How to Live Without Regret | Kai-Fu Lee on Impact Theory

Kai-Fu Lee is a venture capitalist, technology executive, writer, and an artificial intelligence expert. He’s invested in 15 unicorn startups, with 5 startups focused in AI. He’s also one of the most respected educators of entrepreneurs in the world.
SHOWNOTES:
Kai-Fu Lee talks about the pressure to excel in Chinese culture [2:30]
Why Kai-Fu Lee won’t enforce the typical Chinese notion of hard work with his own kids [3:29]
How coming to America was more important than anything else for helping Kai-Fu Lee find his passion [4:38]
What facing cancer taught Kai-Fu Lee and why hard work is not the meaning of life [7:21]
The 9-9-6 “balance” that Chinese companies used to attract top employees [8:05]
What Kai-Fu Lee says he was a good “optimizer” but never put his family first [9:38]
The 2 buckets of jobs that AI won’t be able to do and how they will become more valuable for humans [21:00]
How to combine your passion with AI [23:14]
Why you need to do something you love if you want to become amazing [25:49]
How Kai-Fu Lee approaches learning [26:40]
Why we need to believe we have a soul [27:45]
How we’ve been brainwashed to think the meaning of our life is our work (and what we need to do instead) [31:50]
BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
AI Superpowers amzn.to/2P6L5S7 [2:04]
Neon Future comics.impacttheory.com/ [19:52]
Top 5 Regrets of the Dying amzn.to/2P7SeSi [13:21]
PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Malcolm Gladwell [26:39]
Bronnie Ware [13:21]
Master Hsing Yun [13:55]
--
IMPACT THEORY MERCHANDISE: Check out Impact Theory's Merch Shop: bit.ly/ImpactTheoryShop

[@kevinbarbosa7107]

Tom has an incredible ability to listen and ask the right question to get the most out of the interviewee

[@shalisealphonse3362]

Exactly he has great questions. His interviewing skills are one if the besy i have seen.

[@shpakslife]

without a doubt I always marvel at that! i also think the way he researches people before and prepares before hand plays a major role, as well as the pre-interview, interview he has off camera with the individuals helps him lead the conversation exactly where it needs to go

[@mixchannelfamvlog6124]

L8iiiip@@shalisealphonse3362 l8lq

[@thepacifist5140]

Tom one of the best interviewer,he do more listening than talking. I love how Tom introduce everyone who come to the show,he knew exactly who he is interviewing(he do his home work like no other interviewer),that's why his interview stand out. Thank you IT...!!!

[@chiraggupta009]

Apart from the high quality of content that he shared, there is a strong and deep calmness and strength in the way he spoke.

[@BestPracticeTV]

So true! Dan has such a good presence. He is confident in himself and his advice!!

[@mk47maglera-slumlyfe94]

Impact theory is a life changing experience with each episode. This is truly a blessing. Thank you

[@drbenkim]

Kai-Fu Lee sees the big picture like few others do. Much respect and gratitude!

[@thetruthbetweenthelines8521]

Learning to live a fearless life is maybe one of the most underrated things we heard about how life should be approached. Regrets drag us in the past when we need to keep moving forward.

[@lotusdedart]

Outsmart & Outwork It really is.

[@Zohar_issac]

Love that Tom is not afraid to ask important questions

[@retiredshitposter1062]

there are major problems with what the guy is saying. AI will replace upwards of 50 million jobs in the USA.. and he's saying "oh, well those who lose their jobs can get into the service industry / do creative work"... Jesus Christ.. the guy's absolutely delusional about the cultural catastrophe that's coming if they push AI replacement too quickly. I'm sure the 10 million truck drivers will be thrilled with their new careers wiping old peoples asses or writing ad cops. also the trillions of dollars in wealth generation will go to corporations, and the workers will be struggling with unemployment and poverty.

