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Executive Coach, Certified Organizational Development Coach, Certified Life Coach, and Certified Positive Intelligence Such technology includes: artificial intelligence and machine learning, quantum computing, renewable

The Root Causes of Failure for Artificial Intelligence Projects and How They Can Succeed: Avoiding the

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries, redefining how businesses operate and streamlining processes and enhancing collaboration across teams, Breeze AI sets a new standard for intelligent Bridging Gaps Between Automation and Intelligence: Custom GPTs offer the flexibility of agents without Government Intelligence and Defense Operations. -Government-Intelligence-and-Defense-Operations Sweeney, E. (2024, November 21).

singularity, a concept popularized by futurist Ray Kurzweil, refers to the point where AI surpasses human intelligence However, these are narrow applications, not the broad Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) that Kurzweil Uncertainties Remain The development of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is surrounded by uncertainties

The rise in fraud and scams targeting the elderly is a growing concern. Our seniors, many of whom helped build the very society we live in, are now vulnerable to heart-wrenching schemes that not only strip them of their financial security but also their sense of dignity and trust. In Episode #1192 of the Arete Coach Podcast , we explore the emotional and technological methods scammers use and why it’s essential for communities to work together to protect the elderly. A Personal Story: My Mother’s Ordeal A few months ago, a fictional tale in the movie The Beekeeper  depicted a chilling scam that targeted an elderly woman, turning a routine customer service call into a full-blown financial attack. For me, that storyline hit closer to home than I ever expected. Just this past weekend, my 84-year-old mother, Peggy Sorensen, nearly fell victim to a similarly sophisticated scam. The scam began innocently enough, with a notice that her Norton antivirus software was set to auto-renew for $495. Concerned, my mother called the number provided, unknowingly stepping into a carefully orchestrated con. The scammers used manipulative tactics to gain access to her computer and even simulated depositing $20,000 into her account, leaving her in a state of panic and confusion. They preyed on her compassion and honesty, convincing her to attempt to withdraw money to “return” the supposed overpayment. Thankfully, a vigilant bank employee recognized the signs of fraud and intervened, but the emotional toll it took on my mother was immeasurable. Her story, though personal, is becoming all too common for elderly people across the country. The Growing Threat of Elder Fraud The scam my mother faced is part of a larger crisis—one that is growing in frequency and complexity as scammers harness advanced technologies like AI to manipulate their victims. Fraudsters prey on the elderly because they are seen as more trusting, compassionate, and often less familiar with modern digital systems. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), reports of fraud targeting older adults have skyrocketed in recent years (FTC Issues Annual Report to Congress on Agency’s Actions to Protect Older Adults, 2023). From tech support scams to fake medical bills and imposter scams, elderly individuals are losing billions of dollars annually to these criminals. The emotional manipulation we saw in The Beekeeper  is now mirrored in real-life cases like my mother's. Scammers exploit the vulnerability, playing on the desire of older adults to help others or avoid confrontation, creating a whirlwind of panic that leaves victims questioning their own judgment. How Scams Operate: The Tactics of Emotional Manipulation The emotional and psychological tactics used by scammers are designed to overwhelm logic. In my mother’s case, the scammer pretended to make a mistake by depositing $20,000 into her account, then begged her to return the money to avoid losing his job. This appeal to her emotions was carefully planned to push her into a rushed decision. The introduction of fake calls from spoofed “bank fraud departments” further solidified the scam, creating a sense of urgency and authority that even someone with my mother’s extensive professional background found difficult to question. These scams work because they tap into human psychology—especially when it comes to those who may be more isolated or concerned about being a burden to their families. Scammers manipulate their victims’ desire to help, avoid embarrassment, or correct a perceived wrong. Understanding these tactics