Plain Sight

Diverse Paths to AI Mastery: Fernando Tarnogol's Interdisciplinary Approach

In this episode of the Plain Sight podcast, Stewart Alsop interviews Fernando Tarnagol, an AI team training lead at Invisible Technologies. Fernando discusses various topics, including significant AI advancements as seen in Google's public ventures into generative image territory, the integration of BARD into Google and his experiments on AI training. He also shares some fascinating insights on AI's potential future developments and how it could impact our world. Fernando compares the evolution and application of AI to exploring uncharted waters and the need for humans to adapt rapidly to survive. He also expresses his expectation for the rise of general artificial intelligence and the challenges it may bring to entities such as corporation and bureaucracy.
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Timestamps
00:02 Introduction and Guest Background00:41 AI Developments and Google's Role02:13 The Impact of Corporate Politics on AI Progress03:15 Exploring the Crypto World03:32 Guest's Journey into AI06:01 The Intersection of Psychology and Technology06:58 The Advent of Blockchain and AI09:18 The Challenge of Predicting the Future of AI10:14 The Paradigm Shift in Science and Society13:02 The Future of AI: Opportunities and Concerns17:10 The Difficulty of Mastering Multiple Fields in the Age of AI24:22 Adapting to the Rise of AI25:25 The Importance of Learning in the AI Era26:23 The Surprises of AI Training27:18 The Challenges and Evolution of AI Training30:23 The Unique Culture of Invisible31:32 The Future of Corporations and AI39:27 The Potential Dangers of AI41:06 The Role of AI in Bureaucracy42:54 The Possibility of Local AI Models44:52 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
Key Insights
Google's AI Developments: Fernando highlights Google's recent advancements in generative image AI and integration with BARD. This move is significant in the AI landscape, showing Google’s effort to catch up and integrate AI into its various platforms.
Corporate Dynamics and Innovation: Fernando discusses the challenges large corporations like Google face when innovating, such as the constraints of corporate politics and shareholder expectations. In contrast, startups or stealth companies can be more disruptive due to their agility and freedom from such constraints.
Fernando's Diverse Background: His journey from working in call centers to VR/AR development and blockchain technology showcases the interdisciplinary nature of modern tech careers and the importance of adaptability in rapidly evolving fields like AI.
AI as a New Paradigm: Fernando and Stewart discuss the paradigm shift from deterministic to non-deterministic models in technology. They reflect on how AI represents a significant leap in this direction, marking a transition to more complex, less predictable systems.
Impact of AI on Society and Future Predictions: The discussion acknowledges the profound changes AI will bring, emphasizing the challenges in predicting the future due to the rapid pace of AI development. Fernando stresses the importance of adaptability and continuous learning to keep pace with these changes.
Role of AI in Training and Learning: Fernando talks about the evolving methods of AI training, highlighting the need to constantly adapt and upskill to meet the changing demands of AI development and training.
Invisible Technologies' Unique Approach: Fernando appreciates how Invisible Technologies treats contractors, emphasizing a culture that extends beyond traditional corporate boundaries. This approach helps create a more cohesive, inclusive work environment.
AI’s Potential in Bureaucracy and Everyday Tasks: There's a discussion about how AI could significantly streamline bureaucratic processes, making life easier and more efficient for individuals.
Local vs. Cloud-based AI Models: Fernando sees benefits in both local and cloud-based AI models. Local models can be useful in situations without internet access, while cloud-based models offer more power and resources.
Ethical and Security Concerns of AI: The interview touches on the potential dangers of AI, especially in the wrong hands, and the importance of ethical considerations and security in AI development.

