AI for Business - Johan Steyn

194. Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World by Parmy Olson

Parmy Olson’s Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race That Will Change the World is an in-depth investigation into the fierce rivalry between OpenAI and DeepMind—two of the most influential AI companies in the world. The book explores how their founders, Sam Altman and Demis Hassabis, began with the ambition of using AI for good but were ultimately drawn into a high-stakes power struggle, influenced by the financial backing of tech giants Microsoft and Google.

Olson provides a behind-the-scenes look at how ChatGPT’s release in November 2022 changed the landscape of AI overnight, sparking excitement and concern in equal measure. While much of the AI debate focuses on hypothetical risks, Olson highlights more immediate dangers: the unchecked spread of biased, flawed AI systems into industries, the economy, and society. She warns that AI is already disrupting jobs, spreading misinformation, and concentrating power in the hands of a few dominant corporations.

Featuring a cast of major tech figures, including Elon Musk and Larry Page, Supremacy is a compelling and urgent read. It challenges readers to consider not just where AI is headed, but who is controlling its direction—and what that means for the future of humanity.

193. Agentic Artificial Intelligence by Pascal Bornet et al

Agentic Artificial Intelligence: Harnessing AI Agents to Reinvent Business, Work, and Life explores the rise of AI agents—intelligent systems capable of executing tasks, learning from experience, and operating with minimal human supervision. The book argues that AI agents will revolutionise industries, much like the shift from typing commands to tapping icons did in the past.

Written by experts with hands-on experience in implementing AI, the book provides a strategic roadmap for businesses and individuals to harness this technology effectively. It highlights real-world case studies where AI agents have cut costs by over 25% while improving customer satisfaction by more than 40%. The authors introduce the concept of the “Agent Economy,” where businesses can leverage AI-driven models for rapid scaling and new revenue opportunities.

However, the book also addresses the challenges of integrating AI agents, such as workflow disruptions, data quality issues, and user adoption barriers. It stresses the importance of responsible leadership in shaping AI’s role in business and society.

This is an essential read for business leaders, tech professionals, and anyone interested in AI’s future. It challenges readers not just to adopt AI agents but to lead the transformation with purpose and integrity.

172. In conversation with Ruan Schutte - The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idea8/

 

Flame Station: https://www.liberty.co.za/media-insights/liberty%E2%80%99s-flame-station-partners-with-wits-fintech-hub-to-drive-innovation-and-entrepreneurship

 

YouTube - Flame Station: 

 

The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum is more than just an initiative – it’s a call to action. Technology is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace, yet the voices driving these changes often come from the “Global North.” It’s time for Africa to rise, to lead, and to share its own story. Join us here: https://forms.gle/9i71dKWxAPdjRCfA8

 

The main points from our conversation:

• Authenticity is Key – Be yourself on stage. Audiences are drawn to genuine speakers, so avoid imitating famous figures like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk. Speak as you naturally would in conversation.
• Preparation and Practice – Structure your talk before diving into slides. Practise out loud, record yourself, and refine your delivery. Arrive early at venues to familiarise yourself with the environment.
• Overcoming Nervousness – Even experienced speakers get nervous. Manage anxiety by breathing, engaging with the audience, and making small jokes to ease tension.
• Start Small and Experiment – Gain confidence by speaking in workplace meetings, recording short videos, and volunteering for small engagements. Treat each talk as a learning opportunity.
• Continuous Learning and Growth – Improve by watching experienced speakers, studying storytelling techniques, and refining your style over time. The more you speak, the more you grow.

192. AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future by Kai-Fu Lee and Chen Qiufan

AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future by Kai-Fu Lee and Chen Qiufan is a unique blend of science and speculative fiction, exploring how AI will reshape society over the next two decades. The book presents ten short stories set in various global locations, each illustrating AI’s impact on work, healthcare, entertainment, and ethics.

Lee, an AI expert, provides in-depth analysis after each story, explaining the real-world technological basis and potential consequences. The book examines both AI’s promises—economic growth, medical breakthroughs, and enhanced creativity—and its risks, including job displacement, bias, and autonomous weapons.

By combining engaging storytelling with expert insights, AI 2041 offers a thought-provoking look at our AI-driven future, urging readers to consider both the opportunities and challenges ahead.

191. The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI by Dr. Fei-Fei Li

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The Worlds I See by Dr. Fei-Fei Li is a compelling memoir that blends personal resilience with the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Dr. Li, a leading AI scientist and the creator of ImageNet, shares her journey from a childhood in China to becoming a Stanford professor and one of the most influential voices in AI today.

Her story is deeply personal, detailing the struggles of immigration, economic hardship, and caring for her ailing mother while pursuing an ambitious academic career. Through interconnected vignettes, she offers insights into AI’s evolution, its ethical challenges, and the need to keep humanity at the heart of technological advancement.

