Hey, everyone, and welcome back for another Deep Dive.
Today, we're going to be talking about a company you've probably never heard of, but one that
you should absolutely know about.
And that's DeepSeek.
Darrell Bock DeepSeek.
Yeah, DeepSeek.
And we've got excerpts from this book here called Breaking the AI Barrier.
And this book is wild.
DeepSeek is this tiny Chinese firm that's totally shaking up the AI world, taking on
these giants with a budget that's basically like pocket change for Silicon Valley.
Darrell Bock It really is a David versus Calliott story.
It is.
We're talking $5 million for DeepSeek versus the billions that companies like Google and
Microsoft pour into AI.
What DeepSeek has managed to achieve with such limited resources, it's just fascinating.
Darrell Bock Okay, so before we get into DeepSeek's
secret sauce, can you kind of set the scene for us?
AI used to be this exclusive club, right?
Darrell Bock Absolutely.
For years, artificial intelligence was the domain of elite universities, heavily funded
research labs, and of course those massive tech companies.
But things are shifting.
And DeepSeek is right at the forefront of this change.
Darrell Bock This book, Breaking the AI Barrier, calls
it the democratization of AI.
What exactly does that mean?
Darrell Bock It means that the tools and the knowledge
needed to develop AI are becoming more accessible to a wider range of barrier, people and organizations.
It's no longer a game just for the giants.
There's several factors that are driving this, like the sheer increase in computing
power that we've seen, hardware is getting keeper, cloud computing is making resources
readily available, and online education is exploding.
Suddenly the barrier to entry is significantly lower than it used to be.
Darrell Bock So like how the internet gave anyone with
a computer a voice, now these advancements are giving more people the power to, tinker
with and build their own AI.
Darrell Bock That's a great analogy.
And a big part of this democratization is the rise of open source technology.
Think of it like a recipe book for AI that everyone can access.
To read to and improve upon.
Instead of each company guarding its AI secrets like these precious jewels, they're sharing
components algorithms, even whole systems.
Darrell Bock So deep seek is taking advantage of this
open buffet of AI knowledge.
Darrell Bock They are.
And that's a key part of how they've achieved so much with so little.
They're masters at using what's already out there, combining it in innovative ways, and
focusing their own resources on the areas where they can truly differentiate themselves.
Darrell Bock Clever.
But the book also argues that you don't need billions of dollars to make a real impact
in AI.
They used this analogy about a garden and a factory.
What's that all about?
Darrell Bock Oh it's a great way to illustrate their
point.
Imagine a wealthy industrialist trying to grow the most beautiful roses.
Darrell Bock Yeah.
Darrell Bock By building this massive high tech factory,
he throws tons of money and technology at the problem.
But next door, his neighbor is quietly tending to this simple garden.
Using traditional methods and a deep understanding of how roses thrive.
And guess what?
Darrell Bock What?
Darrell Bock The neighbors' roses turn out to be more
vibrant, more fragrant, just plain better.
Darrell Bock Because it's not about brute force.
It's about the knowledge and the skill.
Darrell Bock Exactly.
The book argues that DeepSeek's success is based on this garden approach.
They're not trying to outspend the giants.
They're outsmarting them by being laser focused on their goals, efficient with their resources,
and incredibly resourceful in leveraging what's already available.
Darrell Bock All right, so we've got this scrappy underdog,
DeepSeek.
Looking on the AI establishment, can you paint a picture for us?
What's a typical big tech approach to AI development?
And how does DeepSeek's strategy differ?
Darrell Bock Well, the big tech playbook often looks
like this.
Throw massive amounts of data computing power and money at a problem.
Build everything in-house.
And keep your advancements closely guarded.
It's a resource heavy approach.
Almost like an arms race to see who can be the biggest and the strongest.
Darrell Bock And DeepSeek is going for a more nimble,
almost gorilla style approach.
DeepSeek Exactly, they're leveraging the power of open-source
technologies, which allows them to tap into this vast pool of pre-existing knowledge and
tools.
They're embracing cloud computing to access flexible and affordable computing power when
they need it.
And they're building collaborative networks, partnering with universities and other organizations
to share knowledge and resources.
Darrell Bock So they're basically saying, we don't need
to build everything from scratch.
Let's use what's already out there.
Build it in smart ways and focus our energy on the things that truly matter.
DeepSeek That's exactly it.
And this approach is sending ripples through the entire AI industry.
Darrell Bock I bet it is.
The big players probably weren't expecting this small resourceful company to come along
and shake things up like this.
But what does it actually mean for the AI landscape?
How has DeepSeek's approach challenged the status quo?
DeepSeek's success is like a shot across the bow for the whole industry.
It's challenging those traditional assumptions that you need to be this massive company with
billions of dollars.
But you even innovate in AI.
It's a wake up call for sure.
DeepSeek has demonstrated that a small, agile team working collaboratively and leveraging
existing resources can't achieve groundbreaking results.
Darrell Bock It's making those big tech companies rethink
their whole approach, isn't it?
They can't just ignore what DeepSeek has accomplished.
DeepSeek Exactly.
