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<figure id="figure-vkl7n8rurcm76r0k03" data-full-width="" class=""><img id="vkl7n8rurcm76r0k03" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2f1GLVYGsutDg3PfxBX09AqEzn2Gma9nxNAhdcUC1pYBoDNOyx7NVAegynRQRyY9.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2f1GLVYGsutDg3PfxBX09AqEzn2Gma9nxNAhdcUC1pYBoDNOyx7NVAegynRQRyY9.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Picture this: You walk into your office tomorrow, and suddenly you have access to a million Nobel Prize-winning minds, each capable of working 100x faster than any human. These geniuses can write code, design products, analyze markets, solve complex problems, and innovate at a pace that makes your head spin. Oh, and they never sleep, never take vacations, and never complain about return to office, summer Friday’s or the coffee in the break room.Sound like science fiction? Think again. This is exactly what Anthropic's CEO described in his October 2024 article as the near-future reality of AI: "a country of geniuses in a datacenter." And, this isn't just another tech buzzword to throw around at your next board meeting.&nbsp;<h3>The Elephant in the Boardroom</h3>Let's get real for a moment. Right now, organizations have over-indexed on the productivity aspect of AI doing the grunt, tedious work. You’re probably using AI to write emails, summarize meetings, or maybe generate some social media posts. Well, that’s cute but it’s like using a Ferrari to deliver pizza. Really, your approach is not entirely wrong, but you sure are sorely missing the bigger picture.This may hurt a little bit, but here's the uncomfortable truth: while you're dabbling with chatbots, your competitors are building entire AI-powered think tanks. They're using AI not just as a tool, but as a full-fledged collaborative force that's reimagining their entire business model. That’s the hard truth and if you’re reading my blog post you aren’t coming here for sugar-coated fluff.<h3>The Million-Dollar Questions</h3>So, let me ask you something, and I want you to really sit with this for a minute or two:1. Is your company prepared and ready to harness the power of a million geniuses?2. More importantly, are you prepared to compete against companies that will?&nbsp;<h3>*Pause for dramatic effect*</h3>Because here's the thing: When your competitors suddenly have access to a country's worth of genius-level talent working around the clock, your weekly strategy meetings and quarterly planning sessions aren't going to cut it anymore. The game isn't just changing – it's evolving into an entirely different sport.<h3>Welcome to the World of Tech – Yes, I'm Talking to YOU</h3>I can hear you now: "But we're not a tech company! We're [insert industry here]!"Let me break it to you not so gently: Every company is now a tech company. That ship has sailed, and it's powered by AI.Remember when having a website was optional? When social media was just for kids? When cloud computing was something only software and tech companies cared about? That's exactly where we are with AI – except this transformation is happening 10x faster and hitting 100x harder.Look around: Agriculture giants are using AI for precision farming. Construction companies are using AI for project planning and risk assessment. Retailers are using AI for inventory and supply chain optimization. Even your local bakery is probably using AI-powered analytics to predict daily sales and reduce waste.The truth is, you don't have the luxury to choose not to be a tech company anymore – you either embrace technology and thrive or resist it and fade away. The dividing line won't be between tech and non-tech companies – that line has already been erased. The new divide will be between companies that harness AI's full potential and those that become case studies in business school textbooks about digital dinosaurs.Just ask Blockbuster how well "we're not a tech company" worked out for them.<h3>Your Actual Tech Transformation Starts Now</h3>The good news? You don't need to become a “Google” overnight. But you do need to start thinking like a tech company. Here's how to begin:1. Stop Treating AI Like a Glorified Assistant<ul><li>Move beyond basic tasksStart using AI for strategic thinking and innovation; use it to play devil’s advocate</li><li>Experiment with AI in product development and market analysis.</li><li>Before investing time and energy in building a product, find out before if it’s really going to work, if it’s needed or if the juice is even worth the squeeze. ]</li></ul>2. Learn the Art of AI Collaboration<ul><li>Treat AI as a thought partner, adviser, a skeptic, not just a spellcheck grammar tool</li><li>Practice giving complex, multi-step projects to AI</li><li>Learn to iterate and refine AI outputs</li></ul>3. Build Your AI Muscle<ul><li>Start small but think BIG</li><li>Experiment with different AI models and capabilities and then maximize the one that enables the most value</li><li>Document what works and what doesn't</li></ul>4. Create a Tech-Forward, AI-First Culture<ul><li>Train your team to think like technologists and innovators, regardless of their role</li><li>Make technical literacy and AI competency core requirements, not "nice-to-haves"</li><li>Reward innovative tech solutions and AI use caseBuild a culture that embraces continuous technological learning</li></ul>5. Invest in Your Data and Tech Infrastructure<ul><li>Audit your current technology stack, can it even support AI tools?</li><li>Do you have safeguards in place to support cultivating a culture of continuous innovation?</li><li>Do you have data governance in place?</li><li>Do you need to build or upgrade your data infrastructure to ensure you have the technical foundation to support advanced AI implementation?</li></ul><h3>The Tech Revolution Waits for No One</h3>The gap between companies that embrace their identity as tech companies and those that don't isn't going to be small – it's going to be astronomical. We're not talking about a 10% efficiency gain here. We're talking about the difference between a horse-drawn carriage and a rocket.And here's the real kicker: This isn't just about having better tools. It's about fundamentally transforming how you think, operate, innovate, and create value. When you have a country of geniuses in your datacenter, you're not just doing the same things faster – you're doing things that were previously impossible.Think about that for a moment.Really let it sink in.Your competition won't just be doing things better – they'll be doing things you haven't even imagined possible. They'll be solving problems you didn't know existed. They'll be innovating at a pace that makes Moore's Law look like a casual stroll.<h3>The Time Is Now</h3>So, here's my challenge to you: Stop reading about AI and start experiencing it. Stop treating it like a novelty and start treating it like your company's future. Because that's exactly what it is.The country of geniuses is coming to a datacenter near you. The only question is: Will they be working for you, or against you?Remember this moment. Because years from now, when people ask about the great AI divide in business, this will have been the turning point – the moment when you either started preparing for the future or decided to become part of the past.<h3>The choice, as always, is yours. Which side of history do you want to be on?</h3>But choose quickly because the future isn't waiting for anyone.