[@charmedprince]

I don't like Tom's smug 😏 face but he does possess a Larry King level of intuition

[@rjybarra53]

I cried when I heard Kai-Fu Lee’s story, because I so resonated with his philosophy. I too was at stage 4 lymphoma(in remission, thank you Craig Ventor), and now am driven by the dream I have to “heal healthcare”. As a physician for 38 years, and healthcare at its breaking point, I feel a burning platform to be a “fulcrum”(thank you Ron Howigon) for “the cure”. Bringing, Value (quality/cost) by preserving the core(Colin’s)(compassion), but embracing change(AI, technology, telehealth ) and embodying action. I have newfound enthusiasm to be a positive change. Thank you for this. Joe Ybarra MD

[@xlovelyb]

There is a lot of gold in this interview! I have been waiting for this interview ever since Tom mentioned him on one of his podcast episodes. Thank you so much for broadening my mind once again Tom. More blessing!

[@tiasy_sa6605]

Tom please invite Gloria Mayfield banks.

[@unleashingpotential-psycho9433]

One of the best ways to live without regret is to be willing to fail a 1000 times because that way, you will inevitably become successful with all those attempts.

[@Joe161964]

I'm checking out his book!! This is.... the only words I can come up with is MIND BLOWING!! This interview is gonna keep me up nights....in a positive way!

[@vawaken3860]

This episode really hit me because I had a pessimistic view towards AI but this man looks at it holistically from both ends of the spectrum. Hearing him talk about love, compassion, creativity and do what you enjoy doing gave me goosebumps because that's just something you don't expect from someone who is at the for-front of AI tech. My take away from this is keep your day job to provide for yourself and families but never lose focus on what you're truly passionate about, whatever it is that brings you joy , happiness or a sense of meaning. I've seen many people turn hobbies and passions into careers and businesses that when you look at them , it's day an night difference how much happier and fulfilling they are in their lives vs a job they dread waking up to. This episode made me rethink a lot of things that are going on in my life and the change I need to make. Props to Tom Bilyeu, truly making an IMPACT with his content!!

[@SiimLand]

“Of all the words of mice and men, the saddest are, "It might have been.” ― Kurt Vonnegut

[@SiimLand]

Strive to live with no regrets

[@jumhed994]

If the answer is 'cockrobin' what is the question? 'What's in my ass, Batman.'

[@commanderpipi1youknowfromp730]

Nice :)

[@beemo9]

I was unaware that mice could speak.

[@CobraFlows]

The fasting guru.

[@SledgeScarves]

That's interesting what he says about teaching our kids to do what they enjoy. I have been watching so many things about people who are older speaking about realizing that when they finally do what they love they end up finding their key to happiness in their life. We're taught that work is the most important thing in our lives when in reality it's not it should be doing what we love and enjoying time with friends and family like he said. Because after all if we teach the future, which are the kids, to work with and around the things that they love, the world will be a better place because happiness will be at an all-time high.💁

[@retiredshitposter1062]

Well said!

[@belcimbilgin9453]

Love it!

[@davidrobinson1201]

You hit it perfectly with this comment!

[@SledgeScarves]

Thanks guys :)

[@AlexHackerification]

But you can't. It's easy to spread "beautiful" words like that, the truth is, if you don't have money nor a chance in your family nor a "boost" you don't have the choice. It's easy as hell for him to spread that while he's got tons of money. And don't say "well, work your ass for what you love" what if I do love my youth? And what about i've to work the crap of my ass 10 years to get what I like? Are you really serious about that? You can teach whatever you want, till you don't change the actual society or the actual pro-capitalism, you done.

[@rohitmisra8087]

Its so gratifying to watch a genius with practical understanding of how today's world works, actually emphasise love and compassion as being more important than success and the real roadmap to a bright future for humanity! Hats off to Kai-Fu Lee and Tom ❤️

[@MsFabBabe]

I love how raw his story is yet not overly emotional! What a great interview!!!! Good job !!!

[@volcomsk8r561]

Nice interview. His b-day was yesterday. Happy Belated Birthday Mr. Lee

[@TheZGALa]

I am in admiration of your constructive questioning capabilities, Tom, and in awe of Mr. Lee's mindset and message. Thank you both!

