Hey everyone and welcome, let's jump right in shall we?
Today's deep dive takes us into the mind
of Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google.
Oh, a fascinating interview.
Yeah, packed with insights on everything
from leadership to company culture.
And of course AI.
It's not your typical business guru kind of talk though.
He really digs deep into the potential of AI
to reshape, well pretty much everything.
You can tell he sees it as more than just tech,
more like a force that's gonna redefine
what it means to be human.
Exactly, so let's start with his journey at Google,
which is pretty remarkable.
Oh yeah, talk about a success story.
I mean, he joined when Google was worth
about a hundred million dollars
and helped it grow to a staggering 180 billion.
It's not just growth,
that's like launching a rocket into orbit.
Right, and one thing that really stood out to me
was his emphasis on working with what he calls divas.
Divas, like in the offer sense?
Well, not quite.
He's talking about those brilliant driven individuals
who are let's say not afraid to challenge the status quo.
Oh, I see, the ones who push boundaries,
even if it ruffles some feathers along the way.
Exactly, they're the ones who often have
that raw intelligence to drive true innovation.
I get it, they're not necessarily easy to work with,
but they're the ones who can really make a difference.
Yeah, he even shares a story about Larry Page
and Sergey Brin, Google's founders,
to illustrate this point.
You mean like an anecdote from the early days?
Yeah, they were brainstorming strategy
and amidst all the discussion,
Sergey just cuts through the noise
with this radical idea, completely shifts their thinking.
No, it's about having those people
who can think outside the box,
who aren't afraid to shake things up.
Absolutely, but Schmidt also emphasizes
that it's not enough to just have
these brilliant minds on board.
Right, you need the right environment
for them to flourish.
Exactly, which brings us to Google's famous 702010 rule
for innovation, have you heard of this?
Hmm, rings a bell, but refresh my memory.
Sure, it's basically a framework for allocating resources.
70% goes to your core business,
the stuff that pays the bills.
Okay, that makes sense, keeping the lights on.
Then 20% is for projects that are adjacent
to your core business,
things with potential to expand into new markets.
So building on what you already do well,
exploring new avenues.
And the most interesting part,
the final 10% is dedicated to those moonshot ideas.
Moonshot, you mean like aiming for the impossible?
Yeah, those seemingly crazy ventures
that could potentially change the world.
High risk, high reward kind of stuff.
Exactly, and Schmidt argues
that this is where true breakthroughs happen.
He uses Google Brain as an example.
Google Brain.
Yeah, it started as this tiny project
focused on deep learning tucked away in Google X.
Ah, one of those, let's see what happens initiatives.
Right, but fast forward,
and it's now generating billions in profit for Google.
So it's proof that investing in those out there ideas
can actually pay off big time.
Absolutely, and if you wonder what moonshot ideas
we might be dismissing too quickly.
Hmm, good point.
It's a good reminder to stay open
to those unconventional paths.
And this all ties into Schmidt's bigger point
about building a tech-driven culture
that's laser focused on exceptional products.
He's a big believer in speed and agility, right?
Yeah. Especially for startups.
Oh, absolutely, he talks about how
getting a great product to market quickly
can give you a massive advantage.
Makes sense. Timing is everything in the tech world.
And he brings up Marissa Mayer,
who introduced A-B testing at Google.
Now A-B testing, just for those who might not be familiar.
Yeah, good point.
It's basically showing two versions of something
like a webpage to different groups of people
and seeing which one performs better.
So it's all about data-driven decision making,
taking the guesswork out of design.
Exactly, they were constantly experimenting, measuring,
and iterating based on what the data told them.
Like a scientific approach to product development.
And this data-driven mindset extended beyond just products.
Schmidt also highlights Google's policy
of not laying off employees, even during tough times.
Interesting. That's pretty rare,
especially in the tech industry.
It is, but he argues that it fostered incredible loyalty
and allowed them to keep valuable knowledge
within the company.
I can see how that would create a sense of security
and encourage people to stick around.
