What AI Can't Replace - How The Atlantic Deals with Disruption

In this episode, Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, shares a personal and expansive look at how AI is reshaping creativity, leadership, and human connection. From using ChatGPT in marathon training to rethinking journalism in the age of agents, Nicholas explores AI not just as a tool—but as a thought partner.We dive into cognitive offloading vs. augmentation, the ethics of AI-generated content, and why preserving “unwired” intelligence still matters. He also reflects on leading through disruption, building analog habits, and fostering team-wide experimentation. A rich conversation on staying human in an increasingly automated world.Key Takeaways:Your “unwired” intelligence is your AI superpower — The more human skills you build—like deep focus, emotional presence, and analog thinking—the better you’ll be at wielding AI. Thompson argues that cultivating these unwired abilities isn’t just about staying grounded—it’s about unlocking the full potential of the tools.Don’t fight the storm—gear up and adapt — AI is already transforming media and creative industries. Thompson compares it to a coming storm: you can’t stop it by yelling at the clouds. Instead, embrace it, understand it deeply, and make strategic decisions based on where it’s heading.Leadership means showing, not just telling — As a CEO navigating disruption, Thompson doesn’t just advocate for AI exploration—he models it. From training staff on GPTs to walking the halls and testing ideas live, he treats leadership as a practice of visible experimentation and continuous learning.AI relationships can’t replace real connection—but they can confuse it — Whether it's logging meals with a bot or losing a personalized Enneagram coach to a reset, Thompson highlights the emotional pull of AI and the dangers of relying on digital companions over human ones. Staying socially connected, especially through “third spaces,” is more important than ever.LinkedIn: Nicholas Thompson | LinkedInThe Atlantic: World Edition - The AtlanticWebsite: Home - Nicholas ThompsonX: nxthompson (@nxthompson)Strava: Cycling & Biking App - Tracker, Trails, Training & More | StravaCaitlin Flanagan – Sex Without Women: Article:SexWithoutWomen-TheAtlantic00:00 Introduction to Nicholas Thompson00:11 Navigating the Information Overload01:10 Daily Tech Insights and Tools02:10 Using AI for Content Creation04:39 AI as a Personal Trainer08:02 Emotional Connections with AI12:12 The Risks of AI Relationships16:17 Preparing for AGI and Cognitive Offloading30:26 AI's Impact on Leadership31:10 Navigating AI Competitors32:01 Internal AI Strategies32:49 Ethical Considerations in AI Usage34:07 AI in Journalism and Writing36:32 Practical AI Applications40:27 Balancing AI and Human Skills49:27 Future of AI in Media53:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections📜 Read the transcript for this episode: Transcript of What AI Can't Replace – How The Atlantic Deals with Disruption |  For more prompts, tips, and AI tools. Check out our website: https://www.beyondtheprompt.ai/ or follow Jeremy or Henrik on Linkedin:Henrik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/werdelinJeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyutley Show edited by Emma Cecilie Jensen. 

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