Cultures of innovation begin with a culture of empathy. As you navigate today’s changing world the question remains how do you create these cultures? How do you scale them? And how do you help people develop the mindset and skills to thrive within them?
These are the questions people ask Dr. Sabba Quidwai, researcher, educator and storyteller. Each week we’ll explore the answers with stories and strategies from researchers, education leaders and today’s young people as we explore how might we design schools.
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Cultures of innovation begin with a culture of empathy. As you navigate today’s changing world the question remains how do you create these cultures? How do you scale them? And how do you help people develop the mindset and skills to thrive within them?
These are the questions people ask Dr. Sabba Quidwai, researcher, educator and storyteller. Each week we’ll explore the answers with stories and strategies from researchers, education leaders and today’s young people as we explore how might we design schools.
Future Focus | From Tools to Teammates: How AI Culture is Reshaping Responsibility, Education, and Society | Week of October 24, 2025
Designing Schools
27 minutes 20 seconds
1 month ago
Future Focus | From Tools to Teammates: How AI Culture is Reshaping Responsibility, Education, and Society | Week of October 24, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Sabba Quidwai explores the deeper cultural implications of AI’s evolution from tools to teammates. Using OpenAI’s recent personalization shift and the OnlyFans origin story as parallels, she reflects on societal responsibility, educational challenges, and why banning AI is not a solution. Through candid insight and current research, Sabba calls for reflection, redesign, and a commitment to future-focused leadership.
Timestamps
[00:00:00] The Shift from Clicks to Conversations
How AI browsers like Atlas signal a fundamental change in how we interact with technology.
[00:04:00] The OpenAI Controversy and Culture Clash
Sabba analyzes the backlash around ChatGPT’s personality features and what it says about freedom and responsibility.
[00:06:00] Lessons from OnlyFans: When Users Redefine Platforms
A surprising yet powerful comparison showing how user behavior—not company intent—shapes digital culture.
[00:14:00] Reports from the Field: The AI Literacy Gap in Schools
Insights from Oxford University Press and the Center for Democracy and Technology highlighting students’ and teachers’ lack of AI confidence.
[00:24:00] What Bold Leaders Do Differently with AI
Sabba shares leadership lessons from top-performing teams and introduces the Spark Prompting Framework for deeper AI integration.
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For questions, email: hello@designingschools.org
Designing Schools
Cultures of innovation begin with a culture of empathy. As you navigate today’s changing world the question remains how do you create these cultures? How do you scale them? And how do you help people develop the mindset and skills to thrive within them?
These are the questions people ask Dr. Sabba Quidwai, researcher, educator and storyteller. Each week we’ll explore the answers with stories and strategies from researchers, education leaders and today’s young people as we explore how might we design schools.
