Introduction Drew Vo opens up about how he stumbled into the startup universe, ultimately finding his groove at Invisible—a trailblazing firm in the AI sector. Drew also shares his leap from biotech to the digital realm, underscoring the game-changing impact of AI. Career Journey Initially, Drew was deep in the trenches of biotech, working as a bioengineer specializing in cell culture. His days were filled with lab experiments, mostly dealing with proteins and biologics. But the allure of the startup scene soon caught his eye. His first taste of this new world was at Flexport, a decently-sized operation of 350 staff. He later shifted to a much smaller venture that had a tight-knit group of just 50. Drew admits feeling overwhelmed and disconnected in massive corporations—one had as many as 1,800 global team members. So, the remote-centric culture of Invisible was a breath of fresh air for him. Joining Invisible Drew stumbled upon Invisible while scrolling through a platform called Wellfound. The company's unique hiring process grabbed him instantly. Even more compelling was Invisible's forward-thinking approach to work culture, blending humanities and mindfulness into employee onboarding and training sessions. Role and Responsibilities During Drew's maiden week at Invisible, he was thrown into the deep end, swamped with tons of new learning materials. He was quickly plugged into an established team and went through an exhaustive training regimen. His role currently involves managing a couple of team leads, and he's keen on scaling that up to five, without feeling drained in the process. AI Enablement According to Drew, AI is more than just a technological fad; it's a vital part of embedding automation into a variety of workflows. He even dreams of a future where AI plays a pivotal role in complicated sectors like drug development, running clinical trials, and predicting pharmaceutical outcomes. Personal Perspective on AI Drew doesn't lose sleep over AI eating into jobs. For him, tech is a catalyst that redefines job markets rather than contracting them. He’s even put his money where his mouth is, leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT during his application process at Invisible. Company Culture and Interactions Drew finds the eclectic mix of backgrounds at Invisible to be exhilarating, and he’s all-in on the company's counter-cultural ethos. One of the most engaging dialogues he's had was with a co-worker named Fer, a person pushing the boundaries of tech innovation. Conclusion Thrilled to be a part of the Invisible family, Drew is looking forward to a future filled with possibilities. He’s raring to infuse his work with the same level of enthusiasm he has for life in general. Paraphrased Quotes "The engagement at Invisible makes you feel excited; it's different from typical companies that aren't used to remote work." "AI enablement is not just a term; it's a whole life cycle that can transform work processes." "Technology evolves job markets; it's not something to fear but to harness."

Introduction In a captivating episode of the Plain Sight podcast, Francis Pedraza and Genevieve Kim discuss the intricacies of modern community building and services, focusing on their respective companies: Realm and Invisible. The dialogue traverses a myriad of topics, from the challenges of adult friendships to revolutionizing traditional business operations. Understanding Realm What is Realm? Realm is a platform that facilitates connections among "friendly, ambitious nerds." The goal is to create a sense of home, an extended family if you will, among members. The Problem Realm Solves As adults, traditional institutions like schools and churches that used to facilitate friendships are no longer available. This gap has made finding meaningful connections more challenging. A Sense of Community Realm aims to be the "modern piazza," a community hub that evokes a sense of trust, shared experiences, and ultimately, commerce. This focus on community over marketplace aligns Realm more with European work-life balance ideologies than American ones. The Invisible Concept What is Invisible? Invisible offers tech-enabled operational services to various companies. While venture capitalists have traditionally focused on scalable products, Invisible sees the untapped potential in services. Total Addressable Market The company aims to serve various sectors like healthcare and real estate, boasting an almost infinite total addressable market (TAM). Expanding the Service Portfolio Invisible isn't limited to just operations. They also have strategies for education, branding, research, and community management, among others. This expansion positions them as competitors to incumbent service giants like Accenture and EY. Intersection of Realm and Invisible Community Building in Business Genevieve, who was initially hired for a project at Invisible, exemplifies how relationships can evolve into strong business collaborations. Realm and Invisible share a philosophy that relationships should come before business. Syndicate Building Realm has proven effective in building investor syndicates for Invisible's clients, turning these communities into valuable sources for ideas, deal flow, and more. Monetizing Community While the focus is not primarily on monetization, Realm and Invisible both recognize the potential for financial benefits when a strong, aligned community exists. Philosophical Underpinnings Friendship and Time Both Francis and Genevieve emphasize that building a community requires trust, and trust requires time. Whether it's romantic or platonic, relationships are the fabric of a healthy community. Cultural Perspectives Drawing from their backgrounds, they discuss the importance of hospitality, openness, and a focus on the human element. Conclusion The podcast ends on a thoughtful note, contemplating the art of curation in building a community. With an approach that combines tech, human insight, and a profound understanding of the complexities of adult friendships and community, Realm and Invisible are not just companies; they are catalysts for societal evolution.