Navigating the New Frontiers of AI and Humanity with Grace Matelich

In this episode of the Plain Sight Podcast, Grace Matelich, the Executive Director of Operations at Invisible Technologies, discusses the experiences and challenges of working in a rapid, hyper-growth environment. She shares her thoughts on nurturing the personal and professional growth of her ever-expanding team, managing the 'remote-first' aspect of the work in a constantly evolving dynamic, and the exciting and demanding ride of being part of an innovative tech company. Additionally, Grace dives into artificial intelligence, its capabilities and potential in terms of knowledge management, content creation, and transforming our understanding of the world. She also expresses her vision on the concept of AI as a mirror and its potential implication on society.
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Timestamps
00:02 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:21 Discussing Hyper Growth in Invisible Technologies
00:57 The Challenges and Excitement of Rapid Company Growth
01:25 Navigating Remote Work and Hyper Growth
03:23 Exploring the Concept of AI as a Mirror
04:23 The Emotional Capacity of AI
07:48 The Importance of Diverse Training Teams in AI
08:35 The Future of Content Creation with AI
16:08 The Role of AI in Multilingual Communication
20:43 Personal Growth in the Midst of Hyper Growth
26:18 Overcoming the Mindset of Finite Energy
27:38 The Importance of Self-Care and Connection
28:30 Managing a Growing Team: Challenges and Strategies
29:24 The Art of Leadership and Mentorship
30:38 The Power of Mindfulness and Reflection
36:15 Navigating Hyper Growth Environments
42:23 The Future of Knowledge Management
47:01 The Tax of Progress and the Future of Autonomy
Key Insights
Hyper-Growth in Companies: Grace describes the experience of working in a hyper-growth environment as both exhilarating and demanding. She likens it to "flying in a rocket ship," highlighting the rapid changes and challenges it presents.
Remote Work Dynamics: With extensive experience in remote work, Grace doesn't focus much on the remote aspect, suggesting it's become second nature to her. She emphasizes the importance of asynchronous communication and creating connections in a remote setting, especially in a hyper-growth environment.
AI as a Mirror of Humanity: Grace discusses AI's role as a reflection of humanity since it is trained on human data. She explores the idea that AI, much like humans, can be seen as a "hallucination machine" creating content based on the data it has learned from.
Emotional Capacity in AI: The conversation touches on the current state of AI and its lack of emotional capacity. Grace argues that while AI can mimic emotions on the surface, it does not have a grounded experience of life and emotions like humans do.
Knowledge Management in Hyper-Growth Environments: Grace points out the challenges of knowledge management in a rapidly changing environment. She stresses the importance of prioritization in knowledge capture and the need for scalable methods to disseminate knowledge effectively.
Personal Growth Amidst Organizational Changes: Grace shares her personal approach to managing growth, both for herself and her team. She talks about the importance of self-management, consistency, and setting personal boundaries to ensure effective leadership and team support.
Future of Content Creation: Grace envisions a future where AI could play a significant role in content creation, speculating about a world where shows like "Friends" could be created based on user specifications.
Role of AI in Expanding Human Creativity and Content Consumption: The discussion delves into how AI might change our interaction with content, potentially leading to a higher appreciation for live performances and human creativity.
Challenges in Multilingual AI Training: Grace discusses the complexities of training AI in multiple languages, which requires a diverse team of trainers and a deep understanding of each language's nuances.
Philosophy and Mindset for Handling Rapid Growth: Grace reflects on the importance of awareness, reflection, and the ability to adapt strategies in a hyper-growth environment. She emphasizes the need for a balance between broad vision and focused problem-solving.