DeepSeek's story highlights a shift towards a more open and collaborative mile of AI development.
The old paradigm of proprietary technologies and closed ecosystems is starting to give
way to a more decentralized and inclusive approach.
Darrell Bock So it's like the walls are coming down and
suddenly there's this whole new playground for innovation where anyone can participate.
DeepSeek That's a great way to put it.
And this has huge implications, not just for the tech industry, but for society as a whole.
We're talking about a fundamental shift in the way we develop and interact with technology.
Darrell Bock Okay.
So let's talk about those wider implications.
I think a lot of people hear AI revolution and their minds jump to dystopian sci-fi scenarios.
But what are the real tangible ways this democratization of AI is going to impact our lives?
DeepSeek Well, one of the most significant areas is
the future of work.
As AI becomes more sophisticated and accessible, we're going to see more and more tasks being
automated.
This will inevitably lead to changes in the job market, with some jobs disappearing and
new ones emerging.
Darrell Bock It's the question everyone is asking, are robots
going to take our jobs?
DeepSeek It's not as simple as that.
It's not about AI replacing humans entirely.
It's more about AI augmenting our capabilities, taking over repetitive or dangerous tasks,
and freeing us up to focus on things that require uniquely human skills.
Darrell Bock Like creativity, critical thinking, problem
solving, those things that robots aren't so good at yet.
DeepSeek Exactly.
Those skills are going to be more valuable than ever in an AI-driven world.
Darrell Bock So it's less about fearing AI and more
about adapting to this changing landscape, right?
What can people do to prepare for this future of work, where AI is going to be a major player?
DeepSeek The key is to focus on developing those skills
that are uniquely human and difficult to automate, things like creativity, critical thinking,
emotional intelligence, complex problem solving.
These are the areas where humans will continue to have an edge.
Darrell Bock So it's not just about learning to code,
it's about nurturing those human skills that make us adaptable and innovative.
DeepSeek Precisely.
It's about lifelong learning, being adaptable, and embracing the idea that the jobs of the
future may look very different from the jobs of today.
DeepSeek It's exciting and a little daunting at the
same time, but it sounds like the democratization of AI could actually create a lot of new opportunities,
not just challenges.
Darrell Bock Absolutely.
Think about the potential for entrepreneurship.
As AI tools become more accessible and affordable, it lowers the barriers to entry for startups
and small businesses.
Suddenly you don't need a huge team of engineers and millions of dollars.
To develop innovative products and services powered by AI.
DeepSeek So it's kind of leveling the playing field
for entrepreneurs, just like open sources leveling the playing field for developers.
Darrell Bock That's a great way to put it.
And this can lead to a more dynamic and diverse economy, with new ideas and innovations coming
from all corners of the world.
DeepSeek That's a really optimistic view of the future,
but we'd be remiss if we didn't talk about the potential downsides.
I mean, with any powerful technology, there's always the risk of misuse or unintended consequences.
Darrell Bock You're right.
It's important to acknowledge those potential challenges.
One concern is the potential for economic disruption.
As AI automates more tasks, there will be job displacement in certain sectors.
We need to be prepared to support those who are affected and help them transition to new
roles.
DeepSeek So retraining and education are going to be
crucial.
Darrell Bock Absolutely.
We need to invest in programs that equip people with the skills they need to thrive in this
evolving job market.
But it's not just about jobs, it's also about ensuring that the benefits of AI are distributed
equitably.
DeepSeek What do you mean by that?
Darrell Bock Well, we need to be mindful of the potential
for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities if access to AI tools and resources is concentrated
in the hands of a few.
It could widen the gap between the has and the have-nots.
DeepSeek So it's not just about making AI accessible,
it's about making sure that access is fair and equitable for everyone, regardless of
their background or resources.
Darrell Bock That's exactly right.
We need to think about how to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared broadly across
society.
DeepSeek I'm glad you brought that up.
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the technology and forget about the human
element, but ultimately AI is a tool.
And like any tool, it can be used for good or for bad.
It all depends on who's wielding it and for what purpose.
Darrell Bock I couldn't agree more.
That's why it's so important to have these conversations about the ethical implications
of AI.
As we move towards a future where AI is more pervasive, we need to be thinking about the
values we want to embed in these systems.
DeepSeek So it's not just about building cool new
tech, it's about building tech that reflects our values and serves humanity as a whole.
Darrell Bock That's exactly it.
And this is where the democratization of AI can actually play a positive role.
By making AI development more inclusive and participatory, we can ensure that a wider
range of voices are heard and that these technologies are designed with ethical considerations in
mind.
And more diversity in the field of AI development can lead to more ethical and responsible outcomes.
DeepSeek That's the idea.
By bringing together people from different backgrounds, disciplines and perspectives,
we can create a more robust and nuanced approach to AI ethics.
It's about having those difficult conversations, challenging assumptions, and ensuring that
AI is developed and used in a way that benefits all of humanity, not just a select few.
This has been an incredible overview of the implications of AI democratization.
I feel like we've covered so much ground from the future of work to ethical considerations,
to the potential for economic disruption and opportunity.
But you know what I keep coming back to?
Darrell Bock With that?
