Apply AI: Scaling Private Fortunes
Dwarkesh Patel recently shared his thoughts in a video about the design and operation of a company run entirely by AI employees.
In the video, he explores the idea of a single dominant company emerging, scaling rapidly, and outcompeting others by using superior algorithms to process ideas and manage workloads.
This raises some interesting questions. If the goal was to create a society of “haves” and “have-nots,” one way to achieve this would be to keep such a company private for an extended period. Imagine a future “Amazon” that eliminates white-collar jobs, dominates its market, but whose growth remains inaccessible to the general public. What if all the wealth generated is held exclusively by private investors?
Could we see regulations requiring AI-driven companies to become publicly traded, or to otherwise share the benefits of their wealth creation more broadly?
This sounds like an excellent way to generate diverse ideas to address problems. Trust is paramount.
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“As you gain experience you lose fear.” - Simon Sinek
Working with Copilot feels like I’m working with Ralph Wiggum with a dash of Lisa Simpson thrown in.
Google has integrated its Gemini AI model directly into formulas in Sheets.
There’s now an =AI() formula that lets you enter a prompt and apply it to a specific cell—very cool. Here’s a video showing how it works: YouTube - # Master 85% of Google Gemini in 12 Minutes (2025) by Jeff Su
Apply AI: LLMs Reward the Curious
Chat based LLMs like ChatGPT and Google Gemini reward the curious, much more than traditional search engines.
Let’s say you are looking to purchase an air purifier for your home. Google Search is not built for people to be extremely curious. Typically Google Search is a one shot tool. You may type “What’s the best air purifier for a single family home of less than 2500 square feet.” But what comes next is a research project. Clicking on the links, reading the click bait ad pages, trying to navigate and remember the different pros and cons and manually comparing and making notes.
LLMs are different. LLMs reward curiosity.
Today I researched a home air purifier using ChatGPT 4o. The experience was very different than a typical Google Search. Here are the questions I asked:
- I’m trying to find the best air purifier for my home. Something that is free standing that can be plugged into the wall. What should I take into consideration when I look at options?
- I’ve got a 4 bedroom that is a total of 2200 sq feet. It’s a semi-open floor plan where the kitchen, living room, dining room, and entry are fairly open and connected. The 4 bedrooms average about 15x15 feet. What are good options for me.
- How much space needs to be given around these air purifiers? Can they be tucked behind a couch or in a corner?
- Can you get too much air purifier for a space, and would that have any negative consequences?
- Can you perform a deep comparison between the Coway and Alen, including a 5-year total cost of ownership?
- Are there any mistakes that people make when purchasing these filters?
- What other common mistakes or regrets do customers typically make that can be easily avoided?
- Why are people most unhappy with the model XXXX?
LLMs like ChatGPT is much more powerful when you think of it as an advisor and not just an answer machine.
I know there are clearly some things that I have missed and deeper ways I could analyze this problem, but I hope this provides an example of how the power of generative AI really comes from being more curious.
Apply AI: Using generative AI for creating test data samples
One powerful yet often overlooked application of generative AI is creating test data samples. Instead of manually crafting data sets, you can leverage tools like ChatGPT to generate realistic sample data quickly and efficiently.
This approach is especially useful when you’re learning frameworks like Python’s pandas and need a structured dataset to experiment with. By using a well-crafted prompt (or even not well crafted), you can produce diverse data samples tailored to your learning objectives.
For example, here’s a prompt I used with ChatGPT 4o to generate sample data:
I want to generate code for a test python DataFrame. The table has two columns Flavor and Scoops. The flavor column is persons favorite flavor. Number of scoops should stay between 1 and 3 scoops. Create 5 common flavors to be used for the test sample. Create 30 examples in the dataframe.