From Chinchilla Care to Tech Flair: Rene Arias' Unique Journey

In this episode of the Plain Sight podcast, Stewart Alsop talks with Rene Arias, an indispensable team member serving as the Information Technologies Administrator at Invisible Technologies. Rene shares the roots of his nickname, 'Hermes', and how he earned it through his reliable and swift problem-solving skills from the early days of the company. He also details his unexpected journey to Invisible, moving from chinchilla rancher to tech expert. Rene delves into how the sense of community and shared goals in a startup such as Invisible Technologies fosters trust. He also outlines how an AI revolution has unfolded within the company during his time there. This episode provides glimpses into both the professional and personal lives of Rene, including his intriguing encounters with his African Grey parrot, Leia.
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Timestamps
00:02 Introduction and Guest Presentation
00:08 Rene's Role at Invisible Technologies
00:28 The Story Behind Rene's Nickname 'Hermes'
01:51 Rene's Journey to Invisible Technologies
03:39 Rene's Career Progression at Invisible Technologies
04:41 Rene's Experience of Becoming a Partner
07:15 Rene's Previous Work Experiences
07:33 Rene's Experience Working at a Chinchilla Ranch
14:59 The Role of Trust in Invisible Technologies
20:41 Rene's Role in the AI Revolution at Invisible Technologies
23:12 Rene's Unique Role and Trust in the Organization
33:27 Rene's Pet Parrot and Chinchilla
41:54 Conclusion and Contact Information
Key Insights
Role at Invisible Technologies: Rene Arias serves as an Information Technologies Administrator at Invisible Technologies. He plays a crucial role in resolving technical issues and is highly regarded for his efficiency and reliability, earning him the nickname "Hermes" after the Greek messenger of the gods.
Joining Invisible Technologies: Rene's journey to Invisible began through a Facebook post by Skylar Stevens, a former partner at Invisible. His pre-existing trust and reputation led to him being hired for a role initially termed as "the century role," reflecting his responsibility in guarding sensitive information and managing internal processes.
Career Evolution at Invisible: Rene has experienced significant growth in his career at Invisible Technologies, evolving from an agent to a specialist, and ultimately to a partner by the end of 2021. His promotion to partner was a recognition of his dedication and hard work, particularly his close collaboration with Francis Pedraza, the former CEO.
Work Experience Prior to Invisible: Before joining Invisible Technologies, Rene worked in various roles, including as a Lyft driver, a waiter, and interestingly, at a chinchilla ranch. His responsibilities at the chinchilla ranch included caring for the animals and ensuring they found good homes.
The Startup Environment: Rene's experience at Invisible Technologies marks his first foray into the startup world. He highlights the sense of community and collaboration at Invisible, despite being a remote company. The startup environment at Invisible is characterized by a shared goal and collective progression.
Remote Work Culture at Invisible: Rene discusses the successful implementation of a remote work culture at Invisible. He attributes this success to a strong emphasis on culture and community, allowing for open communication and creative freedom among employees.
Impact of AI on Invisible Technologies: Rene has witnessed the integration and evolution of AI within the company. He compares this experience to being part of a pioneering phase similar to the early days of the dot-com era, highlighting the potential of AI to transform processes and efficiencies within the company.
Rene's Personal Interests: Outside of his professional life, Rene has a passion for parrots, particularly his African Grey parrot named Leia. He shares interesting anecdotes about Leia's intelligence and personality, demonstrating his deep interest in and knowledge of animal behavior.
Trust and Dependability: Trust is a central theme in Rene's role at Invisible. He is seen as a dependable figure within the organization, with a unique ability to handle sensitive information and manage various internal systems effectively.
Unique Contributions and Job Satisfaction: Rene expresses a sense of pride and fulfillment in his role at Invisible, acknowledging the uniqueness of his contributions across different departments and the trust placed in him by his colleagues.

