Being Invited or Pulled Into Self-Discovery
Sometimes, we’re invited, occasionally we’re coaxed, and often we’re pulled into a place of self-discovery. It’s a space that can make us cringe when we believe that we lack the expertise to execute and feel vulnerable when we question whether we will succeed. Or, we can be open and curious about what will be revealed. These moments create space for self-discovery which can deepen awareness and intentionality.
Two instances this past week made me consider this push and pull dynamic:
I listened to Dr. Joy Buolamwini’s interview on the podcast, “I’ve Got Questions” with Sinead Bovell. Dr. Buolamwini is a computer scientist who uses her research and art to illuminate the social implications of artificial intelligence. She founded the Algorithmic Justice League to create a world with more equitable and accountable technology and to uncover large racial and gender bias in AI services from tech companies.
As she told her story, Dr. Buolamwini emphasized that in no way had she been looking to be an advocate in the AI space. She was interested in math. Her pivot began when she was experimenting with computer vision software at MIT that couldn’t recognize her skin complexion. As a grad student, she didn’t want to tackle “messy human situations” and thought that someone else would step up and handle it.
But that perspective changed. Recognizing that any bias fed into the data sets, data scoring, profiles, and biometrics of AI systems could impact peoples’ lives negatively and even create serious harm, Dr. Buolamwini decided that her research focus needed to be on the entire landscape of AI systems—the design, development and deployment. Based on biased algorithms: what surveillance mistakes are being made; what economic opportunities are being lost; and what health prospects are being impacted? These are some of the questions that motivated her to move forward with this work. Dr. Buolamwini says, “The past dwells within our data,” so transparency is needed to assure that we are all reflected and represented. Achieving that goal has become her mission.
Donald Harrison at Jazz Forum
A Master Class Invitation
Greg and I went to see saxophonist Donald Harrison at the Jazz Forum in Tarrytown this past Friday. We’ve known Donald for many years and have always appreciated his deep jazz knowledge and mastery. It was a fabulous set, with Donald taking the audience on a musical journey, decade by decade, as they paid tribute to the greats—Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and others.
Near the end of the set, Donald led the musicians into a rousing, hold nothing back rendition of John Coltrane’s “Impressions.“ It was an intense, high-tempo number that showcased the quartet’s musical excellence. At one point in the tune, Donald turned to his drummer, a twenty-six-year-old from New Orleans who had studied with him since the age of thirteen and indicated a shift in musical direction. Then he turned to the pianist and did the same. School was in session. The drummer caught Donald’s cue and began to adeptly align with his playing. He was sweating profusely by the end of the tune.
The pianist, who played beautifully all set, didn’t quite get there. Donald went to the piano, laid down his saxophone, and sat down to play. The pianist stood beside him and watched as Donald masterfully executed the percussive phrasing, chord changes, and tempo he wanted to hear. It was a beautiful, skillful display, at once both encouraging and challenging. When Donald returned to his sax, the pianist sat back down and, with renewed vigor and aspiration, picked up where Donald had left off.
The Architecture of Co-Creation
This coming week, Greg and I will experience a new realm when we conduct a workshop for a group of directors and vice presidents at Google in New York City. The invitation is for us to facilitate this workshop with two dancers from the Martha Graham Dance Company. This co-creative collaboration invites the leaders to witness the architecture of creation: how two distinct artistic systems, jazz and dance, communicate, push boundaries, and adapt to find a shared vision.
We’re looking forward to the emergence and creative delight this foray into an unknown space is sure to bring.
