Episode 85: AI replicas
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Looking Outside is for curious people looking for a fresh take on familiar topics, in business and beyond.
When we talk about “human in the loop” of AI, what we mean is human intervention. But what if the AI was human? Or more accurately, a replica not of a generic repeatable, predictable human-sounding response, but built like you. Tech entrepreneur Robert LoCascio joins us today to explore this future, where humans aren’t just kept in the loop but are integrated with AI. Through his company Eternos, Rob aims to replicate a human being, capturing everything from their past experiences, future hopes, and right down to how they emotionally rationalize in the moment. It begs the question: what do we truly risk giving away to the machine, if we hand over not just our tasks, but our lived stories and learned knowledge? If we give away that which makes us unique, we are makes ourselves replicable. Or, as Rob argues, (if done safely) it could be that we are finding a new way to preserve human life and maintain shared community.
To look outside, Rob works to pay attention to the things that are around us when we’re not glued to our phones and ‘too busy’ to see them. For him a spiritual observation or journey, ideally following someone else’s, helps him become more aware of what is naturally present and often missed.
Robert LoCascio was the Founder and CEO of LivePerson (NASDAQ: LPSN) from 1995 to 2023. He is credited with inventing web chat and AI messaging platforms for B2B contact centers. LivePerson emerged as the leading B2B conversational AI player, serving over 15,000 customers, employing 3,000 individuals, and generating $500 million in revenue. The company also amassed one of the largest and most extensive conversational data sets in the B2B sector, processing one billion conversations annually from major global brands such as Amex, Home Depot, United Health Care, Citi, Verizon, and 15,000 other customers.
Robert was also the founder of the non-profit, EqualAI, which works with governments, corporations, and universities on developing frameworks for the use of AI in safe and ethical ways. Passionate about the community and helping others, Rob is a Founding Member of the NYC Entrepreneurs Council of the Partnership for New York City and FeedingNYC, a volunteer-based non-profit hunger-relief project that feeds thousands of families in need.
Learn more about Eternos
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