DeepSeek, this small company.
That's not just innovating in AI, but also challenging our whole approach to innovation
itself.
They're proving that it's not just about resources, it's about resourcefulness.
Darrell Bock That's what's so inspiring about their story,
they've given us this blueprint for success in a world that's rapidly changing, showing
us that it's possible to achieve incredible things, even when you're not the biggest player
in the game.
DeepSeek Okay, so before we wrap up this deep dive,
I want to bring it back to you, the listener.
If DeepSeek, this little engine that could, can shake up the AI world, what does that
mean for you?
What are the lessons we can all take away from their journey?
And apply to our own lives, our own work, our own aspirations?
I think DeepSeek's story really underscores that impactful innovation.
It doesn't always come from those giant well-funded labs, they can sprout up anywhere, even from
a small team with a tight budget, as long as they have the right approach.
Darrell Bock Their story is a fantastic reminder that
we don't always need more to achieve great things.
Sometimes it's about using what we already have in smarter ways.
DeepSeek took their constraints, things like limited funding in a small team, and turned
them into advantages.
DeepSeek It's like that saying, necessity is the mother
of invention.
They had to be scrappy resourceful.
And that forced them to be incredibly innovative.
Darrell Bock Exactly.
They couldn't just throw money at every problem, so they had to think creatively, prioritize
ruthlessly, and really leverage those open source tools and collaborative networks.
It's a lesson we can all apply, whether we're trying to launch a business, tackle a challenging
project, or even just solve a problem in our daily lives.
DeepSeek So how can we cultivate that DeepSeek
mindset, that ability to turn constraints into fuel for innovation?
Darrell Bock Start by really examining those limitations,
instead of seeing them as roadblocks.
Ask yourself, what opportunities might these constraints create?
How can I use this limitation to my advantage?
DeepSeek So it's almost like a mental shift, reframing
the problem.
Instead of, I don't have enough money, how can I achieve this with the resources I do
have?
Darrell Bock That's the spirit.
It forces you to get creative, to be resourceful.
And often that's where the most innovative solutions emerge.
DeepSeek's story also highlights the importance of a culture of experimentation.
They weren't afraid to try new things, fail quickly, and iterate based on what they learned.
Darrell Bock It's that classic Silicon Valley mantra,
fail fast fail often.
But it's not just about failing.
DeepSeek Right.
It's about learning from those failures and adapting quickly.
Darrell Bock Precisely in a field like AI, where things
are constantly evolving, that ability to adapt and learn is crucial.
And it's not just relevant to tech.
Any field that's experiencing rapid change requires this kind of agility.
DeepSeek So how can we build that kind of experimental
learning focus culture, whether it's in our workplace, our team, or even just our personal
lives?
Darrell Bock It starts with psychological safety.
People need to feel safe to experiment, to take risks, to put their ideas out there,
without fear of judgment or punishment, if things don't work out perfectly.
DeepSeek So creating an environment where it's okay
to make mistakes, regardless of what we learn from them.
Darrell Bock Exactly, and it's also about celebrating
those small wins along the way.
Recognize the progress being made no matter how incremental, and encourage constant feedback
and iteration.
It's a continuous process of learning and improvement.
I think that's such a valuable takeaway, especially in today's world, where it's so
easy to get caught up in this, constant striving for perfection.
We need to remind ourselves that failure is part of the journey, and it's often where
the most valuable lessons are learned.
DeepSeek Couldn't agree more.
And then of course, there's the power of open collaboration, something we've touched
on throughout this deep dive.
DeepSeek demonstrates that you don't have to go it alone, leveraging collective knowledge,
whether through open source communities, partnerships, or just reaching out to experts in different
fields, can be a game changer.
Darrell Bock It's like that African proverb, if you want
to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.
Darrell Bock That's it.
And in the context of AI, collaboration is even more crucial, not just for efficiency,
but for ethical development as well.
Having more eyes on the code, more diverse perspectives involved in the design process,
helps to ensure that AI is developed responsibly, and benefits a wider range of people.
Darrell Bock So DeepSeek's story is really a call to
action, isn't it?
It's not just about marveling at their achievements, it's about taking those lessons, and applying
them to our home lives, our own work, our own ambitions.
Darrell Bock I think that's a fantastic way to put
it.
DeepSeek has shown us that the future of AI, and really the future of innovation in general,
is not predetermined.
It's being shaped right now by individuals and teams who are willing to think differently
to challenge assumptions, and to collaborate openly to create something truly impactful.
Darrell Bock This has been a truly inspiring deep dive.
It's given me a lot to think about, both in terms of how I approach my own work, and
how I view the potential of AI in the world.
DeepSeek It's been a pleasure exploring these ideas
with you.
Darrell Bock And to our listeners, we hope you've enjoyed
this journey as well.
We encourage you to learn more about DeepSeek, and more importantly, to consider how you
can apply their principles of innovation and collaboration.
Do your own endeavors.
Remember, the future is not something that happens to us, it's something we create,
collectively, through our choices and actions.
So go out there, embrace those constraints, experiment fearlessly, collaborate openly,
and let's build an amazing future together.