The Tech Humanist Show

Hosted by Kate O'Neill

Business Society CultureInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

where data and technology meet humanity

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 4, 202644 min

AI Augmentation vs. Automation

Are leaders thinking big enough—and human enough—in the AI era? Explore how AI and technology shape the human experience with Kate O’Neill and guest Brian Solis, Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow. Discover the concept of cognitive Darwinism, AI transformation stories, leadership in the AI era, and how to drive growth while staying human-centric. Topics Covered:AI augmentation vs. automationCognitive Darwinism and self-awarenessCapacity and capability overhang in AI adoptionTransformation as a human storyPurposeful iteration vs. intentional innovationReturn on intelligence vs. return on ignoranceReskilling and workforce transformation case studies (IKEA & Walmart)Human-centric leadership and psychological safetyPersonal relationship with technology & digital attentionMind shifts required for future-ready leadership Connect with Brian SolisServiceNowLinkedInBrian Solis, Author at Workflow® Episode Chapters:00:04 Introduction & Guest Welcome01:00 Transformation as a Human Story02:24 The Human Story Leaders Miss in the AI Era03:06 AI’s Anti-Human Trajectory & Cognitive Darwinism04:28 AI Tax and Brain Fry05:49 AIQ: Artificial vs. Augmented Intelligence Quotient09:16 Agentic AI & Process Reinvention11:11 Grand Strategy and Leadership Mindsets15:55 Mind Shifts and Self-Awareness17:18 Book Inspiration and Becoming a Leader of the Moment20:13 Unlearning Disruption Myths in Enterprise25:16 Innovation: Creating New Value26:59 Evaluating AI Use: Efficiency vs. Net New Value31:13 Psychological Safety and Human-Centric Leadership32:28 IKEA & Walmart: Augmentation and Reskilling Case Studies38:00 Personal Relationship with Technology & Life Scale41:48 Closing Thoughts: Questions for Embracing Change43:05 Episode Wrap-Up and Farewells

May 14, 202649 min

The Antidote to Future Shock with Fred Marshall

Are you overwhelmed by nonstop change and wondering how to truly thrive in a world shaped by AI and information overload?Tune into the latest Tech Humanist Show episode, where Kate sits down with Frederick Marshall—gardener, CEO, and author of Thrive: The Antidote to Future Shock—to unearth how we can cultivate clarity, resilience, and actual human thriving in our tech-saturated world. Topics covered: Future shock in 2026 and its effects Common leadership misdiagnoses of burnout and overwhelm Strategies for managing information overload and uncertainty The Thrive framework: Priorities, obligations, and noise Observations from top performers across industries Design by subtraction and life “ecosystems” The Super 8 factors for thriving AI as collaborator and human-AI symbiosis Responsible and human-centered AI adoption at work Building thriving business and personal ecosystems Meaning, contribution, and human adaptability Connect with Fred Marshall Episode Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and future shock today01:11 Fred Marshall’s background and philosophy02:07 Defining future shock in the modern era04:10 How leaders misdiagnose overwhelm05:31 AI tools and strategic alignment08:07 Design by subtraction—managing time and attention11:05 What top performers do differently12:57 Assumptions, autopilot, and learning15:11 The problem Thrive solves for leaders16:06 Role of AI and personalizing technology for growth18:47 Accelerating learning with AI—cognitive friction21:20 Systems thinking for complexity22:04 The “Super 8” life factors27:02 Meaning, contribution, and purpose30:46 Thriving organizations and business ecosystems33:08 Speed vs. thoughtful strategy in fast-changing times41:43 Human-AI partnership and neural net overlap44:03 What leaders should believe about humans46:51 Why people give hope for the future48:38 Closing and where to find Thrive

May 7, 202640 min

Authentic Intelligence with Allison Shapira

How can leaders harness AI in their communication without losing their authentic human touch? Topics covered: The meaning and value of authenticity in leadership The risks and rewards of using AI for executive communication Building trust and executive presence in an AI-mediated world The difference between confidence and certainty for leaders Coaching for on-camera executive presence Communicating vulnerability and clarity under uncertainty The “anti-pitch” approach to introductions Ethical use of AI in relationship building Practical steps for leaders to leverage AI responsibly Connect with: Allison ShapiraWebsiteLinkedInInstagram Episode Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and overview of the Tech Humanist Show00:32 Allison Shapira’s background: Opera to executive communication03:39 Why AI for the Authentic Leader—leadership problems and urgency of the moment06:09 Defining authenticity in a leadership and AI context08:40 AI’s impact on executive presence—when the tools are “better than us”11:27 Tension between what AI rewards and what leadership requires14:37 Navigating ambiguity and nuance in leadership communication18:33 Projecting confidence versus certainty as a leader20:40 Communicating clarity and maintaining trust amid uncertainty22:27 Over-explaining, under-explaining, and AI’s potential impact23:49 Executive presence on camera and its evolving demands26:27 Societal expectations of leaders’ communication skills28:42 Bringing authority and warmth on camera; avoiding “performance” of leadership31:09 The “anti-pitch” idea—rethinking introductions in a tech-driven world34:51 Ethical use of AI in relationship building and values alignment37:18 Practical steps: What leaders should start (and stop) doing with AI38:56 Final takeaways and how to lead authentically in an AI-shaped world40:01 Outro and credits

