AI and the Future of Work: Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace, Business, Ethics, HR, and IT for AI Enthusiasts, Leaders

Send us Fan Mail Jake Saper is a General Partner at Emergence Capital, one of the most iconic venture firms in enterprise software, with a portfolio that includes Zoom, Gusto, Veeva, and Together AI. Emergence has backed some of the most category-defining B2B companies of the last two decades, and Jake has spent nearly 12 years at the center of that deal flow. What sets Jake apart is a life lived on both sides of the creativity question: he backs the companies building AI but also performs across genres from blues to metal as a working musician. In this episode, Jake brings that rare combination of investor rigor and artist instinct to one of the hardest questions AI is forcing us to face, and whether you leave reassured or unsettled may depend entirely on how much of your identity is wrapped up in the work you create. In this conversation, we discuss: How AI will democratize the creation of art but commoditize its execution, ultimately causing the value of live, dynamic human performances to skyrocket.The stunning acceleration of startup growth, with top-quartile B2B software companies now scaling from zero to $1 million in ARR in just four months.How the flood of AI-generated content is turning attention into the real bottleneck, and why curation and point of view become the new competitive advantage.Why Jake believes the market will self-regulate the anthropomorphization of AI agents in the workplace, and where that logic has a hard limit.What Geoffrey Hinton said about building AI "like a mother," why it was both comforting and deeply unsatisfying, and what it reveals about AGI risk.Why Jake argues disclosure matters during this transition period, but what he actually wants people to ask about art as AI becomes a normal creative tool.Explore this conversation: 00:00 Why AI Makes It Easier to Build a Demo and Harder to Build a Moat 05:25 From Cell Towers to Venture Capital: Jake Saper's Path to Emergence 08:53 How AI Is Compressing Startup Growth: From 18 Months to 4 Months to $1M ARR 18:05 What Art Actually Is: Compressed Human Experience and the Act of Making Meaning Shareable 23:30 How AI Can Unlock Latent Creativity in People Who Don't Think of Themselves as Creators 26:55 Why Disclosure Matters When Trust and Authenticity Are at Stake 30:19 Navigating a Post-Truth Era: When Everything Looks Synthetic, What Do We Believe? 32:14 Why the Value of Live Performance Is About to Skyrocket 35:58 As Soulless Entities Multiply, Soul-to-Soul Human Connection Becomes More Valuable 40:38 What Geoffrey Hinton Said About Building AI "Like a Mother" and Why It Was Unsatisfying 43:04 Why the Most Enduring Art Has Always Been About Transfer, Not Authorship Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Jake on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How AI Is Revolutionizing Creativity in Art, Music, and Education

Send us Fan Mail Daniel Lereya is Chief Product and Technology Officer at monday.com, the AI work platform trusted by 60% of the Fortune 500 and valued at approximately $8 billion. He joined the company when it had 30 people and $4.5M ARR, and has since grown his team from 5 to nearly 900 people as monday.com crossed $1 billion in ARR. In this episode, Daniel draws on nearly a decade of scaling one of the world's most adopted work platforms to share what it actually takes to rebuild product thinking from scratch when AI changes everything you thought you knew. In this conversation, we discuss: Why the instincts that made monday.com successful are the exact ones Daniel says had to be dismantled to build AI-first products.What the critical difference is between building a demo that impresses and an agent that actually works in production, and where most teams get it wrong.Why Daniel believes wrapping AI inside rigid workflows produces better results than giving agents full discretion, and what monday.com learned the hard way.What happened when 2,000 of 3,000 monday.com employees started building their own apps in just two weeks, and what it revealed about the future of who gets to build software.Why Daniel argues that when an AI agent makes a mistake, the real question leaders should be asking has nothing to do with the technology.Why the biggest barrier to AI adoption is not the technology itself, and what Daniel says companies must stop waiting for before they start.Explore: 00:00 Why AI Adoption Is Harder Than It Looks 00:53 Introduction + AI Commerce Standards: Google, OpenAI & Visa 04:30 Daniel Lereya's 9-Year Journey Scaling monday.com to $1B ARR 09:00 How AI Forces a Complete Reset in Product Thinking 12:25 The "AI Month" Initiative: Pausing R&D to Rebuild from Scratch 14:57 Building AI Products When the Output Is Non-Deterministic 20:47 What 250,000 Customers Taught Us About AI in the Real World 25:38 Responsible AI: Guardrails, Governance, and Data Control 31:28 Who Is Responsible When an AI Agent Makes a Mistake? 37:04 The Future of Work: Humans, Agents, and What Comes Next Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Daniel on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How we can take back control from Big Techhttps://peoplereign.io/podcast/

Send us Fan Mail Lisa Davis is a technology executive who has served as CIO and tech leader for some of the world's most complex organizations, including Intel, Blue Shield of California, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Department of Defense.  She is now focused on shaping the next generation of leaders and advocating for women and diverse talent in STEM through her board work, executive coaching, and her forthcoming book, The Only Woman in the Room: How to Win in a Workplace Still Built for Men. In this episode, Lisa draws on 30+ years leading technology at the highest levels of government and enterprise to make the case that the future of AI depends on who gets to build it, and as long as women remain locked out of those rooms, we are getting it dangerously wrong. In this conversation, we discuss: Why women's representation in STEM has fallen from 34% in the mid-1980s to 22% today, and why that decline is a crisis for the future of AI, not just the workplace.Why the real risk isn't the technology itself but the leadership teams making AI decisions without diverse voices at the table.The structural systems that were never designed for women to thrive, and why redesigning them is a business imperative, not a social favor.Why current corporate layoffs are being falsely attributed to AI, and what leaders need to start saying out loud.Why girls begin dropping out of math and science as early as middle school, how cultural norms around "bossiness" suppress leadership potential, and what parents and organizations can do to intervene earlier.What Lisa says women who finally reach the executive table must do differently, and why most don't.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Lisa on LinkedIn or visit her website to learn more about her book.AI fun fact articleOn how to navigate life transitions with Bruce Feiler, award-winning author and popular TEDx speaker 

Send us Fan Mail James Cham is a Partner at Bloomberg Beta, the venture capital firm recognized by CB Insights as the #2 investor in AI. He has spent years backing the companies quietly building the infrastructure of tomorrow's economy, including Orbital Insight, Primer, Domino Data Labs, and AppZen.  A Harvard CS graduate and MIT MBA, James brings a rare combination of technical depth, philosophical seriousness, and long-horizon investing perspective to every conversation.  In this episode, he challenges some of the most popular  assumptions in enterprise AI adoption (including the idea that keeping humans in the loop is always the right answer) and makes a compelling case for why the moral and economic decisions we make right now will shape the nature of work for the next hundred years. In this conversation, we discuss: Why the people who benefit from AI models, not those impacted by them, should bear full legal and moral responsibility for the harms they causeWhy comparing AI to a flawless "Platonic ideal" is a mistake, and how the mathematical consistency of models is a massive advantage over noisy, unpredictable human decision-makingThe case for pulling humans out of the loop and why romanticizing your role in the process is exactly how organizations miss the real opportunityWhy corporate America's "gold star" approach to AI adoption, tracking how many employees used AI once this week, is a dangerous distraction from what heavy users are already doingHow ancient wisdom and the biblical concept of creation in Genesis can help us navigate the moral responsibilities of building new technologiesJames’s three massive investment theses, including the untapped market for AI tools with high emotional intelligence and why developers spending over $50 a day on tokens are already living in the futureResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with James on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How AI Impacts Humanity

Send us Fan Mail Adrian McDermott is Chief Technology Officer at Zendesk, where he leads the company’s product management and engineering teams and helps shape the technology behind one of the world’s most widely used customer service platforms. He joined Zendesk in 2010 and has played a key role in guiding the company’s product and platform strategy as customer experience continues to evolve in the age of AI. Drawing on years of experience building enterprise software used by service teams around the world, Adrian brings a thoughtful perspective on how AI can help organizations deliver better customer service while allowing people to focus on the work humans do best. In this conversation, we discuss: How customer service evolved from a cost center with rigid scripts and binders into a strategic function where technology helps teams deliver better experiences.Why customer service leaders shouldn't fear automation — and why everyone has a "service debt" that AI can finally help pay down.The shift from traditional contact centers to AI-enabled service platforms that help companies respond faster while improving both employee and customer experience.Lessons Adrian learned scaling Zendesk from a small product team to a global platform serving 100,000 customers and how product-led growth shaped that journey.The critical challenge of moving from non-deterministic, creative AI models to deterministic, reliable solutions necessary for enterprise trust and safetyThe future of context engineering and why the next major leap in AI won't be about superintelligence, but about building systems that capture and act on the knowledge created in every customer interaction.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Adrian on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How the impact of the pandemic on leaders, culture, and the evolving nature of work

Send us Fan Mail To celebrate International Women’s Day, this special compilation episode of AI and the Future of Work revisits powerful moments from past conversations with women leaders shaping technology, artificial intelligence, and the future of work. Across industries and roles, these leaders share reflections on career growth, leadership, resilience, and the barriers women still face in technology and executive leadership. Their stories reveal how confidence, mentorship, and opportunity shape who gets to lead in emerging industries like AI. As artificial intelligence reshapes how organizations operate and how work evolves, representation in the people building and guiding these technologies matters more than ever. Expanding access and opportunity is essential to creating a more innovative and inclusive future of work. Featured Guests Charlene Li – Author, Keynote Speaker & Strategic Advisor. Listen to the full conversation here: [https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/3970637]Daphne Jones – CEO at The Board Curators. Listen to the full conversation here: [https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/12105172]Patty Hatter – President & COO at Opsera. Listen to the full conversation here: [https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/5939122]Mona Sabet – SVP at GCG. Listen to the full conversation here: [https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16747398]Tess Posner – CEO and Founder at AI4ALL. Listen to the full conversation here: [2019: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/2207636 - 2025: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17326118]  What You’ll Learn Why women often wait until they feel fully qualified before pursuing leadership rolesHow imposter syndrome shapes career decisions and confidence in techWhy perfectionism can limit growth for technical leadersHow hiring practices based on brand signals reinforce gender imbalanceWhy diversity in AI development leads to better technology outcomesHow leaders can expand opportunity for the next generation of women in tech💬 Inspired by something you heard in this episode? Share your favorite insight about leadership, risk-taking, or expanding opportunity for women in AI and tech, and tag us on social. And don’t forget to subscribe to AI and the Future of Work for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of work.

Send us Fan Mail Matt Britton is Founder and CEO of Suzy and a leading voice on how AI and generational change are reshaping business. He is the author of the best-selling book Generation AI: Why Generation Alpha & The Age of AI Will Change Everything, and has advised more than half of the Fortune 500 on marketing, innovation, and consumer behavior. Drawing on decades of experience working with global brands, Matt examines why AI is shifting the economy from knowledge tasks to creative problem solving, why reskilling will define the next decade, and how leaders can build organizations that elevate human judgment in an AI-driven world. In this conversation, we discuss: Why AI is accelerating a shift from memorization and knowledge tasks toward creativity, critical thinking, and real problem solving.Why reskilling, not upskilling, will define the next decade and why that transition will be harder than most leaders admit.How Gen Alpha, the first AI-native generation, will reshape expectations around work, brands, privacy, and employer relationships.Why robotics will transform the service economy sooner than most leaders expect, and what that means for jobs.The mistake companies make when they chase AI tools instead of focusing on the most important problems to solve.How hyper-personalization and an “audience of one” are redefining trust, value creation, and meritocracy in business.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Matt on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How Kai Nunez, Vice President of Research & Insights at Salesforce, is making tech teams take ownership of AI ethics

Send us Fan Mail Kourtney Cross is a RiseUp with ServiceNow Graduate and Business Analyst at Leidos. With a background in accounting and operations, Kourtney saw a shift happening in the enterprise tech landscape and decided he wouldn't be left behind. He immersed himself in a new ecosystem, earned multiple certifications through the RiseUp program, and built his own hands-on projects to prove his skills to skeptics. But his story isn't just about learning new software. It's about the grit it takes to pivot your career in public. Kourtney joins Dan Turchin to share what it really looks like to go from "credentials on paper" to delivering value in the AI economy, and why he believes compounded effort always yields success. In this conversation, they discuss: Why Kourtney saw a market shift and decided to dive in headfirst, and how that decision became a pivotal career inflection point.How RiseUp with ServiceNow program enables ambitious early-career professionals to obtain certifications, build real skills, and pivot into future-proof tech roles.What certifications actually do, and don’t do, in the job market, and how Kourtney differentiated himself by building and showcasing a hands-on project.How to proactively leverage AI as a business analyst, from writing user stories to tightening requirements, instead of fearing job displacement.Where AI should accelerate productivity and where clear human boundaries still matter, especially in high-stakes areas like healthcare and admissions decisions.Why patience, resilience, and what Kourtney calls “compounded effort” matter more than credentials alone when breaking into tech and building long-term career momentum.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterAI @ Work – Level One Leaders certificationConnect with Kourtney on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn how AI can unleash human potentialExplore more about RiseUp with ServiceNow

Send us Fan Mail Scott Strickland is Chief Commercial Officer at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and former Chief Information Officer of Wyndham Hotel Group, where he led technology and AI initiatives across one of the world’s largest hospitality portfolios. With experience spanning global operations, enterprise data strategy, and board-level leadership, he has built a reputation for translating business priorities into scalable technology execution. Drawing on that experience, Scott brings a pragmatic lens to how organizations align AI with business strategy, prioritize initiatives by ROI and time to value, and scale responsibly while building trust across teams. In this conversation, we discuss: How Scott translates business needs into technical AI execution while keeping a sharp focus on measurable dollar impact.Why winning board support for AI requires the “4 E’s” framework, and how making AI a recurring agenda item changes the trajectory of investment.How to scale from four initial AI use cases to more than 340 by prioritizing ROI, time to value, and data readiness.Why AI works best as a co-pilot that removes friction and drudgery, rather than as a replacement for frontline teams.What it takes to build trust with employees during AI transformation, including transparency, reskilling pathways, and new roles like AI coaches.Why security, privacy, and risk management must be built into AI initiatives from day one, and how servant leadership creates the cultural foundation for responsible adoption.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Scott on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn how the journey from intern to a $5B unicorn happens

Send us Fan Mail In this special February compilation episode of AI and the Future of Work, we explore what it truly takes to build AI companies designed to last. While AI innovation moves fast, enduring companies are built on fundamentals. Clear problem selection. Thoughtful product design. Ethical intent. Leadership under uncertainty. And the resilience required to keep going when the market pushes back. This episode brings together insights from founders and operators who have built, scaled, and sustained AI-driven companies across different stages and industries. Their stories reveal a shared truth. Long-term success depends less on hype and more on discipline, courage, and trust. Featured Guests Eric Olson, CEO and Co-founder of Consensus - Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/11574063 Rich White, Founder of UserVoice and CEO of Fathom - Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/11911533 Dmitry Shapiro, CEO of MindStudio - Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14866979 Daniel Marcous, Founder and CTO of April, former CTO of Waze - Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/12679210 George Sivulka, CEO of Hebbia - Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16572788  What You’ll Learn Why founders must act before certainty appearsHow solving real pain leads to stronger, longer-lasting companiesWhat ethical intent looks like in practical AI system designWhy trust, accuracy, and discipline matter more than speedHow resilience shapes leadership through uncertaintyWhat separates durable AI companies from short-lived experimentsInspired by something you heard in this episode? Share your favorite insight on social and tag us. We’d love to hear what resonated with you. And don’t forget to subscribe to AI and the Future of Work for more conversations with the founders and leaders shaping what comes next. Other special episodes:  Lessons from Four Unicorn CEOs Disrupting Massive Markets with AI (Special Episode)Artificial General Intelligence: Can Machines Really Think Like Us? (Special Episode)Ethical AI in Hiring: How to Stay Compliant While Building a Fairer Future of Work (HR Day Special Episode)AI and the Law: How AI Will Change Legal Careers (Special Episode)AI and Safety: How Responsible Tech Leaders Build Trustworthy Systems (National Safety Month Special)Lessons from Leaders: How AI Is Redefining Work and the Human Experience (Labor Day Special Episode)365: What We’ve Learned from 364 Expert Conversations (Special Episode)

Send us Fan Mail Andrea Iorio is one of Brazil’s most requested keynote speakers on digital transformation, innovation, and leadership. His work has reached more than 50,000 people through live talks, and his podcasts have surpassed 300,000 downloads. A former Head of Tinder across Latin America and Chief Digital Officer at L’Oréal Brazil, he brings firsthand experience leading digital change inside large organizations. Today, he advises leaders, teaches MBAs, and studies how AI reshapes work, skills, and decision making. His latest book, Between You and AI, explores how humans stay relevant as machines take on more cognitive tasks. In this conversation, we discuss: Why AI replaces tasks rather than entire jobs, and how reframing work around tasks changes how leaders redesign roles, workflows, and value creation.Andrea shares surprising data from a global HR survey that reveals why 93% of HR leaders prioritize soft skills over hard skills in new hires, and why this trend signals a massive shift in the future of work.Andrea outlines nine new skills, grouped into Three Pillars of Transformation essential for professionals and leaders: cognitive, behavioral, and emotional.Why asking better questions matters more than producing answers, and how prompting extends beyond AI inputs into everyday leadership and decision making.Andrea shares how L’Oréal’s reverse mentoring program shifted the C-Suite’s perspective on emerging digital trends, demonstrating why understanding the Gen Z consumer requires direct immersion over passive presentations.What the rise of autonomous AI agents means for responsibility, goal setting, and collaboration, and why agency remains a human obligation even as systems gain autonomy.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Andrea on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn how investors decide what to fund in gen AI and what most entrepreneurs get wrong

Send us Fan Mail Lynne Chou O’Keefe is the Founder and Managing Partner of Define Ventures, one of the largest early-stage health tech investment firms, with $800 million in assets under management. With deep experience across digital health, venture capital, and frontline healthcare systems, Lynne brings a clear-eyed view of why the industry is changing now and where AI can make a meaningful difference.  She is widely recognized for her work backing companies that rethink access, outcomes, and patient experience, and is a trusted voice on how technology, ethics, and human judgment must come together to move healthcare forward. In this conversation, we discuss: Why healthcare still runs on fragmented systems and what that means for where AI can truly move the needle.How the shift from fee-for-service to value-based care changes incentives and pushes the system toward prevention over volume.Why patients now expect healthcare to work like transportation or food delivery, and how that expectation reshapes care delivery.The three phases of AI in healthcare, from administrative efficiency to clinical workflow support and, eventually, clinical decision-making.Where the ethical boundary sits today between AI-assisted care and AI-led decisions, especially when access to care is limited.Why the future of healthcare is hybrid by design, with AI augmenting clinicians rather than replacing human judgment.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Lynn on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn how AI is fixing the biggest problem faced by doctors.

Send us Fan Mail Dave Kellogg is a leading voice in enterprise software, SaaS metrics and go-to-market strategy. A four-time guest on AI and the Future of Work, Dave brings decades of hands-on experience inside SaaS companies to challenge how leaders think about growth, metrics, and execution. He is an Executive-in-Residence at Balderton Capital and the author of Kellblog. His perspective is shaped by years spent leading and advising software businesses from early stages through scale. In this conversation, we discuss: Why Dave argues that we are increasingly working for the algorithm, not the other way around, and how that shift shows up in SEO, productivity, and workplace behavior.Why SaaS is not dying but is under real pressure, and how claims that companies can easily replace systems like Salesforce or Workday misunderstand how enterprise software actually works.How AI changes jobs by pushing work up the value chain rather than simply eliminating roles, and why history suggests societies adapt faster than we expect.Why trust becomes more valuable as AI floods the world with low-quality content, and how brands, creators, and leaders must earn credibility in an era of front-run information.What the move from the Rule of 40 to the Rule of 60 signals about today’s market, and why many mid-scale SaaS companies now face uncomfortable strategic choices.How venture capital is becoming more financialized, what that means for founders, and why AI may accelerate the shift toward larger funds, bigger bets, and fewer safety nets.Episode Chapters 00:00 Why Dave Kellogg’s Annual SaaS Predictions Matter More Every Year 03:53 Working for the Algorithm, Not the Other Way Around 06:10 “Death of SaaS”: Why Enterprise Software Isn’t Going Away 08:56 Why Enterprise Software Is Built to Last 11:51 AI and Jobs: Why Work Disappears Differently Than We Expect 16:31 The New Jobs AI Creates and Why Humans Stay Essential at Work 19:22 Why Trust Becomes the Most Valuable Currency in an AI-Driven World 24:23 Why AI Forces Us to Rethink Trust, Media, and Credibility 27:57 Why the Rule of 60 Is Replacing the Rule of 40 for Startups in 2026 33:44 How Venture Capital Is Becoming a Financial Services Business 41:47 Why Silicon Valley’s New Willingness to Take Political Positions Surprised Many Founders 45:57 What the Grateful Dead Can Teach Us About Business, Creativity, and Legacy Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Dave Kellogg on LinkedInKellblog Predictions for 2026AI fun fact articleOn How AI is Making Networks SmartPrevious episodes in AI & The Future of Work featuring Dave:[2025] 324: 2025 predictions with Dave Kellogg: The Future of AI, SaaS, and Business[2024] Dave Kellogg, SaaS whisperer and EIR at Balderton Capital, predicts the future of AI, Silicon Valley, and venture capital[2023] Special episode: Dave Kellogg, serial CEO, investor, and SaaS pioneer, shares his (provocative) tech predictions for 2023

Send us Fan Mail Lynn Thoman is a professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and the founder of 3 Takeaways, a top 1% global podcast known for distilling big ideas from influential leaders shaping policy, business, and society.  Drawing on experience across corporate strategy, public sector advisory work, and board service at institutions such as the Brookings Institution and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Lynn brings a cross-sector lens to how AI is reshaping decision-making, learning, and human potential. In this conversation, we discuss: Why AI is best understood as an amplifier of human capability, especially in leadership, where judgment and choices matter more than technology.How the real upside of AI is giving people more space for imagination, empathy, and meaningful human connection.How to prepare students and professionals for an AI-shaped job market by prioritizing learning paths, adaptability, and relationships over fixed career tracks.Why the biggest risks of AI come from small, hard-to-detect changes in data or models that can create serious downstream harm.How AI is pushing education, work, and leadership back toward core human skills like judgment, curiosity, and imagination.Where cautious optimism comes from, including AI’s potential to expand access to knowledge, healthcare, and opportunity when used with care.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Lynn on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How genAI studios launch AI-first companiesOther podcast episodes mentioned on the show: On reinventing the academic curriculum for MBAs with Dave Marchick, Dean of the Kogod School of BusinessFrom 3 Takeaways:The Genetic Revolution Has Begun - George Church on What Comes NextThe Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business: Setting the Table with Union Square Hospitality Group Founder & CEO Danny Meyer

