This is A Human in the Loop
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This is A Human in the Loop
Begin Here. Words from the intersection of workplace, technology, art, culture, and Eastern medicine.
A Human in the Loop invites readers to become active drivers of innovation and informed consumers of technology.
Human oversight remains crucial in shaping future technology. This publication intends to bridge the knowledge gap while engaging you in personal and relevant topics.
Subscribers will join me in exploring technology and how it intersects and influences the many facets of humanity — how we work, live, create, and, most importantly, connect on a human level.
Origin Story
My interest in technology began in adolescence.
I can confidently say my obsession with Star Trek: The Next Generation prepared me for this moment.
As a kid, I was fascinated by the Sci-Fi universe created by Gene Roddenberry back in the late 1960’s. It established my belief that technology has the potential to enhance our lives.
Many Trekkies know, however, that we should approach technology with a healthy amount of skepticism. Technological advances have the potential to do more harm than good. We would be wise to pause and consider the downstream implications of what we are creating. What are our intentions? Are we considering all perspectives?
The name of this publication comes from the world of AI and machine learning, and references the need for human intervention.
Human-in-the-loop references the need for human input, review, and control in the process, rather than relying solely on automated algorithms.
Learn More
The advancements in AI and machine learning remind us that technology can be used to improve our lives. However, we cannot blame technology for its negative consequences. It is simply a tool doing what it was designed to do. It truly is up to all of us to hold the humans behind its creation accountable for the decisions that affect us all.
Unfortunately, the supercomputers in our pockets, designed to connect us to the world and people around us, have overwhelmed us to the point that disengaging is a rebellious act of self-care. I fear that our fatigue-induced apathy and ignorance of technology, exacerbated by the departure of critical thinking, have put us in the backseat of a runaway self-driving car with no clue how to get back in the driver’s seat.
The current AI trajectory may not be clearly defined, but understanding the basic skills shared through resources and actionable insight will be necessary for the path ahead.
If you’re still reading, thank you! How am I doing?
My Style
Readers can expect a conversational yet thoughtful tone and my commitment to empowering you with practical knowledge and actionable insights while (fingers crossed) challenging assumptions and connecting you to a new idea or perspective.
Determined to get to the root of problems, I aim to find the truth within the noise. If I don’t have access to information or an answer, I welcome the opportunity to find someone who can.
I always have more to say, but for now, I will close to say — I’m glad you’re here.
- Eric
Who is this guy?
The following is pulled from that very LinkedIn page, and it pretty much covers my professional background and gives you a sense of what I believe in and how I operate.
I hope it helps, but it’s okay if it doesn’t. You can always reach out directly with your questions.
🧰 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱
• Over 20 years of diverse professional experience in the Performing Arts, Hospitality/Event Production, Healthcare, and Corporate/Tech sectors.
• Expert in pinpointing the root cause of problems, crafting human-centric solutions, and strategically aligning them with business objectives.
• Passionate about enhancing the human experience in physical environments, reducing unnecessary friction, and optimizing technological resources.
• Adept at challenging prevailing assumptions, addressing inefficiencies, and proactively mitigating risk.
• Committed to delivering practical solutions and transformative measures that elevate the overall experience for operators and end-users.
⚔️ 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Conflict isn’t a bad word. When grounded in mutual trust and respect, it has the potential to challenge assumptions, broaden perspectives, and fuel innovation. I embrace difficult conversations as an opportunity for growth.
🏢 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗗𝗮𝘀𝗵 After three years, I departed my role with DoorDash’s Corporate Real Estate and Workplace team, leading Workplace Strategy. Leading a small but mighty team, we established our global design standards, leveraging spatial analytics to iterate our flexible workplace model.
Lesson Learned: Long-term stability is unattainable without a solid foundation and shared understanding.
📻 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀
I love the creative process. I have utilized GenAI to bring my ideas to life. I create most of the images I include in my writing, and you can see more of my work on Instagram.
I’m also the creative force behind “A Holistic Workplace Experience podcast” (currently on hiatus), launched in 2020 to provide a platform for cultivating insightful discussions on the multifaceted aspects of effective work environments.
🙋🏻♂️ 𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁! I welcome opportunities to expand my professional network and foster meaningful connections. Reach out here or connect with me on LinkedIn.