Unlike typical AI books, The Worlds I See does not offer a simplified history of the field. Instead, it expects an engaged reader, encouraging deeper reflection on the role of AI in shaping our future. Named one of the Financial Times Best Books of 2023 and recommended by Barack Obama, it’s both intellectually stimulating and emotionally profound.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in AI, ethics, or inspiring stories of perseverance. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every technological breakthrough, there is a human story that shapes its impact on the world.

190. The Wolf Is at the Door: How to Survive and Thrive in an AI-Driven World - by Ben Angel

Ben Angel’s The Wolf Is at the Door is a timely and insightful exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, economies, and everyday life. With AI advancing at an unprecedented pace, Angel challenges readers to confront its impact head-on and offers a roadmap for adapting to this transformative era.

Angel highlights how AI is no longer a futuristic concept but an immediate force disrupting jobs, commerce, and even relationships. Using compelling real-world examples—such as an elderly couple deceived by an AI-driven scam—he demonstrates that the effects of AI go beyond automation and deeply influence human security and trust. The book identifies ten major threats AI poses and presents ten strategic rules to help individuals not only survive but thrive in this new digital landscape.

A key theme is the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability. Angel urges readers to embrace AI tools rather than fear them, advocating for upskilling, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Drawing parallels to historical economic shifts like the Industrial Revolution, he reinforces the need for proactive adaptation to stay relevant in the workforce.

Accessible and engaging, The Wolf Is at the Door is essential reading for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone seeking to navigate AI’s profound impact on the future of work and society.

189. Weekly AI Book review: Impromptu - Amplifying Our Humanity Through AI by Reid Hoffman

"Impromptu: Amplifying Our Humanity Through AI" by Reid Hoffman, co-authored with GPT-4, is a groundbreaking exploration of artificial intelligence's transformative potential. Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn, uses GPT-4 as his "author's co-pilot," creating a dynamic narrative that showcases AI's strengths and limitations. The book innovatively incorporates dialogues, sonnets, and scripts to demonstrate AI's capabilities in solving social problems and fostering creativity.

Key themes include AI's impact on education, social justice, journalism, and the future of work. Hoffman highlights AI's potential to personalize learning, enhance creativity, and address fairness issues, while also emphasizing the need for humans to adapt alongside technological advancements.

"Impromptu" has been well-received as a bestseller, appealing to a broad audience interested in technology and its societal implications. Its importance lies in sparking a crucial conversation about AI's future, offering a nuanced perspective on how AI can enhance human life. By exploring both benefits and challenges, Hoffman and GPT-4 encourage readers to consider AI's role in amplifying humanity. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the evolving relationship between humans and technology. It invites readers to join a vital dialogue about harnessing AI to enhance human potential.

188. Weekly AI News: 17 March 2025

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Links to sources:

Artificial intelligence, the informal economy and the future of social security

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2025-03-13-ai-the-informal-economy-and-the-future-of-social-security/

Elon Musk wants to use AI to run US gov’t, but experts say ‘very bad’ idea

https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/3/13/elon-musk-wants-to-use-ai-to-run-us-govt-but-experts-say-very-bad-idea

Students’ use of AI spells death knell for critical thinking

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/02/students-use-of-ai-spells-death-knell-for-critical-thinking

Artificial Intelligence and Electoral Disinformation

https://www.freiheit.org/argentina-brazil-paraguay-and-uruguay/artificial-intelligence-and-electoral-disinformation

Inside The Artificial Intelligence That Can Clone Your Mind

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathanreichental/2025/03/10/inside-the-artificial-intelligence-that-can-clone-your-mind/

187. In conversation with Kim Harrisberg (Correspondent at Thomson Reuters Foundation)

The main points from our conversation:

• Your Voice Counts: Both Johan and Kim emphasise the importance of African representation in technology writing and speaking. Aspiring speakers and writers should recognise the value of their unique perspectives and experiences.
• Writing is Both Innate and Learned: Kim believes writing is a combination of natural talent and learned skills. Passion, mentorship, and seizing opportunities play a crucial role in developing a writing career.
• Embrace Your Process: Kim finds a sense of urgency and approaching deadlines helpful to her writing process, while others prefer a structured routine. Experiment to discover what works best for you.
• Overcome Imposter Syndrome: Acknowledge self-doubt and imposter syndrome, seek support from other writers, and focus on contributing authentic, well-researched content.
• Pay It Forward: Share opportunities and mentor others. Lift up those with valuable insights and create a supportive environment where everyone's voice can be heard.

186. Book review: The Hitchhiker's Guide to AI by Arthur Goldstuck

Arthur Goldstuck’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI is a clear and engaging exploration of artificial intelligence, its evolution, and ethical challenges. He simplifies complex AI concepts, making them accessible to both beginners and experts.

 

The book highlights AI’s impact on business, academia, and medicine, with a focus on generative AI—offering practical insights while warning of potential biases. Goldstuck also stresses the need for ethical AI governance, addressing concerns like job displacement and privacy risks.

 

With real-world examples and a balanced perspective, this book is essential for anyone looking to understand AI’s role in shaping the future.