From Data to Insights: AI Yukino's Perspective on Machine Learning

In this episode of 'Plain Sight' podcast, Stewart Alsop welcomes Ai Yukino, Data Scientist at Invisible Technologies. The discussion covers how Invisible Technologies aims to make complex business problems disappear through its innovative approach. Ai shares her perspective on the evolving world of artificial intelligence and data science, detailing her thought process and experiences. They also delve into the tools used for data science, the concept of locally-hosted AI, machine learning, and the future of AI in mobile devices. The podcast wraps up with a conversation about potential challenges in coding and AI model implementation. Ai also highlights her upcoming work in self-hosted models at Invisible Technologies.
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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to the Plain Sight Podcast00:04 Understanding Invisible Technologies00:22 The Philosophy Behind Invisible Technologies01:13 Interview with Ai Yukino, Data Scientist at Invisible01:21 Discussion on Microphone and Audio Gear02:28 Ai Yukino's Teaching Experience and Tech Setup03:02 Living and Working in Buenos Aires04:35 Ai Yukino's Teaching Subjects and Background05:17 Use of AI in Coding05:42 Exploring Niche Packages in Data Science10:00 The Role of AI in Learning New Topics10:45 The Future of Specialist Knowledge and AI16:10 The Impact of AI Revolution17:15 Understanding Artificial General Intelligence20:17 Defining Reason and Sentiment Analysis20:26 Human-like vs Alien-like Intelligence22:15 Anthropomorphizing AI Systems24:19 The Role of Incentives in AI25:51 Understanding Data Science and Machine Learning30:18 The Value of Data in AI35:24 The Evolution of Tools in Technology41:15 The Future of Locally Hosted AI Models44:48 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Key Insights
Data Science versus Machine Learning: Yukino differentiates between data science and machine learning. She describes data science as an interdisciplinary field that uses tools from statistics, applied math, and machine learning to gain insights from data. The focus is on understanding the data: its origins, generation, and what it reveals. Machine learning, in contrast, is about developing and using models, with less emphasis on the data itself and more on building useful applications.
Importance of Data in Machine Learning: When discussing machine learning, Yukino acknowledges the crucial role of data. She notes that even though the emphasis in machine learning is on building models, these models require good quality data to be effective. The data remains important, not just for a single model but for future iterations and improvements.
The Role and Value of Data: Yukino also delves into the continuing value of data even after it has been used to train a model. She uses the analogy of an oil company using data to locate oil wells; once the oil is found, the data used might seem redundant but retains long-term value for future explorations and improving accuracy of models.
Machine Learning Tools and Flexibility: Yukino touches on the topic of machine learning tools and the importance of flexibility in their use. She suggests that while there are standard tools in the field, one can be successful in data science even without mastering all of them. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to new tools, especially given the rapid developments in AI and machine learning technologies.
Self-Hosted Models and Future Prospects: Yukino expresses excitement about the future possibility of self-hosted models in AI. She looks forward to the potential of fine-tuning these models for specific applications, which could unlock a lot of capabilities in various fields.

Optimizing the Future: AI and the New Work Landscape

In this episode of the Plain Sight podcast, Operations Analyst at Invisible Technologies, Daniel Ristestki, discusses the opportunities and challenges of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into business operations. He explains his role as a bridge between operations and technology within the company, and the significant role of knowledge management. Daniel provides insights into how Invisible strives to make work feel like an interactive game, thereby boosting employee comfort and productivity in a remote working environment. He emphasizes the importance of constant learning and adaptation in the age of AI, and notes the potential for the technology to streamline routines and enhance efficiency - if properly understood and implemented. Despite popular misconceptions of AI as a threat, Daniel sees it as a tool for progress and a derivative of human's long history of technological evolution.
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Timestamps
00:02 Introduction and Guest Presentation
00:18 Understanding the Role of an Operations Analyst
01:16 Exploring the Concept of Knowledge Management
05:10 The Impact of Remote Work and Knowledge Management
05:33 The Evolution of Work: From Traditional to Remote
06:47 The Benefits and Challenges of Remote Work
11:07 The Role of Technology in Shaping Work Environments
16:33 The Industrial Revolution and Its Impact on Work
23:51 The Future of Work: AI and Automation
26:25 The Impact of Automation and AI on Jobs
27:11 The Role of Invisible in the AI Revolution
28:31 The Evolution of Work and Efficiency
29:27 The Application of AI in Invisible
31:02 The Future of AI and Work Optimization
34:43 The Challenges and Misconceptions about AI
41:58 The Role of AI in Coding and Development
48:43 The Personal Journey of an AI Early Adopter
Key Insights
 
AI as an Enabler of Optimization: Daniel emphasizes that AI's primary role in the workplace is to optimize processes. It's not about replacing human labor but enhancing and streamlining work processes. By automating routine tasks, AI can allow employees to focus on more complex, creative tasks that require human judgment.
Transformation of Work Practices: The use of AI and technology is fundamentally changing how work is conducted. Daniel points out that tasks which used to take a significant amount of time can now be accomplished much more quickly with the aid of AI tools. This shift is leading to a transformation in job roles, where workers are required to adapt and develop new skills to work alongside AI systems.
Remote Work and Knowledge Management: Daniel discusses how Invisible Technologies, where he works, leverages remote work and AI for effective knowledge management. The idea is to create an environment where employees feel comfortable and can thrive, which is particularly important in remote settings. The use of AI tools in such environments can aid in managing and disseminating knowledge more effectively.
Cultural Shift and Acceptance of AI: There's a significant cultural aspect to the adoption of AI in the workplace. According to Daniel, skepticism and comfort with existing methods can be barriers to adopting AI. He stresses the importance of understanding and adapting to new technologies rather than fearing them.
AI and Nonlinear Outputs: Daniel talks about how AI, particularly machine learning models like Large Language Models (LLMs), can produce nonlinear outputs that are not always predictable. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how to interact with these models and how to prompt them effectively to get reliable and useful results.
AI as a Tool for Progress: Daniel likens AI to historical tools like the plow in agriculture, which drastically reduced the time required for certain tasks. He views AI as a modern tool that, when used correctly, can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency.
Adaptation and Continuous Learning: Finally, Daniel highlights the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the face of AI and technological advancements. He believes that embracing change and being willing to learn new ways of working are essential for success in the modern workplace.

