Building a Better Geek

In this episode, hosts Em and Craig tackle the serious topic of workplace bullying, exploring its definition, causes, and strategies for addressing it in modern work environments.
Key Discussion Points:
Generational Workplace Dynamics: Em explains how having four generations in the workplace (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z) creates communication challenges, with each generation having different expectations about hierarchy, collaboration, and workplace behavior.
Defining Bullying: Craig shares the technical definition of bullying as "repeated and unreasonable behavior that poses a risk to health and safety," while Em emphasizes that bullying fundamentally involves power imbalances being used to harm others.
Attachment Theory and Bullying: Em explains how early childhood attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized) influence how people respond to bullying. Those with secure attachment are more likely to disengage from bullying situations, while those with other attachment styles may fawn, fight back, or respond inconsistently.
Distinguishing Bullying from Miscommunication: The hosts discuss the challenge of differentiating between intentional bullying and communication issues that may stem from neurodiversity or personality differences, noting that sometimes personalities simply don't mesh well.
Psychological Aspects: They explore how bullies often use subtle tactics that confuse victims, such as the "smiling assassin" approach where aggressive behavior is masked with friendly demeanor, making targets question their own perceptions.
HR's Role: The hosts highlight the importance of human resources departments in providing objective third-party perspectives to mediate conflicts and establish clear procedures for reporting and addressing bullying.
Practical Strategies: For organizations, establishing clear anti-bullying policies and procedures is essential. For individuals, developing strong personal boundaries and recognizing unhealthy dynamics are crucial self-protection skills.
Future Considerations: The conversation touches on cyberbullying and the challenges of addressing anonymous digital harassment, with Em sharing her personal experience of being targeted online.
Resource Recommendations:
"Emotional Blackmail" by Dr. Susan Forward for understanding unhealthy relationship dynamics
"Games People Play" for recognizing interpersonal manipulation patterns
David Yeager's "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People" which explores how high standards and high support affect interactions between managers and younger staff

In this episode, hosts Em and Craig discuss the intersection of AI and human communication, exploring how AI is transforming the workplace while emphasising the enduring value of human connection.
Key Discussion Points:
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: Craig frames AI not as true intelligence but as "engineered collaboration at scale" that helps distill knowledge from across the internet. He suggests AI works best as a "first draft fairy" that helps overcome creative blocks.
Practical Applications: Craig shares examples of using AI tools like Claude to prepare interview questions and simplify complex technical concepts. Em discusses how AI could help prepare panel discussion questions.
Bias and Transparency Concerns: The hosts debate whether AI models can be biased based on their training data. Craig explains that different countries are developing their own AI models to reflect their cultural contexts, similar to how media outlets have political leanings.
The Value of Human Connection: Em emphasises that AI cannot fully replace human interaction, especially in areas requiring emotional intelligence, body language interpretation, and genuine connection. They discuss how human fallibility and authenticity are becoming more valued in contrast to AI's perfection.
Academic and Creative Impacts: They discuss university policies being developed to detect AI-generated content in student work. Em voices concerns about creative professions becoming obsolete while acknowledging that adaptation is necessary.
Prompt Engineering: Craig explains how learning to communicate effectively with AI through "prompt engineering" can maximise its usefulness, including providing context about audience and format.
Resource Recommendations:
Experiment with AI tools like Claude AI, ChatGPT, and Perplexity with a curious mindset
Learn prompt engineering techniques to better communicate with AI
"Clara and the Sun" by Kazuo Ishiguro - A novel exploring AI and humanity integration
"The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence" by Tony Prescott
Simon Wardley's essay on the dangers of creating a "new priesthood" of AI developers who control what information goes into models

In this season opener, hosts Em and Craig explore gender dynamics in tech, focusing on women's unique challenges with imposter syndrome, funding disparities, and opportunities in an evolving industry that increasingly needs diverse perspectives. 
Gender Differences in the Workplace: They explore how women often need to feel 94% qualified before applying for jobs, while men apply at around 60%. Em notes that imposter syndrome is more prevalent among women, while men tend to experience more shame after failure.
Femtech Industry: They discuss the growing field of women's health technology, highlighting how the period-tracking app Flow (founded by two brothers) recently achieved unicorn status, raising questions about female representation in tech leadership.
Funding Disparities: The hosts examine why female-founded tech companies, despite often having higher ROI, receive less funding than male-founded counterparts. They suggest this may partly stem from women's hesitancy to directly ask for what they want, compared to men's greater directness and sense of entitlement.
Opportunities for Women in Tech: Craig highlights that tech companies actively seek female talent and suggests entry paths including project management and relationship-oriented roles. They discuss how technology now intersects with nearly every industry, creating diverse opportunities beyond traditional technical roles.
Challenges in Male-Dominated Workplaces: They address the pitfall of organisations over-indexing on showcasing diversity, which can lead to women being overloaded with public-facing opportunities and experiencing burnout.
Featured Resources:
The Imperfects podcast episode "Maybe It's Menopause" with Dr. Louise Newson
"The Confidence Code" by Claire Shipman and Katty Kay
Hero of the Week:
Volvo Cars for their EVA initiative, which researches safety for all body types (not just adult males) and shares this data openly with all car manufacturers, similar to how they previously shared seatbelt technology.

