What's on my mind? Chatting with ChatGPT (and my girlfriends) - reflecting on the power of AI

For the last few weeks, ChatGPT has come into practically every conversation that I’ve had. From being at the dinner table with my daughter talking about kids cheating on their English literature papers, by asking ChatGPT to write it for them. To my girlfriend’s celebration lunch for her promotion, where we discussed it writing job descriptions as she starts to think about her new team.

As a technologist and avid follower of the advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (yes, I am an annual subscriber to BBC Science Focus ??), I have to say that I’m not only intrigued by the opportunity to engage with OpenAI, but believe the net effect on our society is going to be significant.

How we work and what we spend our time on is going to fundamentally change. It makes me wonder what my son’s computer science degree is really going to buy him if AI can write the program at a significantly faster pace and higher level of accuracy before he earns his degree?

Fear and uncertainty about technological advancements is hardly a new phenomenon. In the early 1800s textile workers destroyed machinery that reduced the need for manual labour in weaving. This group, the Luddites, gave their name to that fear of new tech.

In 1930, eminent economist John Maynard Keynes famously said “We are being afflicted with a new disease of which some readers may not yet have heard the name, but of which they will hear a great deal in the years to come--namely, technological unemployment”.?He gloomily predicted a rising tide of unemployment as technology took over.

But the facts don’t support him or the Luddites. The facts show the share of the population engaged in paid employment has risen dramatically over the past century. The facts show material standards of living have improved massively. The facts show an average US worker in 2020 wishing to live at the income level of an average worker in 1920 could achieve this by working just 14 weeks per year.

If we look back in history, we can use the calculator as a simple example of how technology impacted the way people work. It provided an efficient way to perform mathematical equations increasing productivity, reducing manual errors and improving accuracy. The calculator completely changed the way kids were taught in school and meant they could focus on understanding mathematical concepts rather than performing calculations. Now, we always have a calculator at our fingertips. Whether that’s our phones to calculate that restaurant tip, or on our computers by dragging down cells to perform sums in Excel.?We don’t think twice about using it as a tool to help us get quick, accurate answers.

I believe OpenAI will do the same and more. It will make us more productive, enable accuracy and take away manual errors. It has the potential to help us deliver even better customer service, with natural language processing and a higher level of fraud detection across our networks. I believe that in just a few years, we’ll be using it just like we do the calculator, as an everyday tool in our personal and professional lives.?

Of course, we absolutely need to be mindful of the downsides as well, such as amplification of existing bias, privacy and security concerns, just as with every new technology that is developed. But I am optimistic and I come back to what my son’s computer science degree will buy him if his job as a computer programmer is displaced by AI.?I believe that regardless of whether you’re studying for a computer science degree or learning on the job as an apprentice pulling fibre out in the field, technology will always evolve and play a part in what we do. It is not about having a set skill at any given time, it is about the ability to learn and to adapt what we do and how we do it.

When people ask me for career advice, my default answer is ‘never stop learning’. It is, and will continue to be, the critical skill of the future.

Special Note: Just out of curiosity I asked ChatGPT to write a job description for a Chief Executive Office for a digital infrastructure company and this is what came back.

What I learned today from ChatGPT… I no longer need to spend hours actually writing job descriptions but can focus instead on making a job description, unbiased, super compelling and inherently Colt!

Company: [Company Name]

Location: [City, State]

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: [Salary Range]

About the Company: [Company Name] is a leading provider of digital infrastructure solutions, delivering cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to customers worldwide. We are committed to providing our customers with the most reliable and efficient digital infrastructure solutions to support their businesses.

About the Role: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Chief Executive Officer to lead our company and drive the development and implementation of our digital infrastructure strategy. The CEO will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company, including operations, sales and marketing, product development, and finance. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with a strong track record of success in the digital infrastructure industry.

Responsibilities:

Develop and execute the company's digital infrastructure strategy to meet the changing needs of the market and drive growth.

Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring that the company runs efficiently and effectively.

Lead the sales and marketing efforts to expand the company's customer base and increase revenue.

Manage the development of new products and services to meet customer needs and stay ahead of the competition.

Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, and investors.

Act as the face of the company, representing [Company Name] at industry events and conferences.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as engineering, computer science, or business.

At least 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role, with a strong track record of success in the digital infrastructure industry.

Proven experience in developing and executing successful digital infrastructure strategies.

Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

Ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.

About You: You are a driven and highly motivated individual with a passion for technology and innovation. You have a deep understanding of the digital infrastructure industry and a track record of success in developing and executing successful strategies. You are a visionary leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity and meet the requirements, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and cover letter for consideration.