1. Women in Saudi Can Now Drive
It’s easy to take human rights for granted, such as access to education or freedom of speech. However, some countries are barely granting basic rights to women. Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women driving — the world’s last remaining ban in this regard. Even though this ban wasn’t technically a law, police enforced it and licenses were refused to women. The ban also required women to sit in the backseat, restricted when they could meet with friends and made it difficult to arrange plans. Many women are waiting months to take driving courses and others are waiting to see how it’ll pan out. Those who have managed to score a license hopped in their car at the stroke of midnight on Sunday. #Victory.
(Source: Time)
2. Mind Gym Goes Public
Mind Gym, a London-based science behavioral firm, is going public. The company is planning a $192M listing and the IPO will raise $67M for selling shareholders. Mind Gym offers classes to promote better work environments in an office culture, such as performance management, harassment, and employee engagement. Back when the #MeToo movement was inspired, companies rushed to Mind Gym to get a mental workout. Microsoft registered a 70% positive impact and Audi won an award for Best Advance in Competencies and Skill Development after their new program was initiated. With close to 70% of workers disengaged at work, it’s time for a leadership makeover. For more on Digital Leadership, we have you covered with our book Digital Leader.
(Source: The Hustle)
3. Google Duplex Opens New Doors
Google Duplex is officially testing its product this summer. As a reminder, Duplex is an AI system that makes phone calls on behalf of the caller in a voice that’s uncannily human. The call starts off with an indication that the call is being recorded and encompasses non-word communicators such as “ums” and “uh-huh’s.” The testing will begin with a call asking a business about their holiday hours and then eventually lead to making hair appointments. However, a few kinks are still being worked out. Duplex will require a number of human operators in case the call goes array and some states (i.e. Texas) have not handed out permits just yet.
(Source: The Verge)
—