Jill Weston is the chief of staff at Invisible Technologies. In this role, her main objective is to align the company with the CEO's priorities, strategy, and goals. She spends much of her week understanding the state of the business, connecting dots for leadership, and making sure people are spending time on what matters. Her wide-ranging responsibilities include addressing gaps and escalations, building company machinery, and more. Jill believes an organization's greatest asset is its people. To motivate and get the most out of employees, she aims to create an environment where they feel valued, appreciated, and challenged. She wants people to be excited to come to work and contribute. Effective communication and setting clear expectations are critical, especially in fast-moving startups like Invisible. Jill emphasizes the importance of addressing issues immediately rather than letting them fester. Jill spent 15 years in the military, which she says prepared her well for the ambiguity, urgency and high stakes of startups. The military taught her to have a thick skin, work hard under pressure, and stay focused on the mission and greater purpose. She sees many parallels between the military and startups in terms of dealing with pressure, ambiguity, and the critical need to build strong relationships and trust. Listening skills are vital in both environments. As a leader, Jill aims to create a compelling vision, motivate and influence others to believe in that vision, communicate effectively, and always do the right thing with integrity. She notes that integrity is core to leadership. When asked about motivation, Jill emphasized the importance of believing in a vision and cause. At fast-growing Invisible, she notes that reinforcing the culture and values repeatedly is crucial as the company scales. Storytelling and clear communication help spread the vision.

Introduction Andrew Burlinson: Actor, Writer, and Advanced AI Data Trainer at Invisible Technologies (follow on Instagram and Linkedin) Key Themes: Creativity, Technology, and the Future of Arts and Entertainment Early Career and Finding Invisible Technologies Andrew discusses his early years, balancing acting gigs while navigating the complexities of adulthood. He brings up how he started connecting with old friends and colleagues on LinkedIn, which eventually led him to Invisible Technologies. Invisible stood out as a place that values creativity and encourages employees to be as creative as possible, aligning well with his background in acting and writing. The Confluence of Creativity and Technology Andrew shares his fascination with the meeting point between technology and creativity. Describes the workplace environment at Invisible, likening it to a "real-time Wikipedia," full of coders and AI experts who inspire him. Points out the benefits of having a dual skill set in today's world—being tech-savvy while also having creative flair. Challenges and Opportunities in the Changing Landscape Andrew explores the rapidly evolving entertainment industry, brought on by streaming services and advancements in AI. Discusses the anxieties and opportunities that this shift brings— from AI replacing background actors to the potential for a broader range of artists to thrive. Comments on how value should be assessed in the world of arts and entertainment, and how it affects the people who create it. The Future of Art and Technology Takes a speculative look into the future, discussing the worst-case scenarios like the disappearance of a middle class of artists. Counterbalances this with a "Golden Age" where technology enables more artists to live off their work. Highlights the ethical and financial considerations that will shape this future, particularly the need for fair compensation for artists. Personal Reflections Andrew delves into his own experiences with balancing creativity and technological skill. Provides an insightful look into what he has learned from the ever-changing worlds of tech and entertainment. Closes with his hopeful perspective on the endless possibilities that lie at the intersection of art and technology.

