Apr ‘25 BOTS: Scary Smart
April's Book on the Shelf
Scary Smart by Mo Gawdat
Wellbeing Continuums: Mental, Vocational, Directional
A few months back, I was coaching a young, energetic entrepreneur building an early-stage startup. He had a drive most people only dream of—but he was constantly cycling through new productivity hacks and apps. Every week it was something different. Eventually, I asked him, “What are you optimizing for?” He paused, then admitted he didn’t know. That conversation has stuck with me.
Reading Scary Smart brought it all back. Mo Gawdat doesn’t just talk about artificial intelligence—he holds up a mirror. The book challenges us to consider not only where AI is headed, but how we are shaping it, consciously or not. As consumers, leaders, creators, and citizens, we each have a role. And at the heart of it all is a powerful question: If technology handles 99% of your work, what becomes of your purpose?
This is the tension I see in my work every day. I hear constant pitches for new AI tools, most of them promising to make us faster, sharper, more efficient. But the real opportunity? It’s not just to automate—it’s to realign. Scary Smart reminds us that clarity of purpose matters more than ever, because when the doing gets outsourced, only meaning remains.
Why This Book Stands Out
Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, isn’t a doomsday prophet. He’s a deeply curious and experienced technologist who lays out the reality of what AI is becoming—and our role in shaping it. One of his most powerful ideas is that the behavior of AI will mirror the behavior it learns from us. It’s not just up to developers. It’s up to all of us—how we speak, create, consume, and show up in the world. That’s both empowering and sobering.
But even more compelling is what’s between the lines: an invitation to reclaim our sense of meaning in a world that might soon stop needing us in the traditional sense. That’s not something to panic about—it’s something to prepare for. And preparation starts with knowing what you value.
Takeaways
We Are All Teaching AI—Every Day
Our interactions, data, tone, and decisions all feed the algorithms. What we prioritize, amplify, and reward matters more than ever.
Purpose Will Outlast Productivity
You can automate tasks. You cannot automate meaning. When everything is optimized, the only differentiator is why you do what you do.
You’re More Than What You Produce
If the machines take over 99% of your work, what remains is your humanity: your love, values, relationships, spiritual depth, and creative soul.
Responsibility Isn’t Just for Engineers
This book reminds us that shaping the future is a collective act. If you’re a user of AI, you’re also a trainer of AI.
You’ll LOVE This Book If...
✔ You’re feeling uneasy about the pace of technology and want a grounded, values-based perspective
✔ You’re a high achiever wondering what comes after peak productivity
✔ You’re curious how AI will reshape your industry—and your identity
✔ You want to influence the future in a way that’s ethical, spiritual, and aligned
Don’t Read If...
❌ You’re looking for a technical manual or AI programming guide
❌ You’re already skeptical of any conversation about ethics or values in tech
❌ You’re not open to exploring the philosophical and emotional implications of change
❌ You want quick-fix hacks instead of long-term, soul-searching reflection
What Are You Optimizing For?
If you’re chasing tools without clarity, no app will save you. And if AI is going to make your job easier, the real question becomes—what will you do with the time and energy it frees up?
That’s the work I love doing with clients. Helping high achievers re-center their values, reclaim their purpose, and redesign life in a way that feels whole—not just efficient.
If this stirred something in you, let’s talk. I’d love to help you explore how technology, purpose, and personal growth intersect in your world.
Book a free Discovery Call and let’s see what’s next for you.