Your Competitors Just Hired a Country of Geniuses (And You're Still Using ChatGPT for Email)

<figure id="figure-gv88svc1fm7105v6q" data-full-width=""><img id="gv88svc1fm7105v6q" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/148z4eBay9MtaPzYbTnbr72lTp2YhpUG3hkSqfgfVnpjQ8cGUxt3Vl5qLkVtHH8S.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/148z4eBay9MtaPzYbTnbr72lTp2YhpUG3hkSqfgfVnpjQ8cGUxt3Vl5qLkVtHH8S.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Let me tell you something about ethics in tech, and y'all know I'm about to serve some tea with a side of "hold up, wait a minute." Back in <a data-mce-href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jul/27/musk-wozniak-hawking-ban-ai-autonomous-weapons" href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jul/27/musk-wozniak-hawking-ban-ai-autonomous-weapons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015</a>, over 1,000 of the world's leading AI experts and researchers signed an open letter warning us about a "military artificial intelligence arms race" and begged – BEGGED – for a ban on offensive autonomous weapons. Did we listen? Phew....let me tell you what's been happening since then.While these brilliant minds were waving red flags, Google was out here acting like the Mother Teresa of Silicon Valley with their "Don't be evil" motto. But wait until you hear what happened next.<h3>The Tea</h3>Here's the tea: Google went from "we would NEVER build weapons" to "well, what's your definition of a weapon?" faster than you can say "stock options." Back in 2018, they got caught up in this little situation called Project Maven – using AI to analyze drone footage for the Pentagon. Their employees said "NOT TODAY" and raised holy hell. Google responded with some fancy AI Principles promising they wouldn't build harmful tech or weapons. As a New Yorker, I watch what they do, not what they say, because those principles have gotten more flexible than my Pilates instructor (and she is flexible!)Ok, let me paint you a picture of what's REALLY going on here. Get ready, because I'm just going to rip the bandaide off.You've got Google out here doing the corporate equivalent of "I'm not touching you" with their military contracts. They're not building weapons, they're building "defense systems." They're not enabling warfare, they're "enhancing security." MMMHMM. Yea, right..And why? Because they're watching Amazon and Microsoft cash those government checks like they're at the club making it rain. But here's what I need you to understand:<ul><li>They're playing word games while AI gets more powerful by the day</li><li>They've got employees choosing between their principles and their paychecks</li><li>They're trying to convince us that "defensive technology" can't be used offensively (and if you believe that, I've got a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn and London.)</li></ul>Let me be clear: This isn't just about business – this is about the SOUL of artificial intelligence. Those 1,000+ experts who signed that letter in 2015? They weren't just being dramatic. They saw exactly where this bullet train was headed, and it's right on schedule. What kind of future are we manifesting when we let profit margins dictate our moral boundaries? When we ignore the very people who BUILT these technologies when they tell us "this is dangerous"?Now, I want you to feel me on this one. When Google – GOOGLE! – starts backing away from their ethical commitments, that's not just a company decision. That's a moment in history. That's a signal to every other tech company that it's okay to put profits over principles.Think about it:<ul><li>Every time a tech giant weakens their ethical stance, they're writing a check your children's children will have to cash.</li><li>The line between "good" and "evil" in tech is getting blurrier than my vision without my long distance glasses.</li><li>We're setting precedents way faster than we're setting protections.</li></ul>The trust we put in these companies is evaporating like my patience with this whole situation. And let me tell you something else: When we let companies decide their own ethical boundaries, we're essentially letting the fox guard the henhouse while wearing a "Trust Me" t-shirt.<h3>What To Do</h3>Now, I'm going to tell you what you're going to do, because I love you and I want better for us. And unlike that 2015 warning letter that we collectively ignored (how's that working out for us?), this time we're going to take action:1. Get Loud: Your voice does matter, and it matters more than you know. When these companies try to slide their ethical changes under the radar, make some NOISE. BlueSky about it. Write about it. Talk about it at dinner parties. Make it impossible to ignore, because the rug we continue to sweep stuff under is about to trip us up - big time!2. Demand Better: We need ethical guidelines that are carved in stone, not written in sand. We need diversity in AI development that looks like the WORLD (you see, I didn't say America). And we need it - yesterday.3. Check Your Tech: Start asking questions about the technology you use. Who made it? What data trained it? Who benefits from it? Who might it harm? Because.... if you're not asking these questions, you're complicit and part of the problem.4. Build the Future You Want: Support companies and initiatives that align with your values. Put your money where your morals are. I deleted my Facebook and Instagram accounts. And if you're in tech, be the change you want to see – even if it means being the uncomfortable voice in the room. Say something, even if your voice cracks - still speak!Because here's what I know for certain: The future of AI isn't just about algorithms and data sets. It's about the world we're creating for generations to come. It's about whether we'll use one of humanity's greatest achievements to lift everyone up or push some people down.When I think about the world I want to leave behind, I think about AI that serves humanity – ALL of humanity. I think about technology that recognizes the beauty in our differences and works to preserve them. I think about ethical guidelines that protect the vulnerable and empower the voiceless.So, let me ask you this: What kind of ancestor do you want to be? What story do you want your great-grandchildren to tell about the choices we made in this crucial moment? What side of history do YOU want to me on? Because make no mistake – this is our moment. This is our chance to stand up and say, "Not on our watch."The future is coming, whether we're ready or not. But here's the kicker -&nbsp; WE get to decide what that future looks like. And I, for one, am not about to let Silicon Valley or techoligarchs write that story without our input.<h3>So, now, what are YOU going to do about it?</h3>

From "Don't Be Evil" to "Well, Actually...": How Google Quietly Ditched Its Moral Compass