And this was the result.
import pandas as pd
import random
# Define common flavors and scoop range
flavors = ["Vanilla", "Chocolate", "Strawberry", "Mint Chocolate Chip", "Cookie Dough"]
# Generate sample data
data = {
"Flavor": [random.choice(flavors) for _ in range(30)],
"Scoops": [random.randint(1, 3) for _ in range(30)]
}
# Create DataFrame
df = pd.DataFrame(data)
Great example of using ChatGPT Deep Research for understanding zoning laws by state. Deep Research: Supermajority laws around the states
Apply AI: Creating a Quiz Generator in ChatGPT
ChatGPT can be utilized to create an adaptive multiple-choice quiz for students, progressively adjusting difficulty based on their answers while providing feedback and customization options.
Apply AI: Screening Social Media for Negative Behaviors in Application Processes
A friend’s son is applying to a private high school, and as part of the application process, the school requests links to any social media accounts he owns. I’ve heard of similar requirements in sorority recruitment and other selective social organizations.
With AI, it wouldn’t be difficult to analyze social media for potentially negative traits using image recognition models. These models could be trained to detect behaviors such as smoking, drinking, or making offensive hand gestures. For example, a student holding a red Solo cup in a photo could be flagged as a potential concern.
Beyond identifying negative behaviors, AI could also assess social tendencies. It could analyze how many photos feature the applicant alone versus in a group, or how many depict them playing sports, which might indicate teamwork and social engagement. This type of analysis could influence how schools or organizations evaluate an applicant’s personality and fit.
Uncertainty & Control
A few years ago, I was part of an M&A team tasked with expanding our industrial services firm into new service areas. About ten days earlier, our company had completed the purchase of a small, privately-owned pump and compressor repair shop with a strong reputation for high-quality work and good people.
One morning, while walking through the shop floor, one of the key employees–let’s call him Bob–approached me, his gaze avoiding direct contact. “I wanted to let you know that I’ve put in my notice. I’m quitting,” he said.
Taken aback by the sudden decision, I asked Bob why he was leaving. “I know how it is with big companies,” he replied. “You want to run us off. Replace us with ‘your people.'”
I paused for a moment to gather my thoughts. Then I said, “Bob, one of the reasons we bought this company is because of people like you. It’s people who make this company. But I understand that you have to do what’s right for you and your family. Do you have a new job lined up?”
“No,” Bob answered.
“Do you have any savings to lean on or health insurance lined up?” I asked.
“Not really,” he said again.
“Well, how about this,” I began. “I want you to know we have no intention of replacing you with ‘our people.’ We want you to stay as part of the team. But I understand that you must do what’s best for you. I’ll make you a deal: stay on, and take your time to find a new position. I’ll give you time off to interview if needed. But I think you’ll find that we genuinely want you here as part of the team.”
Bob and I shook hands.
Years later, Bob never left. He remained a key part of the team.
Today, more than ever, our world is full of uncertainty. This week, Meta announced plans to lay off 5% of its “low performers.” Wildfires in Southern California have upended the lives of millions. And in less than a week, a new administration, promising to upend the status quo, will take office in the White House.
The lesson for leaders is clear: people crave certainty and control. In my experience coaching and leading others, I’ve found that when life feels uncertain, people often make choices to assert control over their environment–even if those choices have negative consequences.
As a leader, it’s easy to take your team for granted during times of uncertainty. Remember, everyone has a different tolerance for uncertainty. Take a moment today to pick up the phone and talk to your team members individually. Let them know you appreciate them, and genuinely listen to their concerns. You’ll be glad you did.
How Morning Coffee Boosted My Sleep and Longevity: A Personal Journey Backed by Science
In 2018, I embarked on a journey to reshape my sleep habits and enhance my overall healthspan.
Dr. Matthew Walker’s book Why We Sleep was particularly impactful, especially its discussion on how caffeine affects sleep patterns.
As a result, I made a significant change: I now only drink coffee and only before noon. After about 30 days, I noticed a clear improvement in my sleep quality, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s encouraging to see research that supports these lifestyle adjustments.
Compared with non-coffee drinkers, those who mostly drank coffee in the morning had a lower risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.95) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55-0.87) when followed over a median 9.8 years.