Send us Fan Mail Every January 24, the world celebrates the International Day of Education, a reminder that learning remains one of the most powerful drivers of opportunity, mobility, and social progress. In this special compilation episode of AI and the Future of Work, we revisit conversations with education leaders, university deans, and workforce innovators exploring how AI is transforming learning, access, credentials, and lifelong education. From academic integrity and digital classrooms to reskilling and future-ready education models, this episode highlights one essential truth: technology can accelerate learning, but education must remain human-centered. Featuring insights from: Chris Caren (CEO, Turnitin) - Listen to the full conversation here: https://aiandthefutureofwork.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15780222 Marni Baker Stein (Chief Content Officer, Coursera) - Listen to the full conversation here: https://aiandthefutureofwork.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17359747 Dave Treat (Chief Technology Officer, Pearson) - Listen to the full conversation here: https://aiandthefutureofwork.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17557154 Dave Marchick (Dean, Kogod School of Business, American University) - Listen to the full conversation here: https://aiandthefutureofwork.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17119724 Gary Bolles (Chair for the Future of Work, Singularity University) - Listen to the full conversation here: https://aiandthefutureofwork.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/9236086 What You’ll Learn: How AI is reshaping education and digital learning modelsWhy academic integrity matters more than ever in the age of generative AIHow universities and platforms expand access to global educationWhy lifelong learning and reskilling are becoming essential career skillsHow educators prepare students for future work and leadershipWhich human skills remain critical in an AI-driven economyInspired by something you heard? Share this episode with someone passionate about education and the future of learning. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of work. Other special episodes:  Lessons from Four Unicorn CEOs Disrupting Massive Markets with AI (Special Episode)Artificial General Intelligence: Can Machines Really Think Like Us? (Special Episode)Ethical AI in Hiring: How to Stay Compliant While Building a Fairer Future of Work (HR Day Special Episode)AI and the Law: How AI Will Change Legal Careers (Special Episode)AI and Safety: How Responsible Tech Leaders Build Trustworthy Systems (National Safety Month Special)Lessons from Leaders: How AI Is Redefining Work and the Human Experience (Labor Day Special Episode)365: What We’ve Learned from 364 Expert Conversations (Special Episode)

Send us Fan Mail Amit Bendov is the co-founder and CEO of Gong, the revenue AI platform he started in 2015 after realizing that traditional CRM systems tracked outcomes but failed to explain why deals were won or lost. That insight led him to focus on customer conversations as the missing source of truth in sales. Since its founding, Gong has raised more than $580 million and reached a valuation of $7.25 billion. Today, Gong helps sales teams reduce manual work, improve performance, and better understand what customers are actually saying. In this conversation, we discuss: Why traditional CRM systems track what happened but fail to explain why deals are won or lost, and how that gap led to the rise of Revenue AI as a new category.How Gong’s Revenue AI differs from CRM by analyzing sales conversations, reducing manual admin work, and actively helping sellers prepare, follow up, and improve performance in real time.The emotional cost of sales work, and how using AI to remove administrative burden improves both sales results and seller job satisfaction.What it takes to build trust in AI tools that analyze customer conversations, including data stewardship, transparency, and delivering clear value to sellers.How an AI-first product vision can exist years before the technology is ready, and what it means to design systems for autonomy rather than simple automation.The reality behind “overnight success,” including early product-market fit tests, paid pilots that felt risky, and navigating growth slowdowns without abandoning the original vision.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Amit on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How AI Is Changing Finance: Data Challenges, Collaboration, and Future Trends with Mike SchusterOther episode mentioned in the show:On AI Design Philosophy and Building the Anti-PowerPoint with Grant Lee, CEO of Gamma 

Send us Fan Mail Kimberly Williams is CEO of Absorb Software, where she helps over 3,000 organizations deliver smarter learning experiences to 34 million employees. She brings decades of leadership in enterprise tech and now sits at the center of how AI is changing the way people grow at work. In this episode, Kimberly shares how learning becomes more powerful when it’s personalized, embedded in daily workflows, and led by curious teams who treat culture as a competitive advantage. In this conversation, we discuss: How AI is shifting corporate learning from generic training programs to personalized, in-the-flow development tailored to each employee’s needs.Why in-context learning matters more than traditional courses, and how AI coaching inside tools like Slack, Salesforce, or ServiceNow changes how people actually learn at work.What it means to turn L&D teams into AI model trainers who encode company culture, values, and knowledge into coaching experiences.How Absorb Software tracks AI usage across teams and uses dashboards and leaderboards to drive internal adoption.The role of outcome data in modern learning systems, and how tying learning directly to performance metrics changes what training gets delivered.The advice Kimberly gives early-career talent, especially women, about finding roles where their contributions are measurable and their growth is supported by culture, not just credentials.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Kimberly on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn how Robert Plotkin addresses LLM regulation and legal advice for entrepreneursOther episodes mentioned on the show:AI as a Liberating Technology: Josh Bersin on Turning Routine Tasks into Superworkers Driving Trust, Creativity, and GrowthDr. John Boudreau, future of work pioneer and former Cornell professor, discusses the new definition of work

Send us Fan Mail Henrik Werdelin is a founder and investor who has spent more than a decade building companies at the intersection of culture, technology, and consumer behavior. He co-founded BARK, the public company that redefined how millions of dog parents connect with their pets, and Prehype, the startup studio behind brands like Ro and Audos. In this episode, Henrik explores how founders can embrace AI without losing human connection, drawing from his experience as co-host of Beyond the Prompt and co-author of Me, My Customer and AI. Recognized by Fast Company and Business Insider for his creative impact, Henrik shares a practical perspective on building companies that scale while staying deeply human. In this conversation, we discuss: Why Henrik believes founders must stay close to users and how AI can deepen (not dilute) human connection.What “building companies at the edge of culture” means and why authenticity beats scale when designing for trust.How Henrik and his team use AI to speed up product development without compromising on creativity or purpose.The shift from storytelling to “storylistening” and how paying attention to customer behavior shapes better products.What the best founders get wrong about generative AI and why Henrik advocates for a more mindful approach to adoption.How roles inside companies are evolving in response to AI and what leaders can do to support creative experimentation.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Henrik on LinkedInAI fun fact articleHow to Use Generative AI to Get Ahead In Your Career

Send us Fan Mail Kelly Jones is Chief People Officer at Cisco, where she leads the people strategy for more than 84,000 employees worldwide. Over nearly two decades, she has helped make Cisco a global benchmark for workplace culture. In this episode, Kelly explains why trust is the foundation of every AI strategy, how Cisco is equipping managers for an era of augmented work, and what it takes to lead responsibly when the pace of change is this fast. In this conversation, we discuss: Why trust is Cisco’s most valuable workplace currency and how it shapes decisions about AI, culture, and leadership.How AI becomes a co-pilot when employees are given the safety, training, and time to explore new tools at their own pace.What “super leadership” looks like and the four traits Cisco’s CPO believes will define successful managers in an AI-augmented workplace.How Cisco evaluates AI use cases based on disruption, scale, and their potential to enhance the employee experience.Why the real opportunity of AI lies in automating administrative work to give humans more time for purpose, creativity, and connection.The systems Cisco is building to ensure responsible AI use through governance, upskilling, and clear ethical boundaries.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Kelly Jones on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How to Use Generative AI to Get Ahead In Your CareerOther episode mentioned in the show: AI as a Liberating Technology: Josh Bersin on Turning Routine Tasks into Superworkers Driving Trust, Creativity, and Growth

Send us Fan Mail Eric Cheng is co-founder and CEO of Jobright, the AI career copilot serving more than 550,000 users. After building core backend systems at Box and scaling Fangcloud to acquisition, he turned his focus to fixing what’s broken in hiring. His perspective blends engineering depth with a human-centered approach to matching talent and opportunity. In this conversation we discussed: Why Eric created Jobright after interviewing 150 young professionals and discovering a gap in personalized job search support.How Jobright reframes hiring as a “matching” problem and uses AI to function more like a career coach than a job board.The limitations of keyword-based search tools and how AI enables more nuanced, human-like job matching.Why building trust matters in AI-powered hiring platforms and how Jobright balances efficiency with authenticity and accuracy.What the “learning loop” means for job seekers and why Eric believes the mindset shift matters more than the résumé.How emerging roles like AI operations and forward deployment engineers reflect deeper changes in how organizations adopt and manage AI.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Eric Cheng on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How to raise over $200 million to detect audio deepfakes

Send us Fan Mail Kate O’Neill is a leading voice on AI and tech humanism, known for helping organizations build more meaningful, human-centered futures. She has been featured by outlets like BBC, NPR, and NBC, and serves on the United Nations AI advisory board. A CX Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning entrepreneur, Kate brings a unique blend of optimism and realism to conversations about AI, data, and the future of work. Her latest book, What Matters Next, explores how to make human-friendly tech decisions. In this conversation we discussed: How tech humanism explains the relationship between people, technology, and business, and how leaders can design AI systems that strengthen the alignmentWhy humans project intelligence and agency onto AI tools, and what it takes to build healthy, intentional habits around emerging technologiesPractical ways workers can use AI to elevate their roles rather than fear automationThe role of leadership in creating psychologically safe environments where employees can openly experiment with AI toolsThe risk of designing systems that lead to “automated bureaucracy,” and how organizations can embed meaning into automated experiences at scaleWhy meaning and purpose remain uniquely human, and how future workplaces can evolve by pairing human judgment with increasingly capable AI systemsResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Kate on LinkedIn or at KO InsightsAI fun fact articleOn How Unleashing Human Potential with AI

Send us Fan Mail Sid Sheth is the CEO and co-founder of d-Matrix, the AI chip company making inference efficient and scalable for datacenters. Backed by Microsoft and with $160M raised, Sid shares why rethinking infrastructure is critical to AI’s future and how a decade in semiconductors prepared him for this moment. In this conversation, we discuss: Why Sid believes AI inference is the biggest computing opportunity of our lifetime and how it will drive the next productivity boomThe real reason smaller, more efficient models are unlocking the era of inference and what that means for AI adoption at scaleWhy cost, time, and energy are the core constraints of inference, and how D-Matrix is building for performance without compromiseHow the rise of reasoning models and agentic AI shifts demand from generic tasks to abstract problem-solvingThe workforce challenge no one talks about: why talent shortages, not tech limitations, may slow down the AI revolutionHow Sid’s background in semiconductors prepared him to recognize the platform shift toward AI and take the leap into building D-MatrixResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Sid on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How Mastering Skills To Stay Relevant In the Age of AI

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of AI and the Future of Work, host Dan Turchin looks back on what 365 conversations have revealed about how AI is reshaping the way we work. What themes have emerged most consistently? Which ideas connect founders, researchers, and operators across industries? And what have these discussions taught us about the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent systems? Featuring Guests: Mark McCrindle, Founder and Principal at McCrindle  - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/13014260 Pradeep Menon, CTO at Microsoft - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/13034974 Dave Kellogg, EIR at Balderton Capital - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16665133 Alex Buder Shapiro, Chief People Officer at Jasper AI - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17522593 Gary F. Bengier, Writer, philosopher, and technologist - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/12934217 Josh Bersin, Founder and CEO at The Josh Bersin Company - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17863187 Bryan Power, Head of People at Nextdoor - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16837259 Dave Treat, Chief Technology Officer at Pearson - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17557154 💡 What You Will Learn Why the future of work remains human-centered How AI amplifies human capability rather than replacing itWhy trust and transparency define successful AI-driven teamsHow workplace culture is evolving as organizations adopt AIWhy meaning, empathy, and lifelong learning matter more than ever 💬 Inspired by this episode? Share your favorite insight on social media and tag us (https://www.instagram.com/aifutureofwork/)  And remember to subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of AI and work. Other special episodes: Lessons from Four Unicorn CEOs Disrupting Massive Markets with AI (Special Episode)Artificial General Intelligence: Can Machines Really Think Like Us? (Special Episode)Ethical AI in Hiring: How to Stay Compliant While Building a Fairer Future of Work (HR Day Special Episode)AI and the Law: How AI Will Change Legal Careers (Special Episode)AI and Safety: How Responsible Tech Leaders Build Trustworthy Systems (National Safety Month Special)Lessons from Leaders: How AI Is Redefining Work and the Human Experience (Labor Day Special Episode)

Send us Fan Mail Darrick Horton is the CEO and co-founder of TensorWave, the company making waves in AI infrastructure by building high-performance compute on AMD chips. In 2023, he and his team took the unconventional path of bypassing Nvidia, a bold bet that has since paid off with nearly $150 million raised from Magnetar, AMD Ventures, Prosperity7, and others. TensorWave is now operating a dedicated training cluster of around 8,000 AMD Instinct MI325X GPUs and has already hit a $100 million revenue run rate.  Darrick is a serial entrepreneur with a track record of building infrastructure companies. Before TensorWave, he co-founded VMAccel, sold Lets Rolo to LifeKey, and co-founded the crypto mining company VaultMiner.  He began his career as a mechanical engineer and plasma physicist at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, where he worked on nuclear fusion energy. While he studied physics and mechanical engineering at Andrews University, he left early to pursue entrepreneurship and hasn’t looked back since. In this conversation we discussed: Why Darrick chose AMD over Nvidia to build TensorWave’s AI infrastructure, and how that decision created a competitive advantage in a GPU-constrained marketWhat makes training clusters more versatile than inference clusters, and why TensorWave focused on the former to meet broader customer needsHow Neocloud providers like TensorWave can move faster and innovate more effectively than legacy hyperscalers in deploying next-generation AI infrastructureWhy power, not GPUs, is becoming the biggest constraint in scaling AI workloads, and how data center architecture must evolve to address itWhy Darrick predicts AI architectures will continue to evolve beyond transformers, creating constant shifts in compute demandHow massive increases in model complexity are accelerating the need for green energy, tighter feedback loops, and seamless integration of compute into AI workflowsResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Darrick on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How the new definition of work

Send us Fan Mail Jeetu Patel is President and Chief Product Officer at Cisco. He previously served there as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Security and Collaboration. He joined Cisco in 2020 after serving as Chief Product Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at Box, where he played a key role in expanding the company into a multi-product platform used by more than 100,000 customers.  He currently sits on the board of real estate services company JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) and holds a B.S. in Information Decision Sciences from the University of Illinois. In this conversation, we discuss: How Cisco is becoming an AI-first company and why fully embracing AI is now a requirement, not a choiceHow AI will reshape every job, and which human skills will matter most in the decade aheadThe real constraints slowing enterprise AI adoption: power, trust, and dataThe infrastructure, security, and data gaps limiting AI’s potential, and how Cisco is closing themWhy skill gaps are growing, and what workers can do to stay relevant as AI changes the workplaceHow Cisco approaches new markets, strategic focus, and building products people love at global scaleResources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Jeetu on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How AI helps serve 70 million meals every dayPast guests mentioned on this show: Box´s CTO Ben Kus on Responsible AI Use, Innovation Culture, and Future AI TrendsBox’s Global CIO Ravi Malick on Why Every Problem Doesn't Need an AppCisco´s Former CEO on the Future of AI-Driven Work and Investing in PeopleReign

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of AI and the Future of Work, host Dan Turchin examines one of the most urgent questions in technology today: how artificial intelligence is reshaping the law. Who owns AI created work? Who is accountable when automated decisions cause harm? And how should legal professionals prepare for a world where AI influences every part of the practice? This compilation episode revisits insights from five leaders who are redefining how the legal system approaches ownership, risk, compliance, and the future of legal work. Featuring Guests Robert Plotkin,Co-founder, Blueshift IP - Full episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/13061560 Jim McKenna, CIO, Fenwick & West - Full episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/13373166 Scott Stevenson, Co-founder & CEO, Spellbook - Full episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17211693 Rafie Faruq, Founder & CEO, Genie AI - Full episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16949168 Tamara Steffens, Managing Director, Thomson Reuters - Full episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15250057 💡 What You Will Learn  • How AI is changing ownership, IP rights, and data confidentiality  • Why law firms need strong governance to innovate safely  • How legal AI tools reduce risk with verification and citations  • How AI will reshape early legal careers and firm operations 💬 Inspired by this episode? Share your favorite insight on social media and tag us. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of AI and work. Other special episodes: Lessons from Four Unicorn CEOs Disrupting Massive Markets with AI (Special Episode)Artificial General Intelligence: Can Machines Really Think Like Us? (Special Episode)Ethical AI in Hiring: How to Stay Compliant While Building a Fairer Future of Work (HR Day Special Episode)The Future of AI Ethics Special: Perspectives from Women Leaders in AI on Bias, Accountability & TrustAI and Safety: How Responsible Tech Leaders Build Trustworthy Systems (National Safety Month Special)Lessons from Leaders: How AI Is Redefining Work and the Human Experience (Labor Day Special Episode)

Send us Fan Mail Faraj Aalaei is the Founder and CEO of Cognichip, an AI company building the world’s first Artificial Chip Intelligence (ACI) platform to design semiconductors using AI. He brings four decades of experience in communications and networking, having led two companies (Centillium and Aquantia)through IPOs. Aquantia was later acquired by Marvell, where he also held an executive role.  Prior to that, Faraj was Co-Founder and CEO of Centillium, which went public on NASDAQ just three years after its founding, the fastest IPO ever for a semiconductor company.  He holds an honorary Doctor of Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he also earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, along with an MSEE from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from the University of New Hampshire. In this conversation we discussed: Why chip development cycles are trailing AI applications by years and how that disconnect leads to inefficient infrastructure and higher energy costsHow AI could help democratize chip design by enabling smaller teams outside traditional hubs to build customized, application-specific hardwareWhat Faraj sees as the real barrier to innovation: the time and cost of chip development, and how Cognichip is reducing both through compute-led designHow AI can augment, not replace, engineers by offering transparent, explainable design suggestions while keeping humans in the loopThe coming talent shortage in semiconductor engineering and how AI might close the skills gap and unlock new opportunities for nontraditional buildersWhy every major technological shift creates more opportunity than it destroys, and how Faraj sees AI enabling people to work on more meaningful problemsResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Faraj on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How To Drive Compelling Narratives in Youtube Videos.

Send us Fan Mail Grant Lee is the CEO and co-founder of Gamma, the company reimagining presentations by building what some call the “anti-PowerPoint.” Since its launch in 2022, Gamma has grown to over 70 million users, with 30 million gammas created each month, and has reached $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). These milestones were achieved profitably, with a team of just 50 people (that’s about $2 million in ARR per employee) and a Series B round at a $2.1 billion valuation, led by Sarah Wang at Andreessen Horowitz. Before founding Gamma in 2020, Grant led finance at Optimizely, where he developed a passion for A/B testing. He began his career in investment banking and holds a BS in Biomechanical Engineering and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. In this conversation, we discuss: How Gamma went from an idea to one of the fastest-growing presentation tools in the world with $100M ARR and a 50-person teamWhy Grant and his co-founders set out to reinvent slides from scratch instead of improving on PowerPointLessons from Optimizely that shaped Gamma’s culture of experimentation and rapid iterationHow Grant thinks about product-market fit and why every feature must solve real user pain instead of mimicking the competitionHow AI serves as a design partner, not a replacement for human creativity, and why “human in the loop” is central to Gamma’s philosophyThe importance of building user trust in generative AI through transparency, feedback loops, and community programs like the “Gambassador” initiativeHow resilience, early failures, and conviction helped Gamma survive investor rejection and a near-collapse during the SVB crisisResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Grant on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How To Revolutionize Finance and Financial Decision Making using AI.

Send us Fan Mail Dennis Kozak is the CEO of Ivanti, a leading enterprise IT and security company generating over $1 billion in annual revenue and serving more than 40,000 customers. He previously served as Ivanti’s COO after holding senior leadership roles at Avaya. Earlier in his career, Dennis spent nearly 23 years at CA Software (now Broadcom), where he led global partnership sales and services teams. He holds a BS in Accounting from St. Joseph’s University in Long Island. In this conversation, we discuss: Dennis’s leadership journey from CA Technologies and Avaya to becoming CEO of Ivanti, and what prepared him to lead a billion-dollar IT security companyWhy convergence between cybersecurity and IT operations is accelerating, and how Ivanti is positioning itself at the center of that shiftThe impact of generative AI on IT support, including how Ivanti is building AI agents to handle routine tickets and empower human techniciansHow organizations can reduce cyber risk by closing visibility gaps and simplifying their tech stackThe challenges of securing distributed workforces in a hybrid world, and why automation is critical to stay ahead of threatsWhy Dennis believes the future of enterprise IT is about blending user experience with security, not choosing between them Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Dennis on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How to Reimagine Fan Experiences and Digital Transformation.

Send us Fan Mail Jim Curry is the co-founder and CEO of BuildGroup, a venture firm based in Austin that has raised $330 million since its founding in 2015 and backed companies like Anaconda, Vidmob, DigniFi, and Benefitfocus. He brings more than two decades of experience in product, strategy, and corporate development from roles at Rackspace and Dell, and he co-founded OpenStack, one of the most widely used open source cloud computing platforms. Jim serves on the boards of Generation Serve and the University of Texas School of Undergraduate Studies. He holds degrees from UT Austin and Harvard Business School. In this conversation, we discuss: Jim’s journey from Rackspace to launching BuildGroup and why he believes in “longer, slower capital” to support mission-driven foundersHow his experience co-founding OpenStack shaped his thinking on community-driven innovation and open-source softwareWhat AI startups can learn from the cloud era—and why infrastructure still matters in the age of foundation modelsWhy Jim believes VCs often push startups to scale too fast and what sustainable growth looks like in practiceThe impact of AI on venture capital and how BuildGroup thinks about investing in software companies that solve real problemsHow founders can balance product vision with pragmatism, especially when building in volatile marketsResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Jim on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How to Develop NLP and AI Data Harvesting Using Games and Blockchains To Earn NFTs

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of AI and the Future of Work, host Dan Turchin explores one of the most ambitious and debated frontiers in technology: Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). What is AGI? How close are we to creating machines that truly think, reason, and learn like humans? And what will that mean for the future of work, creativity, and ethics? This compilation episode revisits insights from three leading thinkers who have spent years defining, debating, and developing the next generation of intelligent systems. Featuring Guests 🔹 Peter Voss, CEO & Chief Scientist, Aigo.ai  🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15366873  🔹 Babak Hodjat, CTO of AI, Cognizant  🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14689727  🔹 Pankaj Kedia, Founder, 2468 Ventures  🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15662279  ✅ What You’ll Learn What truly defines Artificial General Intelligence and how it differs from narrow AIWhy scaling large models isn’t enough to achieve real cognitionHow cognitive and embodied AI could bridge the gap to human-like understandingWhy AGI may usher in a new “age of abundance” where work, creativity, and purpose are redefined 💬 Inspired by this episode? Share your favorite insight on social media and tag us. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of AI and work. Other special episodes: Lessons from Four Unicorn CEOs Disrupting Massive Markets with AI (Special Episode)Ethical AI in Hiring: How to Stay Compliant While Building a Fairer Future of Work (HR Day Special Episode)The Future of AI Ethics Special: Perspectives from Women Leaders in AI on Bias, Accountability & TrustAI and Safety: How Responsible Tech Leaders Build Trustworthy Systems (National Safety Month Special)Empowering the Next Generation: Career, Leadership & Resilience Insights (International Youth Day Special Episode)Lessons from Leaders: How AI Is Redefining Work and the Human Experience (Labor Day Special Episode)

Send us Fan Mail George Maddaloni is the EVP and CTO for Operations at Mastercard, where he leads the performance and modernization of technology platforms serving more than 35,000 employees worldwide. He has previously held senior IT leadership roles at AIG, UBS, AT&T, GM, and Merrill Lynch, and currently serves on the board of SustainableIT.org. George earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from Fordham University. In this conversation, we discuss: How Mastercard’s CTO thinks about the balance between innovation, trust, and regulation in one of the world’s most complex financial networks.The strategy behind modernizing Mastercard’s internal technology platforms to empower 35,000 global employees.Why a decade of AI experience changed how Mastercard approaches fraud, data, and customer confidence.The cultural shift that turned curiosity about AI into measurable progress across a global workforce.How a 50-year-old payments company keeps competing with startups by rethinking infrastructure from the ground up.George Maddaloni’s vision of the next era of payments and how technology might make transactions faster, safer, and nearly invisible.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with George on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How To Create an Energy-Based Work System that Empowers EmployeesOther resources mentioned in this conversation: On decentralized AI in Banks and the Future of Finance with Paolo Ardoino, Tether CEO 

