Episode 30: Beyond Tools – Envisioning AI as Symbiotic Partners in Business and Life

<ul> </ul><p>Is AI destined to replace us, or can it unlock unprecedented human potential? Helen and Dave Edwards join Lukas Egger to explore the emotional, cognitive, and cultural shifts that AI is ushering in. They challenge the narrow focus on productivity, urging us to consider AI’s broader impact on our lives and organizations. </p><p><br></p><p>Discover how AI can be a powerful force for innovation, creativity, and meaning-making, but only if we prioritize human dignity and cultivate symbiotic relationships between humans and machines. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate the AI revolution with purpose and vision.</p><p><br></p><p>Guests:</p><p> Helen &amp; Dave Edwards</p><p><em><strong>Co-Founders of the Artificiality Institute</strong></em></p><p>Helen and Dave Edwards are co-founders of the Artificiality Institute, a nonprofit research organization shaping the human experience in a world of synthetic intelligence. Through story-based research, experimental design, and cultural dialogue, they explore how humans and AI co-evolve—not just for efficiency, but for meaning. </p><p><br></p><p>For over a decade, they have studied how AI transforms human lives, capturing insights through longitudinal ethnography and translating them into new frameworks for human-AI symbiosis. Currently Visiting Researchers at UC Berkeley’s Center for Human-Compatible AI, they bring complementary expertise: Helen from leading complex systems as CIO of New Zealand’s National Grid and in executive roles at PG&amp;E and Fonterra; Dave from shaping Apple’s most iconic creative software products and from earlier work as a Wall Street analyst and venture capitalist. </p><p><br></p><p>Together, they imagine a future where diverse intelligences inspire awe, emergent consciousness evokes wonder, and new minds exist in symbiosis with our own.</p><p><br></p><p>Host:</p><p> Lukas N. P. Egger</p><p><em><strong>Head of the Innovation Office &amp; Strategic Projects team at SAP Signavio</strong></em></p><p>Lukas leads a team of experts, steering innovation projects. His approach blends a strong technical understanding with a keen eye for product discovery and digital transformation. Lukas regularly contributes to discussions and panels, sharing his perspectives on AI, the digital zeitgeist, and philosophy. Lukas funded multiple startups, published a humorous philosophy book, and received silver screen quotation for special effects work for an animated movie.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>If you want to learn more about:</strong></p><ul><li>Our guests – Helen Edwards: <a href="https://url.sap/w91fgv" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a> | Dave Edwards: <a href="https://url.sap/uwmgia" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a></li><li>Artificiality: <a href="https://www.artificiality.world/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">artificiality.world</a> </li><li>Sonder Studio: <a href="https://www.getsonder.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><br></a><a href="https://www.getsonder.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">getsonder.com</a> </li><li>Our guests’ book: <a href="https://www.mbd.zone/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Make Better Decisions</a> | <a href="https://www.mbd.zone/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">mbd.zone</a> </li><li>SAP Signavio: <a href="https://url.sap/dx5fqu" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">www.signavio.com</a></li></ul><p><strong>If you have questions or comments, email:</strong> <a href="mailto:processtransformers@sap.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">processtransformers@sap.com</a></p><p><strong>Additional downloads:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://sap-podcast-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/process-transformers/25-09-process%20transformers-30.pdf" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Download transcript as PDF file</a></li></ul><p><br></p>