Misaligned Incentives, Failures of Government, and Coca-Cola's AI Misstep

12/10/24 • 37 min

The world’s moving fast, sometimes too fast. Whether it’s AI taking over ad campaigns, fake LinkedIn profiles popping up, or the healthcare system extracting more than it gives, the threads connecting our modern chaos are all too clear. Misaligned incentives and unchecked technologies are reshaping industries, culture, and even how we trust each other. Progress can be exciting, but it’s also raising some tough questions: Are we losing our humanity in the race to optimize everything?

Take Coca-Cola, the apex predator of branding. This holiday season, they swapped their usual creative mastery for AI-generated ads, and people noticed. The results weren’t just underwhelming; they were unsettling. It’s a perfect example of what happens when we try to replicate the human touch with machines that aren’t there yet. But this isn’t just about Coke. It’s about a broader trend of trading quality for convenience and innovation for cost-cutting—and the ripple effects it has on culture, trust, and livelihoods.

This week, we’re unpacking the tension between innovation and integrity, exploring how businesses, governments, and individuals can find a better balance. From the rise of fake AI personas to headlights designed to cheat brightness tests, we’ll dig into what these examples say about the systems we rely on and what happens when those systems fail us. It’s a wild ride, but one thing’s for sure: the way forward has to be more thoughtful than the path that got us here.

Previous Episode

Riding the Tsunami: Why Expanding into Unmet Demand Makes Our Jobs Safe

The AI revolution is here, and if you’re in the data space, you’re sitting in the best seat in the house—whether it feels that way yet or not. Rob takes you on a straight-talking journey through why our industry isn’t just surviving but thriving in this moment of upheaval. Forget the hype and the fearmongering; this is about recognizing the unique position we’re in to expand into unmet demand. It’s not just about keeping our jobs—it’s about making them better, more impactful, and yes, more secure.

Here’s the deal: this isn’t a time to coast. The same tools that can help us shine also require us to step up and adapt. Rob breaks down how the drudge work that used to define so many roles has been swept away by tools like Power BI—and why that’s not a threat but a gift. The value isn’t in the grind; it’s in the thinking. The problem-solving. The expertise. If you’re clinging to old ways, you’re missing the whole point of what’s happening right now.

Listen now to hear why this moment is one of the biggest opportunities our industry has ever seen. Rob unpacks how unmet demand is changing the game, why our skills matter more than ever, and what it takes to not just ride the wave but come out ahead. Don’t miss it.

Next Episode

The Microsoft MVP Take: Innovation, Hype, and the Future of Data

The world of data technology moves in fascinating ways, and we're excited to have Microsoft MVPs Ed Hansberry and Kristyna Ferris join Justin to unpack what's really happening. This conversation is all about understanding the technologies that are reshaping how we work and think about data.

Microsoft Fabric has been a hot topic, and for good reason. Is it the breakthrough platform everyone's talking about, or are there nuances that aren't making headlines? Ed and Kristyna bring their hands-on experience to share what they've learned—the moments of excitement, the unexpected challenges, and the real potential they see.

Artificial intelligence continues to be a transformative force. We're not just talking about theoretical possibilities, but how AI is actually changing the way data professionals approach problems. What does this mean for teams, for individual careers, for the way we think about technology?

Tune in to find out!