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Should We “Move Fast and Break Things” With Gen AI?

Should We “Move Fast and Break Things” With Gen AI?

Last updated on: July 16, 2025 at 11:14 am by Gleb Tsipursky

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Should We “Move Fast and Break Things” With Gen AI? 2025-07-16T11:14:34-04:00 Gleb Tsipursky

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With Gen AI

In the bustling corridors of Silicon Valley, the mantra of “move fast and break things” has long been a guiding principle. But when it comes to the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our daily lives, this approach is akin to playing with fire in a room filled with dynamite. The recent poll conducted by the Artificial Intelligence Policy Institute (AIPI) paints a clear picture: the American public is not only concerned but demanding a more cautious and regulated approach to AI. As someone who works with companies to integrate generative AI into the workplace, I see these fears every day among employees.

A Widespread Worry: The People’s Concerns With Gen AI

The AIPI survey reveals that 72% of voters prefer slowing down the development of AI, compared to just 8% who prefer speeding development up. This isn’t a mere whimper of concern; it’s a resounding call for caution. The fear isn’t confined to one political party or demographic; it’s a shared anxiety that transcends boundaries.

In my work with companies, I witness firsthand the apprehension among employees. The concerns of the general public are mirrored in the workplace, where the integration of AI is no longer a distant future but a present reality. Employees are not just passive observers; they are active participants in this technological revolution, and their voices matter.

Imagine AI as a new dish at a restaurant. The majority of Americans, including the employees I work with, would be eyeing it suspiciously, asking for the ingredients, and perhaps even calling for the chef (in this case, tech executives) to taste it first. This analogy may seem light-hearted, but it captures the essence of the skepticism and caution that permeate the discussion around AI.

The fears about AI are not unfounded, and they are not limited to catastrophic events or existential threats. They encompass practical concerns about job displacement, ethical dilemmas, and the potential misuse of technology. These are real issues that employees grapple with daily.

In my consultations, I find that addressing these fears is not just about alleviating anxiety; it’s about building a bridge between the technological advancements and the human element. If we want employees to use AI effectively, it’s crucial to address these fears and risks around AI and have effective regulations.

The widespread concern about AI calls for a democratic approach where all voices are heard, not just those in the tech industry or government. The employees, the end-users, and the general public must be part of the conversation.

In the companies I assist, fostering an environment of open dialogue and inclusion has proven to be an effective strategy. By involving employees in the decision-making process and providing clear information about AI’s potential and limitations, we can demystify the technology and build trust.

The “move fast and break things” approach may have its place, but when it comes to AI, the voices of the people, including employees, must be heard. It’s time to slow down, listen, and act with caution and responsibility. The future of AI depends on it, and so does the trust and well-being of those who will live and work with this transformative technology.

The Fear Factor With Gen AI

The numbers in the AIPI poll are staggering: 86% of voters believe AI could accidentally cause a catastrophic event, and 76% think it could eventually pose a threat to human existence. These aren’t the plotlines of a sci-fi novel; they’re the genuine fears of the American populace.

Imagine AI as a powerful race car. In the hands of an experienced driver (read: regulated environment), it can achieve incredible feats. But in the hands of a reckless teenager (read: unregulated tech industry), it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

The fear of a catastrophic event is not mere paranoia. From autonomous vehicles gone awry to algorithmic biases leading to unjust decisions, the potential for AI to cause significant harm is real. In the workplace, these fears are palpable. Employees worry about the reliability of AI systems, the potential for errors, and the lack of human oversight.

The idea that AI could pose a threat to human existence may sound like a dystopian fantasy, but it’s a concern that resonates with 76% of voters, including 75% of Democrats and 78% of Republicans. This bipartisan concern reflects a deep-seated anxiety about the unchecked growth of AI.

In the corporate world, this translates into questions about the ethical use of AI, the potential for mass surveillance, and the loss of human control over critical systems. It’s not just about robots taking over the world; it’s about the erosion of human values, autonomy, and agency.

In my work with companies, I see the struggle to balance innovation with safety. The desire to harness the power of AI is tempered by the understanding that caution must prevail. Employees are not just worried about losing their jobs to automation; they’re concerned about the broader societal implications of AI.

Addressing these fears requires a multifaceted approach. It involves transparent communication, ethical guidelines, robust regulations, and a commitment to prioritize human well-being over profit or speed. It’s about creating a culture where AI is developed and used responsibly.

The fear of catastrophic events and existential threats is not confined to the United States. It’s a global concern that requires international collaboration. Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other risks like pandemics and nuclear war, as 70% of voters agree in the AIPI poll.

In my interactions with global clients, the need for a unified approach to AI safety is evident. It’s not just a national issue; it’s a human issue that transcends borders and cultures.

Conclusion: A United Stand for Safety

The AIPI poll is more than just a collection of statistics; it’s a reflection of our collective consciousness. The data is clear: Americans want responsible AI development. The Silicon Valley strategy of “move fast and break things” may have fueled technological advancements, but when it comes to AI, safety must come first.