Zohar Atkins is the CEO of Lightning and the Chief Culture Officer of Invisible Technologies Please check out Zohar's work here: Lightning Manifesto on Substack Lightning Website Join the Whataspp group where you can interact with dead people who are way smarter than you Introduction In a riveting episode of Plain Sight, Stewart Alsop engages with Zohar Atkins and Francis Pedraza in a deep dive into the realms of social networking, education, tradition, and the harnessing of inspiration likened to lightning. The discussion spirals from the essence of building meaningful platforms to the utopian vision of elevating human understanding and curiosity through technology. The Vision The duo articulate a vision where social networking transcends mere connections, morphing into a realm of edutainment, where learning is as delightful as having ice cream. Referencing iconic brands like Harvard and Disney, they aspire to blend education and entertainment seamlessly, making the journey of learning an enthralling experience. The narrative segues into the stark contrast of the internet's potential for good against its prevailing use, highlighting the necessity for a paradigm shift. The Grand Idea: Revisiting Alexandria The conversation evolves to the ambitious idea of recreating the ancient Library of Alexandria, a symbol of collective human knowledge. They envision a digital realm where every individual can interact with ancient texts, a sanctuary of learning, blended with the allure of technology. The essence is to make historical texts and wisdom accessible and enjoyable, akin to engaging in a lively chat with Aristotle or pondering philosophical conundrums with Plato. The Intersection of AI and Classics Delving into the role of AI, they discuss its potential to rekindle a dialogue with the wisdom of the ages, creating a bridge between the past and the present. They touch on the potential of AI to create personalized, interactive learning experiences, making the study of classics a lively, enjoyable journey. Lightning as a Metaphor for Inspiration The metaphor of lightning encapsulates the sporadic yet profound moments of inspiration that propel human creativity and understanding forward. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they explore the various ways individuals can harness this 'dragon energy' to transform their daily lives and the world around them. The Road Ahead: Invisible and Lightning The discussion transitions to their ventures, Invisible Technologies and Lightning, which embody the ethos of enhancing human potential through technology. They delve into the envisaged ecosystem where continuous learning, meaningful work, and community interaction are intertwined, offering a glimpse into a future where technology amplifies human capability and curiosity. The Challenge and Promise of Tradition Amidst the futuristic discourse, they reflect on the importance of tradition, its evolution, and its role in guiding the journey of discovery and understanding. They ponder the essence of community and the shared quest for knowledge, underlining the timeless value of human interaction in the digital age. Conclusion The episode encapsulates a journey through time, ideas, and the endless possibilities that lie in the confluence of past wisdom, present technology, and future visions. It’s a narrative that ignites curiosity and beckons to the insatiable seeker of knowledge and inspiration within us all.

Introduction: In a recent episode of the Plain Sight podcast, Francis Pedraza, the co-founder of Invisible Technologies, shared his journey of pushing boundaries in the business world. Through a fascinating narrative, Pedraza shed light on the ethos and evolution of Invisible Technologies, and his insightful perspective on disrupting traditional business paradigms.Cosmos is looking for 10 businesses of about 50-150 people to understand more about the problem we are solving and whether our assumptions are accurate. For more on Cosmos please sign up here.    I. Building A New World: Pedraza emphasizes the essence of testing the boundaries to envision the kind of world we can build. He elaborates on the formation of a Invisible as a Delaware C Corporation with a strong partnership of 100 individuals. The narrative unfolds the growth of a profitable company scaling to a 100 million run rate by year-end, marking the third consecutive year of profitability. II. Financial Dynamics: A prudent use of capital, with only 6 million utilized, and a remarkable return of 15 million to investors, showcasing a model of financial sustainability. Despite the rapid scaling and nearing a strength of 300 people, the company maintains a unique culture with no physical presence, reducing the cost of living and improving the quality of life for its partners. III. Philosophical Underpinnings: Pedraza introduces the concept of arbitrage as a life philosophy, drawing parallels to water, which always finds its level, symbolizing the idea of always moving from high to low to find balance and value. The concept extends to the notion of enhancing one’s purchasing power and enjoying a higher quality of living, depicting an ideology of fluidity