Revolutionizing Operations: Invisible Technologies and the AI Edge

In this episode of the Plain Sight podcast, Sam Mata, the Director of Operations at Invisible Technologies, discusses the company's approach to solving complex business problems and the philosophy behind their operations. He describes how Invisible has evolved over the years, using AI to optimize operations and how this has affected the nature of their work. Sam talks about Invisible's role as an AI trainer, the potential of Augmented Intelligence and his insights into team management and coordination. He also describes how AI has affected the productivity within the company and how it's becoming an integral part of Invisible's services.
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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Invisible Technologies01:11 Understanding Operations at Invisible Technologies02:04 The Role of Technology in Operations02:14 Invisible's Approach to Operations03:23 Invisible's Unique Approach to Client Engagement04:32 Understanding the Client's Needs04:46 The Evolution of Invisible Technologies05:14 The Sales and Discovery Process at Invisible10:48 The Challenges of Knowledge Management21:48 The Role of AI in Invisible's Operations24:32 The Role of AI in Business Optimization24:54 The Intersection of AI and Business Operations25:42 Leveraging AI Tools for Business Efficiency26:38 Innovative Use of AI in Documentation27:44 Exploring AI's Potential in Automating Business Processes29:28 The Impact of AI on Business Flexibility30:02 The Concept of Human Augmentation in the AI Era32:36 The Future of AI and Human Augmentation33:31 The Role of AI in Job Creation and Productivity34:38 The Fear and Reality of AI36:33 The Impact of AI on Programming44:41 The Role of AI in Teamwork and Collaboration48:42 The Importance of Quality in AI Model Outputs50:20 Conclusion: The Future of AI in Invisible
Key Insights
Operations Innovations at Invisible: Invisible Technologies is not just about executing tasks for clients but embedding themselves into their clients' teams to deeply understand and enhance their operations. They aim to optimize processes to be better, faster, and cheaper, moving beyond traditional Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) models.
Custom Solutions and Use of AI: Invisible leverages technology, including AI, to provide custom solutions. The company has evolved from using human labor for tasks to developing technology-driven processes, making operations more efficient. Sam Mata highlighted specific use cases where AI and automation have played a crucial role in improving services, like automating the generation of printable agendas from Google Calendars and extracting product tags from descriptions.
Cultural Alignment and Continuous Learning: The conversation touched upon the importance of preserving individual creativity within a team while aligning towards common goals. Sam emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptation, especially in the rapidly evolving field of AI and operations.
Augmentation vs. Replacement: Sam and the host discussed the concept of human augmentation through AI, focusing on how AI tools can empower individuals and teams to perform higher-level tasks by taking over more mundane or repetitive aspects of their work. The idea is to enhance human capabilities, not replace them.
Challenges of Knowledge Management: The discussion also ventured into the complexities of knowledge management, especially in large, fast-paced organizations like Invisible. They explored strategies for effective knowledge dissemination and documentation, including the use of AI to convert spoken conversations into structured documentation.
Visibility into Operations: Sam provided insights into how Invisible works closely with clients to deeply understand their processes and tailor their operations to meet specific client needs. This involves a proactive approach to understanding the nuances of each client's operations and continually refining processes for optimal results.