In this episode we discussed the importance of setting boundaries and effective time management, particularly for people working in the tech industry and introverts.
- Establishing personal values, priorities, and understanding the difference between organisational and individual goals is crucial.
- Boundaries are not about building walls or saying "no," but rather about creating psychological safety and empowering others to express their needs.
- The episode highlights the challenges of dealing with "toxic" people who lack empathy, and provides strategies for navigating such situations:    - Avoiding engagement, maintaining a paper trail, and self-care.    - Staying focused on the goals; not getting sidetracked.    - Framing tasks and responsibilities in a way that gives them meaning and purpose.    - Practicing weekly and daily planning, and "do, delegate, or ditch".    - Getting comfortable with discomfort and having difficult conversations.
- The discussion emphasises the need for leaders to create an environment where employees feel empowered to express their boundaries.
References and Links:
- Gillespie, David. Toxic at Work. HarperCollins, 2023.- Gillespie, David. Taming Toxic People. Penguin Random House, 2017.- Kerr, James. Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life. Constable, 2013.- Stone, Douglas, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen. Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most. Penguin Books, 2010.

In this episode we discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically large language models, on various aspects of human life. We explore the impact on leaders and creatives, delving into the potential benefits and challenges of AI. Here are the key points:
• AI's rapid advancement and democratisation raise concerns about privacy, security, and accountability.• Large language models can be trained on vast amounts of data, potentially including personal information without consent.• Explainability and transparency are crucial for AI models used in high-stakes decision-making, such as loan approvals.• Guardrails and fine-tuning can be applied to AI models to align them with specific use cases and ethical considerations.• AI's ability to generate human-like content raises concerns about authenticity, creativity, and the potential for model collapse due to a lack of new input.• Children growing up with AI may develop a natural understanding of its capabilities and limitations, potentially using it as a coaching tool.• Involving humans in the loop is essential to verify AI outputs and ensure they align with human values and priorities.• Experimentation with AI in low-risk environments can help individuals and organizations understand its potential and limitations.
References Mentioned:• Polis (AI project by Audrey Tang)• Mark Andreessen (Netscape co-founder) on Joe Rogan's podcast

In this episode of BABG we dive in to communication and connection, including how to maximise impact on video calls.
Communication and connection are critical for leadership, influencing others, and achieving goals. The ability to communicate effectively starts with listening and builds rapport.
Focus communication on creating meaningful connections, not just transactions. Build in opportunities for relationship building.
In video calls, position camera at eye level, look into camera to make "eye contact". Use names, be aware of verbal and physical cues.
Project confidence through body language and breathing. Take up space, sit/stand tall, breathe deeply.
Apply 30-30-30 rule: 1/3 of audience is resistant, 1/3 supportive, 1/3 unsure. Focus attention on supportive group.
Ask questions of others to demonstrate leadership, create connection, and learn what's important to them. Listen closely.
Prepare environment and background to communicate who you are on video calls. Songs, art, instruments, etc.
Books for further reading on communication:
Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most (Stone, Patton, & Heen)
Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People (Van Edwards)
Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges (Cuddy)
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Cialdini)

In this episode of BABG podcast, we discuss public speaking.
- Hear how Emmanuella finds public speaking more terrifying than singing, despite being an introvert and Craig being more extroverted. 
- Understand why effective communication occurs only when the other person receives and understands your message. 
- Craig shares a story about accidentally making a witty joke while presenting early in his career, which gave him a positive association with public speaking.
- Preparation is key - Craig suggests rehearsing the first 2-5 minutes thoroughly. What did Arnold Schwarzenegger do?!
- Communication is an ongoing process. Why to limit words on slides. Consider voice modulation, pauses, dress, etc.
- And remember to smile and give good vibes to new speakers.
References:
- Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech (mentioned as going off script during a pivotal moment)"

In this episode of the "Building a Better Geek" podcast we focused on the importance of health and fitness. Craig and Emmanuella argue that physical wellbeing supports overall wellbeing and brain function.
- You'll hear how exercise improves memory and reduces anxiety/depression by increasing synaptogenesis (the formation of new synapses between neurons in the brain).
- We discuss the importance of having a clear vision and reason for improving fitness.
- Learn about soleus push ups (calf raises) and their benefits.
- Emmanuella references the benefits of walking after eating, as discussed by "Glucose Goddess" Jessie Inchauspé.
- We cover common issues for sedentary workers like tight shoulders and hips.
- Measuring progress daily provides a sense of reward and achievement.
- Intermittent fasting can be beneficial - Craig finds a 16:8 eating window manageable.
The episode mentions studies showing:
- Soleus push ups (calf raises) burn fat and glucose effectively (no citation provided)
- Research by the "Glucose Goddess" Jessie Inchauspé on walking after meals to mitigate glucose spikes (no citation provided)