Key Take-Away

With Gen AI advancing rapidly, the call to “move fast and break things” feels reckless. The public wants caution, not chaos… >Click to tweet

Image credit: TheStandingDesk/pexels

Originally published in Disaster Avoidance Experts

Dr. Gleb Tsipursky was named “Office Whisperer” by The New York Times for helping leaders overcome frustrations with hybrid work and Generative AI. He serves as the CEO of the future-of-work consultancy Disaster Avoidance Experts. Dr. Gleb wrote seven best-selling books, and his two most recent ones are Returning to the Office and Leading Hybrid and Remote Teams and ChatGPT for Thought Leaders and Content Creators: Unlocking the Potential of Generative AI for Innovative and Effective Content Creation. His cutting-edge thought leadership was featured in over 650 articles and 550 interviews in Harvard Business Review, Inc. Magazine, USA Today, CBS News, Fox News, Time, Business Insider, Fortune, The New York Times, and elsewhere. His writing was translated into Chinese, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Korean, French, Vietnamese, German, and other languages. His expertise comes from over 20 years of consulting, coaching, and speaking and training for Fortune 500 companies from Aflac to Xerox. It also comes from over 15 years in academia as a behavioral scientist, with 8 years as a lecturer at UNC-Chapel Hill and 7 years as a professor at Ohio State. A proud Ukrainian American, Dr. Gleb lives in Columbus, Ohio.

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About Dr. Gleb Tsipursky

Known as the Disaster Avoidance Expert, Dr. Gleb Tsipursky is on a mission to protect leaders from dangerous judgment errors known as cognitive biases, which devastate bottom lines and bring down high-flying careers. His expertise and passion is developing the most effective and profitable decision-making strategies, based on pragmatic business experience and cutting-edge behavioral economics and cognitive neuroscience, to empower leaders to avoid business disasters and maximize their bottom lines. You can learn more here https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/glebtsipursky/ The bestselling author of several books, Dr. Tsipursky is best known for his national bestseller on avoiding disasters and achieving success in business and other life areas, The Truth Seeker’s Handbook: A Science-Based Guide. His next book, Never Go With Your Gut: How Pioneering Leaders Make the Best Decisions and Avoid Business Disasters, is forthcoming with Career Press in November 2019. It’s the first book to focus on cognitive biases in business leadership and reveal how leaders can overcome these dangerous judgment errors effectively. After that he’s publishing The Blindspots Between Us: How to Overcome Unconscious Cognitive Bias and Build Better Relationships with New Harbinger in April 2020, the first book to focus on cognitive biases in professional and personal relationships and illustrate how we can defeat these dangerous judgment errors in our relationships. See more information here https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/author-page/ Dr. Tsipursky’s cutting-edge thought leadership was featured in over 400 articles he published and over 350 interviews he gave to popular venues that include Fast Company, CBS News, Time, Scientific American, Psychology Today, The Conversation, Business Insider, Government Executive, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Inc. Magazine, and many others, as you can see here https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/media/ Dr. Tsipursky's expertise comes from over 20 years of consulting, coaching, speaking, and training for businesses and nonprofits. He serves as the CEO of the boutique consulting, coaching, and training firm Disaster Avoidance Experts, which uses a proprietary methodology based on groundbreaking research to help leaders and organizations maximize their bottom lines by addressing potential threats, seizing unexpected opportunities, and resolving persistent personnel problems. His clients include Aflac, Balance Employment Assistance Provider, Edison Welding Institute, Fifth Third Bank, Honda, IBM, International Coaches Federation, Ohio Hospitals Association, National Association of Women Business Owners, Sentinel Real Estate, The Society for Human Resource Management, RealManage, The Columbus Foundation, Vistage, Wells Fargo, the World Wildlife Fund, and over a hundred others who achieve outstanding client results. You can learn more about that here: https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/about Dr. Tsipursky also has a strong research and teaching background in behavioral economics and cognitive neuroscience with over 15 years in academia, including 7 years as a professor at the Ohio State University and before that a Fellow at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. His dozens of peer-reviewed academic publications include journals such as Behavior and Social Issues, Journal of Social and Political Psychology, and International Journal of Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy. His civic service includes over 4 years as the Chair of the Board of Directors of Intentional Insights, an educational nonprofit advocating for research-based decision-making in all life areas. He also co-founded the Pro-Truth Pledge, a civic project to promote truthfulness and integrity for individual professionals and leaders in the same way that the Better Business Bureau serves as a commitment for businesses. He serves on the Advisory Board of Canonical Debate Lab and Planet Purpose, and is on the Editorial Board of the peer-reviewed journal Behavior and Social Issues. A highly in-demand international speaker, Dr. Tsipursky has over two decades of professional speaking experience across North America, Europe, and Australia. He gets top marks from audiences for his highly facilitative, interactive, and humor-filled speaking style and the way he thoroughly customizes speeches for diverse audiences. Meeting planners describe Dr. Tsipursky as "very relatable," as "a snap to work with," and as someone who "does everything that you would want a speaker to do." Drawing on best practices in adult learning, his programs address the wide spectrum of diverse learning styles, as attested by enthusiastic client testimonials and references. He regularly shares the stage with prominent leaders, for example recently speaking on a roundtable panel with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Elhadj As Sy, Chancellor of Austria Brigitte Bierlein, CEO of Penguin Random House Markus Dohle, and billionaire philanthropist and Chair of the Bertelsmann Management Company Liz Mohn. You can learn more about his speaking and see videos here: https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/speaking/ Dr. Tsipursky earned his PhD in the History of Behavioral Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2011, his M.A. at Harvard University in 2004, and his B.A. at New York University in 2002. He lives in and travels from Columbus, OH. In his free time, he enjoys tennis, hiking, and playing with his two cats, and most importantly, he makes sure to spend abundant quality time with his wife to avoid disasters in his personal life. Learn more about him at https://DisasterAvoidanceExperts.com/GlebTsipursky, contact him at Gleb[at]DisasterAvoidanceExperts[dot]com, follow him on Instagram @dr_gleb_tsipursky and Twitter @gleb_tsipursky. Most importantly, help yourself avoid disasters and maximize success, and get a free copy of the “Assessment on Dangerous Judgment Errors in the Workplace,” by signing up for his free Wise Decision Maker Course at https:// DisasterAvoidanceExperts.com/Subscribe You can read more about the author here.

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