is key to preventing future victims. The Role of Technology in Modern Scams Technology has become a double-edged sword. While it has connected us and simplified many aspects of daily life, it has also become a powerful tool for fraudsters. AI and machine learning now enable scammers to create more convincing scripts, mimic human conversation, and even clone voices. In some cases, elderly individuals receive what seem to be legitimate calls from loved ones in distress—calls created using voice-cloning technology. These scammers use data from social media and public records to impersonate grandchildren, urging elderly victims to send money for emergency bail, hospital bills, or other fabricated crises. Tech support scams, as in my mother’s case, take advantage of confusion and concern around cybersecurity, convincing victims to hand over access to their devices, personal information, and bank accounts. A Community Effort: How We Can Protect the Elderly Elder fraud is not just a personal or family issue; it’s a societal problem that requires collective action. Executive coaches, business leaders, families, and communities must come together to create awareness and offer practical solutions. Educate Your Loved Ones: Talk openly with elderly family members about common scams and the tactics fraudsters use. Encourage them to verify information by calling companies or individuals directly before taking action. Help them set up secure passwords, two-factor authentication, and monitor their accounts for suspicious activity. Leverage Technology Safely: Ensure that seniors have up-to-date antivirus software and know how to spot phishing emails or suspicious links. Consider using trusted apps to monitor their online transactions or block suspicious calls. Create a Safe Space for Open Dialogue: Many seniors may feel ashamed or embarrassed if they fall victim to a scam. It’s essential to create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable discussing concerns without fear of judgment. Involve Financial Institutions: Banks play a critical role in detecting fraud, as seen in my mother’s case. Financial institutions should continue training their employees to recognize the warning signs of fraud and take proactive measures to prevent elderly customers from becoming victims. Practical Steps for Fraud Prevention There are tangible steps individuals, families, and communities can take to protect elderly loved ones from falling victim to scams: Do not trust unsolicited communications:  Whether it’s a phone call, email, or text, encourage your loved ones to be skeptical of any contact they didn’t initiate. If they’re unsure, they should hang up and call the company or person directly using an official phone number. Use credit cards instead of debit cards:  Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards, which can drain an account immediately. Be cautious with remote access:  Never allow unsolicited tech support to take control of a computer. If there’s a concern, contact trusted family members or professional technicians. Monitor accounts regularly:  Set up online banking alerts to notify of large or unusual transactions and review account statements carefully. Encourage skepticism of too-good-to-be-true offers:  Whether it’s a lottery, prize, or investment opportunity, remind your loved ones that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We Are All Beekeepers As executive coaches and community leaders, we have a responsibility to safeguard the vulnerable—just like beekeepers, who protect their hives from predators. Scammers may be relentless, but through awareness, education, and action, we can create an environment where our elderly are protected, their trust in the world around them preserved. Sharing stories like my mother’s and those of countless others who have fallen prey to fraud isn’t just about caution; it’s about empowerment. By learning from these experiences, we can arm our communities with the knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones. The Main Takeaway Fraud targeting the elderly isn’t just a private battle—it’s a societal issue that requires a collective response. Whether you’re a family member, a caregiver, a business leader, or an executive coach, we all have a role to play. Let’s become the beekeepers in our communities, watching over our elders and ensuring they can navigate the digital world with confidence and security. References FTC Issues Annual Report to Congress on Agency’s Actions to Protect Older Adults. (October, 2023). Federal Trade Commission. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/10/ftc-issues-annual-report-congress-agencys-actions-protect-older-adults . Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