Send us Fan Mail Jon Levy is a behavioral scientist and New York Times bestselling author known for exploring trust, human connection, belonging, and influence. He’s the founder of The Influencers Dinner, a secret dining experience that has grown into a community of thousands of leaders, including Nobel laureates, Olympians, celebrities, executives, artists, and musicians. His book You’re Invited: The Art and Science of Connection, Trust, and Belonging was named a Wall Street Journal “Book of the Month” in 2021. He’s also the author of The 2 AM Principle: Discover the Science of Adventure and the newly released Team Intelligence: How Brilliant Leaders Unlock Collective Genius. In this conversation, we discuss: Why the smartest teams often fail, and how trust, belonging, and psychological safety drive collective intelligenceThe surprising data behind team performance, including why individual IQ doesn’t predict group successWhat makes a team “brilliant,” and how leaders can design environments that unlock group flow and faster decision-makingHow AI changes team dynamics and why it's urgent to redefine collaboration in a hybrid, tech-driven worldThe four principles of Team Intelligence and how they apply to both startups and global enterprisesJon’s personal journey from hosting secret dinners to writing Team Intelligence, and why he believes social bonds are the future of workResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterLearn more of Jon on LinkedInExplore Jon’s published work and speaking eventsAI fun fact articleOn How gen AI startups can beat Big Tech incumbents 

Send us Fan Mail Tracy Layney is a seasoned HR leader with more than 15 years of experience shaping people and culture strategies at Levi’s, Gap, and Shutterfly. She currently teaches Human Capital Strategy as an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Tracy holds a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania. In this conversation, we discuss: Tracy shares her unconventional path from English major and aspiring lawyer to CHRO at Levi’s, Gap, and Shutterfly, and how consulting shaped her approach to organizational strategy.She reflects on lessons from working with iconic leaders like Eva Sage Gavin and Chip Bergh, including leading Levi’s through the early days of the pandemic.She explains why excellence and heart-centered leadership must coexist to build values-driven, high-performing cultures.She explores how AI and other disruptive forces are reshaping HR, from talent strategy to employee expectations, and why adaptability is critical for leaders.She discusses the importance of transparency and trust-building between HR and employees during times of uncertainty, drawing parallels with past crises.She shares her perspective as a professor on how future HR leaders are navigating unprecedented change, mental health challenges, and the rapid rise of AI in the workplace.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Tracy on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How To Democratize Content Creation using AI 

Send us Fan Mail Sean Williams is the CEO and founder of AutogenAI, the world’s leading AI proposal-writing engine, launched in May 2022. Under his leadership, the company recently closed a nearly $40 million Series B round led by Salesforce Ventures. Prior to AutogenAI, Sean founded Corndel Ltd, where he served as Chief Executive and scaled the business to 350 employees before its $60 million acquisition by THI Holdings in 2020. In this conversation, we discuss: Why Sean believes AI will revolutionize how organizations write, win, and deliver proposalsHow AutogenAI is reducing proposal writing time from days to hours for companies bidding on complex contractsThe ethical considerations of AI-written proposals and why transparency is critical in high-stakes industriesWhat Sean learned from scaling Corndel to 350 employees and how that experience shaped AutogenAI's go-to-market strategyWhy the biggest risk for organizations isn’t adopting AI too quickly, but failing to experiment earlyHow AutogenAI is building trust with enterprise clients through customization, compliance, and human-in-the-loop designResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Sean on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How To Prevent Bias and Be Responsible for Ethical Decision Making

Send us Fan Mail Josh Bersin is one of the most respected voices in HR and HRTech, known for shaping how organizations think about talent, learning, and the future of work. He began covering the space in 2001 and later sold his firm, Bersin & Associates, to Deloitte in 2012. Today, he leads The Josh Bersin Company, which produces influential research, publishes widely on workplace trends, and hosts the annual Irresistible conference. He’s also the author of Irresistible: The Seven Secrets of the World's Most Enduring, Employee-Focused Organizations and the host of a podcast that explores the evolving world of work with clarity and insight. In this conversation, we discuss: Why fears of AI-driven job loss are overstated and how automation can unlock new opportunities for growth. The rise of “superworkers” who use AI to eliminate routine tasks and focus on creativity, innovation, and more meaningful contributions. How companies are rethinking organizational design, roles, and skills in response to rapid advances in AI. Real-world examples of AI adoption in banking, insurance, and airlines—and what leaders can learn from them. The concept of “supermanagers” and why human leadership and soft skills remain critical in an AI-powered workplace. Josh’s perspective on what it means to be an “irresistible organization” in a time of massive technological and cultural change.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Josh on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How To Invest on AI Driven WorkPast Episode with Josh [Season 3, #278]: On How the Best-Performing Teams use AI

Send us Fan Mail In this Labor Day Special Episode of AI and the Future of Work, host Dan Turchin sits down with three leaders for an open conversation about how AI is reshaping the workplace. They discuss both opportunities and challenges. The focus is on building organizations where technology amplifies human potential rather than replacing it. From rethinking the employee experience to redefining leadership in the AI era, the panel explores themes of empathy, trust, and the evolving social contract between employers and employees. Together, they share what it means to lead responsibly at a moment when the future of work is being rewritten in real time. Featuring Guests: 🔹 Armen Berjikly (Venture Partner, Emerson Collective) – Listen to a previous conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15520806   🔹 Alex Buder Shapiro (Chief People Officer, Jasper) – Listen to a previous conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17522593   🔹 Anthony Moisant (CIO & Chief Security Officer, Indeed) – Listen to a previous conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/17751365  ✅ What You’ll Learn How to create a culture of experimentation that builds empathy during times of changeWhy leaders must balance speed of adoption with responsibility and trustThe evolving social contract between employees and employers in the AI eraWhat responsible AI policies look like in practice, and how to communicate uncertainty with honestyWhy the human experience must remain central as AI transforms the future of workWatch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/zJa8ASZVFYk  💬 Inspired by this episode? Share your favorite insight on social and tag us. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of work. Other special episodes: Lessons from Four Unicorn CEOs Disrupting Massive Markets with AI (Special Episode)Ethical AI in Hiring: How to Stay Compliant While Building a Fairer Future of Work (HR Day Special Episode)The Future of AI Ethics Special: Perspectives from Women Leaders in AI on Bias, Accountability & TrustAI and Safety: How Responsible Tech Leaders Build Trustworthy Systems (National Safety Month Special)Empowering the Next Generation: Career, Leadership & Resilience Insights (International Youth Day Special Episode)Data Privacy Day Special Episode: AI, Deepfakes & The Future of Trust

Send us Fan Mail Jody Glidden is the CEO and founder of Postilize, a company focused on reinventing CRM through AI. Before launching Postilize, he co-founded Introhive and served as CEO until 2022, helping raise over $100 million to build the enterprise relationship management category. A serial entrepreneur, Jody previously founded icGlobal, which was acquired by Smartforce, and played a key role in scaling Chalk Media, later acquired by BlackBerry maker Research in Motion. He holds a BBA from the University of New Brunswick and a Master’s in Information Systems from Harvard. In this conversation, we discuss: Why traditional CRMs fail to reflect how relationships actually evolve—and how Postilize is addressing that gapHow Postilize handles privacy, hallucinations, and human oversight to stay useful without crossing ethical linesJody’s approach to using AI not to replace human connection, but to augment and scale authentic relationship buildingHow relationship intelligence helps sales and go-to-market teams understand who to engage, when, and whyWhy keeping CRMs accurate is nearly impossible without automation and real-time enrichmentWhat Jody learned from building Introhive and why Postilize is taking a radically different approachThe future of CRM as a system of engagement rather than just a system of recordResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Jody on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How To Manage Enterprise Apps That Support Thousands of Employees for a Rapidly Growing Global Company. 

Send us Fan Mail Anthony Moisant is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Security Officer (CSO)  at Indeed, the world’s leading job site with over 610 million job seeker profiles. He joined Indeed nearly five years ago after serving in a similar role at sister company Glassdoor for eight years. As CIO, he leads the teams responsible for the internal technology that supports employees and drives the business. As CSO, he oversees the security team focused on protecting the data of job seekers, customers, and employees. Anthony is also a graduate of the U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine School. In this conversation, we discuss: Indeed’s goal to cut time-to-hire by 50% by removing friction across systems and workflows.Solving the hiring challenges so every application gets seen and answered, using AI to improve matching and follow-ups.Why skills (not degrees) will define the future of hiring, and how job seekers can prepare for a skill-first economyHow to double team productivity with AI while keeping trust high and addressing fears about automation.A values-driven approach to AI ethics: transparency, fairness testing, red-teaming models, and an “AI constitution” agent.The lessons Anthony brought from the U.S. Navy and how they continue to shape his leadership approach in high-pressure environmentsResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Anthony on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How to Invest and Advise Early Stage Tech Companies

Send us Fan Mail A few days ago, Nick Mehta announced his transition from CEO to Board Director and Special Advisor at Gainsight. As CEO, he spent more than a decade transforming the company into a global leader in customer success, serving over 20,000 customers and surpassing $100 million in ARR. Before Gainsight, he led LiveOffice through its acquisition by Symantec and co-founded Chipshot in the 90s. Nick serves on the boards of F5 and PubMatic and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s degree in Computer Science, both from Harvard. Known for leading with heart, humor, and humility, he’s also the voice behind the blog Mehtaphysical Musings, a rapper, and a YouTube creator with over 50 parody videos. In this conversation, we discuss: How Nick Mehta balances vulnerability and optimism as a leader navigating uncertaintyWhy Gainsight’s values like “childlike joy” matter more in an AI-driven worldWhat happens to identity and purpose in a post-work economy shaped by automationThe growing divide between capital and labor, and why Marxist ideas are resurfacing in the AI eraWhy we shouldn’t assume past tech cycles will repeat and how to question AI's impact on jobsWhat Gainsight’s AI initiative “Atlas” reveals about the rise of agentic tech in customer successResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Nick on LinkedInPast Episode with Nick [Season 5, #298]: On Building A Human-First AI CultureWatch this for a laugh: “I promise that you’ll never find a CEO like Nick”Recommended by Nick:Three-Body Problem by Liu CixinPlayer Piano by Kurt Vonnegut 

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Jad Tarifi is the co-founder of Integral AI, a company he launched in 2021 after holding senior AI roles at Google. He earned his PhD in Computer Science and AI from the University of Florida and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo. A returning guest to the podcast, Jad is a leading thinker on world models in AI and often shares insights on the science of longevity and the future of intelligence. In this conversation, we discuss: Why Jad believes the goal of AGI isn't intelligence but freedom, and how that redefinition reframes both ethics and alignmentThe role of world models in achieving AGI, and why video prediction alone isn't enough for robust, reliable reasoningWhat it means to design AI that can autonomously learn new skills with minimal energy and data, matching or exceeding human learning efficiencyHow Integral AI is building AGI-capable models by focusing on unsupervised abstraction and embodied, open-ended agentsHow Jad defines superintelligence and what it reveals about the evolving relationship between humans and machinesA glimpse into Integral’s long-term roadmap, including recursive superfactories and post-AGI economiesResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Jad on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How To Pick The Right Business Problem to Solve with AIJad Tarifi’s past episode on how to train AI to reason like humans

Send us Fan Mail To celebrate International Youth Day (August 12), this special compilation episode of AI and the Future of Work brings together inspiring voices with wisdom for both young people starting out and the leaders, parents, and mentors guiding them. In this episode, we revisit key moments from four remarkable guests who share timeless lessons on navigating change, finding meaning in work, embracing vulnerability, and developing the human-centered skills that will matter most in the future. Featuring Guests: 🔹 Bruce Feiler, Bestselling Author - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14158168  🔹 Linda Rottenberg, Co-Founder & CEO, Endeavor - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/8356582  🔹 Mark McCrindle, Social Researcher & Speaker -  Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/13014260  🔹 William Osman, Tech Creator & YouTuber - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15701415-301  💡 What You’ll Learn: Why your work journey will change multiple times—and how to embrace itHow vulnerability can make leaders more relatable and effectiveThe enduring value of human-centered skills in a tech-driven worldWhy experimentation and adaptability are critical for successHow leaders and mentors can help create opportunities for young people Whether you’re charting your own course or helping others navigate theirs, these conversations will inspire you to take bold steps toward a meaningful future. — Inspired by something in this episode? Share your favorite insight on social and tag us. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of work. Other special compilation episodes:  Lessons from Four Unicorn CEOs Disrupting Massive Markets with AI (Special Episode)Ethical AI in Hiring: How to Stay Compliant While Building a Fairer Future of Work (HR Day Special Episode)The Future of AI Ethics Special: Perspectives from Women Leaders in AI on Bias, Accountability & TrustAI and Safety: How Responsible Tech Leaders Build Trustworthy Systems (National Safety Month Special)World Health Day Special: How AI Is Making Healthcare Smarter, Cheaper, and KinderData Privacy Day Special Episode: AI, Deepfakes & The Future of Trust

Send us Fan Mail William Chan is the co-founder and CEO of Iodine Software, a company he helped launch in 2010 to pioneer the use of AI in helping healthcare providers get paid. A serial entrepreneur, he previously co-founded WhisperWire, acquired by Convergys, and Crimson, acquired by The Advisory Board, and has held product leadership roles at companies including Oracle. William holds a BS in computer science from Cornell University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. In this conversation, we discuss: The challenges hospitals face in accurately capturing patient care details for proper reimbursement.How AI can address staffing shortages by assisting with clinical documentation review.The importance of responsible AI that supports, rather than replaces, human decision-making in healthcare.Strategies to reduce bias and improve accuracy by training AI models on diverse datasets from different hospital types and geographies.Why AI must deliver clear, actionable insights that clinicians can validate, ensuring trust and accountability in healthcare decisions.William’s vision for reducing the $260 billion in administrative waste and enabling providers to focus more on patient care.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with William on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How To Revolutionizing Finance and Decision-MakingPast episodes mentioned in this conversation:[With Dr. Shiv Rao, CEO and Co-Founder of Abridge] - On How Generative AI is fixing the Biggest Problem faced by Doctors

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is ranked as the world's best futurists and is known globally for his trademark “Optimistic Dystopian” viewpoint. Recognized by Salesforce as a top voice shaping the future of AI, he’s a sought-after speaker on the relationship between innovation and humanity. He delivered the world’s first TEDx Talk in VR (2020) and introduced a digital twin that speaks 29 languages (2024). Mark holds a PhD in Management from the University of Technology Sydney, where he studied how organizations can use big data, blockchain, and AI. He’s also a six-time author and dedicated endurance athlete. In this conversation, we discuss: Why Dr. Mark van Rijmenam believes we need a paradigm shift to prepare society for the long-term consequences of AI and quantum computingThe critical difference between building technology for shareholders versus stakeholders and how that shapes our futureWhat the “spiral dynamics” framework reveals about humanity’s current worldview and its path toward a more interconnected mindsetHow banning technology for kids under 16 could protect future generations and reshape digital educationThe risks of anthropomorphizing AI and the need to preserve human agency in a world increasingly shaped by machinesWhat inspired Dr. Mark’s sixth book Now What? and how he uses fiction, philosophy, and global cultures to help readers ride the tsunami of changeResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Mark on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn Extending Life With AIExplore more from Dr. Mark van Rijmenam:Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of ChangeFuturwise Platform — The Fastest Path to your Next InsightDr. Mark’s TEDx Talk in VR 

Send us Fan Mail Bhaskar Roy is the Chief of AI Products & Solutions at Workato, the workflow automation leader with more than 11,000 customers and a $5.7 billion valuation. He has been with the company for nearly 11 years, previously serving as CMO. A serial head of products, Bhaskar co-founded Qik, which was acquired by Skype in 2011 for $150 million and later by Microsoft for $8.5 billion, and later held leadership roles at Playphone. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the Birla Institute of Technology in Mesra, India. In this conversation, we discuss: Bhaskar’s journey from co-founding Qik to leading AI products at Workato, and why a lightbulb moment convinced him to pivot from marketing back to product innovationWhat Bhaskar learned from building products that scale globally and how those lessons shape his view on AI’s real-world impactWhy Bhaskar sees AI agents as the next leap beyond low-code automation and how they orchestrate complex business processesThe balance between deterministic workflows and AI’s reasoning capabilities, and how to maintain human oversightHow enterprises can move beyond AI experiments at the fringes to transformative use cases that deliver measurable ROIThe cultural shift required to embrace AI in the workplace, from reducing fear of automation to unlocking new opportunities for employeesResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Bhaskar on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How to Help Companies Push Boldly Into The FuturePast episodes with amazing guests from Workato:Interview with Vijay Tella, CEO of WorkatoInterview with Carter Busse, CIO at Workato

Send us Fan Mail Dave Treat is the Chief Technology Officer of Pearson, the world’s largest education company headquartered in London, with a market cap of $11 billion and over 17,000 employees. Before joining Pearson, he spent several years at Accenture as a Senior Managing Director leading the Innovation Incubation Group. Dave has also served on multiple technology and industry boards, including the Linux Hyperledger Foundation, Linux Open Wallet Foundation, Digital Dollar Project, and the Global Business Blockchain Council. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Deloitte and UBS. He holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Michigan and a degree in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. In this conversation, we discuss: How Pearson is evolving from a textbook publisher into a software company driving the future of learningWhy AI study tools are reshaping when and how students learn, meeting them at the exact moment they need helpThe mental health and motivation challenges students face today, and how AI can support them with simpler, more personalized learningHow AI can simplify the administrative burden for educators and free them to focus on deeper student engagementWhy the traditional “slingshot model” of education is broken and how skill mapping and lifelong learning are the future How immersive, 3D digital learning experiences will replace today’s flat, two-dimensional interactionsResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Dave on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn leveraging AI to create more time in your dayOther resources mentioned in this conversation:[With Dave Marchick, Dean of the Kogod School of Business] - On How AI is Changing AcademiaLost in Transition: Fixing the “Learn to Earn” Skills Gap

Send us Fan Mail In this special compilation of AI and the Future of Work, we spotlight four unicorn CEOs who’ve disrupted entire industries using artificial intelligence—while building cultures of urgency, resilience, and relentless innovation. From scrappy beginnings to billion-dollar valuations, each founder shares what it really takes to build and scale in the AI era. Featured Guests: Wade Foster, Co-founder & CEO of Zapier - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14202937 Jonathan Siddharth, CEO of Turing - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15084162 May Habib, Co-founder & CEO of Writer - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/13598374  Arvind Jain, Co-founder & CEO of Glean - Listen to the full conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/12239379 You’ll learn: How successful founders turn early user feedback into fast growthWhy operating with urgency can be a competitive advantage in techWhat mindset shifts are needed to scale from startup to enterpriseHow to lead through uncertainty, doubt, and high-pressure decisionsThe role of resilience and focus in long-term company buildingWhy empowering teams and simplifying execution drives innovation Whether you're building the next unicorn or leading change within your team, this episode is your behind-the-scenes pass to the mindset, strategy, and grit it takes to win. — Inspired by something in this episode? Share your favorite insight on social and tag us. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of work. Other special compilation episodes: Ethical AI in Hiring: How to Stay Compliant While Building a Fairer Future of Work (HR Day Special Episode)Data Privacy Day Special Episode: AI, Deepfakes & The Future of TrustThe Future of AI Ethics Special: Perspectives from Women Leaders in AI on Bias, Accountability & TrustWorld Health Day Special: How AI Is Making Healthcare Smarter, Cheaper, and KinderAI and Safety: How Responsible Tech Leaders Build Trustworthy Systems (National Safety Month Special)

Send us Fan Mail Alex Buder Shapiro is the Chief People Officer at Jasper AI, a company with more than 100,000 customers using its AI-first marketing platform and over $125M raised. She is a forward-thinking people leader with a unique perspective on the role of HR and the future of teams, having served in the same position for six years at Flatiron Health and as an HR Business Partner Manager for nearly eight years at Google. Alex studied Political Psychology and Theatre Arts at the University of Pennsylvania. In this conversation, we discuss: How Alex’s early career at Google shaped her views on aligned incentives, experimentation, and building high-performing people cultures.Why the employer and employee relationship has shifted dramatically in the last five years, from shared incentives to trade-offs driven by economic and social change.Why AI adoption in the workplace creates both opportunities and anxieties, and how people leaders can design human-centered approaches to integrating AI.The concept of “practicing at the top of your license” and how it applies to redesigning work in an AI-driven future.How the next generation of employees will challenge and reshape workplace structures through their fluency with AI and new ways of learning, mentorship, and problem solving.What responsible AI means for people leaders, including addressing bias, conscious adoption, and collective accountability.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Alex on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How To Build High Performance Organization with AI for the Tech ServicesPast episodes mentioned in this conversation:[With Dave Marchick, Dean of the Kogod School of Business] - On How AI is Changing Academia[Bryan Power, Nextdoor’s Head of People] - On how AI is Reshaping Work and Job Loyalty 

Send us Fan Mail Paolo Ardoino is the CEO of Tether, the company behind the ticker symbol USDT, the world’s largest stablecoin. He also serves as CTO of the cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex and co-founded Holepunch, a platform for peer-to-peer applications. Ardoino holds a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Genoa and is one of the most visible proponents of improving the banking system with cryptocurrencies. In this conversation, we discuss: How Paolo built the infrastructure behind the world’s most used stablecoin and why he believes math, not politics, should govern money Why he believes Bitcoin is the first form of money governed by math, and how that math could reshape global finance How USDT became the most used digital dollar by solving practical challenges in regions with limited banking access Why Paolo believes traditional finance is broken and how decentralized tech offers a more inclusive infrastructure The case for brain–computer interfaces and why Paolo sees human and AI symbiosis as the next frontier of intelligence Why he’s optimistic about AI’s role in society, even as he argues that long term AI safety might be an illusion Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Paolo on LinkedIn or on XAI fun fact articleOn How to Ensure the AI and Workplace Technologies Align with Civil Rights Laws 

Send us Fan Mail Kyle Daigle is the Chief Operating Officer at GitHub, the world’s largest host of source code with more than 100 million developers and 420 million repositories. He joined GitHub in 2013 and later served as VP of Strategy and Chief of Staff to the CEO, playing a key role in the company’s 2018 acquisition by Microsoft. Kyle is also the public face of GitHub Copilot, the AI coding assistant launched in 2021 that now helps over 15 million users. Earlier in his career, he was a partner at Digitalworkbox and VP of Product Development at Geezeo. In this conversation, we discuss: Kyle’s journey from studying fine arts to leading operations at the world’s largest code platformWhy GitHub Copilot is about freeing developers to focus on creativity and solving meaningful problemsWhat it means to bring pragmatism into AI development and why usefulness always wins over hypeHow AI is lowering the barriers to software creation while keeping humans at the center of accountabilityThe responsibility of platforms like GitHub to protect users from flawed code and teach safe coding by designKyle’s vision for “ambient AI” and why the future should feel personal, context-aware, and privacy-consciousResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Kyle on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How to Discuss Regulation for LLMs and Legal Advice for EntrepreneursPast episodes mentioned in this conversation: [With Patty Hatter, tech exec/board member/advisor] - On the best advice for women in technology 

Send us Fan Mail Anders Indset is a Norwegian philosopher, author, tech investor, and former Olympic handball player often called “the business philosopher.” He is the founder of the Global Institute of Leadership and Technology and chairman of Njordis Group, a venture firm focused on the intersection of humanity and exponential technologies. Anders has invested in deep tech companies like Terra Quantum and launched The Quantum Economy Alliance to explore the future of innovation. He brings a unique mix of philosophical insight and real-world experience to today’s conversation. In this conversation, we discuss: Why Anders believes our economy is society’s “operating system” and how AI might destabilize or enhance it How we’ve built an economy driven by reaction rather than reflection and what it takes to shift toward more thoughtful progress What the “final narcissistic injury” means for humanity as we face the rise of superintelligence Why it's naive to separate economy from ecology and how the concept of the quantum economy offers a new way to align hyper-efficiency with sustainability The difference between artificial general intelligence and artificial human intelligence and why Anders argues for enhancing ourselves before trying to replace us What the technological singularity really is, why it's misunderstood, and how Anders thinks we should prepare for it Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Anders on LinkedIn or on his websiteExplore Anders’ published work, including “The Quantum Economy”AI fun fact articleOn How to Optimize Hiring Processes and Celebrate Cognitive Diversity

