Podcast: Greg Shaw on Reprogramming the American Dream

In this episode, you are welcome to join Tom Vander Ark and Greg Shaw for a discussion around reprogramming the American dream.

Greg Shaw is a writer from Bellevue, Washington. He has supported the policy and communication needs of Microsoft and the Gates Foundation for more than 25 years. Three years ago, Greg worked with Satya Nadella on Hit Refresh, a book on the remaking of Microsoft as a leader in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. For the last two years, Greg has been working alongside Kevin Scott on their newest book, Reprogramming the American Dream, which takes a look at the future landscape of AI and how it can be realistically used to promote equitable growth.

In Greg’s conversation with Tom, he discusses the challenges of producing beneficial AI that serves society equitably (from rural America to Silicon Valley); how he sees the future of AI as an open platform for creativity and productivity for anyone, anywhere; the need for local conversations around AI; and what his newest book with co-author, Kevin Scott, hopes to accomplish and add to the conversation.

Key Takeaways:
[1:39] Greg speaks about what his life has been like during the COVID-19 pandemic.
[3:40] Greg tells listeners about his co-author for his book, Reprogramming the American Dream, Kevin Scott, and how they came up with the idea for the book.
[6:04] Greg shares why he believes it was important for Kevin to tell his story in their newest book.
[8:53] Tom shares what he likes about the book.
[9:39] Greg speaks about what he and Kevin hoped the book would accomplish and what communities it would impact.
[10:31] Tom shares more of what he appreciates about the book.
[11:35] Greg gives his thoughts on the different ways he thinks AI needs to be on the public agenda.
[14:14] What Greg thinks is different about AI between now and five years ago.
[15:25] Does Greg envision AI as a set of open tools in the future?
[17:20] Jessica shares an important resource with listeners: the Getting Through microsite.
[18:00] Tom further explains the capabilities of AI and how the entire supply chain of every industry is rapidly being altered.
[18:51] Greg shares more about the way that he and Kevin addressed how they think the U.S. will share the wealth and benefits that come with AI in their new book.
[21:25] Greg speaks about how he’s seeing AI becoming an open platform for creativity and productivity beginning to happen.
[25:25] Does Greg think that this current crisis will bring more awareness to the lack of access to certain technologies in rural areas and schools?
[27:51] Greg speaks on the topic of preventing potential negative consequences of AI.
[29:44] Greg touches on the need for local conversations and who should be leading these sorts of conversations.
[32:30] What is Greg going to work on next? What other areas is he curious about?