AI, Human Behavior, and the Future of Work with Colin MB Cooper

In this engaging conversation, Michael sits down with Colin MB Cooper to explore the intersection of human behavior, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. Colin shares how his lifelong curiosity for technology began at age 13 when he disassembled his father’s computer, sparking a passion that now informs his work blending neuroscience and AI. Together, they reflect on decades of rapid technological change and the unique skillset Colin brings to understanding it. Declining Workforce Competencies in Younger Generations Michael and Colin discuss an emerging concern: the decline in critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity among young professionals entering the workforce. Drawing on Michael’s experience hiring over a thousand employees and Colin’s global hiring experience, they highlight a growing gap between what schools teach and what businesses require. Both note that increased reliance on LLMs may be accelerating this divide, raising important questions about the future of work and education. Technology Dependence and the Erosion of Critical Thinking The conversation turns to society’s increasing dependence on technology. Michael shares stories from his early career teaching new hires basic computer skills and even using games like Solitaire to enhance productivity. They discuss how global internet outages could disrupt daily life and why fostering critical thinking and curiosity is essential in today’s uncertain environment. AI’s Rapid Integration and Its Impact on the Workforce Colin outlines the challenges organizations face as AI outpaces human adaptation. In education, technology is moving faster than teachers can adjust, and in the corporate world, AI-first strategies are leading to hiring freezes and the automation of repetitive work. He emphasizes a human-centered AI model that increases capability rather than replacing people. Real examples from healthcare and customer service highlight how AI can elevate human performance. Colin encourages listeners to upskill using free AI courses from providers like Google and OpenAI. AI’s Transformational Potential in Healthcare Michael explores one of the most promising AI applications: healthcare. Drawing from his primary care leadership background, he discusses how clinicians spend excessive time on documentation rather than patient care. Colin agrees that AI could revolutionize healthcare workflows, lightening administrative burdens and improving patient outcomes, though both acknowledge the importance of safeguarding security and privacy. Technology Behaviors: From Customer Service Hacks to Alexa in Schools Michael shares a practical tip about selecting different language options to reduce customer service wait times, then recalls a story of students misusing Alexa devices to order products without permission. It’s a humorous yet telling example of how quickly technology becomes woven into daily life. Generational Differences in Adapting to Technology To close the episode, Michael and Colin reflect on how older generations developed strong problem-solving skills due to limited access to support in their early tech experiences, while younger generations depend more heavily on constant connectivity. They discuss the vulnerability of this dependency, highlighted by the recent Cloudflare outage. Colin emphasizes that while technology will keep evolving, adaptability and resilience will determine how well society keeps pace. Colin invites listeners to explore more of his work on his website and continue the conversation on the future of human capability in an AI-driven world. https://colinmbcooper.com/ Welcome to this episode, where we sit down with Colin Cooper—a globally recognized high-performance business expert, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist with over two decades of experience working with clients across 38 countries and hundreds of industries. About Colin Cooper Colin began his journey in business at just 13 when he discovered computers, launching his first website by 15 and igniting a lifelong passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. Today, he’s known for blending behavioural psychology, cutting-edge digital strategies, and AI technologies to create measurable, sustainable results for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. As the founder and leader of several successful businesses, Colin brings firsthand knowledge of entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities, delivering future-proof strategies that enhance performance, customer experience, and profitability. His approach to high performance sits at the intersection of human behaviour, business strategy, and neuromarketing. Key Takeaways from Our Conversation - Colin’s holistic philosophy on business growth, blending technology, behavioural science, and human-centred leadership. - Insights from his extensive experience consulting globally and launching his own ventures. - The role of natural horsemanship in developing leadership and ...