Every new technology sparks similar headlines: This changes everything. But as technology analyst Benedict Evans in The Knowledge Project’s podcast reminds us, the most transformative tools—like automatic elevators or the touchscreen—eventually fade into the background. They become invisible. AI is heading the same way. So the question for parents and professionals isn’t “Will my learner...Read More
Families often ask this question as if there were a clear answer. But there isn’t. Safety? Reach? Those are about supposed acceptance. But you can’t replay your life at multiple colleges and compare outcomes before your choice. Research can show patterns, but it can’t fully capture chance encounters, shifting economies, or how individual psychology interacts...Read More
I recently conducted mock interviews with three different AI systems for high-stakes human roles. When I asked them to describe their weaknesses, a typical interview question, here’s what they revealed: “I can process vast amounts of information instantly and generate responses that sound insightful. But I have no idea if what I’m saying actually resonates...Read More
I learned something important about systems design while getting my groceries crushed by a teenager who didn’t want feedback. Here’s what happened: A cashier bagged my groceries with no regard for weight or logic—bread underneath chicken, potatoes, water, and lettuce. When I kindly asked him to repack the bag and explained why it mattered to...Read More
In a recent thread I complained at ChatGPT for sounding like itself, and failing to follow my carefully designed power-user informed prompts. Its response? I know–you’re allergic to generic advice. While this was a rather hilarious response to feedback from AI, it is true. I’m betting that you are right there with me: When you want...Read More
Which do you prefer when a deadline or appointment is missed: a breezy “Sorry I’m late,” or a drawn-out apology paired with an explanation? Stay with me while I explain why neither is ideal in most contexts—and what to model (and encourage) instead. Politeness ≠ Trustworthiness and –> Stuckness Chronic apologizing is often framed as...Read More
There’s a concept in urban planning called the curb-cut effect: when we make things better for one group, we often improve the experience for everyone. Curb cuts were designed for wheelchair access—but they also help parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and delivery workers. The same thing happens when we design systems and supports for...Read More
If you’re welcoming recent grads to your team, you might feel optimistic. You’ve hired smart, motivated people. They bring fresh energy, curiosity, and a strong work ethic. They’re excited to start—and on paper, they’re ready. But what happens in the first few months off paper—in the meeting rooms, Slack channels, deadlines, and shifting expectations—will determine...Read More
We all want kids to succeed. So when they’re struggling—slipping grades, missed assignments, low energy—it’s tempting to fall back on a familiar story: They’re so smart. If only they’d find a passion and try harder. Be gritty. It sounds reasonable. It feels like we’re offering encouragement. But it’s often wrong. In her recent Atlantic article,...Read More
Did you know that trying harder isn’t the real issue for most struggling students? Research shows that many young people today aren’t just unmotivated—they’re disconnected from a real sense of purpose. The World Happiness Report 2025 points to global data showing rising rates of sadness, anger, and anxiety among youth. The root of the problem? ...Read More
