Episode 36 - Embracing AI and Mindfulness for Impactful Change with Randima Fernando

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Today's Guest, Randima Fernando, is a prominent figure at the crossroads of technology, ethics, and social good. As a Co-Founder and former Executive Director of the Center for Humane Technology (CHT), he played a crucial role in advancing the global conversation on the ethics of technology. CHT's work, including its pivotal role in the Emmy-winning documentary "The Social Dilemma," has reached over 100 million viewers across 190 countries, highlighting the need for more humane technology practices.

Randima began his career at NVIDIA, leading award-winning projects and authoring three #1-ranked books on 3D graphics. He also helped establish the NVIDIA Foundation as a founding Board Member. Transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Randima served as the founding Executive Director of Mindful Schools, an organization dedicated to teaching mindfulness to millions of children and educators worldwide. Moreover, born in Sri Lanka, Randima's early exposure to meditation from his mother and programming from his father laid the foundation for his diverse career.

During today's conversation, Randima addresses the rapid pace of development, focusing on challenges like accuracy, transparency, and the concentration of power among a few companies. He warns of potential consequences for democracy and the environment without proper regulation. Furthermore, he argues that nonprofits play a vital role in addressing AI's ethical and social implications, especially in supporting those affected by automation. Finally, Randima provides practical advice for nonprofits to stay informed about AI. He encourages them to assign individuals to track developments, collaborate, and experiment with ways to mitigate AI's impact on society. Also, he stresses the importance of action, pushing nonprofits to integrate AI thoughtfully into their missions.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[00:32] Meet Randima from CHT

[02:49] Randima's Interest in Technology

[05:00] Transition to Nonprofit Work

[08:21] Impact of CHT and Media Influence

[14:03] Current State and Future of AI

[18:24] Role of Nonprofits in Addressing AI Challenges

[25:33] Practical Tips for Nonprofits

TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY

• Incorporate mindfulness practices to maintain focus and well-being.
• Build or strengthen teams that share a clear, unified mission.
• Assign someone to monitor AI trends relevant to your organization.
• Take an iterative, experimental approach to new tech challenges.
• Learn about the misaligned incentives in social platforms.
• Stay informed about how AI impacts your sector and adjust accordingly.
• Use media like "The Social Dilemma" to educate others.
• Share AI best practices and encourage teamwork.
• Advocate for transparency, regulation, and responsible AI use.
• Don't wait; start addressing AI's societal and ethical effects now.

Resources:

Connect with Randima :

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/prfernando/

Mentioned in the episode:

Center for Humane Technology:

Website: humanetech.com/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/the-center-for-humane-technology

Your Undivided Attention Podcast: humanetech.com/podcast

The AI Dilemma: youtube.com/watch?v=xoVJKj8lcNQ

The Social Dilemma: netflix.com/title/81254224