As artificial intelligence continues to expand, it is vital for executive coaches and business leaders

A question many have been asking is, ‘If you are in the Microsoft ecosystem with 365 etc., can you use MS Copilot for all generative AI needs, or is there still a business case for using enterprise versions of OpenAI's ChatGPT (which is 40% owned by Microsoft)? Why would you use ChatGPT?’ As leaders, we must make informed decisions about the tools we implement. The Australian phrase "there are horses for courses" perfectly illustrates how different AI tools, like ChatGPT and MS Copilot, can be matched to specific business needs. ChatGPT and MS Copilot serve unique purposes but share the goal of enhancing productivity and efficiency. Let’s explore their features, use cases, and benefits to determine the best fit for your organization. ChatGPT vs MS Copilot Primary Use Case ChatGPT is designed as a conversational AI, perfect for customer support, virtual assistants, and content generation. Conversely, MS Copilot shines as an integrated productivity tool within the Microsoft Office ecosystem, excelling in document creation, data analysis, and meeting preparation. Integration and Customization ChatGPT offers API-based integration, providing flexibility for tailored solutions. Its highly customizable nature allows for fine-tuning to meet specific business needs. In contrast, MS Copilot integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.), offering a user-friendly experience with minimal setup. User Interface and Ease of Use ChatGPT can be embedded in websites, apps, and chatbots, requiring some technical setup for optimal performance. MS Copilot, however, operates within the familiar MS Office interface, making it accessible for users already accustomed to Microsoft products. Natural Language Understanding and Productivity Enhancement ChatGPT supports complex conversational flows, automating customer service, content creation, and more. MS Copilot’s context-aware capabilities enhance document editing, data analysis, and meeting summarization, boosting productivity within the Microsoft Office environment. Collaboration and Data Handling Both tools offer robust collaboration features. ChatGPT integrates with team tools like Slack and Teams, while MS Copilot’s built-in features within MS Office streamline teamwork. Additionally, ChatGPT can be tailored for specific data privacy and security needs, whereas MS Copilot benefits from Microsoft’s comprehensive security frameworks. Training, Cost, and Scalability ChatGPT requires ongoing training for optimal results, with a usage-based pricing model. MS Copilot, included with Microsoft 365 plans, provides continuous updates with minimal user intervention, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses using Microsoft products. Both tools are highly scalable, with ChatGPT leveraging cloud-based deployment and MS Copilot scaling within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Support and Maintenance ChatGPT necessitates dedicated support resources, while MS Copilot is backed by Microsoft’s extensive support infrastructure, ensuring reliable assistance and updates. Compliance and Security Customization is key for ChatGPT to meet various compliance standards. MS Copilot adheres to Microsoft’s robust compliance protocols, providing peace of mind for businesses. Onboarding Considerations Implementing ChatGPT requires moderate to high effort due to its need for API integration and potential custom development to fit specific business needs. Organizations must plan for ongoing training, maintenance, and support resources, with considerations for data privacy, security, and scalability. While the customization capabilities of ChatGPT offer significant flexibility and powerful conversational AI, it demands a thorough approach to integration and continuous optimization to ensure effective use and compliance with organizational policies. MS Copilot offers a more straightforward implementation process with low to medium effort, seamlessly integrating within the Microsoft Office ecosystem with minimal setup. Users already familiar with Microsoft Office will require little additional training, and the solution benefits from Microsoft's robust support and security frameworks. MS Copilot’s cost-effectiveness, included in Microsoft 365 plans, and its ability to enhance productivity through familiar interfaces make it an attractive option for organizations seeking to improve efficiency without significant disruption or additional maintenance requirements. The Main Takeaway The phrase "there are horses for courses" aptly applies to the choice between ChatGPT and MS Copilot. Just as different horses excel on different racecourses, these AI tools are designed to shine in their respective domains. ChatGPT is like a versatile horse for businesses needing advanced conversational AI and custom integrations, ideal for automating customer service and creating virtual assistants. MS Copilot is the dependable steed for those entrenched in the Microsoft Office ecosystem, enhancing productivity through seamless document creation, data analysis, and collaborative tools. By understanding the strengths and unique features of each tool, we can leverage AI to drive efficiency, innovation, and growth. Embracing AI is a strategic move towards future-proofing our businesses, ensuring we remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. A similar version of this article was initially created by Severin Sorensen and published on LinkedIn on July 23, 2024. You can view the original article here . Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

of prompting is not just about getting answers; it's about engaging with AI to generate meaningful, intelligent

For instance, to explore the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, you might use the prompt : "What are the latest research findings on artificial intelligence?" In response, Bard will scour the most recent research papers concerning artificial intelligence, summarizing

To demonstrate its capabilities, we simulated an email request for an insightful article on Artificial Intelligence, specifically asking the recipient to suggest three topics for our review before commencing

Artificial Intelligence and Creativity Conference , 35-40. Janata, P., Tomic, S. T., & Rakowski, S.

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in this quest for efficiency