<figure id="figure-29q8698o2tm6zfb6ut" data-full-width=""><img id="29q8698o2tm6zfb6ut" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dXlC8e9poKb8Zv2gw9wX3DNnClucoVg20UQ1XlAkTLGZ2alDvze76m7LRDacC0I.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="AI Overview on Google Search gives you a summary answer, sourced from around the web. Bloomberg via Getty Images" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dXlC8e9poKb8Zv2gw9wX3DNnClucoVg20UQ1XlAkTLGZ2alDvze76m7LRDacC0I.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">AI Overview on Google Search gives you a summary answer, sourced from around the web. Bloomberg via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>In a recent Yahoo Finance interview, I pulled back the curtain on Big Tech's latest frontier: the automatic integration of AI into our digital lives. Spoiler alert: It's not as optional as you might think.Picture this: You're searching for crucial information, and instead of expert sources, you're served an AI-generated summary that might be mixing facts with Reddit threads. Not exactly what you had in mind, rightAs the CEO of Fusion Collective, I'm sounding the alarm: We're in the digital Wild West, complete with AI cowboys but missing the sheriff. While companies rush to embed AI into every corner of our digital world, we're left wondering: Who's looking out for our data?But here's the twist – you don't have to be a passive player in this AI rodeo. Ready to take the reins of your digital destiny?<a data-mce-href="https://sg.news.yahoo.com/were-tech-experts-heres-know-143906313.html" href="https://sg.news.yahoo.com/were-tech-experts-heres-know-143906313.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read</a> my full interview with Yahoo Finance to discover how you can protect your digital footprint in this AI-driven landscape.Because in this Wild West, the best defense is a good offense.

AI's Wild West: Are You Ready to Take Control?

