Keith Ferrazzi: The Bear Joke That Broke the AI Training Script — and the Black Belt Ladder Lowe's Is Actually Running
TL;DR: That US agency leader refused the bear joke — everyone else is still trying to outrun you.
I remember back in my days seconded to Abu Dhabi to build the prestigious AED 1Bil. 5-block Condominium Rihan Heights Project in 2008 ~ 2011.
My technical department head split the design/technical coordination work among the 3 of us. I took the structural bit, and my 2 colleagues took on the Architectural and Façade portion, respectively. The work was difficult, but ultimately satisfying after completion.
After I came back to Malaysia circa 2012, the company immediately enrolled me into mastering Building Information Modelling (BIM). It was to construct the virtual model of the building – to coordinate and encompassing all building details – Structural, Architectural, Façade and M&E – all into one well-tuned-out model, before construction starts.
The thesis was simple: if we can iron out all the discrepancies between different trades in the model – we called it clash-detection and resolution – we can save up time (lots of time) from dealing with it during construction.
And time equals money.
The intension of the company was very obvious to me. I was to master it to eventually take over the role of 3 persons into one “superman” coordinating everything.
My then CEO used to throw around the phrase – “Economics of Scale”. If we can use one guy to do 3 jobs, why do we need 3 guys?
Finding ways to reduce cost, was how we win tender and secure jobs – and therefore remain competitive in the market.
All these AI layoffs are just of the same consideration in a different skin.
Full critic and feasibility study in the comments.