Trendspotting - The Future of AI with Michael Tchong

Polaris is a production of Synozur – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease.

In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty and futurist Michael Tchong, founder of the Ubertrends Academy, discuss the profound impact of AI on society, the workforce, and the economy. They explore the rapid advancements in AI technology, the potential for job displacement, and the need for upskilling in the workforce. Michael   emphasizes the importance of understanding the trends and innovations that AI brings, as well as the cultural shifts that accompany these changes. The conversation highlights the urgency for businesses and individuals to adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by AI.

Takeaways

AI's Disruption Is Here: AI is already transforming work and society on a massive scale – a change many experts call even bigger than the internet revolution. Leaders can't ignore it.

Adaptation Is Key: Rather than fearing automation, organizations must focus on upskilling talent and using AI to streamline workflows. Those who leverage AI will outpace those who don't. In Michael's words, "Everyone needs to upskill… that's the only way you're going to survive."

Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain: New tech often displaces jobs initially (especially entry-level roles). But if harnessed correctly, AI can boost productivity and create new opportunities – similar to how desktop publishing eventually made print bigger, not smaller.

Real Problems, Not Just "Me-Too" Tools: Michael argues today's AI boom is filled with copycat chatbots. The real value will come from AI solving everyday pain points – for example, automating tedious workflows so people can focus on creative, high-value work.

Quality vs. Quantity: With generative AI, it's now easy to pump out content – including low-quality "AI slop." In the long run, either AI will learn to produce truly high-quality results, or people will seek out human authenticity. (Think of it as a "flight to humanity," where authenticity becomes a differentiator.)

Stay Ahead of the Wave: Michael's motto is, "I help you catch the next wave before it catches you." The message: be proactive. Understand the trends (like AI) shaping your industry, and lead with them – don't chase them after the fact.

Sound bites Michael Tchong:

• "AI is the biggest revolution – even larger than the internet itself."
• "With AI, we're going to get a 10× wave of unforeseen effects on society."
• "Everyone needs to upskill in AI – it's the only way you're going to survive."
• "The #1 pain point for everyone is: why does it take so freaking long to do anything? Workflow is the biggest opportunity for AI to boost productivity."

Chris McNulty:

• "Every breakthrough is social before it's technical. What changes the wires changes us."
• "Either AI gets better at quality, or there will be a flight to humanity – people craving authentic, human work."
• "AI won't replace people. But people using AI will replace those who don't."

References Michael Tchong

University of San Francisco – https://www.usfca.edu Michael Tchong serves as an adjunct professor of innovation at USF