April 30, 202624 min

Tech Reckoning with Sarah Federman

How can organizations confront their histories of harm before being forced to reckon with them? In this episode, Kate O’Neill is joined by Sarah Federman as they explore the crucial difference between deferred and acknowledged harm, and what real accountability can look like—especially amid today’s AI boom. Topics covered: Reckoning work vs. apologies, CSR, and ESG Corporate accountability for historical harm Inaction versus action in organizational ethics Power asymmetry in AI data center expansion Community impact and responsible leadership The pattern of corporate reckoning across eras Acceleration of accountability in the digital age Building an ethical frame within organizations First moves toward genuine corporate reckoning Maintaining hope while working in harm and accountability Connect with Sarah FedermanWebsiteLinkedInInstagramSarah’s new book: Corporate Reckoning: How Businesses Can Address Historical Wrongs Episode Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and Host Welcome00:35 Guest Introduction: Sarah Federman01:47 Defining Reckoning Work03:00 The Interval Between Harm and Reckoning04:15 The Personal Connection to Reckoning05:27 Deferred Harm and Corporate Inaction06:57 Action, Inaction, and Neutrality08:20 AI Data Centers, Power Asymmetry, and Community Impact10:45 Protest, Creativity, and Avoiding Lazy Solutions12:18 Patterns of Reckoning Across Industries13:03 Ethical Acceleration and Real-Time Accountability15:13 Emergent Accountability Mechanisms16:05 Practical Steps for Responsible Tech Leadership18:22 Institutional Change vs. Performing Change21:11 History, Hope, and The Long Arc of Accountability22:54 Book Details and Where to Connect23:59 Closing and Credits

April 23, 202645 min

How Tech Increases Thought Load with Liane Davey

Are you overwhelmed at work but can’t pinpoint why? Discover how “thought load”—not just workload—may be sabotaging productivity, innovation, and well-being in the tech-driven workplace. Kate O’Neill sits down with Liane Davey—the brilliant mind behind the new book Thought Load—to unpack why work isn’t working for so many of us. Topics covered: The concept of thought load and its core components Differences between workload, cognitive load, and thought load How technology and AI impact cognitive and emotional burdens The productivity trap and measuring outcomes vs. outputs Effects of constant digital interruptions on attention and energy The role of feedback and judgment in corporate settings Emotional and cognitive impacts of always-on workplace culture Energy reserves as an operational constraint Organizational interventions to reduce thought load The outcome of conflict debt in high thought load environments Designing safer, more productive workplace conflict Tech tools as both solution and source of mental drain Hope for more innovative and present organizations Connect with Liane DaveyWebsiteInstagramLinkedIn Episode Chapters:00:00 – Introduction and background 00:43 – What is “thought load”? 02:15 – Equation: Cognitive and emotional demands over energy reserves 03:38 – The neuroscience of “treacherous triad” 04:05 – Why workload and thought load are not the same 05:22 – AI’s surprising effects on thought load 06:27 – Rethinking productivity: The activity-output-outcome framework 09:08 – Technology’s role in multiplying and draining cognitive demand 10:30 – Why managers reward “responsiveness”—and why that’s a trap 13:14 – When tech reduces vs. increases cognitive demands 15:57 – Tech as an emotional burden amplifier 17:02 – The misunderstanding of feedback vs. judgment 18:54 – Social pain and at-scale judgment in digital workplaces 23:20 – The operational significance of energy reserves 28:06 – High-leverage interventions for organizational energy 33:36 – Conflict debt as an outcome of high thought load 35:20 – Making conflict safer and more productive 40:15 – What a tech humanist organization could look like 42:19 – Closing thoughts and hope for the future 43:26 – Book release and where to connect