It appeared that survival was particularly improved with morning consumers drinking moderate (>1 to 2 cups and >2 to 3 cups/day) and heavy (>3 cups/day) amounts of coffee rather than lesser amounts, reported Lu Qi, MD, PhD, epidemiologist of Tulane University in New Orleans and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, and colleagues in European Heart Journal.
Source: www.medpagetoday.com/primaryca…
Six Years
This week marks six years since I started working from home full-time. It’s been a mix of blessings and challenges. When I began this journey, my daughters were 12 and 9. Being home to greet them after school and listen to their laughing during the summer days has been an incredible gift–one I’ll always cherish.
However, the biggest challenge has been the social isolation. With back-to-back Teams calls, it’s easy to get stuck in the echo chamber of your own thoughts. I’ve missed the ambient conversations around the office, the spontaneous chats with coworkers, and even the simple joy of listening to podcasts or audiobooks during my commute.
No matter where or how you work–whether you commute, work from home, or balance a hybrid schedule–take a moment to appreciate the unique benefits of your environment. Each setting has its perks; sometimes, it just takes a mindful pause to see them.
The baking aisle at the grocery store on Christmas Eve is full of bewildered non-bakers who have been sent by their family bakers to pick up one more thing.
Someone was called a “Seagull” at work today.
They fly in, make a bunch of noise, shit everywhere, and take off.
Awesome.
Texas A&M alumnus accidentally joins band, says he pretended to play for 4 years - lonestarlive.com
A month before his first semester began, Juarez received an email about orientation for the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, the nation’s most traveled collegiate marching band, which boasts over 300 members.
“I had only played band in the sixth grade, but it was kind of late to find alternative housing, so I just showed up,” he said in the post.
Talk about someone crushing Imposter Syndrome!
Amazing how a box of Kleenex can sit on the shelf for six months untouched, only to be completely consumed in 24 hours.
Feeling the Post Thanksgiving Blues? Try a Dose of Gratitude!
As we transition from the Thanksgiving holiday back to our routines, it’s easy to feel the drag of returning to work. Instead of seeing the holiday as something that’s behind us, why not carry the spirit of gratitude forward?
Here’s a quick exercise to help you reflect and reset:
- What are three things you were grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday?
- What are two things you are grateful for at work?
- What is one thing you are looking forward to this week?
Answering these questions can help you appreciate the highlights of last week, recognize what’s working well in your professional life, and focus on something positive ahead.
BASIC was my first programming language and the kickstart to my career in software development. I still remember my first programs and the joy of seeing ideas brought to life.
The Voice That Welcomed Us Online: Remembering Elwood Edwards and the Power of Small Contributions
In 1989, Elwood Edwards Jr. sat down in his living room, pressed the red button on a recorder, and spoke three words that would become an iconic phrase for a generation. These three words were eagerly anticipated while the dial-up modem screeched and beeped, as the desktop computer slowly crawled onto the Internet. Suspense built as people wondered, “Will there be something waiting for me today?” Moments later, as the screeching sounds faded and after a few clicks on the screen, they would hear the words they longed for:
“You’ve got mail.” 📨
Elwood Edwards, who passed away this month at the age of 74, recorded this phrase along with others, becoming the voice of the Internet for a generation of Americans just learning to access the World Wide Web. When Elwood recorded these words, he had no idea that this small project would become ingrained in American vernacular, even lending its name to a Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan rom-com.
At the time, Elwood couldn’t have realized the impact of these recordings—how kids and adults alike would grow up hearing his voice as they accessed AOL through the CDs packed into every magazine in America. It’s easy to think of his recordings as a minor contribution to the immense technical achievement that was AOL, but those simple words had an outsized impact on a generation.
The next time you question your contribution to a new project, remember Elwood. You never know what small action might have an outsized impact.
NY Times:Elwood Edwards, Voice of AOL’s ‘You’ve Got Mail!’ Alert, Dies at 74