The Outside Context

• Teaching the Machine: Conscience and Truth in the Age of AI

  In episode 12 of The Outside Context, Haviva Kohl, Senior Program Manager at a Big Tech firm, shares her unique journey from being a sixth-grade teacher to working in tech, through to discussing the implications of AI, disinformation, and the defence of democracy. She emphasises the rapid pace of AI development and its potential impact on jobs and society, while also addressing the challenges of misinformation and the erosion of trust in institutions. The discussion explores the role of big tech in safeguarding democracy and the need for critical thinking and resilience in navigating the information landscape. Ultimately, Haviva expresses cautious optimism for the future, highlighting the importance of education and community engagement in fostering a more informed society. Key takeaways:Haviva's journey reflects a commitment to empowering individuals and communities.The pace of AI development is unprecedented and poses unique challenges.Disinformation threatens the core of Western civilization and trust in institutions. Democracies face structural disadvantages in combating disinformation compared to authoritarian regimes. Big tech firms have a role in safeguarding democracy but require careful regulation.Critical thinking is essential in navigating misinformation and disinformation.Education systems are struggling to keep up with technological advancements.There is hope for the future through the resilience of younger generations.Humans have the capacity to adapt and overcome challenges posed by technology.Building frameworks of trust around information is crucial for society.Connect with Us:Follow The Outside Context on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcastsFollow Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay for more insights into the future of technology, civilisation & digital financeMessage us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution© 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.

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• Power, Protocols & Post-Scarcity: Where Venture Capital Goes Next

  In episode 11 of The Outside Context, Rob Hadick, General Partner at Dragonfly, shares his journey from Wall Street to venture capital, discussing the evolving landscape of investment, particularly in the realms of blockchain and decentralised finance. He highlights the differences between traditional finance and the emerging tech-driven paradigms, emphasising the importance of networks and the changing role of VCs in a tighter funding environment. The discussion also shifts into geopolitical implications, the future of decentralisation, and the potential shifts in the global economic order, ultimately pondering the long-term future of venture capital in a rapidly changing world.Key TakeawaysRob Hadick transitioned from Wall Street to venture capital, focusing on tech's disruption of finance.The investment landscape is shifting towards AI, blockchain, and biotech as key areas for growth.Venture capital is seeing a hollowing out of the middle, with mega funds dominating the market. Decentralisation is becoming less of a priority for VCs, who are focusing on business viability.The future of VC may involve broader asset management strategies beyond traditional investments.Geopolitical tensions are influencing investment strategies and capital flows globally.The rise of digital currencies and stablecoins is reshaping the financial landscape.Investors are increasingly able to bootstrap companies without significant capital.The future economic order may see a consolidation of currencies and a shift in global power dynamics.Long-term, capital formation will remain essential, even in a post-scarcity world.Connect with Us:Follow The Outside Context on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcastsConnect with Rob Hadick on X @HadickMFollow Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay for more insights into the future of technology, civilisation & digital financeMessage us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution© 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.

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• The Self, Sovereign: Reclaiming Control and the Future of Digital Identity

  In episode 10 of The Outside Context, Seema Khinda Johnson, Co-Founder and COO of Nuggets, shares her journey in the tech industry and discusses the critical importance of digital identity in today's world. She emphasises the need for self-sovereign identity, the business case for digital identity solutions, and the challenges of inclusivity in identity verification and why "data is the new oil". Seema also addresses the potential pitfalls in the digital identity space and the urgency of establishing a robust identity framework to combat the growing authenticity crisis exacerbated by AI.Key takeawaysDigital identity is crucial for preventing data breaches.Self-sovereign identity gives individuals control over their data.Businesses need a compelling case to adopt digital identity solutions.The convenience of digital identity is essential for user adoption.Inclusivity in identity verification is a significant challenge.AI is changing the landscape of identity verification.Interoperability between identity standards is necessary.The technology for inclusive identity verification exists.Digital identity is critical infrastructure for the future.Connect with Us:Follow The Outside Context on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcastsConnect with Seema Khinda Johnson on LinkedInFollow Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay for more insights into the future of technology and financeJoin the Conversation: What excites or concerns you most about the future of digital identity and the importance of individual control over your data? Drop us a message on social media or leave a comment!Thanks for listening to Outside Context! If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe!Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution© 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.

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• Nailing It: Resetting the System for Women in Tech

  In episode 9 of The Outside Context, Leah Winberg aka Winny, Founder of Chipped Social, shares her unique journey from a childhood passion for fashion to the tech world, culminating in the creation of Chipped, a revolutionary product that integrates NFC technology into fashion. The discussion explores the intersections of art, technology, and finance, emphasising the importance of diversity in tech and the role of women in shaping the future. Winny also addresses the challenges of sustainability in fashion and the potential for technology to influence society positively. The episode concludes with insights into the future of Chipped and the broader implications of technology in our lives.Key TakeawaysWinny's journey from fashion to tech began at a young age.Chipped started as a personal project before gaining traction.The intersection of art, tech, and finance is crucial for innovation.Diversity in tech is essential for creating inclusive products.Women control a significant portion of consumer spending.Embracing femininity in tech can lead to better products.Privacy should be prioritized in technology development.Sustainability in fashion is a pressing concern.Technology can empower individuals and communities.The future of fashion may shift towards more sustainable practices.Sound Bites"I want to build these things myself.""We need to get the girlies on chain.""Women control 85% of consumer spending.""I want to be leading this conversation."Chapters00:00 From Fashion to Tech: Winny's Journey02:51 The Birth of Chipped: Innovation in Fashion Tech06:02 Bridging Art, Tech, and Finance09:07 Empowering Women in Tech: The Importance of Diversity11:50 The Future of Technology and Its Impact on Society17:05 Fashion's Role in a Sustainable Future19:57 Final Thoughts and Future of ChippedMessage us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution© 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.

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• Change, Capitalism & Cracks in the System: The Shift to Citizen Agency

  In episode 8 of The Outside Context, Carne Ross discusses his journey from being a British diplomat to advocating for self-governance and participatory democracy. He highlights the current challenges facing democracy, including economic inequality and the influence of wealth on political systems. Ross emphasises the importance of technology in enabling democratic participation while also warning of its potential for surveillance and control. He explores the future of governance, suggesting that change must come from the bottom up, and imagines alternative societal models that prioritise human connection and agency.Key TakeawaysCarne Ross' transition from a belief in state governance to anarchism.The significant challenges facing democracy, including declining public confidence.How economic inequality contributes to the disenfranchisement of citizens.How real agency in democracy requires more than just voting every few years.Why change must come from grassroots movements and individual actions.Why technology can empower participatory democracy but also poses risks of surveillance.The challenge of wealth concentration leading to disproportionate political influence.How the current political system often only offers an illusion of choice.Historical examples show that self-governance is possible and has existed before.Why future societies may need to prioritise human connection over consumerism.Notable Quotes"Nothing about us without us.""Democracy is in great trouble.""People are denied economic agency.""Change comes from the bottom up.""Money is power.""Capitalism is a very clever system."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Carne Ross and His Journey02:29 The State of Democracy and Its Challenges06:56 The Role of Technology in Democracy10:55 The Influence of Wealth and Power16:43 The Future of Governance and Political Change21:34 Imagining Future Societies and Governance ModelsConnect with Us:Follow The Outside Context on SpotifyFollow Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay for more insights into the future of technology and financeJoin the Conversation: What do you think the future of governance and consumerism will look like? Drop us a message on social media or leave a comment!Thanks for listening to Outside Context! If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe!Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution© 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.

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