Demystifying AI’s Black Box with Aleksei Shkurin

In this episode of the Plain Sight podcast, Alexei Shkurin, a Tech Lead at Invisible Technologies, discusses the company’s philosophy and how they make complex business problems disappear by figuring out and optimizing various aspects of the businesses they work with. Alexei focuses on how Invisible uses LLMs (large language models) such as GPT-4 to enhance their operations and client services. He also shares his insights on topics like the mechanistic interpretability of AI, the emergence of new AI properties, and the ethical considerations involved in AI development. Furthermore, he delves into predictions for the AI industry and shares his ideas for the application of LLM within Invisible and AI's impact on the education system.
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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to the Plain Sight Podcast
00:04 Understanding Invisible Technologies
00:22 The Philosophy Behind Invisible Technologies
01:13 Introduction to the Guest: Alexei Shukrin
01:42 Discussion on Machine Learning
02:39 Exploring Mechanistic Interpretability
09:51 The Future of Programming and AI
14:41 The Impact of AI on Education
19:08 The Need for Digital Detox
23:56 The Changing Human Brain and AI
26:07 Digital Therapy Sessions at Invisible
27:26 Chatting with AI: A Personal Experience
27:35 AI Correcting Historical Facts
28:09 AI in Live Conversations: Current Limitations
28:59 The Future of Real-Time AI
31:02 Decentralization and Open Source in AI
35:37 AI Enablement at Invisible: Current Projects and Future Plans
38:05 The Role of MLOps in AI Development
40:21 Exploring the Concept of Sentience in AI
48:27 The Intersection of AI and Neuroscience
52:37 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
Key Insights
Rapid Changes in Machine Learning: Aleksei highlighted the fast-paced nature of machine learning and the importance of being resilient and not overly dependent on any single entity or technology, even if it's a major player in the field.
Mechanistic Interpretability in AI: He discussed the challenge of understanding the inner workings of large language models (LLMs) and neural networks. This area is an active field of research, and even experts are not fully sure how these models reason so effectively.
Emerging Properties of AI Models: Aleksei expressed concern about the emerging properties of AI models, where models can perform tasks or exhibit behaviors that were not explicitly intended or planned by their creators. This unpredictability is a potential risk that needs consideration.
Sentience in AI: The conversation touched on the topic of AI sentience, with a discussion on what constitutes sentience and consciousness. Aleksei emphasized the current limitations of AI in this regard, noting that AI models like LLMs do not make decisions independently but respond to external stimuli.
Transformation in the Role of Programmers: The future of programming was discussed, with AI tools increasingly taking over the tedious parts of coding. The role of programmers might shift more towards system architecture and design, rather than actual coding.
AI in Education: Aleksei stressed the importance of integrating AI into the education system. He suggested innovative methods like using AI for conversational learning and emphasized the need for students to have both traditional learning experiences and AI-assisted ones.
Dependence on AI and Digital Detox: He acknowledged the growing dependence on AI tools like ChatGPT and suggested the importance of digital detox and balancing AI usage with other activities.
Future of AI and Ethics: The ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI were discussed, including the need for responsible AI development and the potential risks associated with AI that can self-improve or exhibit unexpected emergent properties.
 