and adaptability. IV. Disrupting the Disruption Theory: The journey further delves into the aim to challenge established giants like McKinsey by leveraging the agility and innovative spirit of startups and small-medium businesses (SMBs). Pedraza discusses the strategic consultancy model of exchanging equity for services, providing an avenue for businesses to join the alliance and gain valuable insights and support. V. The Genesis and Evolution of Invisible: The narrative chronicles the humble beginnings of Invisible Technologies on October 1st, 2015, and the initial struggle with Everest, which was too conservative an approach. The transformation into offering unlimited executive support services for CEOs at $10k per month, and how the model crashed, leading to a reboot and a refined focus on process execution. VI. Ventures and Vision: Pedraza shares insights on various ventures and the vision of Invisible to intelligently organize all the world's data, reflecting on the major technological business platform envisaged to handle all operational work for companies. The narrative also explores the philosophical and theoretical foundations that drive Pedraza’s vision, including the profound impact of Ronald Coase’s inquiries on the nature of the firm. VII. The Journey Ahead: The discussion progresses to future aspirations, with a focus on creating insanely great services and a new way to think about and start businesses through the lens of Invisible and its spin-off, Infinity. Pedraza reflects on the importance of alignment between teams, boards, and investors, emphasizing a founder-friendly approach to foster innovation and growth. VIII. Closing Reflections: Pedraza reminisces about the remarkable journey, the lessons learned, and the eternal quest for exploring the unchartered territories of business innovation. The conversation encapsulates a holistic blend of business acumen, philosophical inquiry, and an unyielding spirit to challenge the status quo and create value.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Plain Sight Podcast. In this edition, we dive deep into the intricate world of Artificial Intelligence with none other than Jay Kumar of Invisible Technologies. Jay brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience in harnessing AI's potential within large organizations. Together, we'll unravel the complexities, debunk the myths, and explore the transformative power of AI in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or a business leader looking to navigate the AI frontier, this episode promises a journey of discovery and understanding. Tune in! 1. AI Implementation in Big Companies Description: Discussion about how large organizations perceive and implement AI, including challenges like organizational misalignment and the need for mutual understanding between business and technical teams. 2. AI History and Hype Description: Exploration of the journey of AI throughout history, the gap between its hype and actual implementation, and the conflation of its applications. 3. Foundational Models and AI Selection Description: Delving into the selection process of foundational AI models, the decision on whether to fine-tune them, and the fast-evolving nature of this technology. 4. Organizational Understanding and Strategy Description: Addressing the lack of understanding around revolutionary AI technology, the theoretical possibilities vs. organizational capabilities, and the resulting mass confusion. 5. Business Approach to AI Description: The herd behavior of companies when it comes to AI adoption, the importance of clarity, and the establishment of use cases and protocols for successful implementation. 6. The Evolution of AI Companies Description: A look into how various companies, from startups to giants, are leveraging AI, the concept of a data moat, and how AI tools are changing the landscape of multiple industries. 7. AI's Impact on Labor and Creativity Description: Discussion on how ubiquitous AI could affect labor, the philosophical perspective on creativity, and the role of human data trainers in AI's future. 8. The Future of Work and AI's Role Description: Insight into how AI could redefine work, the challenges, and opportunities it presents at the organizational and individual level, and its potential to change productivity norms. 9. Blending People and AI in Problem Solving Description: A deep dive into how organizations can find a balance between relying on human solutions and automated AI solutions, focusing on the blend for optimal outcomes. 10. Advancements in Computation and Innovation Description: Discussion about the evolution of computation devices, from handhelds to today's advanced machines, and the innovations that were possible due to advancements in technology. 11. Systematizing Creativity and Problem Solving Description: Exploration of TRIZ, the organized approach to problem solving based on studying patent literature, and how solutions evolve over time. 12. Ethics, Risks, and the Future of AI Description: Delving into the ethical implications of AI, the potential risks, anthropomorphizing of technology, and the debate over open-source vs. private AI models.