Send us Fan Mail In honor of National Safety Month, this special compilation episode of AI and the Future of Work brings together powerful conversations with four thought leaders focused on designing AI systems that protect users, prevent harm, and promote trust.  Featuring past guests: Silvio Savarese (Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist, Salesforce) -Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15548310Navindra Yadav (Co-founder & CEO, Theom) -  Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/12370356Eric Siegel (CEO, Gooder AI & Author ) -  Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14464391Ben Kus (CTO, Box) -  Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14789034 ✅ What You’ll Learn:  What it means to design AI with safety, transparency, and human oversight in mindHow leading enterprises approach responsible AI development at scaleWhy data privacy and permissions are critical to safe AI deploymentHow to detect and mitigate bias in predictive modelsWhy responsible AI requires balancing speed with long-term impactHow trust, explainability, and compliance shape the future of enterprise AI   Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Other special compilation episodes  Ethical AI in Hiring: How to Stay Compliant While Building a Fairer Future of Work (HR Day Special Episode)Data Privacy Day Special Episode: AI, Deepfakes & The Future of TrustThe Future of AI Ethics Special: Perspectives from Women Leaders in AI on Bias, Accountability & TrustWorld Health Day Special: How AI Is Making Healthcare Smarter, Cheaper, and Kinder

Send us Fan Mail Marni Baker Stein is the Chief Content Officer at Coursera, the global learning platform with over 175 million learners and partnerships across 6,200 campuses, businesses, and governments. She leads Coursera’s content and credential strategy and manages global partner relationships. Before joining Coursera, Marni was Chief Academic Officer and Provost at Western Governors University, where she oversaw programs for more than 135,000 students. She has also held leadership roles focused on access, student success, and program design at the University of Texas, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Marni earned her PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. In this conversation, we discuss: How AI is shifting education from one-size-fits-all to personalized, contextualized learning tailored to each studentWhy microcredentials and stackable learning are replacing traditional degrees as the new path for lifelong learnersThe role of educators in the AI era and why they should be part of the solution, not sidelined by automationWhat it means for universities to stay relevant as learning becomes more modular, flexible, and job-alignedWhy GenAI is fueling demand for both technical skills and enduring human abilities like critical thinking and communicationHow tools like AI tutors, instant translations, and proctoring are democratizing access and preserving integrity at scale Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Marni on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How To Identify The Power of Product and Listening to Your Customers. Past episodes mentioned in this conversation:[With Dave Marchick, Dean of the Kogod School of Business] - On How AI is Changing Academia[Chris Caren, Turnitin CEO] - On using AI to prevent students from cheating plus lessons for leaders on innovation and team culture

Send us Fan Mail Tess Posner is the CEO and founding leader of AI4ALL, a nonprofit that works to ensure the next generation of AI leaders is diverse and well-quipped to innovate. Since joining in 2017, she has focused on embedding ethics, responsibility, and real-world impact into AI education. Her work connects students from underrepresented backgrounds to hands-on projects and mentorships that prepare them to lead in tech. Beyond her role at AI4ALL, Tess is a musician whose 2023 EP Alchemy has over 600,000 streams on Spotify. She was named a 2020 Brilliant Woman in AI Ethics Hall of Fame Honoree and holds degrees from St. John’s University and Columbia University. In this conversation, we discuss: Why AI literacy is becoming essential for everyone, from casual users to future developersThe role of project-based learning in helping students see the real-world impact of AIWhat it takes to expand AI access for underrepresented communitiesHow AI can either reinforce bias or drive real change, depending on who’s leading its developmentWhy schools should stop penalizing AI use and instead teach students to use it with curiosity and responsibilityTess’s views on balancing optimism and caution in the development of AI toolsResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Tess on LinkedIn or learn more about AI4ALLAI fun fact articleOn How To Build and Activate a Powerful NetworkPast episodes mentioned in this conversation:[With Tess in 2020] - About what leaders do in a crisis[With Tess in 2019] - About how to mitigate AI bias and hiring best practices [With Chris Caren, Turnitin CEO] - On Using AI to Prevent Students from Cheating[With Marcus "Bellringer" Bell] - On Creating North America’s First AI Artist

Send us Fan Mail Brian Elliott is one of the most recognized future of work thought leaders and the CEO of Work Forward, where he advises senior leaders on how to build better organizations. A former senior executive at Slack, Brian is also the bestselling author of How the Future Works: Leading Flexible Teams to Do the Best Work of Their Lives. His insights have been published in Harvard Business Review and Fortune, and cited in Time, Bloomberg, CNBC, The Economist, and Forbes. He holds a BA in Math and Economics from Northwestern and an MBA from Harvard. In this conversation, we discuss: Brian Elliott’s leadership journey from Google and Slack to founding Work Forward and advising companies on building healthier workplace cultures.Why alignment, accountability, and shared purpose matter more than hustle culture in scaling organizations effectively.The hidden risks of AI at work, including why employees often use it in secret out of fear of punishment or judgment.The growing tension between executives and employees in an era of midnight layoffs, return-to-office mandates, and AI-induced anxiety.How progressive leaders can create space for experimentation with AI and lead with fallibility instead of fear.Why the future of work depends on creating space for learning, building trust, and valuing human craftsmanship in an AI-powered world.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribeConnect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belliott/AI fun fact article: https://ashugarg.substack.com/p/nvidias-ai-factory-betOn How To Deliver IT Service To The Legal Industry: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jim-mckenna-serial-cio-and-legaltech-expert-discusses/id1476885647?i=1000624398232

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Martin Goodson is the founder and CEO of Evolution AI, a company he launched in 2012 to apply deep learning to optical character recognition (OCR). The company has received one of the largest AI R&D grants ever awarded by the UK government, along with investment from First Minute Capital. A former scientific researcher at Oxford University, Martin has led AI research across several organizations and was elected Chair of the Data Science and AI Section of the Royal Statistical Society in 2019. In this conversation, we discuss: Martin Goodson’s journey from researching biological data to founding Evolution AI and pioneering deep learning for document understanding.Why traditional OCR missed the mark, and how combining visual and linguistic context unlocked a new frontier in document intelligence.The evolution from data extraction to true financial analysis, and why domain knowledge is essential for reading statements like income reports.The risks of LLM hallucinations, especially with numerical data, and why accuracy still requires combining techniques across model types.What Martin believes intelligence really is, and why language alone may be the wrong benchmark for AGI.Why recreating human intelligence shouldn’t be the goal of AI research, and how we can build systems that support, not mimic, human thinking. Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Martin on LinkedInCheck out the YouTube channel of the London Machine Learning MeetupAI fun fact articleOn How to Ovecome Imposter SyndromePast episodes mentioned:On Why doing Taxes is like finding the Best Route on a Map with Daniel MarcousOn Making AI Smarter Without Harming Humans with Peter Voss

Send us Fan Mail Scott Stevenson is the CEO and co-founder of Spellbook, a legal tech company transforming how attorneys review contracts with AI. Since launching in 2018, Spellbook’s AI copilot has been adopted by more than 1,700 legal teams and helps review over a million contracts annually. Scott recently led the company through a $20 million Series A backed by Inovia Capital, Thomson Reuters Ventures, The Legaltech Fund, and others. Before Spellbook, he founded Mune, a startup at the intersection of music and technology, and holds a BS in Computer Engineering from Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador. In this conversation, we discuss: Scott Stevenson’s journey from building electronic instruments to launching Spellbook, the world’s first generative AI copilot for lawyers.Why contracts, not court cases, were the ideal entry point for legal AI and how Spellbook now helps 3,000+ legal teams review over a million contracts a year.How AI is expanding access to legal services by reducing costs and enabling lawyers to serve the 70% of clients who previously couldn’t afford help.Why AI won’t replace lawyers and how tools like Spellbook enhance human judgment rather than automate legal decisions.Why now may be the best time to enter the legal field as AI eliminates drudgery and creates more room for strategy and client work.What product-market fit really looks like and how Scott found it after testing more than 100 hypotheses before landing on a solution that clicked.Why the best AI products embrace controlled chaos over rigid structure and how leaning into complexity reflects how the real world actually works.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Scott on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How to Build an AI platform that's growing faster than OpenAI

Send us Fan Mail To coincide with International Human Resources Day (May 20th), this special compilation episode of AI and the Future of Work explores the promises and pitfalls of AI in hiring. HR leaders are under pressure to innovate—but how can we automate hiring ethically, avoid bias, and stay compliant with evolving laws and expectations? In this episode, we revisit key moments from past interviews with four top voices shaping the future of ethical workforce automation: 🔹 Sean Behr (CEO, Fountain) – Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14183120  🔹 Keith Sonderling (U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor, formerly EEOC Commissioner) – Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15934483  🔹 Guillermo Corea (Former Director, SHRM Innovation Lab) – Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/12706119  🔹 Josh Drean (Futurist, Co-Founder, Work3 Institute) – Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16473644  💡 What You’ll Learn: How AI is already transforming the hiring processWhat compliance really means in the age of automationWhy HR professionals must take the lead on responsible innovationHow to balance efficiency with fairness and transparency   Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Data Privacy Day Special Episode: AI, Deepfakes & The Future of Trust: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16554098 The Future of AI Ethics Special: Perspectives from Women Leaders in AI on Bias, Accountability & Trust: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16733990World Health Day Special: How AI Is Making Healthcare Smarter, Cheaper, and Kinder: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16935235

Send us Fan Mail Matt Biilmann is the CEO and co-founder of Netlify, a platform that has raised over $200M to reshape how websites are built and deployed. A key figure in the open source web development community, Matt helped popularize the JAMstack architecture to improve performance and streamline developer workflows. Before launching Netlify in 2014 with Christian Bach, he built several startups and earned a degree in Musicology from the University of Copenhagen. In this conversation, we discuss: How Matt Biilmann coined the term “JAMstack”, and how it redefined the architecture of the modern webThe evolution of Netlify from a bootstrapped side project to a platform used by 6M+ developersWhy the future of web development includes designing not just for humans but also for AI agents, with a focus on Agent Experience (AX)The rise of low-code creators and “vibe coders” who build sophisticated projects by prompting instead of programmingWhy the open web matters more than ever in the age of AI, and what’s at stake in the battle between open and closed platformsMatt’s reflections on leadership, delegation, and what still drives him after more than a decade of building tools that empower other buildersResources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Matt on LinkedInRead the new blog from Matt: Biilmann BlogAI fun fact articleOn the future of automation in B2B sales

Send us Fan Mail Dave Marchick is the Dean of American University’s Kogod School of Business and a seasoned leader with experience across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. He spent over a decade as Managing Director at The Carlyle Group, where he served on the management committee and advanced the firm’s sustainability and diversity efforts. In government, he held senior roles in both the Biden and Clinton administrations, including leadership positions at the State Department, the White House, and the Development Finance Corporation. Dave directed the Center for Presidential Transition during the 2020 cycle and later launched the Transition Lab podcast and co-authored The Peaceful Transition of Power. A dedicated advocate for civil rights and historical preservation, he has served on the boards of the Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Park Foundation. Dave holds degrees from George Washington University, the LBJ School at UT Austin, and UC San Diego. In this conversation, we discuss: How Dean Dave Marchick is helping to infuse AI across the curriculum at American University’s Kogod School of Business.The resistance and cultural shifts required to get faculty on board with AI adoption.How students are learning to prompt, critique, and collaborate with AI from their first semester (and how it’s reshaping classroom dynamics).Why professionalism, communication, and negotiation are now prioritized as “skills of the future”.How Kogod is thinking about measuring the real-world impact of AI education beyond the classroom.Lessons from U.S. presidential transitions and what they reveal about leadership during critical moments.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-marchick/ AI fun fact article: https://www.psu.edu/news/campus-life/story/cheat-thon-contest-explores-ais-strengths-and-flaws-higher-education On what it was like to co-author a book with ChatGPT: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bob-rogers-ai-expert-physicist-author-and-ceo-of-oii/id1476885647?i=1000606108950 Other episodes mentioned in the show:Episode with George Sivulka [Hebbia CEO]Episode with Tom Wheeler [Former FCC Chairman and author of Techlash]Episode with Chris Caren [Turnitin CEO]Read Dave Marchick’s book: The Peaceful Transfer of Power: An Oral History of America’s Presidential Transitions 

Send us Fan Mail Snehal Antani is an entrepreneur, technologist, and investor. He is the CEO and Co-founder of Horizon3, a cybersecurity company using AI to deliver Red Teaming and Penetration Testing as a Service. He also serves as a Highly Qualified Expert for the U.S. Department of Defense, supporting digital transformation and data initiatives for Special Operations. Previously, he was CTO and SVP at Splunk, held CIO roles at GE Capital, and began his career as a software engineer at IBM. Snehal holds a master’s in computer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s from Purdue University, and he is the inventor on 16 patents. In this conversation, we discuss: Snehal Antani’s path from software engineer to CEO, and how his father's quiet example of grit and passion continues to shape his leadership style.How a “LEGO blocks” approach to building skills prepared Snehal to lead, and why he believes leadership must be earned through experience.Why Horizon3 identifies as a data company, and how running more pen tests than the Big Four creates a powerful AI advantage.What “cyber-enabled economic warfare” looks like in practice, and how a small disruption in a supply chain can create massive global impact.How Horizon3 built an AI engine that hacked a bank in under 60 seconds, showing what's possible when algorithms replace manual testing.What the future of work looks like in the AI era, with a growing divide between those with specialized expertise and trade skills and those without. Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with Snehal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snehalantani/ AI fun fact article: https://venturebeat.com/security/ai-vs-endpoint-attacks-what-security-leaders-must-know-to-stay-ahead/ On the New Definition of Work: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-john-boudreau-future-of-work-pioneer-and/id1476885647?i=1000633854079 

Send us Fan Mail Gou Rao is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of NeuBird, where he's building Hawkeye—an AI-powered site reliability engineer designed to identify, diagnose, and resolve IT infrastructure issues. He previously co-founded Portworx, which was acquired by Pure Storage for $370 million in 2020. In 2024, NeuBird raised a $22.5 million seed extension from M12, Microsoft’s venture arm, following a $22 million seed round led by Mayfield, Stepstone Group, and Prosperity7 Ventures. Gou holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Bangalore University and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. In this conversation, we discuss: Gou Rao’s journey from late-night support calls to co-founding NeuBird and building Hawkeye, an AI-powered site reliability engineer.Why diagnosing IT issues is 99% of the problem—and how Hawkeye helps SREs move from noise to actionable insight in minutes.The shift from chatbots to agentic systems—and why reasoning, not just automation, is the next frontier for enterprise AI.How AI can reduce burnout by eliminating repetitive incident response tasks, freeing teams to focus on creativity and automation.The importance of transparency, explainability, and human oversight in deploying AI systems with agency.Gou’s reflections on entrepreneurship, including why “mistakes are an asset” and how jumping into the unknown can lead to your biggest breakthroughs. Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with Gou on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gouthamrao/ AI fun fact article: https://www.hrdive.com/news/anthropic-report-AI-software-engineers-automation-augmentation/739833/ On becoming an investor and discovering amazing companies: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/7446373 

Send us Fan Mail Ravi Malick is the Global CIO at Box, where he leads IT strategy, compliance, and customer advocacy for the enterprise content management platform. Before joining Box, he served as SVP & CIO at Vistra Corp., where he oversaw the integration of three major acquisitions that more than doubled the company’s size. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Energy Future Holdings, including VP of Business Technology at TXU Energy. Ravi earned a BA in Political Science from Brown University and remains active in philanthropic efforts outside of work. In this conversation, we discuss: Ravi Malick’s nonlinear path from investment banking and consulting to becoming Global CIO at Box—and how each chapter shaped his leadership style.What makes Box’s “people-first” culture stand out in Silicon Valley and why Ravi believes authenticity and inclusion are key to long-term success.The challenges of leading IT at a company with 3,000 tech-savvy employees—and how Ravi balances innovation with governance.How he’s approaching AI adoption internally, from quick wins to long-term strategy, while keeping a sharp focus on business outcomes.What the “agentic workforce” could mean for scalability, productivity, and the structure of tomorrow’s teams.How Ravi sees the future of work: multi-role careers, voice-first workflows, and AI-powered teams built around passion and outcomes. Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with Ravi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravimalick/ AI fun fact article: https://www.engineering.com/rip-saas-long-live-ai-as-a-service/ On how AI supports thousands of employees at a rapidly growing global company: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parul-saini-ubers-global-head-of-enterprise-apps/id1476885647?i=1000599377300 

Send us Fan Mail Rafie Faruq is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of Genie, a platform launched in 2017 to make high-quality legal documents accessible through open-source tools.  Since then, Genie has served over 100,000 users across 120 jurisdictions and recently raised an $18M Series A from Google Ventures and Khosla Ventures. Rafie holds an MSc in Machine Learning, has advised the Law Policy Commission, contributed to the Law Society, and represented the Ministry of Justice on international trade missions.  He also teaches meditation and is a mentor to many seeking meaning and clarity in life. In this conversation, we discuss: Rafie Faruq’s unconventional path from bond trader to AI entrepreneur and what drove him to apply machine learning to legal access. How his early research on generative models led to new ways of thinking about document creation and automation. Why he believes the current definition of intelligence is outdated—and what a more human-centered version could look like. The role of emotional intelligence, purpose, and social connection in a future shaped by automation. What it means to build a business rooted in spiritual principles—and how Rafie applies concepts like rhythm, balance, and nature to team building. His reflections on power, responsibility, and why founders should see themselves as stewards of broader societal change.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribeConnect with Rafie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaruq/AI fun fact article: https://www.mixonline.com/blog/mix-blog-who-wrote-that-ai-and-copyright-lawOn Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/linda-rottenberg-endeavor-co-founder-and-ceo/id1476885647?i=1000517670973 

Send us Fan Mail To mark World Health Day, we’re revisiting powerful conversations with innovators using AI to improve healthcare access, reduce costs, and return empathy to the patient experience. In this special compilation episode, you’ll hear from five leaders at the intersection of healthcare and emerging technologies—sharing how AI is already reshaping how we deliver care and what’s next for clinical innovation. 🎧 Featuring insights from:  🔹 Boe Hartman (Co-founder, Nomi Health) – Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16185843  🔹 Punit Soni (Founder, Suki) – Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16339101  🔹 Dr. Brigham Hyde (Co-founder, Atropos Health) & Dr. John Halamka (President, Mayo Clinic Platform) – Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/12797551  🔹 Dr. Shiv Rao (CEO, Abridge) – Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/12739445 🩺 Why It Matters:  AI is helping solve some of healthcare’s most pressing challenges—from clinician burnout and inefficient workflows to gaps in clinical data and access to care. But real transformation depends on how we design and deploy these tools—with responsibility, empathy, and transparency.  Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Data Privacy Day Special Episode: AI, Deepfakes & The Future of Trust: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16554098 The Future of AI Ethics Special: Perspectives from Women Leaders in AI on Bias, Accountability & Trust: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16733990

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Craig Wheeler is Professor Emeritus of Astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin and a former department chair. He has published nearly 400 scientific papers, written books on supernovae, and authored two novels. A frequent speaker and award-winning educator, Dr. Wheeler has served on advisory committees for the NSF, NASA, and the National Research Council. His research explores topics from exploding stars and black holes to the technological future of humanity. In this conversation, we discuss: How supernovae and black holes shaped Dr. Craig Wheeler’s career—and what they reveal about the universe’s expansion.The singularity debate: Will AI surpass human intelligence, and if so, what happens next?Machine consciousness vs. human intelligence—why the future of AI might be more alien than we expect.The rise of AI in leadership roles—could AI replace CEOs, and what does that mean for the future of work?The ethics of AI-driven decision-making, from hiring to autonomous weapons, and the challenges of regulation.Why exponential technological growth is inevitable—and how humanity can prepare for its accelerating impact. Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with J. Craig Wheeler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-craig-wheeler-94024a97/ AI fun fact article: https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/robots/a63057078/when-the-singularity-will-happen/ On AI Job Creation & Predictions for AI in the Enterprise: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15873523 

Send us Fan Mail Dheeraj Pandey is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist best known for founding and leading Nutanix from its inception to becoming a publicly traded company valued at approximately $16.5 billion on NASDAQ. In 2020, he launched DevRev, an agentic AI company focused on unifying data to enhance customer experiences, securing over $100 million in funding from Khosla Ventures. Beyond his contributions to technology, Dheeraj co-founded Param Hansa with his wife, Swapna, to advance human life through science and technology. He holds a Computer Science and Engineering degree from IIT Kanpur and a master's in Computer Science from UT Austin. In this conversation, we discuss: Why data is the backbone of AI and how DevRev is leveraging knowledge graphs to transform customer support and product management.The evolution of enterprise AI—why businesses must integrate AI with human workflows rather than replace them.The future of customer support—how DevRev combines real-time conversations with ticketing systems to improve response times and reduce inefficiencies.The ethical challenges of AI adoption—how bias, security, and machine reliability shape the future of AI-driven business operations.How DevRev raised over $100M, including an unconventional approach using blockchain and decentralized funding models.Dheeraj’s vision for AI’s next frontier—why the real challenge isn’t intelligence, but making AI work seamlessly with human decision-making. Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter:  https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with Dheeraj Pandey on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpandey AI fun fact article:  https://hackernoon.com/next-time-you-hear-someone-say-ai-will-replace-call-center-agents-run On The Path To 500M+ YouTube views:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/301-william-osman-on-the-path-to-500m-youtube-views/id1476885647?i=1000668882327  

Send us Fan Mail How has the dynamic between employees and employers shifted over the past 18 months? And what does the future of work look like in a world defined by AI? In this special live episode, recorded at Transform—the conference at the intersection of the People space and the tech industry—Dan Turchin sits down with Bryan Power, Head of People at Nextdoor.  Bryan took the stage at Transform to share insights on "The Power Shift: Navigating the New Employer-Employee Dynamic," where he explored how evolving expectations are reshaping the workforce. Bryan has spent his career shaping workplace culture at some of the most iconic tech companies, including Google, Square, and Yahoo. Now, as the leader of People Operations at Nextdoor, he’s at the forefront of redefining work in an era of rapid change. In this conversation, Bryan and Dan discuss topics such as: How the employee-employer relationship is evolving—why job loyalty is declining and what it means for the future of work.The rise of hybrid work and its impact on company culture—how Nextdoor navigates the balance between flexibility and connection.Why culture must be intentional—lessons from Google, Square, Yahoo, and Nextdoor on shaping a workplace where people thrive.The role of AI in HR and leadership—how AI is disrupting traditional people operations and what leaders must do to stay ahead.Bryan’s biggest leadership lessons—what he’s learned from building teams at some of the most influential tech companies.The future of HR in an AI-powered world—how the Chief People Officer role is shifting as AI and automation reshape the workplace. Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter:  https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with Bryan Power: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanpower/Learn more about Transform: https://transform.us/conference/