Decoding the Future: The Art and Science of Analytics in Business

In this episode of the Plain Sight podcast from Invisible Technologies, Stewart Alsop welcomes guest Paul Jerajian, the Director of Analytics at Invisible. They delve into an engaging conversation about the role of analytics in business and its evolution. Paul explains how Invisible's focus is to understand complex business operations, identify processes, and determine the tasks the team dislikes for optimization.
A highlight of the conversation includes Paul's definition of analytics and his thoughts on data, information, knowledge, and wisdom. They also discuss the impact of AI, how data can predict patterns, and the significance of understanding a business's past and goals for efficient analytics. The conversation wraps up with Paul emphasizing the need for open communication within a team to foster innovation and improve processes.
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Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to the Plain Sight Podcast00:04 Understanding Invisible Technologies00:22 The Philosophy Behind Invisible Technologies00:52 Invitation to the Podcast01:10 Interview with Paul Jerajian, Director of Analytics01:21 Exploring the Concept of Analytics02:14 The Relationship Between Data and Knowledge03:44 Common Misconceptions About Data and Analytics05:04 Translating Business Problems into Data08:21 Understanding the Role of Analytics in Invisible Technologies10:32 The Importance and Challenges of Dashboards11:58 Exploring the Future of AI and Analytics16:42 The Role of AI in Understanding Human Thought and Language21:21 The Concept of Creating in AI27:31 The Predictive Power of AI28:20 Understanding the Role of Prediction in Science30:03 The Challenges of Predictability in Analytics31:36 The Scale of Prediction: From Universe to Business32:11 Exploring the History and Evolution of Analytics33:15 The Cross-Disciplinary Nature of Analytics38:02 The Role of Analytics in Goal Setting and Measurement38:20 Dealing with Unmeasurable Aspects in Analytics42:14 The Importance of Understanding Company History and Future Goals46:40 The Challenges and Benefits of Remote Work in Analytics48:27 The Value of Personal Interactions and Riffing in a Remote Environment53:24 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
Key Points
Definition of Analytics: Paul Jerajian defines analytics as the science and understanding of using data to make decisions or to understand patterns.
Data to Knowledge: Jerajian discusses the progression from data to knowledge, emphasizing that any piece of information or existence contains data, which, when analyzed, can lead to patterns and, subsequently, a deeper understanding and knowledge.
Common Misconceptions: Many people have misconceptions about data, often viewing it as a magical solution that automatically provides answers. Jerajian clarifies that data requires iterative understanding and analysis to unlock its true potential.
Business Problem Translation: He explains the importance of conceptualization before using data analytically in businesses. Understanding what to track, measure, and analyze is crucial for effective data use.
Role of Dashboards: Jerajian talks about dashboards, describing them as both a blessing and a curse. Dashboards summarize insights from data points, usually in a visual format, aiding in pattern recognition and decision-making.
AI and Sensory Data: The conversation touches on the potential of AI in interpreting sensory data and its implications, such as AI's ability to predict or infer human thoughts and behaviors.
Limitations and Challenges in Analytics: He highlights the limitations in analytics, especially in predicting business outcomes for companies with variable growth or those that are relatively new.
Analytics in Business: Jerajian emphasizes the cross-functional nature of analytics in business, where it can aid various departments, from operations to finance.
Learning and Communication in Remote Environments: The discussion also covers the challenges of remote work, particularly in fostering immediate, spontaneous communication and learning.
Personal Approach to Analytics: Finally, Jerajian shares his personal approach, which includes understanding the history and goals of a business, fostering personable communication, and being open to learning from others' experiences.

Harmonizing Innovation: Karl Thomsen on Coaching and Development

In this episode of Plain Sight podcast, hosted by Invisible Technologies, Karl Thomsen, VP of Coaching and Development at Invisible Technologies holds a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities of growing a company in a remote work environment. Discussing the philosophy behind their work, Thompson shares insights into how he navigates the complex dynamics of running an efficient, remote workforce. He also talks about his role in maximizing individual employees' potentials, the importance of Emotional Quotient (EQ) in modern workplaces, maintaining team connectivity in remote environments, and the potentials of AI in business settings.
Check out this GPT that we trained specifically for those of you who don't have time right now to listen to the whole thing (you need to be a subscriber of GPT4 to get access). Try this prompt:What did Karl Thomsen say about the relationship between conducting musicians and running a company?
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Invisible Technologies and the Podcast
01:33 Guest Introduction: Karl Thomsen
02:00 Understanding Coaching and Development
03:06 The Role of Coaching in Business
11:06 The Concept of Destiny and Potential
13:28 The Intersection of Theory and Practice
19:55 The Role of Stress in Personal Growth
26:08 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Contributions
27:26 Integrating Individuals into a Larger Group
28:30 Managing Large Teams: From Sports to Business
28:45 The Importance of Connective Tissue in Team Building
29:56 Personal Journey: Overcoming Challenges and Applying Lessons in Coaching
30:21 Building Bridges: The Role of a Coach
31:37 The Impact of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
35:12 The Evolution of Remote Work: A Historical Perspective
41:18 The Intersection of Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence
42:51 The Role of AI in Shaping the Future of Work
51:13 The Conductor's Perspective: Leading Teams in Various Fields
 