But he acknowledges that maintaining this kind of culture
gets tricky as a company grows.
Yeah, larger corporations tend to become more,
well, bureaucratic and risk averse.
Right.
He even mentions how Google's famous TGIF meetings,
which started as this fun, informal way for employees
to connect with executives.
Oh, I've heard about those,
kind of legendary in Silicon Valley lore.
Yeah, but they eventually lost their magic
as the company got bigger.
What happened?
Well, with thousands of employees,
they became less intimate, they're released,
and that sense of openness kind of disappeared.
It's almost like a cautionary tale, right?
Yeah.
Even with the best intentions,
things can change as an organization scales.
It definitely makes you think about the challenges
of preserving a unique culture as a company grows,
especially in the fast-paced world of tech.
And that leads us to a topic that's central
to Schmidt's vision, the AI revolution.
He doesn't shy away from the big questions, does he?
He calls it, and I quote,
a question of human survival.
Wow, that's a pretty stark statement.
It is.
He believes that AI is progressing so rapidly
that we need to adapt and manage it carefully or risk,
well, some pretty serious consequences.
It's not just about jobs being replaced, is it?
It's something much bigger.
Right.
He's worried about AI systems making decisions
that might not align with our human values.
Like imagine a self-driving car facing a moral dilemma
in an emergency situation.
Oh, I see what you mean.
The AI might choose the most logically efficient option,
but that might not be the most ethically sound one.
Exactly.
And then there's the whole issue of AI and misinformation,
something we're all grappling with these days.
Oh yeah, that's the big...
He actually points to the changes
in social media algorithms around 2015
that led to more targeted feeds.
Hmm, you know, I hadn't thought about it that way,
but those algorithms designed to keep us engaged,
they can also create echo chambers
where misinformation spreads like wildfire.
And potentially fuel anxiety and depression, he argues.
Right, it's like this double-edged sword,
the same tech that connects us
can also be used to manipulate and divide us.
But even with these concerns,
Schmidt believes that AI will ultimately
create more jobs than it eliminates.
So it's not all doom and gloom.
No, he predicts that AI will actually
double everyone's productivity,
leading to new opportunities in markets
we can't even imagine yet.
It's like having an AI assistant with an IQ of 1,000,
as he puts it.
Right, but here's the crucial part.
He believes it won't replace human judgment and creativity,
those uniquely human qualities.
So AI will augment our abilities, not make us obsolete.
Exactly, he uses this great analogy
of a robotic Formula One race
versus one with human drivers.
Okay, I'm intrigued.
Sure, the robots might be faster
and more technically perfect.
But where's the excitement?
Where's the human element?
Exactly, and that's what Schmidt believes will endure,
even in an AI-driven world.
Those things that make us human, our passion,
our creativity, our connection with each other.
Right, but he also introduces this concept
that's both fascinating and a little unsettling.
Raw models.
Raw models, what's that?
These are powerful AI systems
that haven't been refined or filtered for public use.
It's like unteamed potential.
I get it, powerful but unpredictable.
And here's the kicker.
He argues that AI will eventually learn things
that we don't even know.
Whoa, now that's a mind bender.
It is, and it raises some really tough questions,
like how do we test for knowledge
we don't even know exists?
And how do we ensure that we maintain control
over something that's constantly learning
and evolving beyond our own understanding?
Exactly.
He even suggests that we might need to be able to,
and I quote, unplug AI systems at certain points
to prevent unintended consequences.
Like an emergency shutoff switch.
Yeah, like a safeguard, a last resort
to make sure things don't spiral out of control.
It's a sobering thought,
but it highlights the need to approach AI development
with both enthusiasm and caution.
We've covered a lot of ground already,
but this is just the beginning of our deep dive
into Eric Schmidt's insights on the future of AI.
He's definitely given us a lot to chew on.
Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions
on the potential and the perils
of this world-changing technology after a quick break.
We'll be right back.
You know we were just talking about
the potential for AI misuse, right?
Yeah, it's a bit unnerving to think about.
