Weekly Update | AI Cover Letters | Al Pacino Wisdom | Walmart Exec RTO | AI Resurrection | Chipotle AI Recruiting

Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

I hope you’ve had another fantastic week and are coming into the home stretch before the weekend. What better way to celebrate than to run through some of the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience?

With that, let’s get to it.

AI Job Seeking Gone Wrong - If you’re going to use AI to help write a cover letter, and I’d strongly encourage you to do so, please at least take the time to proof it for [insert info here] gaps. The rise in failure to do so is causing a lot of noise, but is it an AI problem or a people problem?

Lessons from Al Pacino - While I have my concerns about people becoming overdependent on AI, it’s not an issue limited to AI use. Just ask “The Godfather.” Al Pacino has an incredible story about how taking his eye off the ball left him discovering he was bankrupt in his 70s. So, don’t think avoiding AI means you’re secure.

Walmart RTO Response - Walmart and 3M are two of the latest big players in the news for their questionable RTO policies, but one Walmart C-suite exec is taking a stand. Rather than relocate to somewhere in Arkansas, Walmart’s CTO opted to leave the company. It’s encouraging when folks at the top are willing to go against the current.

Undesired AI Ressurection - I’ve talked on multiple occasions about the risks of looking to AI for the artificial resurrection of lost loved ones through ghostbots, but how would you feel if your lost loved one was resurrected without your knowledge? One father made his feelings pretty clear when he discovered his tragically murdered daughter on Character.ai.

Chipotle AI Recruiting - I love a good pun, and if you interview at Chipotle anytime soon, you may get to interact with one literally. That’s right, they’ve created an AI bot “Ava Cado” to help streamline their hiring. Only time will tell how it all plays out. However, based on my initial investigation into their strategy and plan, I’d give it my AI stamp of approval.

Show Notes:

In this weekly update, Christopher explores the intelligent use of Generative AI (Gen AI) in job applications, emphasizing the importance of providing thoughtful prompts and avoiding lazy mistakes. The discussion extends to the ethical concerns of AI, such as the unauthorized use of a deceased individual's likeness and the need for better governance. He shares Al Pacino's story of financial recovery highlighting resilience and responsibility, and address financial uncertainty, affirming the value of personal effort over material wealth. Additionally, he examines the impact of return-to-office mandates by major companies like Walmart and 3M, offering advice for employees. Highlighting Chipotle's AI-driven recruitment process 'Ava Cado', we showcase how AI can streamline operations while discussing the broader implications for the future of recruitment. Tune in for a blend of practical advice, ethical insights, and predictions on AI's role in business and technology.

00:00 - Introduction and Weekly Update Overview

01:36 - The Viral ChatGPT Cover Letter Controversy

11:37 - Al Pacino's Financial Downfall and Recovery

20:14 - Return to Office Mandates: Walmart and 3M

31:08 - Unwanted AI Resurrection

39:43 - Chipotle's AI Recruiting Strategy

48:46 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#ai #recruiting #flexibleworking #strategy #ghostbots