John Hennessy Dinner
Insights from former Stanford President and Chairman of Alphabet
It was such a great honor to have John Hennessy join us at Icons for dinner last week. John served as the President of Stanford and currently is the Chairman of Alphabet. Hearing John's insights on a broad range of topics was an amazing experience. Thank you so much, John! Thanks for hosting, Asset Abdualiyev, at Silkroad Innovation Hub. Please find some of our key takeaways below:
Advice to Students:
· Study how to be a lifelong learner. This skill will prove especially important in the future as AI reinvents industries.
· Take more math.
Where Will Generative AI Have the Biggest Impact in the Short-Term?
· Generating non-deeply technical content (marketing copy, customer support, and sales service).
How to Evaluate Vertical AI Startups?
· Look for two factors in winners: Deep sector expertise and great technology talent. Both are necessary to create sustainable differentiation.
Should We Regulate AI?
· We should concentrate on regulating the misuse of AI, rather than the technology itself, just as we do not eliminate cars since they kill people but instead create laws to incentivize their safe use.
What is Unique about Generative AI?
· Generative AI is the first time John Hennessy has seen a technology perform better than even the builders of the tech themselves anticipated, citing DeepMind’s AlphaGeometry model as a great example.
What is Important for Universities?
· Universities must achieve their core mission of freedom of speech while simultaneously creating an inclusive environment.