Why I cleared my agenda and flew to San Francisco

I cleared my agenda and flew to San Francisco nine days ago.

Why? In the mid 90s I stayed there to experience the beginning of the “internet revolution” and have since 2023 wanted to get back. A new wave? Probably different and bigger. So I have had to return. What is this? Hype, exponential acceleration? Tech, human and planet focused? Doom. Abundance?

I am just a visual systems thinker, and I do like to help create clarity around important topics and try to see the big picture.

The first impression walking around San Francisco was how AI was everywhere. On billboards, buses, signposts, screens. Like the scaffold we use in workshop rooms. Every wall helps the group be on the same page and “prompt” the thinking.

So, living in SF it is all over: AI can help you this way. Our AI xyz will solve this. AI is your best investment. Meet your AI companion. How might AI help you? Stop AI personhood. Are you the AI hire we need?

No wonder I couldn’t help infusing AI into every thought.

So what does it mean? A lot. Simply because I don’t see it on the public radar at all in Denmark. We don’t need it in the same way as “over there”, but I do think it should rise to a top agenda item. What is the Danish, or Scandinavian, way of AI?

If you know of “blips” on the radar, please share. I am making a map for a Danish context and will gladly map it all.

In Bigger Picture, we are designing processes and tools to help stir important conversations. You can see our work in progress across this site. Do reach out if you are interested in joining any of it.

Back in Denmark, I just landed in Copenhagen, posting. I will walk through the city and see it with new eyes. Maybe discover a blind spot or two. And then post some more in the coming days, of meetings, insights, questions and ideas.