April 16, 202646 min

The Truth About Trade with Dmitry Grozoubinski

Are we truly understanding global trade, or just reacting to headlines? Step into a timely, eye-opening conversation on trade, geopolitics, and the systems shaping our global economy with Dmitry Grozoubinski, hosted by Kate O’Neill. Topics Covered: Why global trade is more misunderstood than ever The real forces driving today’s trade tensions and disruptions How policy, politics, and economics intersect in trade decisions Common misconceptions about tariffs, supply chains, and globalization The role of trade experts vs. media narratives How trade impacts everyday life more than we realize The challenge of communicating complex global systems simply What recent global events reveal about the fragility of trade systems The future of globalization: shifting, not disappearing Why understanding trade is critical in today’s world Connect with Dmitry GrozoubinskiWebsiteLinkedInDmitry’s Book: Why Politicians Lie About Trade Episode Chapters: [00:00:04] Introduction to the Tech Humanist Show [00:00:30] Guest Introduction: Dmitry Grozoubinski [00:01:15] Why Trade Is Suddenly Front and Center [00:03:40] Misconceptions About Global Trade [00:06:05] How Trade Policy Actually Works [00:08:50] Tariffs, Politics, and Public Perception [00:12:10] Media Narratives vs. Trade Reality [00:15:25] Supply Chains and Global Interdependence [00:18:40] Trade Tensions and Geopolitical Shifts [00:22:05] Why Trade Is Hard to Communicate [00:26:30] The Fragility of Global Systems [00:30:10] The Future of Globalization [00:33:45] Why Trade Literacy Matters [00:36:20] Where to Connect with Dmitry Grozoubinski [00:36:45] Closing and Credits

April 9, 202642 min

More Than A Glitch: Meredith Broussard on Responsible AI

Are we letting technology shape our lives, or are we actively choosing how it fits in? Dive into an essential conversation about techno-chauvinism, AI’s real-world impacts, and what responsible innovation looks like with Meredith Broussard. Topics Covered: The difference between technological and social decisions The AI hype cycle and shifting perceptions of AI Techno chauvinism and using the right tool for the task The limits of technology in daily life and digital detox trends Hollywood’s influence on how we imagine AI Generative AI: how it works, dataset concerns, and hallucinations Unshedification and the realities of deploying generative AI The challenges of responsible AI and data governance Environmental impacts of data centers and generative AI Accountability and diffused responsibility in tech What “better” looks like for technology and society Connect with Meredith BroussardWebsiteLinkedIn Meredith’s book: ”More than a Glitch – Confronting Race, Gender, and Ability Bias in Tech” Episode Chapters: [00:00:04] Introduction to the Tech Humanist Show[00:00:30] Guest Introduction: Meredith Broussard[00:01:22] Stories We Tell Ourselves about AI[00:03:50] Biases Embedded in Technology & Techno Chauvinism[00:05:27] The Digital Shift and the Rise of Tech Dependency[00:08:48] Bans, Restrictions, and Nuanced AI Policy[00:10:44] AI Misconceptions vs. Hollywood Influences[00:14:14] Explaining Generative AI in Plain Language[00:17:37] Decision Making and the Fragility of AI Systems[00:20:11] The Realities of Generative AI in the Workplace[00:23:26] Responsible AI and Governance[00:29:03] Longevity and Constant Change in AI Models[00:31:25] AI Safeguards and Global Concerns[00:33:00] Accountability in Distributed Technology[00:34:43] Environmental Impact of Data Centers[00:38:49] What “Better” Looks Like for Tech & Society[00:41:21] Where to Connect with Meredith Broussard[00:41:40] Closing and Credits

April 2, 202641 min

Super Creativity with James Taylor

What happens when AI makes us more creative—does it also make us more human? Dive into this episode to explore how blending technology and creativity can unlock new potential for individuals, teams, and businesses. Topics covered: Super Creativity: Augmenting human creativity with AI Unlocking creativity in “hidden figures” and backstage roles AI’s impact on solo creators vs. teams and executives Examples of AI expanding creative possibilities (beyond speed) Ethical questions around AI, data, and compensation Skill atrophy and organizational trends AI-powered empathy and psychometrics for presentations The importance of curiosity and space for creativity Practical ways to be more super creative Global perspectives and learning from diverse industries Connect with James TaylorWebsiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 00:17 – The Promise of AI: What Will We Do with More Time? 00:28 – Meet James Taylor and “Super Creativity” 01:43 – What Is Super Creativity? 03:12 – Human, Team, and Human+Machine Creativity 03:36 – Aha Moment: Highlighting Backstage Creative Heroes 05:14 – Expanding Creativity through AI—Real World Examples 06:13 – Centaur and Cyborg Work Models 07:25 – The Future: Billion Dollar One-Person Businesses 08:20 – Purpose, Ethics, and Creating the Future 09:15 – Solo vs. Teams: Where Is AI Unlocking Creativity? 10:08 – AI Use Cases—from Coding to Healthcare 11:27 – The Transformative Potential of AI 12:52 – Essential Human Skills: Creativity and Critical Thinking 13:16 – AI + Psychometrics in Presentations 14:48 – Using AI for Data-Informed Empathy 16:18 – Digital Twins, Creative Abrasion, and AI Mentoring 18:37 – Boundaries: What James Taylor Won’t Use AI For 20:21 – Skill Atrophy and Tools of Consumption 21:41 – Physical Environment’s Impact on Creativity 23:05 – Values, Ethics, and AI Data Sovereignty 26:09 – AI in Organizations: Productivity, Headcount, and Ethics 27:56 – Practical Norms: Guardrails for AI, Facial Recognition, and Smart Glasses 29:47 – Creativity and Global Perspectives 30:42 – Staying Original and Leveraging AI as a Team 32:14 – Cross-Industry Learning and Boundary Crossing 33:44 – Super Creativity Applied 34:56 – Learning from Domain Experts and Other Speakers 35:26 – Books as Powerful Information Devices 36:40 – Practical Steps for Super Creativity 40:12 – Where to Find James Taylor and Closing Remarks

