Artificial intelligence is progressing rapidly, particularly with language models like ChatGPT. These models can engage in detailed conversations and generate creative content, making interactions feel very much like talking to another person. For many, including business professors who study innovation, the excitement and concern about AI's potential to transform work, education, and daily life often lead to sleepless nights. In one instance, a professor had his students explore ChatGPT, and they were astounded by its ability to easily explain concepts, write essays, and create interactive simulations—tasks that used to take months.

AI is seen as a general purpose technology, similar to electricity or the internet, with a potential impact that could surpass previous innovations. AI has been shown to boost productivity by 20-80% across various jobs, and its adoption is happening faster than past technological advancements. The effects of AI extend beyond work and touch on education, entertainment, and communication, raising philosophical questions about the nature of intelligence itself. AI now passes creative and reasoning tests, although its inner workings remain a mystery.

The goal is to understand this "co-intelligence" starting with the technology that powers it and exploring how AI can transform roles such as coworker, teacher, expert, and companion. This reflection is crucial for rethinking life and work with an increasingly intelligent digital mind. The future may be strange, but with insight and openness, it becomes navigable.