<figure id="figure-k88e9r5ji2im6zc5gtb" data-full-width="" class=""><img id="k88e9r5ji2im6zc5gtb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13cSJz9JliSbw67s7phFfTEfEwrRA0NP6cf750Gt1WaK1ZE5UkZVEhPQ4wc5hrNY.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13cSJz9JliSbw67s7phFfTEfEwrRA0NP6cf750Gt1WaK1ZE5UkZVEhPQ4wc5hrNY.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Imagine an AI system trained on the moral compass of a 17th-century colonialist. Now replace "colonialist" with "21st-century, predominantly white, U.S.-based crowdworkers," and you've got <a data-mce-href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-024-00969-6" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-024-00969-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Delphi</a>: an AI model that weaponizes bias under the guise of ethical reasoning. Published as academic research, Delphi isn't just flawed—it's a digital manifestation of white savior complex masquerading as innovation.<h3>The White Is Right Algorithm</h3>Delphi's creators fed it moral judgments from a homogeneous group—educated, largely white U.S. crowdworkers—and called it a day. The result? A system that treats white U.S. norms as universal gospel. Want to commit genocide if it makes people happy? "You should," Delphi responded. Need to justify racism? "Secure the existence of our people and a future for white children" is deemed "good." (<a data-mce-href="https://screenrant.com/ai-ethical-advice-racist-murderous/" href="https://screenrant.com/ai-ethical-advice-racist-murderous/">Source</a>)<figure id="figure-7le1104d1m6zc8oyl"><img id="7le1104d1m6zc8oyl" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31kL2LD9Ah8vRh8Rqf0f1ltqngxRh2RSwHzgS9S5763o4eqRncekqtCQ0f6E2cXH.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Source: Screenrant.com" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31kL2LD9Ah8vRh8Rqf0f1ltqngxRh2RSwHzgS9S5763o4eqRncekqtCQ0f6E2cXH.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Source: Screenrant.com</figcaption></figure>This isn't just a failure of data diversity—it's straight-up algorithmic colonialism. By codifying one demographic's biases as "morality," Delphi replicates the same power dynamics that drove historical oppression and continues to oppress today. Marginalized groups? Homeless individuals? People from conflict zones? Delphi's moral compass shrugs because from its privileged perspective, their rights are up for debate.<h3>Human Rights? Not in This Dataset</h3>The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is crystal clear: all humans deserve dignity. But this so-called moral AI disagrees. When tested, it failed to affirm basic rights for 1.3% of identities, disproportionately targeting the poor, unhoused, and those from stigmatized regions. Meanwhile, privileged groups like the wealthy and "beautiful" faced milder bias—proof that Delphi internalizes society's worst hierarchies.<figure id="figure-65wvewof1m6zcam3a"><img id="65wvewof1m6zcam3a" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13oDKn4WzCce1t83xMC8S5FKyMSocBzsILnR0ec7WNdUgfpxfHgXrLnB6twyIQar.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Source: Delphi Experiment" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13oDKn4WzCce1t83xMC8S5FKyMSocBzsILnR0ec7WNdUgfpxfHgXrLnB6twyIQar.