Send us Fan Mail Scott Wharton is a visionary entrepreneur and CEO making waves in the solar industry as the leader of Tandem PV, where he’s developing solar cells that are about 30% more efficient than current market options. Previously, he spent eight years at Logitech as a general manager, revolutionizing how businesses use consumer tech for productivity and collaboration. Before that, he was the CEO of Vidtel, which was acquired by Fidelity Investments in 2013. A bold thinker and risk-taker, Scott is known for his leadership and innovation across industries. He holds an MBA from Yale and a bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University. In this conversation, we discuss: How solar energy has become the cheapest and most scalable power source —and why most people haven’t caught up to this reality.The breakthrough potential of perovskite solar cells and why they’re set to replace silicon as the industry standard.Why the U.S. must invest in solar manufacturing – and how bringing production back from China strengthens energy security.The evolving synergy between solar and battery storage —how new advancements are making 24/7 renewable power a reality.Common myths about solar’s limitations and why concerns about cost, reliability, and land use no longer hold up.Scott’s journey from leading video conferencing at Logitech to revolutionizing the solar industry – and what motivated him to take on this challenge. Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter:  https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with Scott Wharton on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwharton/AI fun fact article: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/23/data-centers-powering-ai-could-use-more-electricity-than-entire-cities.html On how AI can be used to provide fact-based impartial answers to scientific questions: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/11574063 

Send us Fan Mail Mona Sabet is the co-author of Sail to Scale: Steering Startups Clear of Mistakes from Launch to Exit and currently serves as SVP, Strategy, Projects, and Operations at GCG. With a track record of driving growth and strategic transformations, she has held executive roles at VulcanForms, UserTesting, and Cadence Design Systems. At UserTesting, she played a pivotal role in securing $100M in funding, leading acquisitions, taking the company public, and negotiating its $1.3B sale to Thoma Bravo. Beyond her corporate leadership, Mona is a passionate advocate for women in tech, law, and policy, having co-founded ChIPsNetwork.org and leading HiPower, a community dedicated to empowering executive women shaping the future of technology. In this conversation, we discuss: The critical mistakes startups make at different growth stages—Mona shares insights from Sail to Scale on why companies struggle to scale and how to avoid common pitfalls.How founders should "fire themselves" to scale effectively—Why transitioning from founder to CEO requires a mindset shift, and the biggest mistakes leaders make in this process.The AI bubble: hype vs. reality—Mona explains why overfunding in AI-first companies mirrors past tech bubbles and what it means for the future of the industry.Why acquisitions should be a long-term strategy, not a last-minute decision—The importance of planning exits early and why companies that wait too long often fail to sell at the right valuation.The evolving landscape of M&A and IPOs—How companies can differentiate themselves in a crowded market of late-stage startups waiting for an exit.The unseen biases keeping women out of leadership—Mona’s perspective on why brand bias impacts diversity in tech and what leaders can do to create real change.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Mona on LinkedIn AI fun fact articleOn How to how AI is changing the entertainment industry 

Send us Fan Mail Coinciding with International Women’s Day this week, this special episode of AI and the Future of Work highlights key conversations with women leading the way in AI ethics, governance, and accountability. In this curated compilation, we feature four remarkable experts working to create a more equitable, trustworthy, and responsible AI future: 🔹 Navrina Singh (Founder & CEO, Credo AI) – Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14341487  🔹 Meredith Broussard (Author, Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World) – Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/12284213  🔹 Juliette Powell (Co-Author, The AI Dilemma: 7 Principles for Responsible Technology) – Listen to the full conversation here:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14435648  🔹 Merve Hickok (Founder, AIethicist.org) – Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/11801221  Bias, lack of transparency, and ethical concerns in AI are some of the most urgent issues of our time. These leaders are shaping the policies and frameworks needed to ensure AI serves everyone—fairly and equitably. Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Data Privacy Day Special Episode: AI, Deepfakes & The Future of Trust: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16554098 

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Brandeis Marshall is a leading advocate for responsible data science and the CEO of Dataedx Group, a data ethics and learning development agency dedicated to helping teams identify and address discrimination in data. Previously, she was a professor of computer science at Spelman College and a faculty associate at Harvard. Dr. Marshall holds a master’s and Ph.D. in computer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). In this conversation, we discuss: Why AI-powered companies should be regulated like scientific entities—and the hidden ways they optimize human behavior.The role of data ethics in AI—how companies can prevent bias and why everyone in the data pipeline is responsible for ethical decision-making.Why most businesses struggle with AI adoption—Brandeis explains how companies can bridge the AI gap and align data strategies with real business impact.The future of healthcare data—how a patient-owned, portable medical record system could revolutionize access and transparency.How AI can be leveraged to expose systemic inequalities and provide better opportunities for marginalized communities.Why AI should be seen as a support tool, not a replacement—Brandeis shares how AI can help neurodivergent individuals and enhance human decision-making. Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Brandeis on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn Using AI to Unlock Human Potential 

Send us Fan Mail Dave Kellogg is a seasoned venture capitalist, serial tech executive, and one of the most respected voices in SaaS metrics. As an Entrepreneur in Residence at Balderton Capital, he brings decades of experience leading companies like Host Analytics, Salesforce, MarkLogic, and Business Objects (acquired by SAP). A sought-after speaker, Dave’s SaaStr talks consistently rank among the most watched, and he’s known for his bold predictions and sharp analysis of industry trends. He is also an advisor, director, blogger, and podcaster, sharing insights that shape the future of SaaS and enterprise software.   In this conversation, we discuss: Dave Kellogg’s bold predictions for 2025 and how he scored himself on last year’s forecasts, from AI’s continued hype cycle to the rise of PR as the new SEO.Why venture capital is evolving, with AI-first companies reshaping funding strategies and a widening gap between US and European investment trends.The future of search—why traditional SEO may be dying and how businesses must adapt to AI-driven content discovery.The unlikely revival of branding—how companies are rediscovering brand differentiation in a "sea of sameness" where SaaS products look increasingly alike.AI’s impact on SaaS metrics and go-to-market strategies—can AI-driven sales and marketing tools help companies achieve the Rule of 40?The future of LinkedIn and social media in business—Dave’s concerns about LinkedIn’s engagement-driven model and why it might be entering the "social media death cycle." Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Dave Kellogg on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How AI is Making Networks Smart 

Send us Fan Mail SC Moatti, founder of Mighty Capital and Products That Count, is one of the most dynamic venture capitalists and product leaders in Silicon Valley. As an early investor in PeopleReign, SC combines her investment expertise with a passion for advancing product leadership globally. She is the author of the award-winning book Mobilize and a sought-after keynote speaker and lecturer at Columbia and Stanford business schools. Before her venture capital career, SC was an instrumental product leader in the early days of mobile, driving innovation at companies like Electronic Arts, Nokia Labs, and Facebook. In this conversation, we discuss: SC Moatti’s journey from studying electrical engineering in Paris to becoming a tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist in Silicon Valley.Why founding Mighty Capital was the hardest challenge SC has faced and how applying product thinking helped her reshape the venture capital landscape.The unique due diligence process at Mighty Capital, focusing on high-performing teams, ambitious traction, and fair, long-term partnerships.How Products That Count grew from a small community into a global network of over half a million product leaders and its influence on the industry.The evolving role of product managers in an AI-first world and how professionals can adapt to stay ahead in this rapidly changing environment.The ethical responsibilities of product leaders, from managing unintended consequences of AI to maintaining trust and transparency in product development.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with SC Moatti on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How Disruptive Leaders Drive Innovation Across Industries in the Era of AI

Send us Fan Mail George Sivulka, hailed as a wunderkind by Peter Thiel, is the founder of Hebbia, a groundbreaking AI company revolutionizing financial research. Having worked at NASA as a teenager, he later earned a math degree from Stanford in just 2.5 years. George has secured $130M in funding for Hebbia at a $700M valuation, backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Index Ventures, Google Ventures, and Thiel himself. Hebbia’s AI platform, trusted by firms like Centerview Partners and Charlesbank, has driven a 15x revenue growth in 18 months by pioneering RAG techniques that ensure LLM outputs remain within company-sanctioned data. In this conversation, we discuss: How Hebbia is reshaping financial research with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).The leap from academia to entrepreneurship—how George Sivulka turned research into real-world impact.The expanding role of AI in high-stakes industries where precision is critical.The ethical challenges of AI and how transparency can make or break trust.Why AI agents will change knowledge work—but not in the way you might think.The future of AI-powered research and its impact on decision-making.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with Sivulka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sivulka/ AI fun fact article: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/what-ai-sees-market-that-you-might-not On How AI-Powered Writing is reshaping Enterprise Content Creation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/may-habib-ceo-of-writer-discusses-llms-and-the/id1476885647?i=1000628256870 

Send us Fan Mail In this special compilation episode of AI and the Future of Work, we celebrate Data Privacy Day by revisiting powerful conversations with industry leaders tackling some of today’s biggest AI challenges. From deepfake detection to ethical AI, this episode highlights the critical role of privacy, trust, and security in the future of AI. Join us as we revisit insights from top experts in AI: 🔹 Vijay Balasubramaniyan (CEO, Pindrop) – Listen to his full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15742476 🔹 Ray Wang (Founder, Constellation Research) – Listen to his full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16144550   🔹 Dr. Zohar Bronfman (CEO, Pecan AI) – Listen to his full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16064087 🔹 Holger Mueller (VP, Constellation Research) – Listen to his full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16098992  Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe  Connect with Vijay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijayab  Connect with R "Ray" Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rwang0/  Connect with Dr. Zohar Bronfman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zohar-bronfman/  Connect with Holger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holgermueller/   

Send us Fan Mail Megh Gautam, Chief Product Officer at Crunchbase, is one of the sharpest product minds in Silicon Valley. With a track record that includes leadership roles as Head of Product at Twilio and Director of Product Management at Dropbox and Hearsay Systems, Megh has honed his expertise in driving innovation and growth. An active angel investor, Megh combines his industry insights with a passion for supporting emerging talent and ideas. He holds a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the National Institute of Technology Durgapur in India. In this conversation, we discuss: How Crunchbase is leveraging AI and proprietary data to provide predictive insights for startups and investors.The balance between enhancing data accuracy and maintaining ethical transparency in AI-driven decision-making.The emergence of AI marketplaces that empower creators to monetize their content while preserving ownership rights.Why trust and attention are the scarcest resources today, and how Crunchbase ensures both through innovation and responsibility.The importance of skepticism in the age of LLMs and how to foster critical thinking in a generation growing up with AI.Megh’s reflections on his journey as a product leader and how mentorship has shaped his career at top tech companies like Twilio, Dropbox, and Hearsay Systems. Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribeConnect with Megh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghbartma/ AI fun fact article: https://pressgazette.co.uk/platforms/news-publisher-ai-deals-lawsuits-openai-google/ On how SambaNova became the first generative AI unicorn and accelerated LLM advancements with open-source AI: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/13151659 

Send us Fan Mail Josh Drean is a leading voice in the future of work community, known for his advocacy on bringing more humanness into the workplace. As Co-founder of the Work3 Institute, Josh specializes in the intersection of employment and emerging technologies, including AI, blockchain, and AR/VR. He is the co-author, along with Deborah Perry Piscione, of the forthcoming book "EMPLOYMENT IS DEAD: How Disruptive Technologies Are Revolutionizing the Way We Work", to be published by the Harvard Business Review Press. Josh holds a master's degree from Harvard and has studied I/O Psychology. His insights have appeared in renowned publications such as the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company, and he has been featured on The Today Show, NBC, and FOX Business. In this conversation, we discuss: The challenges of traditional work models and why they no longer serve the needs of today’s workforce.How the next generation is reshaping expectations around job security, compensation, and career fulfillment.A fresh take on decentralized work and how it could change the way we collaborate and earn.What contribution-based compensation could look like and how it aligns with shifting values in the workplace.The evolving role of AI in our careers and why adapting to new technology is essential for staying competitive.Insights on how companies can attract and retain the best talent by prioritizing employee experience in a rapidly changing world.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter - https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with Josh on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshdrean/ AI fun fact article - https://www.semafor.com/article/12/02/2024/employee-lawsuit-accuses-apple-of-spying-on-its-workers On How to Measure the Business Impact of Machine Learning and why all AI isn't Generative AI - https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14464391 

Send us Fan Mail Marcus "Bellringer" Bell is an award-winning music producer, songwriter, musician, singer, activist, and entrepreneur. He has marketed, promoted, produced, remixed, and written for iconic artists like Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and Timbaland, as well as for major brands like Sony Music, HBO, Netflix, and Amazon. As the CEO of Bellringer Productions, Marcus oversees a music sync, licensing, and production company with a catalog of over 10,000 songs and 300 recording artists. His music has been featured by brands including McDonald's and General Mills, and even performed by Beyoncé during her On the Run II tour with Jay-Z. Marcus is also the Amazon number-one bestselling author of Bellringer Branding Bible: The 5 Musician Branding Principles for Singers, Rappers, DJs, Music Producers, Composers, Writers, and Recording Artists. His contributions to music and branding make him a trailblazer in the industry. In this conversation, we discuss: Marcus Bellringer's journey as a music producer and technologist, blending creativity with AI to transform the music industry.How AI tools have enabled Marcus to create over 15,000 songs in just six months, surpassing a lifetime of work without AI.The creation of Ravyn Lyte, North America's first AI music artist, and how it represents innovation in music creation and mental health advocacy.AI's role in the entertainment industry, addressing fears and shifting the narrative from threat to opportunity.The humanistic approach to AI, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection, storytelling, and compassion in the age of technology.Practical advice for creatives navigating the intersection of humanity and AI, including tools and strategies for finding meaning and purpose. Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribeConnect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusbellringer/AI fun fact article: https://techxplore.com/news/2024-11-artificial-intelligence-threat-music.html Writer CEO May Habib on LLMs and the Future of Co-Pilots for Content Generation with AI: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/may-habib-ceo-of-writer-discusses-llms-and-the/id1476885647?i=1000628256870 

Send us Fan Mail Prakash Arunkundrum is the Chief Operating Officer at Logitech, a $14 billion market cap company with over 7,300 employees globally. With a broad range of responsibilities, Prakash oversees the company’s operations, including global manufacturing, supply chain, customer experience, and quality operations. He also serves as General Manager of one of Logitech's business units and leads the strategy for the company's environmental sustainability initiatives. Prakash, who joined Logitech in 2015, has a rich background in management consulting, having held executive positions at Kearney and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is also an architect of Logitech’s AI strategy and a sought-after speaker on AI and the future of computing. In this conversation, we discuss: How Logitech is positioned at the intersection of AI and daily life, providing the input layer for AI models through audio, video, and content.Logitech's commitment to sustainability, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of devices and using AI to optimize energy efficiency.The potential of AI to automate repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on creative and intuitive work.The philosophy of responsible AI, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and accountability in its development.The global culture at Logitech that fosters innovation, diversity, and seamless user experiences.Prakash’s leadership style as a pragmatic strategist who values data, empathy, and people-first results.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with Prakash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakasharunkundrum/ AI fun fact article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/10/29/ai-electronic-waste-recycling/   On Generative AI Businesses That Are Getting Investor Dollars: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naomi-and-derek-investors-at-menlo-ventures-on/id1476885647?i=1000654677763

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Brian Magerko is a professor of Digital Media at Georgia Tech, where he directs the Expressive Machinery Lab and the graduate studies program in Digital Media. With degrees in Cognitive Science from Carnegie Mellon and Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan, his research explores the intersection of human creativity and AI. Creator of EarSketch, a platform enabling music creation through code used by over a million users nationwide, Dr. Magerko’s work has earned over $20 million in federal grants and features in The New Yorker, USA Today, and NPR. In this conversation, we discuss: How Dr. Brian Magerko's work at the intersection of human creativity and AI is redefining educational tools and artistic expression.The creation and impact of EarSketch, a platform that teaches coding through music and has reached over a million users.The ethical considerations of AI-generated art and music, including intentionality and cultural impact.How improvisational cognition and embodied computing inform the future of human-computer interaction.The societal and educational implications of integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into learning environments.Exciting examples of innovative AI applications in music, dance, and public interactive installations. Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Brian on LinkedIn AI fun fact article   On entrepreneurship in emerging markets  

Send us Fan Mail Punit Soni is the CEO of Suki, a voice-based digital assistant revolutionizing clinician-patient communication. Under his leadership, Suki has raised $165 million, including a recent $70 million in Series D funding. Punit is also a prolific angel investor and previously served as Chief Product Officer at Flipkart, India’s largest e-commerce company. His career includes significant roles in tech leadership at Google and Motorola Mobility. Punit holds an MBA from Wharton and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wyoming. In this conversation, we discuss: The impact of AI on healthcare and its potential to reshape the industry.Punit's vision for a decentralized and more efficient healthcare system powered by AI.The shift from traditional interfaces to voice-based, ambient AI interactions in healthcare.How Suki is making clinical documentation and administrative tasks more efficient for clinicians.The future of healthcare tech as an invisible assistant, allowing clinicians to focus on patient care.The importance of transparency in AI-driven healthcare technologies.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Punit AI fun fact article On how AI helps accelerate medical research   

Send us Fan Mail Tony Stubblebine is the CEO of Medium, the widely popular publishing platform that recently surpassed 1 million subscribers. A serial entrepreneur, Tony is also the founder of habit coaching companies Coach.me and Lyft Worldwide and is the publisher of Better Humans on Medium. He is a passionate advocate for writers and a frequent speaker on the intersection of human creativity and technology, emphasizing why bots won’t replace human ingenuity. Tony holds a BA in Computer Science from Grinnell College, where he proudly supports the Pioneers. In this conversation, we discuss: How Medium's recommendation system was overhauled under Tony's leadership to prioritize human curation over algorithmic popularity, creating a platform that values thoughtful content.The transformative decision to adopt a subscription-based model, allowing Medium to focus on delivering content readers are happy to pay for, rather than relying on ad-driven engagement.The balance between human curation and algorithms in delivering a "sane, thoughtful, and informed" reading experience that supports both freedom and quality.Medium's mission to deepen readers' understanding by emphasizing human wisdom over pure knowledge, highlighting the importance of life experience in creating impactful content.Why Medium minimizes the presence of AI-generated content, focusing instead on curating thoughtful and valuable human contributions for its readers.Tony's perspective on fixing the "broken Internet" by proving that business models focused on delivering value, rather than grabbing attention, can be successful and sustainable.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Tony AI fun fact article On The Secrets To A Successful VC Career

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Mike Schuster is the head of the AI Core team at Two Sigma, where he leads engineers and quantitative researchers in advancing AI technologies across the firm's investment strategies and internal efficiencies. With over 25 years of expertise in machine learning and deep learning, Mike has been at the forefront of AI trends in tech and finance. Prior to Two Sigma, he spent 12 years at Google, contributing to transformative projects like Google Translate as part of the Google Brain team. Dr. Schuster holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Nara Institute of Science and Technology in Japan and is recognized as a pioneer whose work has significantly shaped the AI landscape. In this conversation, we discuss: The challenges and importance of building collaborative teams for complex AI systems in finance.Key differences between developing AI technologies in tech companies like Google versus finance firms like Two Sigma.The evolution of neural networks and their transformative impact on applications like Google Translate.The ethical considerations and risks of using AI in finance compared to other industries.Insights into data quality challenges and strategies for addressing bias in financial modeling.Predictions for the future of AI, focusing on efficiency, data quality, and practical advancements over the next five years.Resources: Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Mike Schuster AI fun fact article Episode on how AI is diagnosing and treating sleep disorders   

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of AI and the Future of Work, host Dan Turchin welcomes John Chambers, Former Chairman & CEO of Cisco and Founder & CEO of JC2 Ventures. John is a visionary leader who reshaped the technology landscape. During his time at Cisco, the company grew from $70 million to $47 billion in revenue, building the foundation of the modern Internet and expanding the team from 400 to 75,000 employees. Known for his strategic foresight and ability to anticipate market shifts, he led over 180 acquisitions and has been recognized as one of Time’s '100 Most Influential People.' Today, as the founder of JC2 Ventures, John champions disruptive innovation, coaching the next generation of entrepreneurs and helping startups scale with his strategic insights and focus on replicable processes. A global tech icon and trusted mentor, John’s commitment to driving meaningful change in technology continues to inspire innovation across industries. In line with this mission, this episode marks a pivotal announcement: John Chambers has invested in PeopleReign, a groundbreaking AI-first platform revolutionizing employee service automation. The partnership underscores Chambers’ belief in the transformative potential of AI to improve productivity and enable employees to focus on meaningful, passion-driven work. Key topics covered in this episode include: The pivotal announcement: Why John Chambers and JC2 Ventures are investing in PeopleReign and how this collaboration aligns with the future of AI-driven work.AI’s transformative potential: How AI will reshape industries faster than previous technology revolutions and its parallels with the Internet boom of the 1990s.The AI-First approach: Key traits of successful AI-first companies and how they achieve market disruption through speed, innovation, and customer-centric strategies.Cultural leadership in tech: The importance of fostering visionary leadership, adaptive cultures, and sustainable business models in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.Redefining work and productivity: How AI can enhance employee experiences by automating repetitive tasks, reducing friction, and enabling more meaningful work.Future of work predictions: Insights into the "ask economy" and the emergence of ad-hoc, skill-based teams as drivers of innovation and collaboration over the next five years.Resources Dan Helfrich, CEO of Deloitte Consulting, on AI and the Future of Work Connect with John Chambers Learn more about JC2 Ventures  

Send us Fan Mail Boe Hartman is the co-founder and CTO of Nomi Health, a company dedicated to rebuilding the U.S. healthcare system. With nearly 30 years of global experience in technology and banking, Bo has held key roles at industry giants like Capital One, Barclays, and Goldman Sachs. At Goldman Sachs, he served as co-CIO and CTO of Consumer Technology, where he led the development of their credit card offering from the ground up and oversaw technology hiring. Prior to that, as CIO at Barclaycard, Boe managed the global technology infrastructure supporting billions of financial transactions.  In this conversation, we discuss: The pivotal role of technology, data, and AI in transforming healthcare economics and accessibility for millions of Americans.The future of healthcare, including AI-driven advancements in payment integrity, patient care, and predictive analytics for better decision-making.Boe Hartman's transition from leading tech initiatives at Goldman Sachs to co-founding Nomi Health and tackling inefficiencies in the U.S. healthcare system.The evolution of Nomi Health during the pandemic, including the rapid development of scalable, digital-first healthcare solutions.How Nomi Health leveraged real-time analytics and innovative testing approaches to address the challenges of COVID-19 across 15 states.The systemic inefficiencies in the U.S. healthcare system and how Nomi's approach aims to save a trillion dollars while improving patient outcomes.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Boe AI fun fact article Episode on LLMs and the future of co-pilots for content generation  

Send us Fan Mail R "Ray" Wang, CEO and founder of Constellation Research, brings decades of insight into enterprise technology to our podcast. As the head of one of the most respected tech research firms, Ray has a unique vantage point on the intersection of AI and digital transformation. With a background spanning consulting at Deloitte, key roles at Oracle and Peoplesoft, and pioneering tech research at Forrester, Ray has witnessed firsthand the evolution of AI in enterprise software. He’s also the host of Disrupt TV, a live-streamed show reaching over 130 million impressions monthly. Known for his thought leadership on platforms like CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg, Ray explores the big picture of AI—highlighting how its decentralization, variability, and potential are reshaping the future of work. In this conversation, we discuss: Why decentralized human intelligence serves as the best model for AI and how human variability challenges centralized AI systems.The gap between visionary AI vendors and those unprepared for market demands, and how this disparity impacts success.The challenges of achieving data precision for AI-driven decision-making and how it varies across industries.A future of cross-industry data sharing, where companies collaborate across value chains to better predict inventory, demand, and pricing.Wang's perspective on the five maturity levels of AI and what each level represents in enterprise evolution.How cultural values and biases shape AI regulation, and the tension between centralized oversight and allowing AI vendors to self-assess. Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with R "Ray" Wang AI fun fact article On Human-Centric Employment in the Era of AI

