Added: Oct 27, 2023
In this podcast episode, Peter Diamandis interviews musician, producer, and entrepreneur Will.i.am about his views on artificial intelligence and its impact on the music industry. Will.i.am shares his thoughts on ownership and authenticity in the age of AI, as well as his vision for empowering the next generation of creators.Will.i.am begins by discussing the transformative nature of the current era and the potential for humanity to get it right. He believes that machines will outdo many of the tasks humans used to do, which will force us to be more human to one another. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and ownership in the face of AI's ability to mimic and clone voices and facial features.
The conversation then shifts to Will.i.am's background and his various endeavors. He has won multiple Grammys, sold over 33 million records worldwide, and is involved in philanthropy and technology. He discusses his involvement in the I am Angel Foundation, which focuses on providing robotics and STEM education to underprivileged students.
The discussion then turns to Will.i.am's latest venture, FYI, a regenerative AI community for creatives. He explains that FYI aims to provide a singular interface for creative enterprise, combining messaging, file storage, digital asset management, and collaboration with generative AI. The goal is to empower creatives and bridge the digital divide by democratizing access to technology and AI.
Will.i.am also touches on the importance of diversity and inclusion in AI development. He believes that algorithmic bias and data bias can only be addressed through a more diverse and inclusive participation in creating algorithms. He emphasizes the need for people from underrepresented communities to be involved in fields like robotics, computer science, and engineering.
The conversation then delves into Will.i.am's upbringing and the influence of his family on his philanthropic efforts. He grew up in a poor neighborhood and was bussed to a wealthier area for better education. He recalls how his family would assist others in need, participating in food drives and summer lunch programs. These experiences shaped his desire to give back and make a positive impact.
Will.i.am also discusses his approach to tackling big problems and pursuing moonshots. He emphasizes the importance of assembling a dream team and partnering with others who share the same vision. He believes in the power of creativity and creation to make the world a better place, rather than solely focusing on making money.
The conversation continues with Will.i.am reflecting on his journey and the lessons he has learned along the way. He encourages dreamers to persevere and not give up, even in the face of challenges. He believes that true success comes from pursuing one's highest calling and making a meaningful difference in the world.
Will.i.am starts by talking about his company, Fountain Life, which focuses on advanced diagnostics and therapeutics for early disease detection and prevention. He emphasizes the importance of knowing what's going on inside our bodies and the need for early detection of diseases. Fountain Life offers advanced diagnostic centers that provide comprehensive health screenings using technologies like full-body MRI, brain vasculature imaging, AI-enabled coronary CT, and more. The goal is to identify diseases at their early stages when they are more treatable.
He also discusses the transformative potential of AI in various industries, including music. Will.i.am believes that AI will enhance the creativity of hyper-creative individuals by providing them with new tools and ideas. He emphasizes that AI cannot replace the emotional drive and human connection behind creative ideas. He predicts that AI will push humans to be more human with each other and to find new ways to connect and empathize.
The conversation then shifts to the impact of AI on jobs and the need for lifelong learning. Will.i.am acknowledges that AI will render many jobs obsolete, such as bus drivers, legal assistants, and finance managers. However, he believes that AI will also create new opportunities for hyper-creative individuals who have always had a surplus of ideas. He encourages people to embrace their creativity and not let other geniuses dim their light.
They discuss the concept of intellectual dysmorphia, which refers to the imbalance between the capabilities of AI and human communication. Will.i.am expresses concern about the reliance on filters and AI-generated content, which can lead to body dysmorphia and psychological issues. He emphasizes the need for empathy, patience, and human connection in the face of AI's increasing influence.
Will.i.am shares his vision for the future, including his desire to create a school that focuses on forever learning and empowers children from underprivileged backgrounds. He also expresses his intention to become a father and his commitment to supporting kids through his foundation.
Peter asks Will.i.am about his advice for successful individuals who have achieved financial success but are looking for significance and purpose. Will.i.am suggests building teams and finding leaders to solve important problems. He emphasizes the importance of identifying leaders who can expand teams and create solutions that empower and enable others.
They discuss the power of first robotics, a program that inspires and empowers youth in robotics and STEM fields. Will.i.am shares his experience of bringing the program to inner-city communities and the transformative impact it has had on students. He encourages the audience to support programs like first and emphasizes the need to make kids smart in the face of intellectual dysmorphia.