In this podcast interview with Joshua T. Berglan, I discuss AI, robotics and why the future of technology is human. The conversation covers my path from New York’s Lower East Side to leading technology organizations, and why AI and robotics may free us to be more human rather than less.
On a hot summer Sunday night, I responded to Joshua T. Berglan‘s request for speakers on his podcast. He instantly connected with my story, values and how I go through life. 18 hours later we were recording!
Honestly, this is the best interview I have ever given. Joshua asked me 21 questions that he asks every person he interviews but the questions ignited something within me that made me answer from deep within my soul.
About the conversation
In this thought-provoking conversation, I share my perspective on the future of technology, the importance of authenticity in innovation, and how to maintain our humanity in an increasingly digital world. We cover the journey from New York’s Lower East Side to becoming a global tech leader, embracing change, finding purpose, and the surprising ways AI and robotics might actually free us to be more human. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or simply curious about our digital future, it offers a fresh, inspiring take on where we are headed and how to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
What Thomas and Joshua discuss
- Overcoming challenges, resilience, and the role of love and family
- Early internet innovations and serving the underserved through technology
- The hard truth about innovation, and debunking the myths around it
- Breaking from the herd mentality and a healthy caution on social media
- A tech initiative for youth empowerment and advocating for diversity in tech
- Concerns about the rapid advance of robotics, and why robots are an opportunity
- Maintaining well-being in the tech industry
- The role of AI in global communication
- Simplifying complex technology concepts so anyone can connect with them
- A future where the best technology becomes invisible
The full timestamped chapters are available on the YouTube video above. It is a personal counterpart to my writing on why AI is a culture project.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Unmasking Humanity interview with Thomas Anglero about? It is a wide-ranging conversation with Joshua T. Berglan on AI, robotics and why the future of technology is human. Thomas traces his path from New York’s Lower East Side to leading global technology organizations, and argues that AI and robotics may free us to be more human rather than less.
Why does Thomas Anglero say the future of technology is human? Because as AI and robotics take on more of the mechanical work, what becomes scarce and valuable is human authenticity, connection and purpose. Handled well, the technology removes drudgery and gives people more room to be human, rather than replacing what makes them human.
What does Thomas say about robots? He treats them as an opportunity rather than a threat. His concern is the pace of advancement, but the framing he returns to is that robots, like AI, can lift people when leaders and society choose to use them to serve human needs.
How long is the interview and where can I watch it? It runs a little over an hour and is embedded on this page. The full timestamped chapters are available directly on the YouTube video.
Thomas Anglero is a Strategic AI Advisor, keynote speaker and author of Intro to Artificial Intelligence. He has delivered over 450 keynotes across 30 countries for organizations including IBM, the WHO, the World Governments Summit and the European Commission. He founded the IBM Watson AI Lab for Cancer at the Oslo Cancer Cluster and closed over $500 million in enterprise transformation deals as CTO and Chief Innovation Officer at Cognizant.