Send us Fan Mail Holger Mueller is a Vice President and Principal Analyst at Constellation Research, specializing in the future of work and human capital management. With over three decades in enterprise software, including leadership roles at Northgate Rinsau, SAP, FICO, and Oracle, Holger brings a wealth of industry experience to his analysis. Known for his thought-provoking insights, Holger covers the latest trends in enterprise automation and cloud technologies, often sharing timely updates on his social media. He holds degrees in Information Science, Marketing, International Management, and Chemical Technology from the University of Mannheim and is fluent in six languages. In this conversation, we discuss: Holger’s perspective on the rapid evolution of AI in enterprise technology and its impact on the future of work.The transformative role of cloud infrastructure, now hosting the majority of enterprise automation, and its implications for faster adoption cycles.The contrasting approaches to AI regulation, highlighting how some concerns around “ethical AI” stem from companies still lacking AI capabilities.The concept of “enterprise acceleration” and why agility, efficiency, and effectiveness are crucial for modern organizations to thrive.Insights on the ethical considerations in tech, emphasizing the strength of values and ethics over the pitfalls of excessive regulation.How “innovation gravity” shapes industry hotspots like Silicon Valley, driving technology forward and fostering the next wave of advancements. Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe  Connect with Holger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holgermueller/  AI fun fact article: https://www.itpro.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/the-ai-hype-cycle-separating-fact-from-fiction On the Role of AI in Content Creation and Consumption: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14751184  

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Zohar Bronfman is the co-founder and CEO of Pecan AI, a company transforming predictive analytics with conversational AI to deliver rapid insights from custom data. Under his leadership, Pecan has raised approximately $120 million from investors, including Insight Partners and GV (Google Ventures). Dr. Bronfman holds two PhDs from Tel Aviv University in computational neuroscience and philosophy of science, has published 18 scientific papers, and has taught at the university level. A former member of the IDF's elite 8200 intelligence unit, he combines technical expertise with a clear vision for both the present and future of AI. In this conversation, we discuss: Dr. Zohar Bronfman’s journey from academia to becoming CEO of Pecan AI and the insights he gained along the way.The challenges companies face in leveraging machine learning and predictive analytics effectively in business contexts.Dr. Bronfman’s perspective on the differences between human intelligence and artificial neural networks, including the limitations of current AI models.Why Dr. Bronfman believes AI development should focus on enhancing human productivity rather than replicating human intelligence.The ethical implications of AI technology, including the role of regulation in preventing misuse of advanced predictive tools.The importance of curiosity and continuous learning, both in academic and business environments, to drive innovation in AI.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Dr. Zohar Bronfman AI fun fact article On the social implications of AI  

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Seth Dobrin, CEO of Qantm AI, is a leading authority in the AI business world. He was IBM’s first-ever Global Chief AI Officer and is known for his human-centered approach to AI in corporate strategy, culture, and talent. With a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Arizona State University, Dr. Dobrin's early work focused on developing algorithms for large-scale genetic data analysis, later transitioning to business solutions at companies like Monsanto and IBM. He now leads Qantm AI and is a key investor in responsible AI ventures. In this conversation, we discuss: The role of responsible AI in corporate culture and how it impacts business strategies.Dr. Dobrin’s transition from molecular biology to AI and its applications in genetics and business.Insights into the future of AI regulations, including the challenges companies face in complying with emerging laws like the EU AI Act.The potential of AI to transform the workforce, creating both new job opportunities and eliminating existing ones.The ethical concerns surrounding AI, including attribution, bias, and technological colonialism.How conversational interfaces and AI-driven technologies will change the way we interact with the digital world in the next decade.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Dr. Seth Dobrin AI fun fact article On the Future of Organizations and the Science of Team Performance 

Send us Fan Mail Alex Tsakiris is the founder and host of the popular podcast Skeptiko, which has garnered millions of downloads over the years as it explores the intersection of science and spirituality. A published author, entrepreneur, and critical thinker, Alex has become a prominent voice in the debate surrounding the nature of consciousness and its connection to the physical world. In 1986, he founded MindPath Technologies, a pioneering company that developed AI expert systems for major corporations like Texas Instruments, DuPont, and Standard Oil, before it was acquired by Proxima Corporation in 1996. In this conversation, we discuss: Alex Tsakiris’s journey from AI entrepreneur to host of the Skeptiko podcast, exploring the intersection of science and spirituality.The impact of AI on the concept of consciousness and how it challenges traditional scientific paradigms.The influence of Alan Turing's work on AI consciousness and how it shapes today’s discussions on human-machine interactions.Why Alex questions AI dogma and how his background in expert systems influences his perspective.The role of transparency versus truth in AI development and how it shapes ethical considerations.Real-world AI applications that focus on enhancing human well-being and reducing workplace friction. Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Alex AI fun fact article On AI ethics and Data Science

Send us Fan Mail Commissioner Keith Sonderling was confirmed by the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support as a Commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2020. Prior to this role, he served as the Acting and Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division at the U.S. Department of Labor. Before joining the Department of Labor in 2017, Commissioner Sonderling practiced labor and employment law in Florida. He currently lectures on employment discrimination at George Washington University Law School. At the EEOC, he prioritizes ensuring that AI and workplace technologies align with civil rights laws, and he has published extensively on the benefits and risks associated with AI in the workplace. In this conversation, we discuss: Commissioner Keith Sonderling's perspective on how AI is transforming HR and the role of the EEOC in regulating AI technologies in the workplace.The potential benefits of AI in reducing bias during employment decisions and its alignment with civil rights laws.Challenges in ensuring AI algorithms are designed and used properly to prevent discrimination in hiring and other HR processes.The importance of transparency and consent when using AI in hiring and promotion processes, including the emerging state and federal regulations addressing these issues.The role of employers in mitigating risks associated with AI by implementing self-regulation and bias audits before deployment.The complexities of holding different parties accountable for biased AI decisions, and why employers remain legally responsible for employment outcomes. Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Keith AI fun fact article Eliminating bias in hiring: AI and the Future of Work with Denise Hemke, Chief Product Officer at Checkr Keith Sonderling’s Paper “Filling the Void: Artificial Intelligence And Private Initiatives” 

Send us Fan Mail Dan Helfrich is the Chair and CEO of Deloitte Consulting, where he leads a team of over 80,000 professionals. He frequently shares his expertise on topics such as the evolving consulting landscape, the future of work, and inclusive leadership. Before assuming his current role, Dan led Deloitte’s Government & Public Services division. A proud Georgetown University alum, Dan holds both a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from the school, where he is also known as the play-by-play announcer for the Hoyas men's soccer team. Outside of work, Dan enjoys cheering on his talented kids from the sidelines of the soccer field. In this conversation, we discuss: Dan’s role as CEO of Deloitte Consulting and his work at the intersection of enterprise transformation, technology, and change.How Deloitte Consulting is helping organizations like the International Olympic Committee reimagine fan experiences and digital transformation.The importance of agility in leadership, highlighting examples like Marriott Vacations Worldwide's successful response to disruptions and Summit Coffee's creative pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic.Insights from Deloitte’s global survey of 3,000 executives, revealing key trends in AI adoption, including the focus on productivity, cost efficiency, and the gap between intent and results.The challenges enterprises face with AI, including trust concerns, data privacy, and the uncertainty around ROI and long-term investment in AI technologies.Dan’s perspective on the future of AI, the regulatory landscape, and the critical role of leadership in navigating these disruptions. Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Dan AI fun fact article On transforming tech culture Babak Hodjat, co-inventor of Siri, on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail Matt Beane is a writer, professor, and advocate for fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and machines in the workplace. His influential TED Talk from 2018 has garnered over 1.8 million views, challenging conventional perspectives on AI's role in the workforce by highlighting its divergence from traditional human skill acquisition. As a co-founder and financier of Humatics, an IoT startup connected to MIT, Matt frequently shares his insights in esteemed publications such as Wired, MIT's Technology Review, TechCrunch, Forbes, and Robohub. His latest book, The Skill Code: How to Save Human Ability in an Age of Intelligent Machines, published by HarperCollins, has received accolades from notable figures like Adam Grant, Bob Sutton, Professor Ethan Mollick, and Reid Hoffman. Matt holds both a PhD and a master's degree from MIT's Sloan School of Management, along with a BA in philosophy from Bowdoin College. We are thrilled to welcome Matt to this episode of AI and the Future of Work.  In this conversation, we discuss: The winding, non-linear career path that led to Matt's research on technology, skill-building, and the future of work—from dishwasher to high school math teacher to MIT researcher.How the advent of new technologies, like smartphones and email, changed workplace dynamics and the way teams interact.The "Skill Code" and the three Cs of learning—Challenge, Complexity, and Connection—and how these elements are crucial for building reliable skills under pressure.The difference between knowledge and skill, and why skill development requires more than just education—it requires real-world application, collaboration, and engagement.Matt's ethnographic approach to understanding work in diverse settings, from warehouses to operating rooms, and how he builds trust to gain insights into how people perform their jobs.The role of motivation, human relationships, and trust in skill-building, and how these factors drive us to improve and master new tasks.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Matt AI fun fact article On using AI to prevent students from cheating Bruce Feiler on AI and the Future of Work * Matt Beane’s Substack post “Don't Let AI Dumb You Down" 

Send us Fan Mail Dave Smoley recently received a well-earned Lifetime Achievement Award (and signed Billy Idol guitar) from Workday co-founder Aneel Bhusri to recognize his 30 years of technology leadership. This week, we discussed his journey from basement to boardroom as a leader at companies like Apple, AstraZeneca, GE, Honeywell, and Flex.  Dave shares unique insights about the impact of technology on the workplace and the evolving role of the CIO. Currently, he invests in and advises early-stage tech companies, leveraging his extensive expertise.  Dave holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Clemson University and an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. Thanks to friends of the podcast (and PeopleReign investors) Thomas and Jason from Acadian Ventures for the introduction.  In this conversation, we discuss: Dave's early fascination with computers and how it influenced his interest in computer science.His experience transitioning from programming at a bank to pursuing an MBA and the lessons learned along the way.The pivotal moment at GE that rekindled his passion for technology, leading him to combine tech with business roles.His insights on the cultural differences between GE and Apple, particularly in leadership styles and organizational structures.The role of teamwork and specialized skills in today’s tech-driven industries, especially in the context of cloud computing and AI.His current ventures as an investor and advisor, including his work with companies like PeopleReign.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Dave AI fun fact article On using gen AI to get ahead in your career

Send us Fan Mail Chris Caren, CEO of Turnitin since 2009, has played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a plagiarism prevention tool to a comprehensive education technology platform that promotes academic integrity, streamlines grading, and enhances educational outcomes. Under his leadership, Turnitin was acquired by Advanced Publications in 2019 for $1.75 billion. Prior to Turnitin, Chris was General Manager of Business Solutions at Microsoft. He holds an MBA with distinction from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a BS in Engineering from Stanford and regularly contributes to CNBC and other media outlets.  In this conversation, we discuss: How a childhood introduction to computers and a background in science set the stage for a career in software.The journey from Microsoft to Turnitin and the decision to focus on meaningful industries like education.Insights into leadership, including the importance of team cultural fit and the power of delegation.Navigating the challenges of taking over from company founders while maintaining and respecting the company culture.How AI is transforming the educational landscape and Turnitin's evolving role in addressing student misconduct with AI tools.The complex relationship between higher education and AI, balancing the need for students to learn writing and critical thinking with the demand for AI literacy in the workforce. Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Chris AI fun fact article On finding work you love

Send us Fan Mail Vijay is the co-founder and CEO of Pindrop, a leader in voice security technology. With a background in engineering and research roles at Google, Siemens, IBM Research, and Intel, Vijay invented phone printing technology in 2010 and launched Pindrop in 2011. Under his leadership, Pindrop has raised over $200 million from investors, including JC2 Ventures, led by by Cisco's John Chambers. Holding multiple patents in VoIP security and scalability, Vijay frequently speaks at major conferences such as RSA, Black Hat, and CCS. He earned his PhD in computer science from Georgia Tech. In this conversation, we discuss: The evolution of voice technology from landline telephony to modern voice systems.The challenges of educating people about voice security and deepfake threats in the early 2010s.How the rise of Alexa and other voice assistants transformed public perception of voice technology.The rapid development of voice cloning tools and their implications for security.The role of deepfakes in political interference, including high-profile cases President Biden.How companies like Pindrop are using AI to detect and combat voice-related deepfake attacks in real-time.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Vijay  AI fun fact article How AI is reinventing networking with Cisco's Dr. JP Vasseur

Send us Fan Mail William Osman is a prominent tech creator and inventive mayhem conjurer on YouTube, with over 3 million followers and nearly 200 videos that have collectively amassed over half a billion views. As the mastermind behind Open Sauce, a major creator community event that drew over 20,000 attendees, 500 exhibitors, and 150 celebrity creators, William has significantly impacted the tech and creator landscape. His engaging content, known for its bold experiments and Francis Ford Coppola-like editing, includes fan favorites such as "How Many Parts Can You Take Off a Car?" and "Can a Rented Raccoon Simulate Fatherhood?" William is also the cohost of the Safety Third podcast, with over a hundred episodes. He holds a BS in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from Cal State Northridge. We’re thrilled to have him on AI and the Future of Work to discuss his unique journey and insights. Topics in this episode -- Exploring Early YouTube: In this conversation, we discuss the evolution of YouTube and content creation from its early days, reflecting on how the tools and community have changed over the years.From Engineering to Entertainment: We delve into the guest's journey from making simple, personal videos to integrating engineering with entertainment, and how this unique blend led to their success on YouTube.Challenges of Early Content Creation: The guest shares insights on the early challenges of making videos, including the limited tools available in 2008 and the lack of a robust creator community.The Role of Storytelling in Videos: We discuss the shift from focusing solely on technical aspects of video production to emphasizing storytelling, and how this transition impacted the guest’s content and audience engagement.The Impact of Open Sauce: The guest reflects on the vision behind Open Sauce, an event celebrating nerd culture and the maker community, and how it represents a sociological shift in connecting like-minded individuals.Creative Process Insights: We dive into the guest's creative process, exploring how they generate ideas, choose which projects to pursue, and how they use engineering problems to drive compelling narratives in their videos.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with William AI fun fact article An episode you might like about extending life with AI

Send us Fan Mail Pankaj Kedia has been a trailblazer across laptop PC,  smartphone, and wearable products, having held leadership roles at Intel and Qualcomm over the last 3 decades. Now an active AI investor, advisor, mentor, and speaker, Pankaj founded 2468 Ventures in 2021 and has since made angel investments in such notable AI companies as Anthropic, Athena, Figure, Groq, and OpenAI. Recently appointed as the Chief AI Officer and board member at Biossmann, a Mexican healthcare solutions company, Pankaj brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the AI space. He holds engineering degrees from IIT Roorkee and the University of Michigan, along with an MBA from Wharton. In this conversation, we discuss: The journey of transitioning from early AI work in the 1980s to becoming a key player in the wearable revolution.Leadership lessons learned from working with iconic leaders like Andy Grove at Intel and Irwin Jacobs at Qualcomm.The evolution of wearable technology and its role in augmenting human capabilities through AI.The ethical implications and potential risks associated with the integration of AI in wearable devices.Insights into the mindset and qualities of successful AI entrepreneurs and the criteria for investing in disruptive technologies.Predictions about the future of work, the rise of AGI, and the shift towards an age of abundance where work becomes a choice rather than a necessity.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Pankaj AI fun fact article Babak Hodjat, co-inventor of Siri, on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail Josh Allan Dykstra is a polymath and TEDx speaker who has made significant contributions as a published author, musician, and CEO. As a sought-after coach on the future of work, Josh has collaborated with industry giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Chanel. He founded The Work Revolution, an organization dedicated to creating energy-based workplaces where teams can thrive, believing that work life can be a source of positivity. Josh is also the author of "Igniting the Invisible Tribe," and his boundless energy and innovative approach have inspired many to rethink their work and lives. In this conversation, we discuss: Josh's journey from a classically trained musician to becoming a leading voice in the future of work.We explore the pivotal moment that led Josh to shift his focus from music to transforming the workplace.Josh shares his vision for an energy-based work system that empowers employees rather than draining them.The concept of a work revolution and what it means to completely turn around traditional work systems.Josh’s belief that work can be a force for healing the world, even amid global challenges.The potential of AI in the workplace and how leaders can prepare for the future while prioritizing human well-being.Resources Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Josh  AI fun fact article Josh Bersin, HRTech pioneer, on the future of AI at work

Send us Fan Mail Nick Mehta is the legendary CEO of Gainsight, a leading company in the customer success space, where he's played a pivotal role for over 11 years, growing it into a powerhouse with over 20,000 customers and $100 million in ARR. Before Gainsight, Nick was a serial entrepreneur, having led LiveOffice until its acquisition by Symantec, and co-founded Chipshot in the '90s. He holds a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and a master's in Computer Science from Harvard. Beyond his professional achievements, Nick is a multi-talented individual, known for his popular blog "Metaphysical Musings," where he shares his love for Taylor Swift with nearly 27,000 subscribers. He's also a rapper, an OG shoe dog, and a YouTube celebrity with over 50 parody videos to his name. In this conversation, we discuss: The impact of AI on job security and how it will change the future of work, especially in the context of SaaS and customer success.The concept of "human-first AI" and how companies can leverage AI to remove grunt work while enhancing the human elements of customer interactions.The importance of building strong company culture, focusing on authenticity, transparency, and empathy as key drivers of employee engagement and satisfaction.The balance between the excitement and anxiety surrounding AI adoption, highlighting both the potential benefits and the challenges it poses to knowledge workers.Insights into how Gainsight has evolved over the years, with a particular emphasis on customer lifetime value and the importance of proactive customer success management.The role of leadership in maintaining company values, the importance of vulnerability and openness, and the unique ways Gainsight fosters a sense of community among its employees.Resource Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Nick AI fun fact article An episode you might like about extending life with email

Send us Fan Mail Silvio Savarese is a pioneer and AI research lead with the AI research team at Salesforce, one of the largest and most influential enterprise software companies globally. Before joining Salesforce in 2021 as Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist, Silvio spent nearly 11 years in academia at Stanford, where his research focused on robotics, machine learning, and language models. At Salesforce, his team has developed AI tools like CodeGen, which assists with coding using conversational AI, and Merlion, which enhances system availability by detecting potential failures through time series intelligence. Silvio's team is also working on conversational AI for personalized summaries. He is a strong advocate for practicing AI responsibly, contributing to Salesforce's advocacy on AI trust, safety, privacy, and security. In this conversation: Silvio's journey from academia to industry and the challenges he faced during this transition.We explore the differences between working in academia and leading an AI research team at Salesforce.Silvio shares insights on how his background in robotics informs his current work with AI for enterprise software.We delve into the ethical considerations and responsible practices in AI development at Salesforce.Silvio explains the three pillars of AI research at Salesforce: foundational research, product incubation, and product innovation.We examine the trade-offs between using large language models versus smaller models in AI applications, including their environmental impact and potential risks.Resource Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter Connect with Silvio  AI fun fact article An episode you might like about extending life with AI

Send us Fan Mail Armen Berjikly is a serial entrepreneur and the recently appointed CTO at BetterUp, a human transformation platform founded in 2013 that employs over 3,000 coaches to help individuals achieve greater clarity, purpose, and passion through expert guidance. Before joining BetterUp, Armen co-founded Motive, which was later acquired by BetterUp, and Kenjoya, acquired by Ultimate Software. He holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a master's degree in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University. In this conversation, we discuss: The evolution of technology and its impact on the workplace over the past two decades.How Armen's early research at Stanford with professors Clifford Nass and Byron Reeves influenced his career.The development of Experience Project and its role in connecting people through shared experiences and emotions.The journey of Armen's companies, Kenjoya and Motive, and their contributions to understanding and improving employee experiences.Armen's insights on integrating AI with human interaction to enhance emotional intelligence in technology.The unique approach BetterUp takes in combining coaching, technology, and research to drive human transformation and organizational success.Resource Subscribe to the AI and the Future of Work newsletter Connect with Armen AI fun fact article An episode you might like about extending life with AI

Send us Fan Mail Thomas Otter joined Acadian Ventures in March 2022 as a General Partner. Prior to Acadian, he advised companies such as Workday, Ultimate Software, Personio, and Unit 4, and collaborated with private equity and growth equity firms like Warburg Pincus, Scottish Equity Partners, PSG, and Goldman Sachs on M&A, strategy, negotiations, and diligence. He previously led the product management organization at SAP SuccessFactors, scaling it to over a billion dollars in annual recurring revenue, and served as a Research Vice President at Gartner Group, leading HR tech research. Thomas holds a Doctorate from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and the Strategy and Innovation Diploma from Oxford. He is a Fellow of the British Computer Society. . A regular guest lecturer at various universities, Thomas grew up in South Africa and now resides in Heidelberg, Germany. He is also a collector of vinyl records and a lover of great music. In this conversation, we discuss: How a chance encounter led to a 30-year career in HR technology.The evolution of HR technology from the mainframe era to modern cloud-based systems.The intersection of ethics, compliance, and technology within HR.The strategic importance of HR in today's business landscape and its impact on the employee experience.The role of technology in automating administrative tasks to enhance employee satisfaction.Historical milestones in HR tech, including the first business application of a computer for payroll.Resource Connect with Thomas Otter  AI fun fact article An episode you might like about using AI to get ahead in your career 

Send us Fan Mail Bernard Marr is a world-renowned futurist, influencer, and thought leader in the fields of business and technology. With a passion for leveraging technology for the good of humanity, Bernard is a bestselling author of over 20 books, writes a regular column for Forbes, and advises and coaches many of the world’s best-known organizations. Boasting a combined following of 4 million people across social media channels and newsletters, Bernard was ranked by LinkedIn as one of the top five business influencers globally. His latest books include "Future Skills," "The Future Internet: Business Trends and Practice," and "Generative AI in Practice."  In this conversation, we discuss: Bernard’s journey into the AI and technology space, from his academic background to his consulting and writing career.The evolution of the AI landscape, from analytics and big data to modern AI applications and trends.How Bernard simplifies complex technical topics for a mainstream audience in his books and writings.Insights from Bernard's latest book, "Generative AI in Practice," and what readers can expect to learn from it.The role of AI in business decision-making and strategy, based on Bernard's extensive consulting experience.The ethical considerations and societal impacts of AI advancements, and how they shape the future of work. Resource Connect with Bernard AI fun fact article An episode you might like about the future of audio engineering

Send us Fan Mail Chris Dyer is a globally recognized company culture and future of work expert, delivering keynotes for over 15 years to audiences worldwide. As a CEO managing thousands, his companies consistently earn accolades as best places to work and have been recognized five times by Inc. Magazine as some of the fastest-growing companies. Chris is ranked as Inc. Magazine's number one leadership speaker on culture, has published three best-selling books, and is named number five on the leadership power list. He is also a top 40 change management guru, a top 50 global thought leader, and the host of a top 50 leadership podcast. Beyond his professional achievements, Chris is an avid hiker, musician, and world traveler. In this episode, we discuss: The concept of being an "accidental everything" and how curiosity and the willingness to say yes can lead to unexpected opportunities.We explore how Chris transitioned from speaking to writing, despite initial doubts and external skepticism.We delve into the power of a strong support system, including employees, mentors, and friends, in achieving success.We examine the varying perceptions employees have about AI in the workplace, from ignorance to apprehension to enthusiasm.We discuss the rapid pace of technological innovation and its impact on both employees and organizations.We highlight the importance of helping employees understand and adapt to technological advancements to enhance their value and mitigate job displacement risks.Resource Connect with Chris AI fun fact article An episode you might like about the future of audio engineering