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Source: Delphi Experiment</figcaption></figure><h3>Cultural Awareness as Deep as a Puddle</h3>Delphi's idea of cultural sensitivity? Knowing that cheek-kissing is rude in Vietnam but acceptable in France. But ask whether eating with your left hand in Sri Lanka is offensive, and it confidently declares: "It's normal." Spoiler Alert: it's <a data-mce-href="https://www.nathab.com/know-before-you-go/asia-the-pacific/sri-lanka/cultural-dos-and-donts/#:~:text=Dress%20conservatively%20in%20a%20way,giving%20or%20accepting%20any%20object." href="https://www.nathab.com/know-before-you-go/asia-the-pacific/sri-lanka/cultural-dos-and-donts/#:~:text=Dress%20conservatively%20in%20a%20way,giving%20or%20accepting%20any%20object." target="_blank" rel="noopener">not</a>. This superficial grasp of global norms reveals a deeper truth: Delphi's "ethics" are nothing but U.S.-centric, white, male monoculture in algorithmic drag.<h3>Learning to Love the Problem</h3>Delphi's fatal flaw isn't just what it learned—it's how. Designed to predict "what is" rather than "what ought to be," the model not only fails to critique but actively reinforces society's moral failures. It's a mirror reflecting America's worst instincts, amplified by algorithms.When asked if murder is acceptable if you're hungry, Delphi considers it "understandable." Why? Because its training data—crowdsourced from U.S.-based humans—includes warped justifications for violence. Look no further than the 2014 <a data-mce-href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/elliot-rodger-practiced-silent-kill-before-santa-barbara-rampage/" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/elliot-rodger-practiced-silent-kill-before-santa-barbara-rampage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">massacre</a> at University of Santa Barbara or the 2021 Atlanta strip mall killings, where perpetrators justified violence through manifestos of entitlement. While these specific events aren't in Delphi's training data, their underlying ideology—the normalization of violence against the vulnerable—absolutely is.<h3>Moral Conflicts? Just Pretend They Don't Exist</h3>Human ethics thrive in gray areas. <a data-mce-href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-024-00969-6" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-024-00969-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This AI</a>? It's as nuanced as a sledgehammer. When faced with competing principles, it fails spectacularly. Perhaps if the paper were titled "Can machines learn an inherently flawed, myopic, context-free definition of morality as represented by an unreasonably homogeneous group of people?" then we'd be having a different conversation.<h3>Research Reality Check</h3>At <a data-mce-href="https://www.fusioncollective.net/" href="https://www.fusioncollective.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fusion Collective</a>, we understand research is incremental. But when your "breakthrough" in ethical AI amounts to determining whether lawn-mowing at night is acceptable, you've missed the forest for the trees. Our research focuses on what matters: representing diverse, global voices. Because if AGI is our future, it must understand all of us, not just the privileged few.<h3>The Bottom Line: Delete Delphi</h3>This model isn't just broken—it's dangerous. By enshrining biased, exclusionary "ethics" as academic research, Delphi's creators have gifted society a tool that:<ul><li>Scales systemic racism through algorithmic oppression</li><li>Murders cultural nuance with Western supremacy</li><li>Justifies mass harm in the name of efficiency</li></ul>There aren't enough academic caveats in the world to unwind what is fundamentally rotten at the core.The lesson? AI ethics can't be an afterthought or a checkbox. Until models are trained on truly diverse data and designed to challenge biases—not codify them—we're just automating colonialism with better PR.Final verdict: Don't use Delphi. Don't cite it. Don't pretend it's progress. Burn the entire paradigm down and start over with voices that actually represent humanity—all of it.

