Interview Highlights 2023

“As AI and algorithmic systems become more sophisticated and more seamlessly integrated into everyday life and work, it’s important to highlight potentially dangerous shortcomings. getAbstract’s 2023 Book Award winner Meredith Broussard urges people to keep those limitations in mind. She emphasizes that many of the human qualities AI developers seek to imitate cannot be replicated – especially common sense.”

“Cybersecurity expert Mikko Hypponen gave me a glimpse into the future of security threats in an increasingly interconnected, digital-dependent world, threats enhanced by AI, cloud computing and deep fake technologies. He also gave me a thrilling insider’s view on catching cybercriminals.”

“‘Change, change, change!’ There are times when, even as a writer on a business knowledge platform, you can no longer listen to the eternal moaning about change. That’s why I decided to interview David Schonthal, who has dedicated his academic life to helping people overcome resistance to change. His advice – delivered in a super-authentic way – resonated. After publishing the interview, customer inquiries on the topic dropped to almost zero, so the situation has – wait for it! – changed.”

“Is there anything drier than the topic of HR software? Suppose you want to be convinced that it can actually be pretty darn exciting. In that case, I recommend reading my conversation with John W. Boudreau about internal talent marketplaces and their future in AI-powered talent management. John is one of those HR experts who can explain complex things simply and whose enthusiasm for skills cards, talent shortage solutions and debunking bullshit arguments around labor markets transfer to the interviewer (and reader!) immediately.”

“In his book and interview, Paul LeBlanc explains how large organizations can leave people feel dehumanized – and how to counteract that trend. LeBlanc’s message is timely and important: technology must enable, not replace, human interaction.”

“Organizations pass up on a lot of talent by failing to open up their hiring process and workplaces to people who diverge from the mainstream. I was deeply touched by the passion with which neurodiversity advocate Theo Smith conveyed his powerful message: ‘If we enable people properly, they can make something out of their lives.’”