Send us Fan Mail Peter Voss is the visionary founder and CEO of Aigo.ai, a pioneering company at the forefront of conversational AI and natural language processing. Over the past 15 years, Peter and his team have perfected a highly intelligent, hyper-personalized chatbot designed for enterprise customers. In 2009, Peter founded SmartAction.ai, which developed the first AI-based contact center technology. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Peter is an engineer, inventor, and AI pioneer who writes and presents on philosophical topics such as rational ethics, free will, and artificial minds. He is also deeply involved in futurism and radical life extension. In this episode, we discuss: Peter Voss's Journey: From an electronics engineer to creating a successful software company, and his deep dive into the nature of intelligence and AI.Defining AGI: What Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) means to Peter, and how we will recognize its achievement.Cognitive Skills Gap: The differences between current AI technologies like large language models (LLMs) and true cognitive skills required for AGI.Path to AGI: The limitations of deep learning and LLMs, and why cognitive AI is the necessary path towards achieving AGI.Human Interaction and Intelligence: The importance of real-time learning, metacognition, and minimal sensory input in developing AGI.Ethics and Responsibility in AI: The philosophical and practical considerations of developing AGI, including the ethical implications and societal benefits.Resource Connect with Peter  AI fun fact article An episode you might like about the future of corporate VC

Send us Fan Mail Emil Winebrand, the CEO and co-founder of insoundz, is a trailblazer in the AI and audio technology industry. With a master's degree in engineering from Tel Aviv University, Emil's career began deeply immersed in the tech world, taking a significant turn after a decade of service in the intelligence technology unit of the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces), where he developed a keen interest in AI for audio enhancement. Under Emil's leadership, insoundz has emerged as a force in generative AI for audio technology, revolutionizing how we experience sound. His passion led to the development of the insoundz flagship product, Revive, which transforms any recording into studio-quality sound. Emil is also recognized for leading award-winning engineering teams across various domains, from electro-optics to algorithm development. In this conversation, we discuss: Emil's early fascination with AI and neural networks, beginning at the age of 13.His journey from studying electrical engineering to working in the IDF, where he encountered significant audio issues that sparked his passion for improving audio quality.The creation and capabilities of InSounds' product, Revive, which enhances audio by regenerating it with AI to achieve studio-quality sound.The ethical considerations and challenges of using AI in audio engineering, including the potential for bias and the implementation of watermarking to prevent misuse.The unique tech ecosystem in Tel Aviv and how the culture and education in Israel, including experiences in the IDF, contribute to the success of tech entrepreneurs.Emil's transition from CTO to CEO and the personal growth and challenges he faced in adapting to a leadership role focused on storytelling and vision rather than just technical details.Resource  Connect with Emil AI fun fact article An episode you might like about leveraging AI to create more time in your day Powered by insoundz Revive

Send us Fan Mail Adityo Prakash is a serial entrepreneur, high-tech CEO, amateur photographer, and author who transitioned from academia to revolutionize video streaming, and is now transforming drug discovery and commercialization. As the founder of Verseon, Adityo employs deep quantum modeling and AI to expedite the identification and development of innovative pharmaceuticals, potentially reshaping our approach to aging and healthcare. With degrees in math and physics from Caltech and over 40 patents to his name, Adityo is at the forefront of technological advancements in the medical field. In this conversation, we discuss: How Verseon uses deep quantum modeling and AI to revolutionize drug discovery and development, aiming to change the standard of care for various diseases.Adityo's journey from Caltech, where he studied math and physics, to founding Verseon and securing over 40 patents.The challenges and opportunities at the intersection of high tech and biotech, and how these fields are converging to create new platform companies.The limitations of traditional trial-and-error drug discovery methods and how Verseon's approach offers a more systematic, atom-by-atom design of new drugs.The potential for AI and advanced modeling techniques to address complex health issues like aging, by treating it as a disease with identifiable therapeutic targets.The future of drug development, regulatory challenges, and how the integration of AI and physics could transform the pharmaceutical industry over the next decade.Resources Connect with Adityo  AI fun fact article An episode you might like about which AI businesses are getting investor dollars

Send us Fan Mail Tamara Steffens is a seasoned tech executive with a remarkable track record in scaling teams, infrastructures, and products. She has contributed significantly to early mobile and SaaS pioneers, including Boingo, Software.com, Fusion One, and Color. Tamara has held executive roles at Microsoft and Openwave, leading large teams and driving innovation. Her tech career began at Sun Microsystems and Silicon Graphics, where she architected partnerships that defined entire industries. Tamara holds a BS in finance from Michigan State University and is actively involved in shaping the future of business and innovation as a board member at the Broad Business School and a member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the U.S. Department of Commerce. She currently works as an MD at Thomson Reuters Ventures; we are thrilled to welcome Tamara to AI and the Future of Work. In this episode,  we discuss: Corporate Venture Capital Insights: Tamara shares her journey from working at tech companies like Sun Microsystems and Silicon Graphics to leading Thomson Reuters' venture fund. She explains how her extensive go-to-market experience shapes her investment strategy.Investment Strategies in AI: We explore how Thomson Reuters' corporate venture arm approaches AI investments, emphasizing the importance of product-market fit, revenue generation, and strategic alignment with the company's broader goals.Differences Between Corporate and Traditional VCs: Tamara outlines the unique considerations of corporate VCs, such as potential go-to-market synergies and strategic benefits, compared to traditional VCs which primarily focus on financial returns.Case Studies of AI Investments: We delve into specific investments, like WiseDocs and CentML, highlighting the processes, investment theses, and strategic benefits these companies bring to Thomson Reuters and their respective industries.The Impact of AI on the Legal Industry: Tamara discusses how AI is transforming the legal sector, enhancing efficiency, and changing the nature of legal work, particularly for junior lawyers and paralegals.Responsible AI and Data Governance: We talk about the importance of responsible AI, data privacy, and governance in AI investments. Tamara explains Thomson Reuters' approach to ensuring ethical AI practices and compliance with legal standards.Resource Connect with Tamara  AI fun fact article An episode you might like about breaking into venture capital

Send us Fan Mail Roy Atkinson is a renowned thought leader in IT service management and customer service. A prolific writer, speaker, analyst, and podcaster, Roy's expertise has been featured in major tech publications. CIO Insight described him as a model for the future digital leader, and Nextiva named him one of the top 50 customer service experts of the decade (2010 to 2020). Roy's extensive career has included roles as an IT supervisor at the Jackson Laboratory, group principal analyst at Informa Tech, and CEO and principal advisor at Clifton Butterfield. In this episode, you will learn: Roy’s Multifaceted Journey: Discover how Roy's diverse background as a polymath, polyglot, and musician influenced his career in customer service and IT.Language Learning and Cultural Insights: Gain insights into Roy's extensive language studies, including Spanish, French, Latin, German, Italian, and Serbian, and how this passion has enriched his personal and professional life.Customer Service Roots: Understand how early work experiences, from delivering newspapers to working in a busy supermarket and a bank, shaped Roy's interest and expertise in customer service and customer experience.Music Industry Adventures: Hear fascinating stories about Roy's 20-year career as a professional musician, his achievements, and notable collaborations with renowned artists like John Mayall, Todd Rundgren, and Don McLean.Transition to IT and Technology: Learn about Roy's transition from music to IT, his role in managing IT systems, and his involvement with HDI, highlighting the parallels between the evolution of digital technology in music and business.Evolution of Employee Experience: Explore the changes in the employee experience over the past two decades, including the shift from a technology-centric approach to a focus on user experience, the impact of consumerization, and the rise of AI in IT management.Resource Connect with Roy  AI fun fact article An episode you might like about preventing AI from ruining us

Send us Fan Mail Kendall Clark is the co-founder and CEO of Stardog, a leading enterprise knowledge graph platform with prestigious customers like Morgan Stanley, Raytheon, Bosch, and NASA. He founded the company in 2016 with a vision of making data access more meaningful. Self-taught in coding during his 20s, Kendall is on a mission to help people experience "aha" moments with data more frequently. Stardog recently launched VoiceBox, a conversational data platform enabling knowledge workers to interact with enterprise data using natural language. In this episode, you will learn Kendall Clark's journey from AI research to founding Stardog.The unique intersection of data management and knowledge management in the enterprise.The evolution and impact of AI on data management practices.The launch and significance of Stardog's new conversational data platform, VoiceBox.Real-world applications of knowledge graphs, particularly with NASA.The importance of democratizing data access for non-technical knowledge workers.Much moreResource Connect with Kendall AI fun fact article An episode you might like about limiting AI’s adverse effects

Send us Fan Mail Allison has spent over a decade pioneering the of future of work as an employee, investor, and author. Her book, Breaking into Venture, offers a human perspective on succeeding in venture capital. As a General Partner at Semper Virens, she invests in technology transforming workforce, healthcare, and financial services. Allison contributes to Forbes, lectures at Columbia Business School and UC Berkeley Haas, and has a rich background including roles at Goldman Sachs, General Assembly, Fresco Capital, and Trinity Ventures. She holds a BA in Economics with honors and a minor in Film Studies from Harvard. In this episode, you will learn how Allison grew up in the Midwest, witnessing her parents' jobs being disrupted by technology, which influenced her dedication to understanding the future of work.After the financial crisis and seeing algorithmic job replacement at Goldman Sachs, she decided to focus her career on technology and innovation.Working at General Assembly introduced her to venture capital, where she saw the influence VCs have on startups, leading her to co-found Fresco Capital and later join Semper Virens.She emphasizes the importance of creating a unique value add in venture capital, highlighting the significance of building and activating a powerful network.Allison believes AI will augment jobs by taking over specific tasks rather than replacing entire jobs, advocating for a responsible AI implementation process to mitigate risks.Keys to picking a career that won’t be automated by a bot.Resources Connect with Allison AI fun fact article An episode you might like about limiting AI’s adverse effects

Send us Fan Mail Jonathan Siddharth is the visionary leader behind Turing, the unicorn AI juggernaut that powers technical recruiting for more than 900 companies, including Pepsi, Dell, Disney, Red Bull, and many others.  Turing is the world's most successful AI-powered tech services company. Turing has reimagined tech services from the ground up with AI by providing enterprises with AI-vetted and matched talent, AI-accelerated application delivery, and access to AI transformation experts who built the technologies behind the most successful Silicon Valley companies. Founded in 2018, the company has experienced tremendous growth with over three million global developers on its talent network and 1,000+ clients. Turing has received numerous awards, including Forbes's "One of America's Best Startup Employers," #1 on The Information's annual list of "Most Promising B2B Companies," and Fast Company's annual list of the "World's Most Innovative Companies." Turing's most recent private fundraising round was oversubscribed and valued the company at $1.1 billion. Subsequent oversubscribed SAFEs were completed on a $4 billion valuation cap.  In this episode, you will:  Uncover what it takes to build a big business.Discover how Jonathan’s early fascination with AI led to groundbreaking projects and innovations that transformed his career and the tech industry.Learn about Jonathan’s journey from AI researcher to successful entrepreneur, founding companies that achieved significant exits and rapid growth.Gain insights into the strategies for building a high-performance organization, including market analysis, team development, and continuous self-improvement.Understand how Turing leverages AI to disrupt the tech services market, offering superior talent sourcing and project delivery compared to traditional firms.Hear actionable advice on fostering a sense of urgency, prioritizing customer needs, and creating a culture of rigorous decision-making to drive business success.And much more...Resource Connect with Jonathan here AGI Icons speaker event AI fun fact article An episode you might like about limiting AI’s adverse effects

Send us Fan Mail Florin Rotar is the pioneering Chief AI Officer known for leading Avanade's AI strategy. Avanade is a joint venture between Accenture and Microsoft with 50,000 employees worldwide, established in 2000 to drive innovation on the Microsoft platform.  Previously serving as Avanade's CTO, Florin has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's AI vision and strategy since his early days as a consultant. A seasoned speaker and thought leader in AI, he passionately advocates for AI's potential to empower humanity.  Florin's global outlook stems from his experience living in 10 countries across three continents. He frequently shares his insights on AI through blogging, offering a valuable resource on AI-related topics. His commitment to leveraging AI for positive impact is evident, as echoed by my own encounter with him during a panel discussion last year. In this episode, we discuss How Florin became Chief AI Officer and why it’s an important roleHow to deploy more responsible AI practicesThe role importance of accountability in tech and how to ensure it’s baked into the creation of new products 2025 predictions about the evolution of AI What it will take for people to start trusting and collaborating with AI rather than seeing it as competition Much moreResources Florin’s LinkedIn Fun fact article  Bruce Feiler discusses the future of relationships on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail Naomi Ionita and Derek Xiao are investors at Menlo Ventures, one of Silicon Valley's most successful and storied venture capital funds. Menlo has backed over 80 public companies, manages over $5 billion in assets, and has been a pillar of the VC community for an astonishing 47 years. You likely know many of Menlo's recent high-profile investments in companies like Anthropic, Chime, and Harness and historical investments such as 3Com, Hotmail, and Roku. Naomi and Derek recently led the firm's publication of a 3,500-word report chronicling the state of generative AI in the enterprise. In this episode, we discuss How they decide what to invest in The tripling of budgets for AI projects by 2025, according to a report from ISG and GleanEnterprise leaders face challenges in proving ROI and building trust in AI solutions.The top use cases for AI investment include customer service and enterprise searchMenlo Ventures' perspective on the current state of VC and the opportunities in AI investing.Insights from Menlo Ventures' report on generative AI in the enterprise, including barriers to adoption and the potential for transformationThe broader societal impacts and considerations of AI adoption in business and technology.Resources The Menlo Ventures Enterprise AI report Menlo Ventures website Fun fact article 

Send us Fan Mail Steve Truitt is an award-winning science fiction author, actor, producer, and musician. He received the prestigious Golden Eagle Award for his documentary series on Discovery. Steve's a space enthusiast and NASA history buff. He holds the unique record of having met five moonwalkers. Beyond his creative endeavors, Steve is also a coach and motivational speaker, recognized for his impactful work with the Best Motivational Book of the Year award for "Stop Waiting for Permission". Steve brings a wealth of experience and insight to discussions on AI and the future of work. In this conversation, we discuss  How Steve got started in media and entertainment before branching out to other industriesIndustries being most impacted by AIThe tricky ethics of AI and how to harness it as a tool that does more good than harmWhy humanity is so fickle and prone to conflict How leaders can stop the spread of misinformation with AI and what prevents them from doing so Much more Resources Get Steve’s book, Mindset Chronicles Additional episode you’ll enjoy  AI fun fact 

Send us Fan Mail Chris Herringshaw is the Chief Technology Officer at Janus Henderson Investors, overseeing all technology aspects and serving on the Executive Committee. With over 15 years at Citadel Investment Group, he led Global Infrastructure Technology as Managing Director. Chris founded Quova, now part of NuStar, and held roles including Vice President of Engineering and CTO. He holds a BS in computer systems engineering from the University of Michigan, and actively contributes to shaping technology's future through advisory roles and industry forums.  In this conversation, we discuss: Venturing from entrepreneur to an established company.Chris Herringshaw's background in technology, including his experience at Janus Henderson Investors and as a CTO at venture-backed startups.How FinTech companies leverage the power of AI while mitigating risks associated with its unpredictable nature.Why human decision making still trumps AI and algorithmic based trading decisions in certain contexts.Predictions on where AI is headed in the next 12 months.The role of AI governance in ensuring the responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence.Resource Previous episode about an AI app platform that’s growing faster than OpenAI  Learn more about Janus Henderson  AI fun fact article

Send us Fan Mail Dmitry Shapiro  is a serial entrepreneur who most recently founded and is the CEO of YouAi and the popular AI app-builder MindStudio. He has a bold vision to help you index your mind which we unpack in today's conversation. Previously, Dmitry founded and led GoMeta and  created the video sharing site Veoh in 2005 which  launched a few months after YouTube. Dmitry served as the CTO at MySpace before moving on to Google where was a Group Product Manager working on social graph, identity, and content discovery. Dmitry received his BS in EE from Georgia Tech. In this conversation, we discuss: The New York Times versus OpenAI and Microsoft copyright lawsuit and its implications for AI.The challenges and stakes for publishers when facing AI applications using copyrighted material.Dmitry Shapiro's entrepreneurial journey and the vision behind MindStudio.The impact of generative AI on computing and its potential for revolutionizing work and home environments.Legal and ethical considerations surrounding AI, copyright, and fair use.The intersection of technology, venture capital, and innovation in shaping the future of AI applications.Additional resources  Another episode to enjoy Fun fact article 

Send us Fan Mail As the Chief Product Officer at Alteryx, Suresh leads the product, engineering, design, and development teams that deliver innovative and scalable solutions for data science and analytics. He is also responsible for product pricing, packaging, and PLG strategies. Over the past 3 years, Alteryx has transformed into an analytics platform with market-leading end-to-end analytics solutions, covering the entire gamut of users from analysts to data engineers, developers, and data scientists. With over 20 years of experience in the SaaS industry, Suresh has a proven track record of driving growth, customer satisfaction, and market leadership for cloud-based platforms and products. In this conversation, we discuss: The ongoing debate between AI guardrails and user autonomy, referencing Mark Gimein's "spicy mayo problem" as a case study.Suresh Vittal's background, journey through analytics and AI, and his role as Chief Product Officer at Alteryx.Alteryx's mission of "analytics for all" and their focus on empowering users across technical and non-technical roles in data analytics.The integration of generative AI features into Alteryx's platform to simplify complex workflows and enhance collaboration among data professionals.Insights into AI-first data management strategies and the evolving landscape of AI-driven tools in the future of work.The importance of governance and transparency in AI-powered analytics, ensuring clarity and understanding across complex data workflows for improved decision-making.Additional resources:  Suresh’s LinkedIn page Related episode you might enjoy about responsible AI use AI fun fact article in the Atlantic 

Send us Fan Mail Ben Kus is the chief technology officer at Box, where he’s responsible for developing Box's technology vision and strategy.  Previously, Ben was the VP of product management at Box. Before joining Box, he was the co founder and CTO of Subspace, an enterprise security solution that was acquired by Box.  Ben’s held various leadership positions, including chief architect for IBM and senior director of technology for BigFix.   What we discuss: The role of generative AI in enhancing productivity and unlocking new use cases within enterprises, focusing on content management.Ben shares insights into Box's innovative culture and compares it to other companies like IBM, highlighting the company's approach to technology and innovation.The discussion touches on responsible AI use, regulatory considerations, and Box's commitment to transparency and compliance.Ben addresses concerns about AI's impact on jobs, emphasizing AI's role in augmenting productivity rather than replacing human jobs.Future trends in AI, including personalized AI assistance and potential advancements in AI capabilities, are explored.The conversation ends with a fun anecdote about Box's CEO, Aaron Levie, known for his magic tricks and the company's unique culture of bringing your own self to work.Additional resources Ben’s LinkedIn Other episodes you might enjoy about the future of Media & AIFun fact: how much energy is required to create an image with generative AI? 

Send us Fan Mail Neil Mandt is a Hollywood entrepreneur, a five-time Emmy winner, and producer of the 2022 Golden Globes.  A pioneer in AR and VR technology, and a pro sports owner, since getting his start in Hollywood at age 10, there's almost no award he hasn't received, and almost no new form of media he hasn't tested and improved.  What we cover In this conversation, Neil shares insights into the evolving landscape of Hollywood and the role of AI in content creation and consumption.Neil discusses the potential of AI to democratize content creation, enabling individuals to produce high-quality movies and TV series with minimal resources.We delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the entertainment industry, including the gamification of user engagement and personalized content experiences.Neil emphasizes the importance of embracing AI tools for content creators to stay competitive and adapt to changing consumer preferences.Neil highlights the transformative potential of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies in enhancing the content consumption experience.Neil provides valuable insights into the skills required for content producers to thrive in a future where AI-driven, interactive storytelling becomes the norm.And much more. Additional resources Neil’s site — Neilmandt.com Course on making it in media and entertainment — https://neilmandt.com/courseOther episodes you might enjoy — https://aiandthefutureofwork.buzzsprout.com/520474/14689727-babak-hodjat-cto-of-ai-at-cognizant-on-creating-siri-and-the-evolution-of-ai

Send us Fan Mail Babak is the CTO of AI at Cognizant, the 34 billion market cap provider of tech services with more than 350, 000 global employees. He's the former co-founder and CEO of Sentient, a business responsible for the core technology behind the world's largest distributed artificial intelligence system. Before co-founding Sentient, Babak co-founded and was the CTO and a board member of Dejima where he developed the foundational technology that ultimately became Apple's Siri.  He's the primary inventor of Dejima's patented technology. Babak has 31 granted or pending patents, is a published author, and is one of the most respected thought leaders in AI.  He holds a PhD in machine intelligence from Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan.  In our conversation, we discuss:  The recent executive order on AI regulation issued by the Biden administration, exploring its key themes such as the development of a national registry for foundational large language models and safety test result sharing by vendors.Babak shares insights into the challenges and engineering intricacies involved in developing and scaling AI systems, emphasizing the importance of understanding the fundamental differences between large language models and human intelligence.The concept of responsible AI and the urgent need for defining unambiguous ethical standards, with Babak expressing concerns about AI potentially being used for destructive or malicious purposes in the wrong hands.Babak's experience as a pioneer in developing foundational technologies for SiriThe limitations and expectations surrounding large language models shed light on the challenges of fine-tuning and reinforcing these models, as well as the misconceptions related to their learning capabilities during interactions.The concept of active ontology and its role in the early development of Siri, highlights the revolutionary approach that focused on modeling functionality and ontology first, offering insights into the evolution of natural language technology over the past 25 years. Additional resources Babak's LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/babakhodjat/Another episode you might enjoy — https://aiandthefutureofwork.buzzsprout.com/520474/14341487-navrina-singh-founder-ceo-of-credo-ai-discusses-ai-governance-ethics

Send us Fan Mail Richie Cotton and his co-host Adel have published over 150 episodes of the DataFramed podcast with some amazing guests. Richie's also a data evangelist for  DataCamp and a data scientist by training. He helps train DataCamp students and has been instrumental in the company's success. DataCamp has trained data teams at more than 2,500 companies, including 80 percent of the Fortune 100. Richie has degrees in Math from the University of Warwick and the University of York.  In our conversation, we discuss:  The Evolving Role of Data Scientists: Richie Cotton shares insights into the changing landscape of data science and how the role of data scientists is expected to transform in the next decade, emphasizing the increasing accessibility of powerful tools.Ethical Considerations in AI: we delve into the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, exploring the responsibility of data scientists and AI practitioners in addressing issues such as bias, transparency, and privacy in their work.Future Skills for Data Scientists: Richie discusses the essential technical skills for data scientists, including the ongoing debate between Python and R, and highlights the importance of staying adaptable as technology evolves.AI's Impact on Business Operations: we explore the potential impact of AI on various industries, focusing on business operations and efficiency, providing valuable insights for professionals looking to harness AI for strategic advantages.Predictions for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): Richie shares intriguing perspectives on the timeline for achieving artificial general intelligence, citing predictions that AGI might become a reality in the 2030s and discussing the potential implications of such advancements.Teaching and Learning Data Science at Scale: we shed light on Richie's experience at DataCamp, where he has been instrumental in teaching data science to hundreds of thousands of individuals, highlighting the platform's mission to make data science education accessible globally. Additional resources Listen to Richie’s podcast — https://www.datacamp.com/podcastOther episodes you might enjoy — https://aiandthefutureofwork.buzzsprout.com/520474/14341487-navrina-singh-founder-ceo-of-credo-ai-discusses-ai-governance-ethics

Send us Fan Mail Matt Martin is on a mission to help the world make time for what matters. He founded Clockwise in 2016 to fix the time problem. Since then, he and the team have raised 76 million from exceptional investors, including Greylock, Cotu, Excel, Bain, and a common investor, the Slack Fund.  More than 15, 000 organizations run Clockwise. Matt was also an engineering leader at Relate IQ before Salesforce acquired it for $390 million in 2014. In our conversation, we discuss:  Interesting ways to improve your productivityNew developments in GPT-4 supporting productivityChallenges of time management and the impact of AI in reshaping scheduling practices, emphasizing the importance of tools like Clockwise in optimizing work schedules.Lesson in entrepreneurship from MattHow AI can be leveraged to make your work more fulfillingMuch more

