This week we look at builders. One built the foundation for modern computers. Another is building a new kind of school. A third built a new way to surf.
MENTOR SPOTLIGHT
Alan Turing
Pioneer of computer science and artificial intelligence
The Alan Turing Institute just announced a new project. It will build an open-source toolkit to test the AI used in air traffic control. This happened last Friday, May 15.
The goal is to build public trust in a complex system. It’s a modern version of a problem Turing himself worked on. He famously proposed the “Turing Test” to determine if a machine was intelligent. The idea was simple: don't just assume it works, test it.
Today’s AI is not just a theoretical exercise. It lands planes. The new toolkit is a practical way to ensure safety and reliability. It proves that the most important part of building something new is creating a way to verify it.
For anyone building a product or a team, the lesson is the same. Don't just talk about quality. Build a system to test it. That is how you create something people can truly rely on.
IN THE NEWS
Kelly Slater Kelly Slater has not been in the headlines over the last two weeks. While the World Surf League tour is running events, like the recent Corona Cero New Zealand Pro, no specific interviews or appearances from Slater have been documented. Even the greatest performers have quiet periods. It's often a sign of focusing on what comes next, away from the public eye.
Balaji Srinivasan Balaji Srinivasan is moving from idea to execution. After writing The Network State , he is now actively building his 'Network School' project. Recent news from May 14 shows he is engaging with Malaysian officials to expand the school in Johor. In a May 17 interview, he confirmed the project is permanent and growing, with over 500 people already involved. This is a clear example of turning a written concept into a real-world institution.
QUICK WISDOM
"We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done." — Alan Turing From his 1950 paper on artificial intelligence, this shows his practical focus on making immediate, tangible progress.
"My schedule changes every morning based on the surf." — Kelly Slater This quote reveals his philosophy of adapting to the environment rather than forcing a rigid plan.
"strong men create good times, good times create weak men, weak men create hard times, and hard times create strong men." — Balaji Srinivasan From his book, this quote explains his view of historical cycles that inspire people to build new systems.
FROM THE BLOG
AI Mentor App vs. Human Mentor Alan Turing's work forces us to ask how we can trust AI. We apply that same question to mentorship.
Here’s our breakdown of how an AI mentor compares to a human one.
I read every reply. If something hit home this week, just hit reply and tell me.
— Jesse Krim Founder, Get Mentors