Elevation Collective Voices: AI for Good – Humanity at a Turning Point

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This week we hosted one of the most thought-provoking Elevation Collective Voices events I can remember.

Our guests were Bennett Borden, one of the world’s leading experts on responsible AI, and Jay Samit, entrepreneur, bestselling author, former NASDAQ executive and one of the most influential voices on innovation and technological disruption.

What made the session particularly special was not only the calibre of our guests, but the quality of the people in the room. Around 35 leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, speakers, coaches and changemakers joined us from across the UK, Europe and North America.

The conversation was intelligent, challenging, generous and deeply engaging. Judging by the reactions in the chat, the breakout discussions and the emails that followed, it clearly struck a chord.

The discussion left many of us inspired, challenged and, at times, slightly unsettled.

This is because we are living through what may prove to be one of the most significant turning points in human history.

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Amplifying Good in a Changing World        

At the Elevation Collective, our purpose is to bring together leaders, changemakers and people with big hearts who want to amplify good in the world.

This event reflected that purpose perfectly.

Alongside exploring the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence, we also highlighted the extraordinary work of our Charity of the Year, Global Angels.

Founded by Elevation Collective member Molly Bedingfield, Global Angels has spent more than two decades supporting disadvantaged communities around the world. Through sustainable projects in Kenya, the charity is helping provide clean water, food security, education and opportunities for families facing significant challenges.

Several members of our community including myself have visited the Global Angels Eco Village in Tsavo and witnessed first-hand the impact being created. While technology may change the world it is a reminder that human compassion, generosity and service remain at the heart of positive change.

As we discussed the future of AI, it felt fitting to remember that the greatest innovations are those that ultimately help humanity flourish.

If you are aware of any organisations that may be interested in becoming corporate sponsors of Global Angels, or would like to explore visiting the Global Angels Eco Village and Eco Dome development in Kenya, please reach out directly to Molly Bedingfield at molly@globalangels.org.

For those who feel inspired to support the work financially, Global Angels operates a unique 100% Promise, ensuring that all public donations go directly to creating tangible impact on the ground, including access to safe drinking water, education, healthcare and sustainable community development.

Donations can be made via https://globalangels.org/donate.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps create lasting positive change for communities that need it most.

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We Are Underestimating What Is Coming    

One message came through loud and clear from both Bennett and Jay:

We are dramatically underestimating the scale and speed of the changes AI will bring.

Previous technological revolutions transformed physical labour. AI is different.

For the first time in history, we have a technology capable of performing many tasks previously reserved for knowledge workers. Lawyers, accountants, analysts, administrators, educators and many others will see significant changes in the years ahead.

This is not a distant future scenario.

It is already happening.

The challenge for leaders, organisations and governments is not whether AI will change society, but whether we are prepared for the pace of change that lies ahead.

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Iron Man, Not Terminator                                 

One of my favourite moments came when Bennett encouraged us to think of AI as “Iron Man, not Terminator.”

Rather than replacing people, AI has the potential to amplify human capability.

The greatest opportunities may come from combining human creativity, judgement, empathy and wisdom with the extraordinary power of AI.

The future may not belong to those who compete against AI, but to those who learn how to work effectively alongside it.

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The Greatest Opportunity in Human History?

While much of the discussion explored risk and disruption, there was also tremendous optimism.

We heard examples of AI helping accelerate medical breakthroughs, detect diseases earlier, improve education, increase access to knowledge and enable individuals to solve problems that previously required large teams and significant resources.

One theme that particularly resonated with me was the democratisation of opportunity.

Historically, bringing an idea to life required funding, infrastructure, expertise and connections.

Today, increasingly, one determined individual with the right tools can achieve things that were previously unimaginable.

As Jay put it, many people now have access to what feels like “superpowers.”

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The Human Skills That Matter Most

Perhaps the most important insight from the evening was that uniquely human qualities become more valuable, not less valuable, in an AI-powered world:

• Critical thinking
• Wisdom
• Empathy
• Ethics
• Purpose
• Relationship building

While AI can process vast amounts of information, it cannot replace human values, human connection or our ability to make meaning from experience.