Key Insights
Role of Coaching and Development: Karl Thomsen emphasizes that coaching and development can mean different things in different contexts. At Invisible, it's about finding a balance between theoretical ideals and practical application, impacting both the individual and the team.
Unique Corporate Culture: Invisible Technologies is characterized by its contrarian approach, often creating unconventional roles like Thomsen’s to foster creativity and innovation. This culture attracts diverse and multifaceted individuals.
Impact of AI and Future Work: Thomsen discussed the potential of AI in transforming the workplace, suggesting that AI might liberate humans from repetitive tasks and allow for more creative and strategic roles. He doesn't view AI as a threat but as an enabler of human potential.
Building Connective Tissue in Teams: The discussion highlighted the importance of building 'connective tissue' within teams, especially in a rapidly scaling company. Thomsen draws parallels between conducting an orchestra and leading a team, emphasizing the role of a conductor in harmonizing individual contributions towards a collective goal.
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: There's an acknowledgment of the increasing importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) alongside intellectual ability (IQ) in the workplace. Understanding and managing emotions are crucial for effective teamwork and leadership.
Navigating Stress and Pressure: The podcast touched on how stress and pressure, when managed well, can be catalysts for growth and development, both at an individual and organizational level.
Personal Background and Leadership: Thompson shared his personal journey, including overcoming challenging childhood experiences, which shaped his approach to leadership, empathy, and resilience.
Philosophy and Business: The episode delved into philosophical discussions about fate, destiny, creativity, and the human condition, relating these concepts to business and personal growth.
The Future of Work and Creativity: The conversation explored the future of work, particularly the role of creativity and strategy in a world increasingly augmented by AI and automation.

Crafting Intelligence: Kamron Palizban on the Art of AI Training

Welcome to the latest episode of the Plain Sight Podcast, where our host Stewart Alsop sits down with Kamron Palizban, Head of Strategy of AI Training at Invisible Technologies. In this insightful conversation, Kamron sheds light on the intricacies of AI training, emphasizing the crucial role of human feedback in refining AI models. The discussion delves into the evolving landscape of AI, exploring topics like synthetic data, self-training AI models, and the future of human involvement in AI development. Join us as we unravel the complexities of AI and understand its profound impact on our world, through the expert lens of Kamron Palizban.
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AI Training Explained
Definition and Importance: Kamron elaborates on AI training, emphasizing the role of human feedback in improving AI models, especially foundational models.
Real-World Application: Discussion on deploying AI models in real-world scenarios and the necessary training involved.
Synthetic Data and Self-Training Models
Prospects of Synthetic Data: Kamron talks about the creation and use of synthetic data in AI training, acknowledging its limitations compared to human diversity.
Self-Training Models: Exploration of AI models training themselves, including reinforcement learning, and the future of these methods.
Human Role in AI
Uncertain Future: Kamron shares his thoughts on the evolving role of humans in AI training, predicting significant changes in the coming years.
Monitoring AI: The critical role of human oversight in AI development and the potential risks of AI functioning without human intervention.
Mechanistic Interpretability
Understanding AI's Inner Workings: Discussion about how deeply humans can understand AI at a neuron level in neural networks.
Kamron’s Insights: He shares his perspective on the complexity of AI and the importance of advancing our understanding of neural networks.
AI Training Strategy and Team Dynamics at Invisible Technologies
Kamron's Background: His journey from head of operations to AI training strategy.
Team Dynamics: Insights into the team at Invisible Technologies, focusing on creativity, innovation, and the importance of sharing knowledge.
AI and Humanity
AI's Role in Society: Discussion on the exponential pace of innovation and the role AI plays in it.
Empowering Creativity: The importance of fostering creativity and experimentation in AI development.
Research and Commercialization
From Research to Real-World Application: Kamron discusses the path from foundational research in AI to practical applications in various industries.
Future Outlook and Invisible Technologies' Mission
Invisible’s Impact and Growth: Kamron reflects on the growth of Invisible Technologies and its role in various industries.
Mission Statement: The aim to lead in understanding, innovating, and standardizing AI training for humanity's benefit.