Conversation Changers

In this thought-provoking episode of Conversation Changers, host Eric Olander sits down with tech philosopher and engineer Jasvin Bhasin to explore one of the defining questions of our time: What does it mean to be human in the age of AI?With 84% of U.S. high school students already using AI for schoolwork and major companies restructuring their workforces around automation, Jasvin and Eric unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, creativity, and the global job market. They examine the commoditization of creative output, the rise of the attention economy, and why the humanities may become more—not less—essential in an AI-driven era.Jasvin offers a compelling case for redefining value in the digital age, championing interdisciplinary collaboration and a renewed emphasis on decision-making, critical thinking, and “genius” as the ability to see what others cannot. She shares why she’s optimistic about Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and how young people can prepare for jobs that don’t yet exist.This episode challenges long-held assumptions about intelligence, productivity, and the future of work—and invites listeners to rethink how societies should adapt as machines increasingly share the cognitive landscape with humans.This conversation explores the profound impact of artificial intelligence on education, creativity, and the job market. It highlights the increasing reliance on AI in schools, the commoditization of creativity, and the need to reevaluate educational systems and skills for the future. The discussion emphasizes the importance of humanities and critical thinking in an AI-driven world, while also empowering the next generation to navigate these changes effectively.​​Chapters:00:00 The Rise of AI in Education02:50 Creativity and Original Thought in the Age of AI05:43 Reevaluating Education and Skills for the Future09:09 The Importance of Humanities in the AI Era11:53 Navigating the Job Market in an AI-Driven World14:54 Empowering the Next Generation17:50 Changing the Conversation Around AI​About Jasvin BhasinJasvin Bhasin is a German tech philosopher, computer engineer and advisor with Indian roots. She is the founder of bridge.the.NEXT( ), a Munich-based "think-and-do" tank dedicated to shaping the future at the intersection of technology, society and leadership.Her work spans advising start-ups, corporates, government agencies and academia on topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and the future of work. A sought-after keynote speaker and writer, Jasvin brings a unique perspective to technological transformation and human-centered innovation.She is a Salzburg Global Fellow and an active mentor in several industry programs focused on empowering the next generation of leaders. Prior to founding her venture, Jasvin spent more than a decade building an international career across the technology, banking, and automotive industries.Follow Jasvine on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasvinbhasin/Subscribe to the bridge.the.NEXT( ) LinkedIn Newsletter here:  https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7401570271750676480Follow bridge.the.NEXT( ) on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/bridge.the.next/Subscribe to Jasvine’s Substack Newsletter here: https://jasvinbhasin.substack.com/Follow Eric Olander here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olander/ 

What if the next frontier of artificial intelligence wasn't about the future but about reclaiming the past? Nigerian artist, filmmaker, and creative technologist Malik Afegbua became a global conversation-changer when his viral "Elder Series"—AI-generated images of stylish seniors on a fashion runway—highlighted the deep-seated biases in AI training data, forcing us to confront the lack of representation in our digital future.​​In this powerful episode, Malik argues that the solution to AI’s bias lies in intentional storytelling and leveraging technology to connect directly with the wisdom of the past. He introduces the revolutionary concept of creating digital twins of our ancestors, which would enable future generations to engage with their heritage and access "credible knowledge from our ancestors”.​Malik and host Eric Olander discuss how African creatives are intentionally shaping AI, how understanding historical context is crucial for future projections, and why embracing technology can be the most powerful way to preserve cultural legacy for a better tomorrow.What you'll hear in this episode: Why the quality of AI's outputs depends entirely on challenging its biased inputs, and the role of African creatives in that process.​The groundbreaking vision of creating 'digital twins' to represent and learn from ancestral knowledge in a modern context.​How preserving African histories through technology is helping to build an aspirational future not one that is suppressed or sad.​Why understanding historical timelines is crucial for revealing patterns that inform our decisions today.​Malik’s advice on how a positive mindset and intentional stories can empower change without needing external permission.Chapters:00:00 The Rise of AI in Daily Life03:04 Bias and Representation in AI05:53 The Role of African Creatives in AI09:02 Challenges of Access and Ownership in AI12:03 Preserving African Histories through Technology17:46 Reimagining the Future with AI20:56 Empowering Change through TechnologyAbout Malik Afegbua:Malik Afegbua is a Nigerian artist and the CEO of Slickcity Media, in Lagos, Nigeria. He weaves magic across film, VR, and design. At Slickcity Media, he crafts documentaries, commercials, and immersive VR experiences, pushing boundaries and blending tradition with innovative tech like VR and AI art. His viral "The Elder Series" exemplifies his genius. Using AI, he reimagined seniors in vibrant fashion shows, sparking a global dialogue about inclusivity and challenging ageism. But Malik's impact extends beyond visuals. He is a champion for social change and founded C.E.L.S. to empower Nigerian youth through education and mentorship. He is a cultural guardian, collaborating with Meta to preserve African heritage through VR documentaries. His expertise in AI design shines through collaborations with Marvel Studios, Cadbury, Glenfiddich, IBM, and more. His AI art has graced platforms like Cannes and the Mozambique Ministry of Tourism. At Slickcity Media, Malik leads the charge, translating ideas into captivating content across platforms. He harnesses the power of AI to enhance storytelling and deliver innovative narratives, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity.Follow Malik Afegbua on: Instagram: @slickcityceo⁠ LinkedIn: @malik-afegbuaFind out more about ‘The Elder Series’ here: https://elderseries.carrd.coFind out more about Salzburg Global here: https://www.salzburgglobal.org 

Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of the African Wildlife Foundation, joins Salzburg Global President & CEO Martin Weiss to challenge how the world thinks about conservation. For decades, global efforts have focused on protecting wildlife from people — but Kaddu argues that the future of conservation depends on putting people at the centre.In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, Kaddu shares how African-led, people-centred approaches are transforming communities, driving economic opportunity, and redefining the global sustainability agenda. From mountain gorillas in Rwanda to youth movements across the continent, he makes a bold case: the future of the planet depends on Africa.Why traditional conservation models — rooted in colonial history — have failed African communitiesHow centering people, livelihoods, and local economies leads to more sustainable conservation outcomesThe success story of Rwanda’s community-owned luxury lodges and mountain gorilla conservationThe crucial role of Africa’s youth in shaping the continent’s political, economic, and environmental futureWhy the global fight against climate change cannot succeed without AfricaHow Europe and Africa can move beyond aid toward equitable trade, investment, and shared innovationThe mindset shift Kaddu believes is needed: from protecting Africa to partnering with AfricaChapters:00:00 The Need for a People-Centered Approach to Conservation10:12 Rethinking Conservation Economics20:11 The Role of Youth in Africa's Future26:07 Optimism and Opportunities in Africa's DevelopmentTakeaway:Conservation isn’t about protecting animals from people — it’s about empowering people to live with and benefit from wildlife. To secure a sustainable future, the world must change the conversation and recognise Africa’s central role in global survival.About Kaddu Sebunya: Kaddu Sebunya is the Chief Executive Officer of African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). He has over 25 years’ experience in conservation at grassroots, national and regional levels in the USA, Africa, and Europe, and is now responsible for driving AWF’s long term-strategy.Kaddu has worked with Oxfam UK, the World Conservation Union - IUCN, USA Peace Corps, Conservation International, and Solimar International.He believes conserving Africa’s wildlife is too important and too urgent to be left to the West alone. He is concerned that big African voices leading the fight against the destruction of habitat and wildlife today are few, arguing that it is time the African elite step forward.Working with leaders in business, politics, civil society, policy, international development and education as well as the youth, Kaddu is building a global coalition for conservation to protect Africa’s natural capital for posterity. He sees conservation as a social, economic, security and health question requiring new partnerships and multi-sectoral strategies for the people and wildlife to benefit.Kaddu is a member of the China-Africa Wildlife Conservation Council, a group of civil society and business leaders convened by AWF and the Aspen Institute to serve as a people-to-people platform for supporting China-Africa cooperation on wildlife and wildlands conservation, sustainable economic development, and governance. He is also a member of the Club of Rome and contributes frequently to newspapers in Africa, Europe and the USA.Kaddu has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and two Master’s degrees: An MA in Law, Policy and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School, Tufts University, USA; and an MSc in Sustainable Resource Management and Policy (Imperial - Wye College, University of London).Learn more about the African Wildlife Foundation: https://www.awf.orgFollow Kaddu Sebunya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaddu-kiwe-sebunya-384b4658/ Find out more about Salzburg Global: https://www.salzburgglobal.org/ Follow Martin Weiss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-weiss-ba264424a/ 