Schmidt really doesn't shy away
from the darker possibilities, does he?
Not at all.
He specifically mentions cyber attacks,
even the development of biological weapons.
Oh, that's chilling.
And of course, the spread of misinformation,
but on a scale we haven't even seen yet.
It's almost like a Pandora's box scenario, isn't it?
Once it's open.
Right, but he's not saying
we should stop AI development altogether.
More like a call for caution and proactiveness, I think.
Yeah, he's urging us to think ahead,
not just about technological safeguards,
but about the societal impact as well.
So it's not just a tech issue, it's a human issue.
Exactly, we need more education, open discussions,
you know, really trying to anticipate
the ethical dilemmas that AI will inevitably bring up.
Sounds like he's advocating for a more holistic approach,
considering the human element
alongside the technological advancements.
Absolutely, and it's not all doom and gloom,
you know, when it comes to the future.
Schmidt is actually more concerned
that we won't adopt AI fast enough.
Really?
That's surprising.
Usually it's the opposite of people
warning about the dangers of AI moving too quickly.
I know, right.
But he sees this incredible potential for AI
to address some of the world's most pressing problems.
Like what specifically?
Well, he talks about education and healthcare for starters.
Oh, I see, so using AI to improve those sectors?
Exactly.
He believes AI could create a more level playing field,
you know, giving everyone access to quality education
and medical care, no matter where they live
or their economic background.
It's a powerful idea, using technology
to bridge those gaps.
It is. Imagine a world where everyone has access
to an AI tutor that adapts to their individual learning style
or AI-powered diagnostic tools
that can help doctors make faster, more accurate diagnoses.
It sounds almost utopian, but in a good way.
Right, but even with all these advancements,
Schmidt emphasizes that human connection and achievement,
they'll still be at the heart of it all.
So he's not predicting some kind of dystopian future
where humans are just cogs in the machine?
No, not at all.
He sees AI as enhancing our capabilities,
not replacing the things that make us human.
Our creativity, our empathy,
our drive to connect with each other?
All of that, those things will still be essential,
even in an AI-driven world.
He brings it back to that Formula One analogy, doesn't he?
He does.
Even if you had robotic drivers that were technically perfect,
there's still something captivating about the human element.
The risk-taking, the passion, the unpredictability.
Exactly.
That's what Schmidt believes will endure,
even as AI continues to evolve.
But speaking of evolution,
he also brings up the possibility
of AI agents developing their own language.
Yeah, I remember that part.
It's pretty mind-blowing.
It is.
What happens when AI starts communicating
in ways we don't even understand?
Right.
How do we ensure transparency and accountability then?
It almost feels like crossing a line into the unknown.
It does, doesn't it?
Schmidt sees this potential development
as a crucial point for intervention.
A moment where we need to reassert our role
as the architects of this technology.
So not just letting AI develop on its own,
but actively shaping its trajectory.
Exactly.
And this brings up the geopolitical implications, too.
There are serious concerns about nations
using AI for malicious purposes.
Oh, yeah, especially with the rising tensions
we're seeing globally.
Schmidt acknowledges those concerns.
He's been working with governments
and international organizations
to try to prevent a dangerous AI arms race.
That's encouraging.
It's good to know someone with his influence
is pushing for responsible AI development on that level.
It's a complex issue, though.
Finding that balance between harnessing AI's potential
for good while mitigating the risks.
Definitely.
It's not an easy task.
But Schmidt remains cautiously optimistic.
So it's not all doom and gloom.
Not at all.
He believes that if we approach AI with foresight
and responsibility, we can use it to build
a more equitable, more prosperous, and ultimately
a more humane world.
That's a hopeful vision, one worth striving for.
It is.
And it requires all of us to be involved,
asking tough questions, educating ourselves,
and really participating in shaping the development of AI
in a way that reflects our shared values.
So it's not just about the technology itself,
but about the choices we make as a society.
Exactly.
And as we delve further into Schmidt's insights,
I think it's a good time to reflect.
What questions come to mind for you?