Welcome to another compelling episode of the Plain Sight Podcast. Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Hans Anderson, an expert in the intricate world of design and technology. In this episode, we venture deep into the philosophy of design, exploring how good design is not just about aesthetics but serves as a powerful tool for effective communication. Hans shares his insights on how trust plays a pivotal role in design, drawing from Aristotle's triune approach of pathos, logos, and ethos. We also delve into the complex mechanics behind design systems and the technologies that bring them to life. But that's not all; we examine the pressing need for user research and the fast-evolving influence of AI in design. Whether you're a design enthusiast, a technology geek, or someone interested in the nuanced layers of human communication, this episode has something for everyone.  1. The Importance of Design in Communication Good design serves clarity and is key in effective communication between an object and a user. Discussions range from product design to communication design, touching on how design helps in landing a message accurately and reliably in the user's mind. 2. Trust and the Aristotle Triune Approach Pathos, logos, and ethos are essential for earning trust. Trust is a crucial element for people to listen or read what you have to say. This concept is applied at Invisible, where Hans Anderson works, particularly in understanding their user base. 3. Design Systems and Technology The role of design systems in creating software, how they are implemented by engineers, and the importance of consistency. Different technologies like Angular, React, and web components come into play here. 4. User Research and Market Dynamics The significance of user research, understanding market dynamics, and adopting technologies accordingly. Tools like Userbrain.com and Datadog were mentioned for data collection and user behavior understanding. 5. AI and Future of Design The possibility of AI commoditizing software design. Discussion on AI tools like OpenAI's CODEX API and its potential integration into design tools like Figma. The conversation also delves into the limitations of AI in creative processes. Contrarian Views from Hans Anderson on Plain Sight AI's Limitation in Creative Processes: While acknowledging the advancements in AI, Hans argues that AI cannot replace human creativity. According to him, AI can only remix existing ideas and lacks the capability to generate new, original thoughts. This goes against the popular notion that AI will soon replace human roles in creative fields. Human Desire vs. Machine Calculation: Hans contests the idea that machines, even if advanced, can replace human decision-making. He emphasizes that machines lack 'desire,' which is fundamental to human action and decision-making. This challenges the common view that AI and machines will make better decisions than humans in all spheres. Design for Trust Over Flashiness: In a world obsessed with aesthetic appeal and usability, Hans puts the spotlight on 'trust' as the ultimate goal of design. Using Aristotle's concepts of pathos, logos, and ethos, he argues that people will only engage with a design—no matter how beautiful—if they find it trustworthy. Skepticism Towards Adopting Popular Design Systems: While many companies quickly adopt popular design systems like Google's Material Design, Hans urges caution. He suggests that these systems might not align with a company's unique needs and culture, challenging the "one-size-fits-all" approach to design systems. Questioning the Rush for Mobile Optimization: Hans reveals that not all applications need a mobile-centric approach, especially when the primary users are not heavily dependent on mobile. This contradicts the prevailing wisdom that mobile-first is essential for all types of software.