[@davidvu5802]

Really appreciated how you let your guest speak and not interrupting them while they're expressing their thoughts. Such a great interview, loved it!

[@carlosbecerra4189]

One of the best interviews so far! Thank you! Glad where you took it 🙏🏼

[@BradenWuerch]

This is INCREDIBLE! This is truly a life-changing episode!

[@mygdaliafierro0731]

Living in China, I see this work ethic and push for their children to succeed. I’m sharing this video with my boss and local friends. I want them to open themselves up to creativity.

[@sashaluq]

Now I'm 20minutes in and I must say, this is one of the best videos I've seen in sooooooooo long! The wisdom is just WOW. BTW-I'm an elderly caretaker! I love that Mr. Lee is highlighting this profession!

[@Real_KCHL]

Since reading Kai-fu’s first book at my first job to 14 years later that I’ve thinking pretty much the same about meaning of life that he kindly shared. Thanks for bringing him on to the talk.

[@NeilBWood]

Outstanding interview with Kai-Fu Lee. That was a real eye-opener that got the zillions of brain cells firing in my mind. Thank you Tom! Your show is enlightening and inspiring without the hype. Keep it real and know that you DO make a difference in the world. - Neil

[@jeneuweenlaf948]

I don't know why I like this speaker so much. He is optimistic and has so many interesting things to say. So well-spoken and gracious.

[@GT-xp6bx]

Watching this again during covid 19 quarentine and wondering, how good and accurate of a perspective on life can someone have?! Kai Fu is just amazing and Tom surely knew how to get the best out of him during this interview.

[@LindseyHahn]

Such a powerful interview!! Love it! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@PracticalInspiration]

I didn't know Kai-Fu Lee before this, very enlightening. Thanks for this

[@zezty4295]

Thanks I'm listing to this while working out and it just took a huge weight off my chest in a good way.

[@BuddyLeroyBoerkoel]

I resonate with having to love the things you do in order to become truly extraordinary.

[@LiteraryOG]

I actually never heard of him but now i will check more of him out. Great episode love this pretty man.

[@claireporter3602]

Such a great interview. Such a genuine man with a forward thinking and wide view of the world. Inspiring.

[@dollarize6412]

One of the best talks I’ve listened to

[@Donna07]

Fabulous. Thanks Tom and Kai-Fu.

[@GosiaCanoFitness]

Hey Tom, all the interviews on your show are truly awesome. But you know what I would really like to see? Not someone who is already super successful but rather someone who is working on achieving his/her goal, just an ordinary person. I would like to hear his/her struggles and challenges on the way to success. Thanks so much! Keep killing it 👊

[@MadinaVadache]

Gosia Cano Fitness that would be me :))

[@GosiaCanoFitness]

Madina Vadache what do you do? What are your struggles?

[@TheChinitaPrincess]

All super successful person in Tom's interview started to zero and excel to their certain fields..and they became sooo famous...

[@TheChinitaPrincess]

There are lot of personalities...like lily singh story...where she surpassed her depression using youtube

[@GosiaCanoFitness]

Girl with Camouflage yes, totally true but what I meant to say is that I would like to hear from someone who is not famous yet, someone who is working on their goals.

[@Radio-oh1sq]

This is the most profound video I’ve ever heard. Love it!!!

[@CLOS2310]

Great interview once again Tom! I loved his Ted Talk and I have to get this book!

[@ThePermacultureStudent]

WOW this is so close to me: my Mom and Dad were SO INTENSE and used their hands to express their displeasure. I now too do NOT pressure my children in the same way - though I have very high expectations in very different ways. Compassion, creativity, understanding of self, and communication are what I'm working on with him.

[@lilchefchic4077]

Love your content-as always! Ty for all you do🤗

[@MissRho]

This was an amazing interview… very insightful questions to a very credible perspective. His encounter with the intangible emotions that AI can't experience when humans are challenged with something like illness, loss, or some form of deep emotional change or trauma is helpful and intriguing. Keep up the great work!💪🏾

[@jonathanbertrand4551]

Another great interview, introducing very interesting concepts and brilliant minds. It was refreshing to hear that the impact Kai-Fu wanted to have on the world was to spread love. Especially from an innovator in the AI space.