What aspect of AI, whether positive or negative,
keeps you up at night?
That's a great question to ponder.
And we'll continue exploring these complex issues
after a short break.
Stay tuned.
We left off talking about some pretty heavy stuff,
you know, the potential for AI to be used for harmful purposes.
Yeah, it's easy to get caught up in those what-if scenarios,
especially with something as powerful as AI.
But I appreciate that Schmidt doesn't just
dwell on the negatives.
He brings it back to the human element.
Right.
He keeps emphasizing that AI is a tool,
and it is up to us to decide how we use it.
He's really advocating for active participation,
not just blind acceptance.
You know, we need to be informed and engaged citizens.
Absolutely.
He talks about critical thinking, questioning assumptions,
being aware of our own biases.
Because AI is going to impact every aspect of our lives, right?
I don't know.
It's not just about tech skills anymore.
Exactly.
It's about being informed and making conscious decisions
about the role we want AI to play in society.
And this whole idea of maintaining human control over AI,
it keeps coming up, you know?
Schmidt highlighted some specific situations
where intervention seems crucial.
Like what, for example?
Well, remember the concept of recursive self-improvement,
where AI systems could potentially design and improve
themselves at an exponential rate.
Oh, yeah.
That was a bit unsettling.
It is.
It's like imagining a machine that can constantly
outsmart itself, potentially surpassing our ability
to understand or control it.
I see what you mean.
It could get away from us pretty quickly.
Right.
And Schmidt suggests that we might need mechanisms
to unplug AI systems at certain points.
Like a kill switch.
Yeah, like a safeguard and emergency break
to ensure things don't spiral out of control.
It's a pretty drastic measure.
But I guess it highlights the seriousness
of the potential risks.
Definitely.
And he also brought up the possibility
of AI agents developing their own language.
Right.
That was mind-boggling AI systems communicating
in ways we don't understand.
Exactly.
What does that even mean for transparency and accountability?
It would make it much harder to track what AI is doing
and why, wouldn't it?
Right.
And Schmidt believes that scenario would be a red flag,
a moment to step in and reassert our role
as the architects of this technology.
So not just passively observing its development,
but actively shaping its direction.
Exactly.
And these ethical guidelines become even more crucial
when you consider AI weaponry, something Schmidt
has been quite vocal about.
Oh, yeah, he's been working on the international stage
trying to prevent a dangerous AI arms race.
It highlights that this isn't just a tech issue.
It has huge geopolitical implications as well.
And yet, amidst all these concerns,
Schmidt also said something that really surprised me.
My actual fear is that we're not going
to adopt AI fast enough to solve the problems that
affect everybody.
Really?
That's kind of the opposite of what we usually hear.
Most people are worried about AI moving too fast.
I know, right?
But it shows how strongly he believes in AI's potential
to solve some of humanity's biggest challenges.
He sees it as a tool for good, a way
to make real progress in areas like education, health care,
climate change, even poverty.
So it's not about rejecting AI out of fear.
It's about finding that balance, right?
Exactly.
Acknowledging the risks, but not letting them paralyze us,
we need to move forward with both enthusiasm and caution.
He's got this vision of a future where AI empowers
individuals and communities, where everyone has access
to personalized learning tools and the best medical care.
It's a powerful image, a world where technology helps
us create a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.
But realizing that vision requires us
to be actively involved, to engage in these conversations,
and make conscious choices about the role we want AI
to play in our lives.
Well, I think this deep dive into Eric Schmidt's perspective
has given us a lot to think about,
both the potential benefits and the potential pitfalls of AI.
It has.
And it's clear that this conversation is just beginning.
AI is evolving rapidly.
And it's going to impact each of us in profound ways.
So as we wrap up this episode, I encourage you
to reflect on what you've heard, to ask those tough questions,
and to participate in shaping the future of AI in a way
that reflects our shared values.
Remember, this isn't just about algorithms and code.
It's about us, our choices, our vision for the world
we want to create.
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Stay curious and keep exploring.
The future is in our hands.