The Great Progression Series: Embracing the Positive Potential of Generative AI
On June 29, the Great Progression Series continued with a vibrant mix of influential figures gathering to discuss the topic: “What is the positive potential of generative AI?” Esteemed panelists included Google’s senior research scientist Greg Corrado, Wired cofounder Kevin Kelly, Coursera cofounder and Insitro CEO Daphne Koller, UC Berkeley’s economics professor Brad DeLong, Salesforce’s SVP for strategic planning Peter Schwartz, and 23andMe cofounder Linda Avey. Notably, the gathering gave Koller the opportunity to reminisce about her students: Corrado and OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman.
A brief recap
The inaugural event was marked by dynamic discussions around the “Real Implications” of Generative AI, where attendees explored its potential impact on various industries. This second installment continued the dialogue, this time focusing on the positive “what ifs” of generative AI.
Key takeaways
1. Harnessing collective intelligence for progress
Brad DeLong, a renowned economist, professor at UC Berkeley and author of Slouching Towards Utopia, celebrated the access to the power of collective intelligence in LLMs. He pointed to the study by Thomas W. Malone, where he and his colleagues gave a group of students six different problems to solve. Each problem was designed to be challenging enough that no individual student could solve it on their own. However, the group of students was able to solve all six problems by working together and sharing their ideas.
2. A future with tailored education
Daphne Koller, cofounder of Coursera and now driving advancements in drug discovery at Insitro, envisaged a world where no student is left behind. In her view, AI has the potential to provide each student with a personalized tutor, giving them the kind of education that today’s top 5% receive and fostering an influx of thought leaders to drive a brighter, equitable, and sustainable future.
3. Preparing for the age of uncertainty
Kevin Kelly, a prominent voice in technology as the cofounder of Wired, reminded us to anticipate an era of uncertainty. His message centered on the necessity for humans to understand intelligence deeply, not just marvel at it. This understanding will be key to developing AI entities that transcend beyond mirroring humanity and our biases.
4. A paradigm shift in design
Mike Haley, Autodesk’s leader in machine intelligence, sees a future where our interaction with technology surpasses the confines of keyboards and mice, leading to innovations in design previously considered impossible. This reminded me of the TESSERAE project, led by Ariel Ekblaw, which is a design for self-assembling space structures and habitats. Could we be headed toward a future where homes, buildings, and structures constantly adapt to their surroundings?
5. Expanding the horizon with large language (LLM) model agents
Google’s senior scientist Greg Corrado noted the significance of the shift from pattern recognition to pattern completion. As a groundbreaking shift, this new capacity promises to empower us to grapple with complexities previously deemed out of reach. It’s a pioneering step that may pave the way for monumental innovations such as the construction of digital bio-twins and potentially eliminating any harm to living beings during clinical drug discovery.
Shaping the future
This second “Meeting of the Minds” built on the momentum from its inaugural event, offering a glimpse into an age of profound technological innovation. As the series progresses, the third event’s focus (July 27) on potential risks and mitigation strategies comes at a crucial juncture, marking the importance of preparedness as we embrace a future shaped by AI.
Slalom is focused on building better tomorrows for all with AI. With our continued commitment to fostering intellectual engagement, each event draws us one step closer to realizing a world where AI and human intellect synergize for a bright future.
As AI evolves, Slalom remains committed to imagining and cocreating a people-first future with other dreamers, innovators, and builders.
Slalom is a global consulting firm that helps people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. Learn more about Slalom’s human-centered AI approach and reach out today.