[@paulwinston5668]

First time I've heard someone articulate so clearing the impact AI will have on the job market. With this clarity comes understanding and an increased ability to take action. Great topic and interview.

[@gritathletics2014]

Thank you for this episode!!! 👍🏾👌🏾

[@jaelee4244]

Simply amazing. Fav interview to date.

[@mareenwendt756]

such a brilliant man. thank you!

[@legumesvienna4458]

Tom you really are a great interviewer...you taught me how to ask better questions and how to listen, thank you

[@HypNotiCBriaNN]

amazing just finished the video! glad i’m into the creative side of film and as he mentioned something AI can’t replicate ...

[@roofventsaustralia3177]

Love this interview. Great job, keep up the good work

[@universe-kv9st]

Tom=quality content 👍💗💗

[@patrickmork]

16:22 is powerful. so true for so many people. a good question to ask yourself when in doubt

[@tokumeikibou2447]

Gosh i Love this guy, thank you so much for introducing him to us. What a wonderful life story - so engaging

[@retiredshitposter1062]

I wonder if you'll love him when corporations have 10x the power they do now, and when your family are all unemployed lulz. use your brain lady.

[@tokumeikibou2447]

@@retiredshitposter1062 Thank you for your reply, you have an interesting point of view but I will use my body parts the way i choose to thank you ;-). Seeing the world in 50 shades of grey is not the way I choose to use my brain. Thank you in any case. Seeing the beauty in everything is my lifestyle philosophy. If I do use my brain differently, however, I realise that if you truly felt this way then you wouldn't even use the internet you would live on top of a mountain unplugged from everything. When you brought the device that you are posting this message on you voted for those corporations and feed these corporations that you are so scared of. I stand by my original statement but i thank you for the input.

[@EasyLifeJourney]

Amazing video Tom. Living life without regrets is the greatest feat we humans can aspire to achieve after all it is not death that I fear, but a life with regrets!

[@danielfrancisarias6852]

Thank u for making this great content!!!

[@UltraHuman]

Team Soul! This was a beautiful interview, thank you Kim and Kai-Fu.

[@LunyMilky]

Impressive! Love and compassion as the climax of tech...

[@xVecna]

This man dropped some pretty wise words, given the fact it comes from such an intelligent person who has faced cancer, makes me think that he knows what he is talking about. The passion thing, people say not to pursue it, but only me is the one who knows that i must find time for it despite all the other things. This channel is a gift for the suffering.

[@SaeleeSaan]

kai is mind-blowing! incredible!

[@savanaughwilson8339]

This was SO AMAZING. rad channel. Thank you so much.

[@liritgruber1666]

amazing. Thank you for this open and beautiful heart.

[@oliverf944]

Wow awesome interview. Thank you for the introduction to an amazing wise man.

[@anjalipillai2834]

This is such a amazing video and was very enlightening!

[@lilamnbdh967]

God bless you Tom and your Team🙏, I really appreciate for sharing this amazing episode !!

[@SKW-12]

Thanks for this wisdom @Tom: this is your best interview yet! Keep thriving and sharing =)

[@twonrichpo1126]

Love this!! EXCELLENT perspectives n insight 💎💎

[@bontlekekana6283]

Tom I listened to almost All of your work.. HONESTLY.. This is the BEST ever the GREATEST work EVER, This interview Tom is powerful, important, special.. I'm listening from South Africa.. And woooooow! I'm too proud to have subscribed work of this magnitude. God bless you Mightily. Bontle from South Africa.

[@ashokwagh8553]

thank Tom for bringing such an amazing personalities to us!!!!

[@soulfullyyoursmusic6351]

This is an awesome interview.. To spread love and do everything from heart.. especially from an extraordinary scientist...