“We have to stop asking, ‘What does China want?’ and start reckoning with what it actually is.” — Kaiser KuoSalzburg Global’s podcast series Conversation Changers brings the spirit of dialogue, openness, and innovation that defines Salzburg Global to audiences worldwide. In each episode, leading thinkers and practitioners explore the forces reshaping our societies — and how we can engage with them to create a better, more inclusive future.In this new episode, host Eric Olander speaks with Kaiser Kuo, host of The Sinica Podcast and Salzburg Global Fellow, to unpack one of the defining megatrends of our time: China’s transformation and its impact on global power dynamics.From ration cards in the 1980s to high-speed trains and artificial intelligence breakthroughs, China’s evolution has been breathtaking — and polarizing. Together, Eric and Kaiser explore how perceptions of China have shifted over the decades, why global debates about its legitimacy and ambitions have hardened, and what this “Great Reckoning” means for the future of global order.Kaiser argues that this is a civilizational turning point — a moment when the world must come to terms with a China that is no longer rising, but setting the pace.“Modernity is no longer something the West owns. China has become one of its principal architects.” — Kaiser KuoIn this episode you'll hear:How China’s rapid transformation has reshaped society, technology, and prosperityWhy Western hopes that China would “become like us” were misplaced or misunderstoodThe enduring divide between “dragon slayers” and “panda huggers” — and what it reveals about Western attitudesHow China’s model of modernization without Westernization inspires the Global SouthThe role of propaganda, social media, and “infrastructure porn” in shaping perceptionsWhy generational shifts suggest a changing global view of ChinaKaiser’s call to “stop asking what China wants” and start understanding it on its own termsThe episode underscores a vital idea: modernity is no longer a Western monopoly. Understanding China today means reckoning with a new global reality — one that demands humility, balance, and genuine dialogue.Chapters:00:00 China's Transformation: A Historical Perspective05:10 Polarization in Global Discourse on China10:01 Engagement vs. Isolation: The West's Approach to China15:02 The Great Reckoning: Shifting Perspectives on China19:59 Understanding Modernity: China’s Role in the 21st CenturyAbout Kaiser Kuo Kaiser Kuo is the host of The Sinica Podcast, a leading platform for nuanced conversations about China and the Chinese diaspora. A writer, musician, and longtime observer of China’s transformation, he has been at the heart of cross-cultural exchange for decades. Kaiser is also a Salzburg Global Fellow, bringing his deep insights on media, identity, and geopolitics to the Salzburg Global community.Find out more about Kaiser Kuo and the Sinica Podcast here: https://www.sinicapodcast.com/Follow Kaiser Kuo here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaiserkuo Follow Eric Olander here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olander/Find out more about Salzburg Global here: https://www.salzburgglobal.org

Salzburg Global’s podcast series Conversation Changers brings the spirit of dialogue, openness, and innovation that defines Salzburg Global to audiences worldwide. In each episode, leading thinkers and practitioners explore pressing global challenges — and how we can rethink them for a better future.In this new episode, host Eric Olander speaks with Tina Purnat, a leading expert on health communication and the social dynamics of information, about the complex realities of navigating health information in today’s digital age. Together, they explore how misinformation spreads, how trust is built and eroded, and what it takes to restore confidence in health systems.Purnat reflects on the shifting relationship between health authorities, media, and the public, and why trustworthiness — not just trust — lies at the heart of effective health communication. The discussion delves into the role of social media, the growing influence of health influencers, and the importance of cultural context in shaping how people interpret health messages.What you’ll hear in this episode:How the digital age has transformed the way people seek and believe health informationWhy mistrust in institutions has become a public health challengeThe role of social media and influencers in shaping perceptions of health and scienceHow cultural context affects the success or failure of public health messagingWhy rebuilding trust begins with self-reflection and community engagementThe episode underscores a vital point: tackling misinformation isn’t just about correcting facts — it’s about reconnecting people, communities, and systems through dialogue and empathy.Chapters:00:00 The Erosion of Trust in Health Information02:56 The Role of Social Media in Health Decisions05:57 Healthcare Providers and Misinformation09:10 Cultural Contexts in Health Communication11:52 The Influence of Health Influencers15:10 Navigating Health Information Chaos17:56 Building Trust in Health SystemsAbout Tina Purnat:Tina Purnat is a global health expert working at the intersection of data, technology, and policy. With over 20 years of experience—including leadership roles at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)— she helps organizations navigate complex health systems and design smarter, evidence-based solutions.Currently, Tina is Vice President of the Global Health section at the European Public Health Association (EUPHA), an Associate Editor for several peer-reviewed journals, and a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) candidate at Harvard University. Her work spans pandemic preparedness, digital health, trustworthy AI standards and systems, and the intersection of digital society with public health. Tina uses innovative, systems-based approaches to help organizations and governments design resilient, ethical, and people-centered health responses in a rapidly changing world.Follow Tina Purnat here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinadpurnat Follow Eric Olander here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olander/ Find out more about Salzburg Global at salzburgglobal.org