Yesterday I had the most absurd day. I actually think it's the most unexpected day I've ever had. When I look back at it though, what happened totally makes sense and it's actually a bit odd that I didn't see it coming.
I've applied for a job which is all about figuring out where the future lies for Norway and yesterday I was at the second interviewing round. 8 people left, 4 spots. 50% chance.
What I thought was going to be a normal interviewing day turned out the complete opposite. What the employer signalized pretty clear is that this is what the job is all about and this is what our future is all about. Be prepared for the unexpected.
There were one solo and one group interview. The last one is what this post is all about.
We sat on a large table all of us 8 at the same side. On the opposite side there were 1 chair, several video cameras and people from high up in the Norwegian business world. We had no clue who was gonna be our interviewer but guess what, in comes the Prime Minister. The setup was following, she was going to ask us one question and we were supposed to ask her one in return. And sadly I choose the most obvious, unspecific and boring question ever. So unwisely. Anyhow I learned from this.
- Be mentally prepared for great questions always, you never know when you get the chance to ask them.
- And also, when asking those kind of people, politicians, high up "important" businessmen be way more specific and concrete, unless they won't really answer your question in a detailed and constructive way.
So this is a few questions I'd like to ask her but completely blanked out this time.
- What do you think the world will look like in 2045? (The one I for sure would love to ask)
- What are your reflections around Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality? And how it will affect and shape our society?
- What do you think Norway will look like in 100 years?
- What do you think our world will look like when we are surrounded by AIs with an IQ of 12.925 in 3 decades?
- What are your thoughts on longevity? Where shall we all live if we can live until we are 200-2000+ years?
- Do you ever think an AI will be president? Why or why not?
- Do you ever think that you will be replaced by an AI, or the prime minister in Norway?
- Will you start using blockchain technology in the nearest future? Why or why not?
- How do you look at the future, are you scared or excited to face the change that is coming?
- How important do you think learning to build and communicate with AI is for us Norwegians?
- Which industry or industries should Norway focus on in the nearest future and why?
- What does your morning routine look like?
- Whats it like to be Prime Minister, how do you feel about it?
- How much do you think you and the government position will affect whats gonna happen the next 10-30 years?
- Who do you turn to for advice?
- What do you think of Singularity university, is it time to open something like this in Norway as well, as a way to educate people?
- What do you think the most important thing "ola nordmann" the typical normal norwegian citizen could do to prepare for the future?
But instead I ask this annoying question
"What actions are you planning to take to prepare Norway for the future?" And then I managed to sneak in a follow up question: "what do you think about basic income? " She clearly was completely against the thought of basic income, sadly. She probably hasn't been thinking it through properly?
What would you have asked?