Introduction: Tooba Faroki, an expert in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), shares her journey from graduating in Pakistan to her role at Invisible, a leading company in the automation space. Understanding Automation and AI: Automation vs. AI: Automation focuses on making repetitive tasks self-executing through predefined scripts or bots. In contrast, AI mimics human cognitive functions like learning and problem-solving. A couple of years ago, RPA was limited. It primarily required structured inputs and outputs. With advancements like Machine Learning (ML) and NLP models, there's a shift from structured to unstructured processing. Integrated Robotic Process Automation (IRPA) has been gaining traction. It marries the traditional automation with AI capabilities. Tooba’s Personal Journey: Tooba kickstarted her career post-graduation by working at a local company in Pakistan. This foundational experience positioned her as an RPA expert by 2018. Her skills and expertise led her to IBM, where she implemented numerous RPA solutions. While ChatGPT was not present during her early career days, RPA's philosophy was clear: "set it and forget it." About Invisible: Unlike traditional BPOs, Invisible is an outsourcing company that understands client processes and refines them for better Return on Investment (ROI). They aim to deliver solutions faster, cheaper, and more efficiently by removing bottlenecks. They rely on both AI and humans for certain tasks. For example, while AI can generate content, humans are essential for quality assurance. At Invisible, there's a synergy between tech and operations. Communication is pivotal. Tooba, as a solution architect, ensures this smooth flow. Real-world AI Implementation: A Fortune 500 company, referred to as SQU, approached Invisible. Their sales weren't meeting expectations. Invisible stepped in to enhance the product's quality. Initially, the process was manual. Over time, they introduced automation and AI for better efficiency and results. The overarching message Tooba conveys is that while AI can be a game-changer, it's essentially about making statistical predictions. Therefore, understanding its potential and limitations is crucial for businesses. Incorporating AI in Business: Companies looking to integrate AI should shift their mindset. While AI can enhance operations, it's essentially about predictions. There's always room for error. However, the aim should be to leverage AI for betterment. Tooba’s Insights and Learnings: One of the most intriguing lessons Tooba learned at Invisible is the importance of diversity. Interacting with a diverse range of people has enriched her understanding of human knowledge. There's a stark difference between professional expectations in Pakistan and at Invisible. In Pakistan, a job usually aligns with a fixed role and function. At Invisible, there's room for creativity and leadership. Every individual is encouraged to be the CEO of their department, driving innovation. Closing Remarks: Tooba's journey from Pakistan to Invisible is testament to her determination and expertise. As AI and automation continue to evolve, her insights provide a lens to understand their real-world applications better.

In this episode of Plain Sight, we had an enlightening discussion with Francis Pedraza, diving deep into company growth, innovation dilemmas, and the future trajectory of businesses. The Growth Journey: At the start of 2022, the company had a run rate of 10 million. By the end of 2022, this surged to a 25 million run rate. Come the second half of 2023, there's a projected path to end the year with a 100 million run rate. This implies a 10X journey from January 2024 working back to January 2022, assuming the company reaches the projected 100 million run rate. Understanding the Innovator's Dilemma: Francis brought up "The Innovator's Dilemma," a book that sheds light on why big companies often struggle with innovation. The book suggests a dynamic as potent as physics: big companies, in their quest for scaling and focusing on proven models, often overlook opportunities that seem small at first but could be the next big thing. An example provided was the sales team. If they're accustomed to 1 million deals and suddenly a 10 million dollar deal comes up, the sales team will forget about doing 1 million dollar deals because they dont represent immediate value (but could hide massive value down the line) Scaling and New Business Units: Francis shared the company's diversification into 6 new business units, all of which currently have run rates below 1 million. Although a million-dollar deal might be cause for celebration for these fledgling units, from a broader perspective, these deals barely move the needle. The inherent challenge is the tendency of businesses that are scaling successfully to allocate resources away from newer, smaller opportunities which can represent exponential value The Dynamics of Innovation and Expansion: Francis delved into the conundrum faced by major companies when attempting to innovate. Often, their size and existing commitments act as constraints. Big companies undoubtedly possess significant advantages, especially in terms of resources. However, the challenge lies in providing genuine executive support to small, innovative ideas. The company has recently been focusing on spinning out these business ideas, ensuring they have their own resources, and not just relying on the parent company. Discussion on Company Structure and Strategy: He touched upon how the company's future seems intertwined with entities that might serve as both customers and providers. For instance, one unit within the company might end up being a customer to another. An interesting point raised was the "conglomerate discount problem" – how conglomerates often get valued less than the sum of their parts. Francis mentioned companies like Google and how they benefit by being a part of a bigger entity, Alphabet, highlighting the importance of structuring a company correctly to facilitate innovation. Closing Thoughts: The interview concluded with thoughts on diversifying within the knowledge work domain. Francis emphasized the need for diversification by industry and use case, as well as strengthening barriers to entry. The vision is to deepen R&D initiatives that further fortify the company's barriers to entry. Francis's visionary leadership combined with a thorough understanding of the dynamics of business growth and innovation promises a bright future for the company.