Nonprofit Nation Podcast Summary: "How to Stay Human in an AI World with Tim Lockie"

Release Date: February 26, 2025

In this compelling episode of Nonprofit Nation, host Julia Campbell engages in an insightful conversation with Tim Lockie, founder of the Human Stack and creator of the "AI for Anyone" course. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit technology, Tim shares his expertise on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into nonprofit operations while maintaining a human-centered approach. This summary delves into the key discussions, strategies, and anticipations surrounding AI's role in the nonprofit sector.

1. Introduction to the Human Stack

Timestamp: [02:59] - [04:20]

Julia Campbell opens the discussion by highlighting Tim Lockie's extensive background in nonprofit technology. Tim recounts his journey from managing Salesforce implementations to founding Human Stack, driven by a startling statistic: while 90% of organizations collect data, only 5% effectively use it for decision-making ([03:10]). This revelation led him to pivot his focus from purely technological solutions to enhancing human interaction with technology. He emphasizes the importance of configuring technology to support human behavior rather than the other way around.

Notable Quote:

“The issue isn't collecting data. It really is how do we configure humans, not how do we configure tech.” – Tim Lockie ([03:10])

2. Building Tech Resilience in Nonprofits

Timestamp: [04:20] - [06:34]

Tim introduces his concept of making nonprofits "tech resilient" instead of "tech resistant." He observes a spectrum of technological engagement within organizations, from outright resistance to enthusiastic tinkering. Tim argues that resilience is characterized by persistence and adaptability, not merely expertise. By fostering a culture that encourages iterative learning and problem-solving, nonprofits can better navigate the evolving technological landscape, especially with the advent of AI.

Notable Quote:

“It's not about who knows the most about technology... it's about, can you hang in there for one more iteration and try the next thing?” – Tim Lockie ([04:49])

3. The Human Stack vs. Tech Stack

Timestamp: [07:11] - [09:54]

A pivotal moment in the conversation is Tim’s distinction between the "tech stack" and the "human stack." While the tech stack comprises interconnected technologies working towards a common purpose, the human stack represents the community of people collaborating towards shared goals. Tim underscores that technology operates on binary logic—true or false—whereas humans seek belonging and are driven by relational dynamics.

Notable Quote:

“For humans, the base code for us is in or out. Are we in the group or are we not in the group... belonging matters more than accuracy to us.” – Tim Lockie ([08:00])

4. Enhancing Human Connections with AI

Timestamp: [10:12] - [12:32]

Addressing concerns that AI might erode human connections, Tim posits that AI can enhance the quality of interactions by automating administrative tasks. This automation allows humans to focus more on meaningful conversations and relationships. Julia shares her personal experience using AI tools like Read AI to transcribe meetings, enabling her to be more present and engaged without the distraction of note-taking.

Notable Quote:

“The ability for AI to create space for us to focus less on tracking what's happening in the conversation and more on the conversation itself increases the quality of our connection.” – Tim Lockie ([10:12])

5. Practical AI Tools for Nonprofits

Timestamp: [12:32] - [22:57]

Tim discusses various AI tools that can significantly benefit nonprofit operations:

• Cassidy: A versatile tool that allows the creation of customized AI assistants for tasks like training sessions, HR inquiries, and more. Tim illustrates its use by setting up an Executive Sounding Board bot to manage employee interactions and streamline communications.

• ChatGPT and Claude: Tim compares these AI models, highlighting their unique personalities and functionalities. While ChatGPT remains perpetually engaging, Claude exhibits a more restrained and "grumpy" demeanor.

• Fathom: Employed for generating transcripts that can be converted into structured data, enhancing CRM systems with rich conversational insights.

Julia envisions these tools as "second brains," alleviating cognitive loads and preserving institutional knowledge amidst high turnover rates in nonprofit sectors.

Notable Quote:

“Transcripts are so much more valuable because now you can take tools like Cassidy and convert those transcripts into structured data and put those into the CRM.” – Tim Lockie ([15:08])

6. Ethical Considerations and Transparency in AI Use

Timestamp: [20:08] - [26:15]

Julia raises a critical concern regarding donors' ethical apprehensions about AI adoption by nonprofits. Tim responds by emphasizing the need to balance efficiency with trust-building. He references a report by Nathan Chappelle and Tyrion Koshy, which found that while fundraisers aim to boost efficiency, donors prioritize trust. Tim suggests that nonprofits should leverage AI to enhance credibility, link fundraising efforts to tangible program outcomes, and personalize donor interactions.

Notable Quote:

“What funders and donors are looking for is to increase the amount of trust from organizations.” – Tim Lockey ([20:41])

He also touches upon the importance of AI governance, advocating for policies that not only mitigate risks but also harness AI's positive potentials.

Notable Quote:

“It's important to... create positive, beneficial based policies and AI governance around what could this do positively for us instead of just a reaction to a lot of fear.” – Tim Lockie ([38:36])

7. Future of AI in the Nonprofit Sector

Timestamp: [27:27] - [35:28]

Looking ahead, Tim predicts significant advancements in AI that will further integrate into nonprofit operations:

• Agentic AI: AI systems that possess autonomous decision-making capabilities, handling tasks like email management and content creation more intelligently.

• Robotics Integration: Physical AI applications, such as robotic assistants, will automate mundane tasks, allowing humans to focus on creative and strategic endeavors.

Tim also highlights the dual-edged nature of AI advancements, noting both the potential for groundbreaking scientific discoveries and the risks associated with warfare and ethical misuse.

Notable Quote:

“Tasks are about to become commodify... And then location where an AI can actually move physical objects without you being there.” – Tim Lockie ([35:28])

8. Conclusion and Resources

Timestamp: [37:34] - [42:36]

As the conversation wraps up, Julia and Tim reflect on the balance between embracing AI for its efficiencies and preserving the human elements that drive nonprofit missions. Tim encourages nonprofits to view AI as a tool to enhance human connections and operational effectiveness rather than a replacement for human interaction.

Tim also shares resources for listeners interested in deepening their understanding of AI:

• AI for Anyone Course: A comprehensive, affordable course designed to equip nonprofit professionals with foundational AI skills.

• Upskiller Live Coaching Community: Weekly coaching sessions aimed at helping individuals and organizations upskill in AI through practical, hands-on learning.

Notable Quote:

“It's really, you know, the fundamentals are there, but you actually are going to get your hands dirty and really start to... level up your comfort level with the tools and experiment with them.” – Tim Lockie ([40:14])

Key Takeaways

• Human-Centric AI Integration: Nonprofits should prioritize configuring AI tools to support human behavior, fostering belonging and meaningful connections.

• Enhancing Efficiency and Trust: Leveraging AI can streamline operations, but it's crucial to maintain transparency and build trust with donors.

• Future-Proofing with Resilience: Building a tech-resilient culture within nonprofits ensures adaptability and sustained impact amidst technological advancements.

• Ethical AI Governance: Developing positive AI policies focused on enhancing benefits while mitigating risks is essential for responsible AI adoption.

For more insights and to explore Tim Lockie’s resources, listeners can visit his LinkedIn profile and enroll in his "AI for Anyone" course. Embracing AI thoughtfully can empower nonprofits to amplify their missions while staying authentically connected to their communities.