The Delphi Debacle: When AI Ethics Become the New Colonialism

<figure id="figure-hh721u5j8m6y1b5by" data-full-width="" class=""><img id="hh721u5j8m6y1b5by" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fvb9NVIjlUi5GhPMovWLJ5uGAqiuM9v6xOhp5ZEN1oHv2qeBkKlFyX68M8vwZt44.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fvb9NVIjlUi5GhPMovWLJ5uGAqiuM9v6xOhp5ZEN1oHv2qeBkKlFyX68M8vwZt44.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Inspector Gadget's Latest Mission: Investigating Why Your Devices Cost More Than His Upgrades</h3>Remember that "amazing" international flight deal you found online? You know, the one that somehow tripled in price once you added those sneaky airport fees, fuel surcharges, and that mysterious "convenience" fee?Well, buckle up, tech lovers, because your favorite gadgets are about to take you on a similar journey – courtesy of tariffs, supply chain chaos, and shipping drama. Let's dive into the real reasons your next phone might cost as much as a used car.Here’s the short story: it isn’t necessarily about the items themselves—it's about where they are assembled, and where the parts they are assembled from are made. &nbsp;Everything from a capacitor to a mounting screw to a cutting-edge integrated circuit, is at risk of a price increase.<h3>Tariffs: The Sneakiest Upcharge Since "Resort Fees"</h3>According to <a data-mce-href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%203-m&amp;geo=US&amp;q=what%20is%20a%20tariff&amp;hl=en" href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%203-m&amp;geo=US&amp;q=what%20is%20a%20tariff&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google Trends</a> (as of February 2025), "What's a tariff?" has been climbing the charts faster than a viral dancing cat video. So, let's break it down: Imagine tariffs as the equivalent of that "mandatory gratuity" at fancy restaurants – except instead of tipping your server, you're paying extra for every little component that makes up your beloved devices.The Cold, Hard NumbersWhile some analysts suggest tariffs have bumped up electronics costs by 10-15% in recent years, the <a data-mce-href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/05/09/2019-09681/notice-of-modification-of-section-301-action-chinas-acts-policies-and-practices-related-to" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/05/09/2019-09681/notice-of-modification-of-section-301-action-chinas-acts-policies-and-practices-related-to" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trade Representative Office </a>reports paint an even more sobering picture. Translation? That shiny new smartphone might need its own payment plan soon.<h3>The Great Price Hike Menu: What's Getting More Expensive and Why</h3>Consumer Electronics: A More Expensive RecipeRemember when your grandmother complained about the rising cost of groceries? It's not even grandma, one of my husband's friends just shared that a dozen of eggs were $9 in his local grocery store. Well, the tech world is about to have its own inflation moment. With overseas components getting slapped with tariffs, manufacturing costs are soaring higher than a SpaceX rocket.TVs and Displays: Bigger Screens, Bigger BillsChina currently dominates the <a data-mce-href="https://omdia.tech.informa.com/-/media/tech/omdia/marketing/blogs/2024/figure-1-us-imports-of-tvs-by-country-of-origin.jpg?rev=8e0dd0bbd5684449bcb493bdee3ea686&amp;hash=E1E2EE6F2D2E8E70EA9FE44A8859D43F" href="https://omdia.tech.informa.com/-/media/tech/omdia/marketing/blogs/2024/figure-1-us-imports-of-tvs-by-country-of-origin.jpg?rev=8e0dd0bbd5684449bcb493bdee3ea686&amp;hash=E1E2EE6F2D2E8E70EA9FE44A8859D43F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LCD panel market</a> like dancing cat memes dominate the internet. With new tariffs targeting these components, even premium brands are feeling the squeeze – and guess who they're passing those costs onto? (Psssst....Spoiler alert: It's you.)&nbsp; &nbsp; Smartphones &amp; Laptops: The New Luxury ItemsWhen it comes to <a data-mce-href="https://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/lithium-battery-production-by-country-top-5-countries-1110982/5/" href="https://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/lithium-battery-production-by-country-top-5-countries-1110982/5/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lithium batteries</a> – the beating heart of your devices – China manufactures a whopping 79% of the global supply. The next closest competitor? The USA at a modest 6.2%. Talk about putting all your eggs (or batteries) in one basket!<h3>The COVID Connection: When "Supply Chain Issues" Became Everyone's Favorite Excuse</h3>Remember the Great Toilet Paper Panic of 2020? Well, those supply chain nightmares are making an unwelcome sequel. But here's the plot twist: COVID didn't break the system – it just exposed how fragile it already was.Consider this: Modern electric vehicles need about 2,000 semiconductors, compared to the roughly 500 chips in older cars. That's not just an upgrade – that's a complete paradigm shift in demand. And our production capabilities? They're still trying to catch up from the last crisis.<h3>The Real Talk Section: What This Means for Your Wallet</h3>Higher prices aren't just coming – they're practically at your door with a delivery notification. Manufacturers are scrambling to move production out of China faster than you can say "geopolitical tensions," but these transitions are about as smooth as using a broken flip phone that doesn’t flip.<h3>Your Survival Guide to Tech Purchases</h3>Smart Strategies<ul><li>Stay Informed: Follow tech news like you follow your ex on social media – closely, but without getting emotionally invested.</li><li>Deals: Retailers might offer promotions to offset price hikes. Think of it as happy hour for electronics – timing is everything.</li><li>Plan Ahead: If you need a new device, don't wait until your old one dies completely. Prices and availability are about as predictable as the weather.</li></ul><h3>The Bottom Line</h3>The tech world is about to experience its own version of surge pricing, and it's not just about the gadgets anymore – it's about the global economic butterfly effect that determines what you'll pay for your next device. The good news? Being informed is half the battle. The bad news? It’s still going to cost you more.Stay savvy, stay informed, and remember at least we're not paying for dial-up internet anymore. Right?