[@cecitrigos5810]

Amazing! So much insight into the new consciousness, incredible man, incredible interview.

[@kaysong4015]

Love this show!!!

[@calebstewart3191]

“We’re at a very tough juncture in humanity where we face a lot of great technologies and our collective consciousness is going to create a self-fulfilling prophecy.” This man exudes wisdom. I love Impact Theory!!! Thanks, Tom. Sharing

[@titu3064]

Hey brother Tom! Stay Blessed 🙏😇 amazing episode amazing personality... thank you

[@jakekelly5579]

This was a seriously powerful interview.

[@myassingh]

Working hard can’t be purpose of our lives. Totally agree. Life is a journey. Every second of the journey must be consciously enjoyed and felt. Ying/Yang , a balanced life is a must. Life experience first, followed by work, job, or business.

[@siaround]

love love loved this one!!!

[@annam.3300]

Awesome one, thanks Tom!

[@SharinganNin]

Awesome!

[@miguelmontano4740]

Wow! What a great human being. I enjoyed the show very much, thanks guys

[@geekyboytop]

What a great talk, keep up the great content, I love it.

[@Jon-Jon-Jon-Jon]

This was sooo interesting! I thought about so many of the topics he spoke about, and really resonate with a lot of his opinions!

[@AhmedMotivates]

*Impact Theory* is My Inspiration They inspired me to create my channel Now i upload *Motivational* Videos and Vlogs Every Week Your Support Will Be Appreciated ❤️Have A Nice Day Everyone❤️

[@belcimbilgin9453]

That`s amazing, Ahmeddd! They really can change your mind if you are opened mind person! Keep going!

[@AhmedMotivates]

@@belcimbilgin9453 yeah indeed Do you want to see *weekly motivational videos* i make on *Instagram* IG TV *Link Below* Instagram.com/AhmedMotivates

[@rodriguedave3227]

Receive and give love to the world. Love this episode

[@patricianjeru3639]

Whoop whoop I've been waiting for this interview since Tom mentioned it on Relationship theory!!!! I'm ready with my notebook!!! Let the lesson being 😀

[@felicitas1921]

When Kai-Fu said that after going through cancer he chose to believe that we have a soul, I thought: "But,... isn't that just like a security blanket? Aren't beliefs and decisions born from fear something we should avoid?" I kept listening as receptively as possible though, a practice I've found to be reinforced in me through Tom's modeling. And when Kai-Fu explained that it's a belief that can generate empathy and that it's also based on healthy skepticism (something I highly value), then it made a lot of sense. Thanks for showcasing all types of perspectives in the show, you're doing an amazing job Impact Theory team!

[@gpx922]

Very smart guy excellent thank you for posting this!

[@balancedfoodandfitness]

Profoundly wise man.

[@farzamdxb9678]

Many thanks

[@boostmobile9249]

Choose to be BROAD-MINDED of everything. Keep NEUTRAL.

[@MissCeo3000]

I look to Tom as the ultimate mentor on how to actively listen and deeply conversate.

[@delightrie]

Great interview!

[@zenanstarnes]

This is the most interested I’ve ever seen Tom. He was asking more questions than Mr.lee could answer! Lol

[@elgeebee5250]

He is amazing - realising the AI must be for good things, not potentially dangerous, money making or even dangerous things.......... Thank goodness

[@SirajRaval]

Love Kai-Fu Lee, great interview

[@ec2ainun]

Learn to learn? 😂 To optimize life

[@CalumnMcAulay]

Beautiful thoughts and intentions

[@adityainamdar7879]

Great work tom keep it up

[@shumzbeazley7056]

LOVED this one 💜

[@alexanderberhane436]

I encourage people to watch this interview very Kai-Fu Lee.

[@bencamacho3300]

Thank you

[@Isachanya]

This was so good. " Our collective conscious will create a self fullfing prophecy".

[@aLr_boosh]

Great episode. Looking forward to reading his book ai super powers. Added it to my list. Interesting to hear the the regrets of maybe working too hard and not focusing on what's important