March 27, 202645 min

A.I. 4 ALL

What does it really mean to build ethical and inclusive AI—and who gets to decide which problems we solve with technology?Dive into this conversation with Tess Posner as she and Kate O’Neill explore how education, ethics, and diverse voices shape the future of AI. Topics covered:The intersection of AI, education, and responsible technology Early experiences shaping ethical perspectives in tech Critical thinking versus just coding Unintended consequences and ethical frameworks Representation, diversity, and AI bias Organizational approaches to AI ethics Incentives and policies for responsible AI Scaling and challenges of AI literacy Adapting education for future AI challenges Building adaptive organizational cultures Hopeful signals and the next generation of technologists Connect with Tess PosnerAI 4 All WebsiteLinkedIn Episode Chapters:Exploring the Heart of Responsible AI [00:00:05]Early Influences and Tech for Human Flourishing [00:01:16]The Role of Ethics in Technology Education [00:03:33]Embedding Critical Thinking Over Code [00:06:58]Asking Unintended Consequence Questions [00:10:29]Lived Experience Shaping AI Projects [00:13:20]How Diversity Shapes Problem-Solving in AI [00:14:39]Organizational Incentives and Systemic Change [00:18:30]AI Literacy: Scaling, Challenges, and Surprises [00:28:34]Adapting Education and Future Perspectives [00:35:25]Hope, Human Alignment, and Signals to Watch [00:42:14]

February 26, 202641 min

Upgrading Human Vision with Professor Daniel Palanker

What happens when technology doesn’t just restore light sensitivity, but actually brings back the ability to perceive forms, patterns, and meaning for those who’ve lost their sight? Dive into this episode as we explore how breakthroughs in retinal prostheses are reshaping human experience. Topics covered: The difference between light sensitivity and form vision How the Prima retinal prosthesis works Wireless design and integration with natural vision Selective stimulation and preserving retinal code Challenges in encoding vision and lessons from animal to human trials Patient perspectives and life impact Upgrading implants and future breakthroughs Comparing biological and electronic restoration approaches The meaning of vision for identity, independence, and connection The hope and future of vision restoration worldwide Connect with Professor Daniel PalankerStanford MedicineLinkedIn Episode Chapters: 00:05 Introduction to The Tech Humanist Show 00:17 Surprises in clinical trials and complexity of vision 00:41 The impact of vision and restoration 01:14 Episode arc and Professor Palanker’s breakthrough 02:02 Welcoming Professor Daniel Palanker 02:10 Prima system restores form vision 02:55 Distinct lived experience between light sensitivity and form vision 03:10 Examples of restored capability and simultaneous vision 04:49 How Prima works at the chip-glasses-human interface 05:01 Disease background: Age-related macular degeneration 07:01 External augmented reality glasses explained 08:21 Why Prima is wireless 10:13 Implant design and surgical simplicity 11:21 Preserving peripheral vision and the “don’t fix what’s not broken” philosophy 12:53 Selective retinal stimulation and proper encoding 14:37 Vision processing features and their importance 17:54 Brain’s interpretation of signals and meaning 19:22 Challenges of encoding further from the source 21:58 Journey: Concept to clinical implementation 26:17 Impact for patients—stories and real-world uses 28:03 Resolution, experience, and what higher resolution unlocks 31:20 Testing new indications and upgradable implants 32:32 Biological vs. electronic approaches and collaboration 35:13 Philosophical meaning of vision for identity and connection 37:26 Hope for the future of vision restoration 40:06 Market future and product evolution 40:39 Episode wrap-up and gratitude