The future may become increasingly technological, but it will also require deeper humanity.

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What Participants Said

One of the things that made the evening so special was not only the quality of our guests, but the quality of the conversation itself.

The breakout discussions were every bit as engaging as the main interview. Participants shared practical examples of how AI is already transforming their businesses, discussed the future of education and work, and raised profound questions about leadership, ethics, critical thinking and the future of humanity.

Beyond the insights shared by Bennett and Jay, what stood out was the calibre of the conversation itself. The questions, observations and experiences shared by participants demonstrated exactly why communities like the Elevation Collective matter in a rapidly changing world.

Some of the feedback received immediately afterwards included:

“Absolutely amazing!”
— Stuart McFaul

“That was a brilliant session. I couldn’t keep up with taking notes.”

“FANTASTIC session, so interesting.”
— Jeremy Lazarus

“One of the most intriguing and engaging events I’ve been a part of. I would count it a distinct privilege to be a part of the Collective going forward.”
— Bennett Borden

“I had a blast and I believe Bennett and I will become fast friends. Keep up the good fight.”
— Jay Samit

“The intelligence of this group and the conversation was off the charts.”
— Jimmy Lebenthal

“This session was AMAZING! I could keep listening for hours.”
— Gaia Ferreira

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Continuing the Conversation

One of the reasons the Elevation Collective exists is to create a space where thoughtful people can come together to explore important questions, build meaningful relationships and collaborate on ideas that create positive impact.

As we move towards our Annual Gathering in September and prepare to welcome a new Elevation Collective Inner Circle, conversations like this feel more important than ever.

The future will not be shaped by technology alone. It will be shaped by the quality of our leadership, our willingness to collaborate and our commitment to using innovation in service of humanity.

The Elevation Collective Inner Circle is designed for leaders, entrepreneurs, changemakers and purpose-driven individuals who want to deepen their impact, build meaningful relationships and work alongside others committed to creating positive change in the world.

If the themes explored in this conversation resonate with you, and you would like to learn more about the Elevation Collective Inner Circle beginning this September, I would be delighted to hear from you.

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Final Reflections

As our conversation came to a close, I was left with a profound sense that we are living through one of the most significant moments in human history.

The coming decade may bring disruption on a scale we have never witnessed before.

Yet it may also bring extraordinary opportunities to improve health, education, prosperity and human flourishing.

The future is not predetermined.

The choices we make now—as individuals, organisations and societies—will help shape whether AI becomes a force that divides and disrupts, or a force that amplifies human potential and helps create a better world.

My sincere thanks to Bennett Borden and Jay Samit for sharing their wisdom, challenge and insight, to everyone who attended, and to my wife Ruth for her support behind the scenes.

Thank you also to those who continue to support Global Angels and the many initiatives represented within our community. Whether through financial support, corporate sponsorship, sharing connections, volunteering your expertise or simply helping spread awareness, every positive action contributes to the ripple effect of good that we seek to create together.

The conversation has certainly left me thinking differently about what comes next. I didn’t sleep last night as my mind buzzed as it began rewiring to this new world and the potential within it.

And perhaps that is exactly what great conversations are meant to do.

The next Collective Voices is currently planned for November 3rd. Look out for your invitation.

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How You Can Get Involved

Support Global Angels

If you would like to support Global Angels’ life-changing work in Kenya, or know an organisation that may be interested in corporate sponsorship, please contact Molly Bedingfield at molly@globalangels.org

Donate here: https://globalangels.org/donate

For more about Bennett Borden https://clarionai.com/about

For more about Jay Samit and his latest book The Second Act Advantage (I am currently listening on audible)https://jaysamit.com/

Explore the Elevation Collective Inner Circle

If the themes in this article resonate with you and you would like to learn more about joining the next Elevation Collective Inner Circle beginning in September, simply reply to this email or contact me directly.

Listen to the Full Interviews

Over the coming weeks, I’ll also be sharing my full Business Elevation Show interviews with Bennett Borden and Jay Samit, which will explore many of these themes in even greater depth.

Warm wishes,

Chris

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