Summary
In this fascinating episode of Season 2: 'On the DL', the podcast features an engaging conversation with the multi-talented Amit Aggarwal of THE YES. As an AI enthusiast and gardening aficionado, Amit candidly shares his personal and professional journey, along with his thoughts on the future of technology and its impact on society.
Amit's love for gardening becomes apparent as he discusses how he relishes spending time in nature. Nevertheless, he admits that he would appreciate a robot to handle the tedious task of weed removal in his garden. The discussion delves into the inspirational moments and crucial mentors in Amit's life, including his professor's pivotal advice that ultimately led him to abandon his PhD program.
The conversation takes an interesting turn as Amit voices his concerns about attributing human emotions and values to robots. He prefers a more pragmatic approach, focusing on the effective execution of a robot's intended purpose. Furthermore, Amit expresses both excitement and unease about the potential impact of AI automation on the job market and society at large.
If he were to shift to volunteer work, Amit reveals his fascination with law and the desire to become a lawyer to help people. As an avid reader, he shares his insights on "Working Backwards," a book that outlines Amazon's product development process and company culture. The conversation turns personal when Amit reflects on a meaningful gift from his daughter – a coffee machine that has become essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When asked about a hypothetical dinner party, Amit calmly admits that he wishes to invite both Barack Obama and Donald Trump to gain a better understanding of their personalities and contrasting political perspectives. Taking a bold stance, Amit also touches upon the notion that being overly nice could be a controversial virtue within a business context.
A surprising revelation about the guest's background rounds off the episode, as Amit opens up about living in Tripoli, Libya for three years as a child, where his father worked as a civil engineer. With its thoughtful discussions and intriguing insights, this episode provides a captivating glimpse into the world of Amit Aggarwal, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment of 'On the DL'.
