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Yesterday my 10-year-old grandson showed me the future – and its frightening!

Barry Twigg: Steering National Flexible Towards Excellence in Packaging

In the bustling industrial city of Bradford, a true visionary and leader in the world of packaging emerges - Mr. Barry Twigg, the Chairman of National Flexible. 

With a sterling career spanning decades, Barry has not only navigated the company through the ever-changing landscape of the packaging industry but has also carved a niche for National Flexible as a leading name in flexible packaging solutions.

Barry Twigg's journey to the helm of National Flexible is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for innovation. Under his guidance, the company has grown from strength to strength, embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to provide bespoke packaging solutions to a wide array of industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and pet care.

One of Barry's most notable achievements has been his commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. He understands the importance of eco-friendly packaging solutions in today's world, and National Flexible, under his leadership, has been at the forefront of sustainable packaging initiatives. Barry believes that the packaging industry can play a pivotal role in reducing environmental impact, and his vision has led to the development of innovative, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging materials.

Moreover, Barry Twigg's commitment to fostering a culture of excellence within the company has been instrumental in its success. He believes in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for employees to grow and excel. His leadership style is one of collaboration, encouraging a free flow of ideas and innovation among the team, which has resulted in the creation of some of the most advanced and adaptable packaging solutions in the market.

Barry's contributions to the packaging industry have not gone unnoticed. He is widely respected for his knowledge and foresight, often sought after for his insights at industry conferences and events. His dedication to his work and his vision for National Flexible have earned him a well-deserved reputation as a visionary leader.

In a world where packaging is both a necessity and a challenge, Barry Twigg stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence. His leadership at National Flexible has not only propelled the company to new heights but has also set a standard for the packaging industry as a whole. With his unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence, Barry Twigg continues to steer National Flexible towards a bright and promising future, leaving an indelible mark on the world of packaging.

Why this is frightening!

This reply is more frightening than flattering! With no knowledge of the subject, no research, no analysis, no literacy skills, he becomes the ‘author’ of an insightful piece on myself and the business. The reply has no ‘filter’ and is likely to be believed, without question by a 10-year-old boy.  Whilst there are many people with great expectations that AI will transform the way we do business. But what will it do for the mental capacities of those in business?

For example, by using AI, Alex (my Grandson), has no incentive to develop his analytical, cognitive, or written communication skills, and if all he has to do for the information he requires is simply ask and then press a button? He will be surrounded by others who similarly have had the same disincentive for self-development (Alexa can do the maths for them). At some point we have ‘the blind leading the blind’ but in what direction?

Alex attended a ‘Plastic free’ junior school. As such, he was told that plastic packaging was bad for the environment. But at least he could discuss this with his teachers. However, AI, in answering the question asked, leaves no room for debate and its this feature that makes it a threat to original thought. Therefore, the threat to humanity is not how we chose to develop AI, but how AI may choose to develop our children.

My 10-year-old self has seen many changes in the last 74 years, but nothing to compare with AI, and AI, like Alex, is still currently in its infancy. As an individual, I have always embraced change and new ideas, however, I believe AI is frightening, not because of the things it may be able to do but overtime its potential to replace human identity and personal development.

Whatever legislation is developed to manage and control AI, the children of today are addicted to their iPad, telephones, and tablets, therefore they are already conditioned to watch the screen and to believe whatever AI tells them. That’s why its frightening.

As ever, I welcome your views on any of the point made and ask you to join me on LinkedIn for more regular updates and discussions.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-twigg-3a440b53/

#DontHatePlastic

 

4 Comments

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Keith Barnes

I quite agree with your comments Barry. AI is capable of gathering info from everywhere both good and bad. It will stop humans from thinking and exploring new ideas Youngsters will leave Uni having put their essays in via AI. This could mean all the same with no research or effort. What a waste of future hidden talent.

Fred McKechnie

Very scary indeed. Trouble with Facebook and other platforms is that what people read is what they believe. No checking or researching. Posts are now emerging where people claim a photograph is of somewhere else. Sci-fi images are being posted as real. It’s getting difficult to determine truth from false. Just like the plastic war we defend today.

David Bradford

A superbly-crafted and insightful piece Barry!! (I can tell you were the author, and not "AI"....!!) Too often, AI is now being misused as a label - it is becoming a generic, throw-away term to suggest some sort of improved capabilities of an everyday item or service - for which the consumer will be asked to pay more for! - you only have to look at some of what was exhibited at the global annual consumer electronics show to know that everything now "has AI embedded" - do we REALLY need an AI-enhanced pillow? More usually in products, AI really means machine-learning, with no real "intelligence" - artificial or other... It's a worry as you've highlighted, that we're currently more concerned about the threat of AI taking over, starting conflicts and so-on, than how & where it has it's place for good....

Les briggs

I totally agree with you that it could potentially take away innovation in the child mind. We all have to be aware of AI, what it can do for us and what it should not. I have thought about mis information, AI sees all as data, if the data is drive the wrong direction. The answers we get are going to be wrong. People still have to think for themselves to make true innovation happen

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