From the Parking Lot to Futureproof: My Journey with Books and AI

I’ve always been a bookworm. ?? On average, I devour around 40-50 books a year (yes, you read that right!). Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or a deep dive into the world of tech, there’s always a book within arm’s reach. In fact, I’m also a massive fan of Reese Witherspoon’s book club, which brilliantly champions female authors. ????

Right now, I’ve got about 15 books on AI piled up on my nightstand, all waiting to be explored. But here’s a fun twist—my son doesn’t think audiobooks count as real reading. For him, if you’re not physically flipping pages, it doesn’t count. But for me? The debate is still open! After my first son was born, I simply couldn’t find the time to sit down with a physical book, so I turned to audiobooks.

My first audiobook was Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs in 2010, and it had me hooked. I’d sit in the parking lot, lingering just a little too long, captivated by Isaacson’s take on Jobs’ life. That audiobook kept my love for reading alive in a way that fit my crazy schedule.

Fast forward to today, my obsession has shifted slightly—from biographies of tech visionaries to the world of AI and automation. And my current favorite? Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation by Kevin Roose.

I know we’re all bombarded with news about AI taking over, but Roose offers something different. He gives us hope. This isn’t another “the robots are coming for our jobs” narrative. Instead, Roose takes a human-centered approach to the future of work and technology, asking the big question: “Are you an API endpoint?”

If you’re unfamiliar, an API endpoint is a passive receiver of instructions from machines—just executing tasks without any creativity or critical thinking. Kevin clearly challenges us to avoid becoming like that. After I read that part, I was reviewing all I do and asking myself: " Am I and API end point or will I become one?" He encourages us to engage, question, and use technology to enhance our humanity, not replace it.

Here’s a look at Kevin’s 9 principles for staying human in the age of automation:

1?? Be surprised – Stay curious and open to new experiences. The unexpected is often where the magic happens! ?? 2?? Make friends with robots – Don’t fear AI; understand it and learn how to collaborate with it. 3?? Democratize the robots – Advocate for equitable access to AI so that its benefits are shared widely, not just by a select few. 4?? Don't be an endpoint – Don’t let machines do the thinking for you. Stay autonomous and creative! 5?? Treat AI like a chimp army – Be mindful of the risks and biases AI can bring, and make sure to handle it with care. 6?? Build big nets, not walls – Your connections and networks are invaluable—build relationships, don’t isolate. 7?? Learn machine-proof skills – Develop skills that machines can’t replicate—creativity, empathy, and complex problem-solving. ???? 8?? Be a good ancestor – Think about the long-term impact of your decisions. What legacy are you leaving for the next generation? ?? 9?? Stay human – Embrace your humanity—our empathy, compassion, and sense of purpose are our greatest strengths. ??

What I love about Futureproof is that it’s not about trying to out-compete machines; it’s about thriving alongside them by focusing on what makes us uniquely human. It’s a refreshing take in a world where technology seems to dominate every conversation.

So, if you’re looking for a hopeful, practical guide to navigating the future of work and technology, Futureproof is definitely worth a read (or a listen, if you’re team audiobook like me). ??

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