasoning cannot be applied. Leonardo Da Vinci was the first to see clearly that knowledge of science would have to come from repeated experiments done, not unproven ideas. He was also the first scientist that correlated mathematics and science. Most people recognize the role of truth in reasoning. Reasoning without truth is like programming without logic. It doesn’t work. Computers run on logic as does nearly the entire world as a result of digital transformation. Truth and logic allow others to replicate your processes by following the logic, testing it, and debugging any issues. That is why it is so critical, in an advanced digital society, to respect and honor the value and utility of truth and logic. Without truth scientific breakthroughs and processes can’t be delivered, digital systems and economies can’t operate, and governments cannot sustain the trust and cooperation of their citizens. If a person rejects data, denigrate facts and devalues truths, then their ability to use logic and reasoning to make good decisions is severely limited. In the absence of reasoning, superstitions, bias, false narratives and prejudices find room to grow. Galileo was one of the first modern thinkers to clearly state that the laws of nature are mathematical. When I ask business leaders to identify emerging technologies they feel will have the biggest impact on their business in the near future they most often list technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, automation, robotics, personalization, etc. All of these emerging technologies and their potential value to society are fully dependent on data, data analytics, determining facts and the revealed truth, and then using it within logic systems to build cool things like autonomous self-driving cars! Given the absolute centrality of data, facts, truth and logic to our current and future quality of life and common good, it would seem we could all agree on their value and utility, but

Pre-Pandemic Assumptions and Presumptions in Decision-Making
Thinkers360
April 07, 2020

Over the last 3 years my wife and I have become avid backpackers with many adventures under our belt. One of the biggest surprises I learned during my time in the wilderness was how often I make wrong assumptions. It was mid-July and the lake we were backpacking to was still frozen over and the trail was covered in deep snow. I had assumed warm mid-July weather would have cleared the trails. Another time after fishing in a high mountain lake, I looked at the map and saw the trail passed directly above our location. After over an hour looking for the trail we realized it didn't exist. My assumptions that maps are updated regularly and accurately reflect the reality on the ground were wrong. I can't tell you how many times I have learned that the obvious shortcut doesn't save you time. We all make assumptions. We assume something is true or certain to happen, without proof. We also make presumptions. We presume ideas are true, and then use them as the basis for other ideas until we have built ourselves a house of cards that is one fact away from collapsing. As we ponder our changed mid-pandemic world from our home offices with our dogs and kids under our desk, it is a good time to reflect on the assumptions and presumptions that got us into this predicament. I think we presumed the biggest dangers in flying were potential terrorist attacks or equipment failure. I think we assumed our doctors had the answers to whatever illness we picked up. I think we presumed that since all companies seemed to be developing long and lean supply chains that they must be resilient, redundant and reliable. I think we presumed that an illness in China was a Chinese problem. I think we assumed that the local hospital could just order and quickly receive any supplies or equipment they needed. I think we assumed that our economy would always be there in the morning. I think we assumed toilet paper would always be available. I think we assumed our leaders had a plan. As our anxiety evolves into acceptance of our mid-pandemic situation, perhaps it is a good time to re-evaluate the assumptions and presumptions we all have about the world around us. What I have learned in this past month is we have far less control over our world and destiny than might have been presumed.

Flattening the Curve of a Risky Future
Thinkers360
April 06, 2020

Today, in the midst of round one of the COVID-19 pandemic, I received an email from Delta Airlines sharing their efforts to make travel safe and normal. What will normal be post-pandemic? Will society be comfortable going right back to flying all over the world again? The thought of spending time in crowded airports, attending conferences with tens of thousands of people in one room, sitting in tightly packed business meetings and sitting elbow to elbow with coughing strangers on planes fills me with anxiety. I don't think I am the same person that I once was. I suspect most of us aren't. As the pandemic and resulting economic anxieties extend further into the calendar and deeper into our mutual psyches, our habits will be altered - some temporarily, others permanent. Just as our grandparents (and great-grandparents) before them developed a propensity to save and to be financially conservative as a result of experiencing the Great Depression during their formative years, we also will be known for the changes about to take place in us. This pandemic will alter the curve of our future. We have now all borne witness to the results of our societal decisions or lack thereof, and experienced the consequences. I am reminded of a popular Greek myth of Daedalus and his son Icarus. They were imprisoned in a tower by the King of Crete. Being a great craftsman, Daedalus devised two pairs of wings using wooden frames, wax and feathers to escape and fly away. Daedalus warned his son Icarus that flying too near the sun would cause the wax to melt and the wings would fail. Icarus jumped from the tower, escaped and his wings allowed him to soar high over the ocean. It was not long, however, before Icarus forgot all about his father's warnings. Soon he was flying higher and higher. The warm sun quickly melted the wax, the feathers came loose and Icarus plunged to his death in the sea. I think today we may have flown too close to the sun. In 2015, Bill Gates, gave a Ted Talk titled "The Next Outbreak? We're Not Ready." It accurately described what would happen if a pandemic similar to COVID-19 occurred. He precisely warned of the impact and what the world needed to do to prepare for it. Bill Gates was our Daedalus, and like Icarus we were captivated by the joys and excitement of flying high and far. The question for us all now is - what next? What will we do differently? How will our future be reshaped?