The Future of Humanity in an AI World — A Deep Conversation with Nick Smallman

Send a textWhat does it mean to stay human in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence?In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Smallman, founder and CEO of Working Voices, whose decades of work with global organizations (JP Morgan, Sony, Barclays, Goldman Sachs) has focused on improving leadership, communication, and engagement in times of profound change.Now, he’s turning his attention to the individual. His forthcoming project, The Sustainable Human, is a training program designed to help people reclaim their agency, humanity, and purpose in the face of accelerating tech and cultural shifts. Together, we explore how we can thrive—not just survive—as the lines between human and machine get blurrier.Episode HighlightsThe Sustainable Human: Nick dives into his newest project, a training program that gives people the essential skills that they need to boost confidence and improve relationships in a fast-changing world.Mission-Critical Soft Skills: Why empathy, creativity, and adaptability are essential in an AI-driven world.The Risks of Transhumanism: How to avoid a dystopian future and keep technology in service of humanity.Thought Experiments for the Future: Envisioning the risks of over-reliance on technology and creating a better path forward.About Nick SmallmanNick Smallman is the founder of Working Voices, where he’s spent 25+ years training leaders in communication, inclusion, and engagement. His new initiative, The Sustainable Human, is a call to action—for people to reconnect with their values, with others, and with what makes them uniquely human.Resources MentionedThe Sustainable Human (Nick Smallman’s forthcoming program)How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny OdellFour Thousand Weeks by Oliver BurkemamStolen Focus by Johann HariConnect with Nick SmallmanLinkedIn: Nick SmallmanGet in TouchHave thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design. Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.