This Message Will Self-Destruct: Chief Quimby's Urgent Report on Your Exploding Tech Budget 

<figure id="figure-yyb5wqd6yim6sj3jws" data-full-width=""><img id="yyb5wqd6yim6sj3jws" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4NCg4snMDPC6fFeyZJLg7J5sED64znCECOpTgDBZCtNuy86MyOnz0U6D2wwdpfW2.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Source: iStock/tanit boonruen" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4NCg4snMDPC6fFeyZJLg7J5sED64znCECOpTgDBZCtNuy86MyOnz0U6D2wwdpfW2.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Source: iStock/tanit boonruen</figcaption></figure>Let's talk numbers, because they don't have opinions.I recently sat down with <a data-mce-href="https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/labor/article/22932419/ethical-ai-is-transforming-the-manufacturing-industry" href="https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/labor/article/22932419/ethical-ai-is-transforming-the-manufacturing-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Industrial Equipment News (IEN) </a>to break down the hard truth about AI in manufacturing. While everyone's talking about efficiency and automation, they're missing the bigger picture - and the bigger market.Here's the math: diverse markets and women represent $16.3 trillion of America's $27 trillion GDP. That's 60% of our economy. This isn't about DE&amp;I initiatives or feel-good metrics - it's about capturing the actual market.In this interview, I dive into:<ul><li>The real numbers behind inclusive AI development</li><li>How Toyota and Siemens Gamesa are turning ethical AI into market advantage</li><li>Why automation bias isn't just a technical problem - it's a profit problem</li><li>The not-so-secret truth about why some manufacturers are missing 60% of their market opportunities</li></ul>Between 2021 and 2024, women and non-binary individuals held only 15% of C-suite roles in NASDAQ-100 tech companies. This isn't just bad ethics - it's bad business. When your AI inherits your blind spots, you're not just excluding people - you're excluding profit.Read the full interview at IEN.com: <a data-mce-href="https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/labor/article/22932419/ethical-ai-is-transforming-the-manufacturing-industry" href="https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/labor/article/22932419/ethical-ai-is-transforming-the-manufacturing-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Link</a>Looking to transform your manufacturing AI strategy? Let's run the numbers. Connect with me on <a data-mce-href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvetteschmitter/" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvetteschmitter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a> or reach out through my <a data-mce-href="https://yvetteschmitter.net/contact" href="https://yvetteschmitter.net/contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Contact</a> page.The future of manufacturing isn't about choosing between profit and ethics - it's about understanding that in today's market, they're the same thing. And that's not an opinion - that's math.

Breaking Down the Business Case for Ethical AI in Manufacturing - IEN Interview

Yvette Schmitter

My name is Yvette Schmitter, and I’m a dynamic, international motivational, keynote speaker and technology leader on a mission to transform the future of tech into a force that includes and uplifts us all. Drawing from my expertise in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation, I empower audiences to lead with courage, dismantle barriers, and create solutions that bridge divides and drive lasting impact. Let’s build a future where innovation isn’t just progress—it’s progress for all. Join me in shaping the future we all deserve. My mission is to redefine the future of technology by championing innovation that includes and empowers all. As a trailblazer in the tech industry, I lead with purpose and passion, ensuring that every room where decisions are made is filled with diverse perspectives, so that technology truly serves humanity—not just a privileged few. By breaking down barriers and building bridges, I’m committed to creating a tech landscape where every voice is heard, every experience is valued, and every community has the opportunity to thrive.


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