Dua Lipa Interviews Tim Cook on the Future of AI

a fascinating blend of music and technology discourse, global pop sensation Dua Lipa swapped the performance stage for the interviewer's chair and sat down with Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, in a special bonus episode of her podcast, "Dua Lipa: At Your Service." In the interview, Dua managed to delve into aspects of Tim Cook's life that painted a picture far removed from the usual corporate narrative we have come to expect from such influential figures.

It began with a prelude to the interview, where Dua shared her personal excitement and nervousness about interviewing one of the few openly gay CEOs of a Fortune 500 company—a detail that adds a significant layer to his identity and leadership style. Proving that vulnerability is an asset in power dynamics, Cook's Southern charm and care for each individual in the room was a refreshing take on how executives can engage with their surroundings. Dua emphasized the profound impact that acts of love and respect from leaders could have on the world, a notion evidently close to her heart and evidently shared by Cook.

The core of their conversation revolved around the pertinent topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly its burgeoning role in everyday tech, such as the features in an Apple Watch. Cook outlined the transformative, yet dual-edged potential of AI in our lives, hinting at Apple's careful approach to the ethical dilemmas it poses. He underscored the necessity of regulation, opining that despite governments being behind the curve, there is rapid progress, and he predicted imminent AI regulation within the next year or so.

This exchange covered broader topics as well, including the future of wearable technology, breaking barriers for LGBTQIA+ individuals in corporate leadership, and Tim Cook's vision for Apple's future. Dua's inquisitiveness led to Cook revealing his literary inspirations, which includes classic and contemporary voices that mirror his own principles and experiences—ranging from "To Kill A Mockingbird" to "I Am Malala."

Listeners are likely to be intrigued by the shared values and interests expressed in the course of the interview, as it personifies Tim Cook beyond his corporate aura and aligns him with the cultural and ethical currents of our time. Dua Lipa's engaging conversation with Cook showcases how technology, humanity, and leadership interweave and presents a multifaceted perspective on the man at the helm of the world's biggest company.

One can listen to the full podcast episode dropping on November 17th, with the anticipation of discovering more insightful nuggets from the candid discussion between two industry leaders of their respective fields. As Dua Lipa closed the preview of her eye-opening interaction with Tim Cook, it is clear that this special bonus episode of "Dua Lipa: At Your Service" is a must-listen for anyone keen on the intersections of tech, ethics, music, and leadership.

Full Interview:

Dua: Most experts can agree that AI is something that’s going to completely change our world. You’re in a better position than most to speculate – what is that going to look like?

Tim: AI is in all of the products we produce in a very significant way. We don’t label it as such, but if you take the [Apple] watch as an example: if you fall, the watch will detect your fall and send a notification to your emergency contacts and emergency services. It will also detect a [car] crash. It will detect an irregular heartbeat. It will allow you to perform an ECG. If you’re composing a message, predictive typing tries to predict your next word… AI is everywhere today.  

What has gathered people’s imagination more recently is ‘generative AI’ and large language models [for example, ChatGPT]. I think this is an area that can be life-changing, in a good way, because it can do things like help diagnose a problem that you’re having from a health point of view. There’s a limitless number of things that AI can do. Unfortunately, it can also do not good things.

Dua: Those are the things that I am more worried about. It seems like there’s so many great things AI can do, but then I think it also poses profound risks and a threat to humanity. Tell me AI isn’t going to destroy the world!

Tim: What is needed with AI is some rules of the road, some regulation. Many governments around the world are now focused on this and how to do it. [Apple is] trying to help with that. We’re one of the first ones that say this is needed. We’re very thoughtful and deliberate about how we approach these things. We think deeply about how people will use our products, and if they can be used for nefarious reasons, we don’t go down those paths.

Dua: Are governments actually able to regulate AI, or have we gone past that point?

Tim: I think most governments are a little behind the curve today; I think that’s a fair assessment. But they’re quickly catching up. The US, the UK, the EU and several countries in Asia are quickly coming up to speed. I do think there will be some AI regulation in the next 12 to 18 months. I’m confident that will happen.

In this special episode of Dua Lipa: At Your Service, Dua and Tim also discuss the future of wearable tech, shattering the glass ceiling for LGBTQIA+ leaders, his succession plans for Apple and much more. Listen on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts, to listen to the episode when it drops on Friday 17 November  

Tim Cook: The Books That Inspire Me

1. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee – [I read it] as a student. It’s not just for young students, but for all of us.  

2. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight – It’s meant to be a business book, but it’s a book on life. And I really like that, it’s great.  

3. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi – It is phenomenal.  

4. I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai – I love Malala’s story and her passion around young girls’ education. The work she does is incredible.  

5. I love reading biographies of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy and some of the great people that were pushing forward on civil rights.