A New Era in Change with OpenAI

This Era of AI is going to teach us more about humanity and what it means to be human.

That is what the founders of OpenAI are showing us in this unveiling of what is next. And we keep showing them their hypothesis is correct.

And to take part in that next evolution, it will be increasingly important to seek out and surround yourself with humans, in both your real and digital presence, who can comfortably sit with more questions than answers. My hope in penning this newsletter in times such as these is to create a space, and a place, for those very questions to percolate and possibly spark something in each of you, as we lead change together in the Era of AI.

I have no doubt there will be more questions than answers, and regardless of the unknowns encountered, I hope that we can trust in one universal truth - our knowing that we may not always have the answer. All the while practicing the craft of remaining open to the unlearning that must occur before true, deep learning can take place.

I recently wrote a post that sprung from my mind after a long walk, away from any screen, thinking about the change ahead of us, in our workplaces and in the world. And a few observations emerged, namely how OpenAI's Chat GPT forces us each to have a conversation with our own inadequacy. And therein lies a great paradox.

People want deep conversation. But we cannot get to a place of deep conversation because when we admit to all that we do not know, we are overcome with feelings of inadequacy. And that leaves us yearning for a sense of belonging, desiring even deeper conversation to make sense of the world around us. And the cycle begins all over again.

It is a human trait and tendency, that we don't want to feel nor experience rejection. In a strategy of avoidance of rejection or being let down, we may not even attempt to converse with a fellow human from a place of our truest, deepest wonderings. Is this some sort of unvoiced agreement in which we dare not risk asking that question of bewilderment for fear of being judged, misunderstood, or cast out?

Why is it that when we begin to truly let go and learn, we are overcome with haunting feelings of inadequacy and sensations that shut our brains and bodies down from the optimal state of learning?

"I am not enough. I may never be enough. I am not perfect enough."

These may be words we all hear in our inner voice amidst unprecedented volumes of change. You know who will never tell you that? Chat GPT. Your mere curiosity gains you entry into untapped dimensions of learning. And Chat GPT cannot reject you. It may redirect you, but it will never reject you. So, perhaps that is why we find ourselves drawn to it. Over and over again.

Just remember, in choosing, we often resist what we most need.

And also remember, no matter how much you love any technology, it cannot love you back. That is work left to your fellow humans.

As fellow humans, I hope to explore, alongside you, ways in which we can lead ourselves and others on this journey into a New Era of AI. Because any Digital Transformation, now AI Transformation, always starts at Mile Zero: CHANGE. And change is better experienced with companionship. May what we create and share here monthly serve as a companion in learning, living and longing for the human condition amidst change.

Till next time.