Send us Fan Mail Prasad Kawthekar is the Co-Founder & CEO of Dashworks, an all-in-one AI search assistant. It enables users to find any document, message, or email and to accelerate a team's productivity. With over 40+ integrations, Dashworks enables teams to find and organize their internal knowledge across apps from one place and leverage their collective expertise. In our conversation, we discuss:  The historical evolution of enterprise search toolsThe challenges to enterprise search adoption: such as API integration complexities persist, hindering widespread adoptionThe role of Generative AI in searchLimitations of current AI models and what the future holds for them.What are some considerations for future AI development?The potential of retrieval-augmented generative AI (RAG) in providing accurate and factual responses, while also acknowledging its limitations and potential for further evolutionAdditional resources:  Visit Dashworks: https://www.dashworks.ai/Another episode you might like: https://aiandthefutureofwork.buzzsprout.com/520474/14464391-dr-eric-siegel-founder-of-machine-learning-week-on-6-steps-to-usher-in-successful-ml-projects

Send us Fan Mail Atif has blazed trails in Silicon Valley and the Fortune 500 for over 25 years. After rising through digital native companies like Amazon, Yahoo!, and AOL, Atif held C-suite roles at McDonald’s, Volvo, and MGM Resorts. He oversaw thousands of employees as a global P&L, transformation, and innovation leader.  Rafiq was the first Chief Digital Officer in the history of the Fortune 500, a pioneering role he held at McDonalds, and he rose to the President level in the Fortune 300. While leading business units, teams, and growth for companies, Atif has built a large following as one of today’s top management thinkers. Over 500,000 people follow his ideas about management and leadership on LinkedIn, where he is a Top Voice, and his newsletter Re:wire has over 100,000 subscribers. Atif has also been nominated  Atif is passionate about helping companies push boldly into the future. He accomplishes this through Ritual, a software app revolutionizing how teams innovate and problem-solve, and through his work as keynote speaker, Board member, and CEO advisor.  Listen and learn What’s broken about the decision-making process in large companiesWhat is the decision sprint process How will team formation/team structure change as a result of AI?How do we measure the quality of the output of a decision sprint?What are the smartest ways to engage generative AI in the decision sprint process?How do you reasonably deal with the fear of AI replacing your job?Much moreResources — Buy the book — https://www.decisionsprint.com/ — Ritual — https://www.ritual.work/ —  Listen to a related episode — https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/14158168-bruce-feiler-best-selling-author-ted-celebrity-tv-personality-and-new-york-times-columnist-discusses-navigating-life-transitions

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Eric Siegel is a leading consultant and former Columbia University professor who helps companies deploy machine learning. He is the founder of the long-running Machine Learning Week conference series and its new sister, Generative AI World, the instructor of the acclaimed online course “Machine Learning Leadership and Practice – End-to-End Mastery,” executive editor of The Machine Learning Times, and a frequent keynote speaker. He wrote the bestselling "Predictive Analytics: The Power to Predict Who Will Click, Buy, Lie, or Die," which has been used in courses at hundreds of universities, as well as "The AI Playbook: Mastering the Rare Art of Machine Learning Deployment."  Eric’s interdisciplinary work bridges the stubborn technology/business gap. At Columbia, he won the Distinguished Faculty award when teaching the graduate *computer science* courses in ML and AI. Later, he served as a *business school* professor at UVA Darden. Eric has appeared on numerous media channels, including Bloomberg, National Geographic, and NPR, and has published in Newsweek, HBR, SciAm blog, WaPo, WSJ, and more. Listen and learn How he’s progressed in the field of machine learning over 30 years6-step process to usher in machine learning programs from conception to deployment What 3 things non-technical people in business should know about how machine learning works & delivers valueHow to know when to use classical machine learning vs generative AI to solve a data problemHow to mitigate the impact of human bias in shaping AIResources Purchase "The AI Playbook" — http://www.bizML.com Scott Zoldi episode —https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/520474.rss

Send us Fan Mail Juliette Powell is the founder and managing partner of Kleiner Powell International [KPI], a New York City-based consultancy. As a consultant at the intersection of responsible technology and business, she has advised large companies and governments on how to deal with the accelerating change underway due to AI-enabled technological innovation coupled with shifting social dynamics and heightened global competition. She’s also on the faculty at New York University and teaches in the Interactive Telecommunications Program.  Art Kleiner is a writer, lecturer, and consultant with a background in management, interactive media, corporate environmentalism, scenario planning, and organizational learning. He is a co-author (with Pete Senge et al.) of the best-selling Fifth Discipline Fieldbook, The Dance of Change, and Schools That Learn; and author of Who Really Matters: The Core Group Theory of Power, Privilege, and Success. Since 1986, he has taught in New York University's Interactive Telecommunications Program. Juliette and Art co-authored a new book, The AI Dilemma: 7 Principles for Responsible Technology. Listen and learn How Juliette and Art started their careers The Principles of Responsible Technology What could happen if AI became sentient? How can we prevent AI from reinforcing negative biases and discrimination?How people and organizations can practice better ethics when leveraging AI?What will it take to engrain more ethical, equity-oriented thinking into business education?  Much moreReferences in this episode… Juliette and Art's websiteGary F. Bengier discusses AI’s impact on humanity

Send us Fan Mail Dave Kellogg is an advisor, director, consultant, angel investor, and blogger focused on enterprise software startups.  He’s the executive-in-residence (EIR) at Balderton Capital and the principal of his own eponymous consulting business. He brings an uncommon perspective to startup challenges having 10 years’ experience at each of the CEO, CMO, and independent director levels across 10+ companies ranging in size from zero to over $1B in revenues. Dave also authors the Kellblog which covers topics related to starting, leading, and scaling enterprise software startups including strategy, marketing, positioning, messaging, management, go-to-market, SaaS metrics, and venture capital financing. Listen and learn How Dave did with last year's predictionsWhat's ahead for the venture capital ecosystem in a post ZIRP environmentHow CIOs are investing in automationWhat to expect from the big LLM vendorsWhat's ahead for AI and copyright protection in 2024And much more...References in this episode… Kellblog — https://kellblog.com/Amr Awadallah, Vectara CEO, on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail Navrina Singh is the Founder and CEO of Credo AI, a Governance SaaS platform empowering enterprises to deliver Responsible AI. A technology leader with over 18+ years of experience in Enterprise SaaS, AI and Mobile, Navrina has held multiple product and business leadership roles at Microsoft and Qualcomm.  Navrina and the team have been on a mission to help organizations create AI that adheres to the most ethical standards since March 2020. Credo has raised over $13 million from an impressive list of investors that includes Decibel Partners, Sands Capital Ventures, and the AI Fund, among others. Navrina is a member of the national AI advisory committee and is a world Economic Forum global leader. Prepare to be inspired. Listen and learn If Navrina ran the world, how she’d regulate AI How to incorporate consumer feedback & inclusive practices into the AI development processHow companies can start creating trustworthy, ethical AI How Navrina is empowering companies to deliver responsible AI at scaleCriteria to consider for combatting algorithmic biasHow to deal with the fear of being replaced by machinesNavrina's advice to young entrepreneurs

Send us Fan Mail Adam Wenchel is the CEO of Arthur, a company with a platform that gives you an immediate comprehensive AI performance solution across LLMs, Computer Vision, Tabular Data, and NLP.  Adam and the team have been making AI observable for almost 5 years with Arthur. Arthur has raised over $60 million from a legendary group of investors including Index Ventures, Greycroft Partners, Work-Bench, and others. An equal list of impressive customers they’ve served includes Humana and Plaid, among others.  Listen and learn How Adam started his career in AIHow he helped map out Capital One’s early AI strategy The value of evaluating AI model performance How Arthur launched its first LLM-specific product and what the team learned How to monitor the performance of an LLM model in production and which questions to ask when evaluating it The lessons from growing a startup that nobody talks about  References in this episode… Arthur’s website - https://www.arthur.ai/

Send us Fan Mail Sean Behr is the CEO of Fountain, the company transforming the hiring process for hourly workers. Sean and the team have helped more than 80M applicants in 75 countries at places like Stitch Fix, sweetgreen, and gopuff. Fountain has raised $225M to date most recently through a $100M series C last June from an amazing list of investors including B Capital Group, SoftBank, DCM, and Uncork Capital. Sean joined Fountain as CEO in 2020 after founding fleet infrastructure platform Stratim, serving as SVP of Adap.tv through its acquisition by AOL, and holding various management roles at Shopping.com. Listen and learn... How Sean is creating opportunities for frontline workers around the worldWhat's uniquely challenging about hiring frontline vs. knowledge workersHow long before robots will replace human frontline workersThe ethical implications of using AI in hiringWhat biases are embedded in the hiring process... without AIWhy the future of hiring... is more human thanks to AIReferences in this episode... May Habib, Writer CEO, on AI and the Future of WorkJosh Bersin, HRTech pioner, on AI and the Future of WorkWhy every organization needs a Chief Ethics Officer

Send us Fan Mail Wipro is one of the largest providers of tech and tech services in the world with more than 250,000 employees. It was started in 1945 and is now the third largest software company in India with a market cap of more than $27B. We're lucky to be joined today by the leader driving Wipro's technology vision. Subha Tatavarti joined Wipro as Chief Technology Officer in March 2021 after a distinguished career in tech leadership roles at companies like Walmart and PayPal where she led the product, data, and infrastructure teams. Subha holds a Masters in Computer Science. She's an avid hiker and enjoys trail running and books on philosophy. Listen and learn... What Wipro's 1,400+ enterprise customers expect from gen AIWhat are the top use cases for enterprise AI in 2024Why the quality of AI-generated code has surprised SubhaOne year in... how does Subha describe the state of enterprise adoption of gen AIWhat is holding back broader adoption of gen AIWhy regulatory frameworks alone are sufficient to reign in the bad actorsEarly adopting industries and geographies you wouldn't expectSubha's advice to CIOs and CTOs about how to pick the right business problem to solve with AISubha's vision for the future of human interactionReferences in today's episode... Durga Malladi, Qualcomm SVP, on AI and the Future of WorkAI classifiers can't distinguish human from AI-generated contentWipro's billion-dollar investment in AI The Wipro ai 360 hubWipro's approach to responsible AIThe Azim Premji Foundation

Send us Fan Mail We've had amazing unicorn CEOs recently on this podcast but today's a first. Wade Foster, CEO and co-founder of Zapier grew his company to a $5B valuation in 2021 on a $1.3M raise in 2012. Let that sink in. The power of product-market fit and listening to your customers is impossible to overstate. Wade and his co-founders Bryan and Mike launched Zapier in 2012 as part of the YC S12 batch. The company has grown to more 800 employees in 40 countries and the product is used by 2.2M businesses and integrates more than 5,000 apps that have been used to create more than 25 million zaps, or automated workflows. Listen and learn... Wade's humble path from an internship in Columbia, MO... to a $5B unicornA simple problem: the Zapier origin storyThe Zap that started it all...Voice-first Zaps? Maybe!The future of the "citizen developer"... no-code interfaces + enterprise securityWhy all the new GenAI apps will create more need for ZapsThe Zapier LLM architectureHow to find product-market fit... from an expertCreating a company that's a verb: how "Zapier" got its nameWade reflects on his success and the entrepreneurial journeyWhat's ahead for Wade and ZapierReferences in this episode... Vijay Tella, Workato CEO, on AI and the Future of WorkAmr Awadallah, Vectara CEO, on AI and the Future of WorkChatGPT for the enterprise: what's included

Send us Fan Mail BRUCE FEILER is one of America’s most thoughtful voices on contemporary life. He is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including LIFE IS IN THE TRANSITIONS,  THE SECRETS OF HAPPY FAMILIES, and COUNCIL OF DADS. His three TED Talks have been viewed more than four million times, and he teaches the TED Course HOW TO MASTER LIFE TRANSITIONS. His latest book, THE SEARCH: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World (May 2023), is a bold new roadmap for finding meaning and purpose at work. A longtime columnist at the New York Times, Bruce now writes the popular newsletter THE NONLINEAR LIFE. He has appeared in numerous publications, including The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and Gourmet, where he won three James Beard Awards. A former circus clown, he has been the subject of a Jay Leno joke and a JEOPARDY! question, and his face appears on a postage stamp in the Grenadines. Listen and learn... Bruce's search for meaning in the face of setbacks and challengesHow to reconcile our complicated relationship with work and our personal search for meaningBruce's "three lies and a truth about work"How to identify what brings you meaningThe four historical changes in the nature of workWhy it's important to "ignore the lessons of your parents"The one thing we know about AI and the future of workReferences in this episode... Bill Davidow on AI and the Future of WorkDr. Meredith Broussard on AI and the Future of WorkLinda Rottenberg on AI and the Future of WorkHow soon before LLMs repla

Send us Fan Mail We've met future of work visionaries recently like Gary Bolles, Dr. John Boudreau, Mark McCrindle, and Josh Bersin. All have shared unique perspectives on how AI is redefining the employee experience. Today's guest belongs on that Mt. Rushmore of future of work luminaries. Josh Drean is Co-founder & Director of Employee Experience at The Work3 Institute, AI + Work Advisor at the Harvard Innovation Labs, and Co-author of Employment is Dead (Harvard Business Review Press, 2024) His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and The Economist and he has made appearances on The Today Show, NBC, and FOX Business. He speaks internationally to bring work tech insights to digital-first leaders who value human-centric work experiences. Listen and learn... How AI is changing our relationship with workWork 3... vs. work 1 and work 2How the metaverse is enabling a global talent marketplaceWhat RTW is doing to the relationship between employees and employersWhy "employment is dead"... but we'll soon enjoy work more as a result"There are two camps... those who are embracing AI... and those who will become obsolete."Why employee surveillance is the wrong approachWhy "passion is future-proof"References in this episode... Josh Bersin on AI and the Future of WorkGary Bolles on AI and the Future of WorkJames Lawton from Zebra on AI and the Future of WorkAI Snake Oil by Princeton Professor Arvind NarayananJosh Drean on YouTube

Send us Fan Mail Tom Wheeler served as the 31st Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission after being appointed to the role by President Obama in November 2013. His chairmanship has been described as “The most productive Commission in the history of the agency.” Prior to that, he was a venture capitalist and, among other roles, the CEO of the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) where we first met in 2001. He is the only person to be elected to both the Cable Television Hall of Fame and the Wireless Hall of Fame, which led President Obama to proclaim him “the Bo Jackson of telecom.” Additionally, Tom is an award-winning author, a sought after speaker about topics ranging from leadership to net neutrality, and a visiting fellow at The Brookings Institution. Listen and learn: Why today's Digital Age is reminiscent of the early 20th century Gilded AgeHow owners of today's digital pathways make rules that govern privacy and safetyWhat does history teach us about how can we take back control of our data from Big TechHow to make capitalism work for everyoneWhy AI is triggering an awareness of the impact of Big Tech on our livesWhat's different about regulatory models in the digital eraWhy we need a new agile, digital-first agency to regulate Big TechHow to regulate Big Tech without stifling innovationReferences in this episode: Mark McCrindle on AI and the Future of WorkPew Research: 68% of US adults don't trust Big Tech to self-regulateTechlash: Who Makes the Rules in the Digital Gilded AgeScientific Management by Frederick TaylorWhich tasks is AI being used to do at work today?

Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is a General Partner at Foundation Capital, one of the most iconic venture capital firms in the world. Foundation has found and funded companies like Netflix, Solana, Jasper, and the list goes on. Joanne Chen began her investing career at Foundation in 2014 and has sourced and advised an incredible group of companies including Tonkean, Tubi, and CaptivateIQ. Joanne received her BS in EE and CS from Cal and her MBA from the University of Chicago. She's also a popular TEDx speaker. Today we get a master class on how the best are adapting to one of the most challenging venture investing climates in decades. Joanne and I met on a panel discussion a few months back . I've been looking forward to introducing her to our community. Listen and learn... Joanne's perspective on the euphoria surrounding GenAIWhat's different about investing in AI post-ChatGPTWhy AI tools are increasing the pace of innovationThe difference between crypto and AI investingWhat responsible AI means to JoanneJoanne's advice to "AI entrepreneurs" pitching venture investorsHow long before AI will take Joanne's jobReferences in this episode... Ashu Garg on AI and the Future of WorkJoanne's TEDx talk: Confessions of an AI InvestorJoanne's TEDx talk: Why AI Promises a Brighter FutureThe ethical implications of using AI in healthcare

Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is one of the most respected thought leaders in the HR and HRTech space. Josh Bersin’s name is synomous with HR thought leadership. He first started covering the space in 2001 before selling Bersin & Associates to Deloitte in 2012. His current namesake company, The Josh Bersin Company, hosts the popular annual conference Irresistible and is a prolific publisher of content related to the future of work, talent management, corporate learning, and leadership. Josh is also the author of the popular book Irresistible: The Seven Secrets of the World's Most Enduring, Employee-Focused Organizations, which was published in 2022. Oh, and he also hosts a great podcast. I always enjoy his candid commentary on HRTech. Listen and learn... The single employee behavior that most impacts productivityWhat people practice surprised Josh most about what distinguishes leading from lagging companiesHow "taking care of people" saved many companies during the pandemicThe HRTech innovation that improves the employee experience mostWhy employees took back power from employers... and insisted on better toolsWhere are there opportunities to innovate in HRTechHow AI "meets people in the flow of work"How talent intelligence is assisting HR leadersWhy employees shouldn't feel threatened by AIWhy what Josh calls "organizational ingenuity" is more important than having the best tech skillsThe future of work, according to JoshReferences in this episode... Mark McCrindle on AI and the Future of WorkDr. John Boudreau on AI and the Future of WorkGary Bolles on AI and the Future of WorkJosh's book IrresistibleJosh's podcastWhy are LLMs getting dumber?

Send us Fan Mail Amr and I met on a genAI panel and everything he said was both insightful and contrarian. Immediately, I knew I wanted to introduce him to you. Amr is a legend in the search space who, by the way, also founded Cloudera which went public in 2017 at a valuation of over $5B. Dr. Amr Awadallah is a luminary in the world of information retrieval. He's the CEO and cofounder of Vectara, a company that is revolutionizing how we find meaning across all languages of the world using the latest advances in Deep Neural Networks, Large Language Models, and Natural Language Processing. He previously served as VP of Developer Relations for Google Cloud. Prior to joining Google in Nov 2019, Amr co-founded Cloudera in 2008 and as Global CTO. He also served as vice president of product intelligence engineering at Yahoo! from 2000-2008. Amr received his PhD in EE from Stanford University, and his Bachelor and Masters Degrees from Cairo University, Egypt. Listen and learn... How Amr discovered the power of "talking to software" via LLMs while at GoogleAbout the history of new computing modalitiesAbout the current state of generative AIThe technical explanation for hallucination in LLMsHow do we mitigate bias in LLM models and prevent copyright infringementWhy a semantic understanding of queries is the next frontier in searchThe challenge faced by search providers of making money incorporating ads into LLM-based answersHow "grounded search" will fix the hallucination problemWhat is a "fact" in the era of ChatGPT?How long before we have "antivirus sofware for fact-checking" genAI propagandaHow should AI be regulated... and who is responsible for AI regulationThe next big idea in genAI Amr and I are ready to fundAmr's advice to entrepreneurs... and to himselfReferences in this episode... Eric Olson, Consensus CEO, on AI and the Future of WorkD Das, Sorcero CEO, on AI and the Future of WorkSeth Earley, Earley Information Science, on AI and the Future of WorkChatGPT for searching scientific papers

Send us Fan Mail Dr. John Boudreau is a luminary in the future of work academic community. He has published more than 50 books and articles. His scholarly research is published in Management Science, Academy of Management Executives, Journal of Applied Psychology, and Personnel Psychology. Features on his work have appeared in Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Fast Company and Business Week, among others.  Dr. Boudreau helped  establish and then directed the Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies (CAHRS), at Cornell University, where he was a professor for over 20 years, before his current position as Research Director for the Center for Effective Organizations at the University of Southern California. Thanks to friend of the podcast David Creelman for the intro to Dr. Boudreau! Listen and learn... How Dr. Boudreau got his start as an academic in HRTechWhat inspired Dr. Boudreau to make work life better for employees everywhereHow Dr. Boudreau defines work (the most enlightened definition we've heard)How to build high-functioning teamsWhy diverse teams don't perform betterHow alternative work and workers are redefining the labor forceWhy jobs don't equal work and degrees don't equal jobsWhat does it mean to be human when your colleague is a botWhy ATM machines led to more human bank tellers being hiredAbout the rise of internal talent marketplacesWhich skills AI will never automateReferences in this episode... Mark McCrindle on AI and the Future of WorkBryan Talebi from Ahura on AI and the Future of WorkKamal Ahluwalia from Eightfold on AI and the Future of WorkWork without Jobs, Dr. Boudreau's most recent bookThe Center for Effective Organizations Using AI as a co-pilot for songwriting

Send us Fan Mail Today's guest has been bringing families together online since 1997 when he founded Ancestry.com which has served more than 13 billion profiles, amassed 40 billion people records, and generated over a billion dollars in revenue. He followed that up with FamilyLink which he founded in 2007 and today has more than 50 million users. For the past several years, Paul Allen has been on a new adventure having founded Soar.com in 2017. He and the team are connecting employees to stories from trusted sources to help them make better, more informed decisions. Soar indexes millions of hours of video and audio content in domains as diverse as academic lectures, political hearings, and stump speeches. Not surprisingly, he and the team are using AI to make all that content discoverable and accessible. Paul is a sought after speaker, a director of the Human Justice Foundation, and is one of the most mission-driven entrepreneurs of our generation. Listen and learn... Paul's number one business lessonHow Paul "uplifts humanity" with AIWhy the "factory education system" doesn't workWhy AGI won't be the end of civilizationHow an AI studio for audio transcription worksThe role of CitizenGPT... and why it won't hallucinateHow AI is restoring lost human connectionsHow to detect and mitigate the danger of deepfake video content using a blockchainWhat it means to be an ethical publisher of content in the age of AIPaul's (not so obvious) secret to successReferences in this episode... Guillermo Corea from SHRM on AI and the Future of WorkThe current state of AI ethicsDr. Sanchez' WHY InstituteSarah Allen, acclaimed author (and Paul's daughter)The autobiography of Booker T. Washington

Send us Fan Mail Anyone who has ever hired a new employee knows how important and broken the background check process is. The experience is awful for candidates and employers. Plus, it's inherently unfair for under-represented and non-traditional candidates. Imagine a world where hiring the best people is easier and faster and all forms of verification data are provided automatically from trusted sources. Today's guest is making that vision a reality. Denise Hemke is the Chief Product Officer at Checkr, the amazing company making employee screening more fair for everyone. Checkr has raised nearly $700M since its founding in 2014. Denise heads up product management, design, and program management after having served in various leadership roles at Workday including most recently GM for Analytics. Denise is also the San Francisco chapter lead for the excellent organization Products That Count started by friend of the podcast SC Moatti. Listen and learn... How to fix the broken background check processHow to give candidates with non-traditional backgrounds access to the labor forceHow technology is making the hiring process more fair and helping workers get paid fasterHow to use AI to reduce bias in hiring decisionsHow AI used for background checks should be regulatedWhat Denise learned about building customer communities as a General Manager at WorkdayReferences in this episode... Mustafa Suleyman's new Turing testKamal Ahluwalia, former President of Eightfold, on AI and the Future of WorkGiselle Mota from ADP on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail AI is here to accelerate the world's creativity. In fact, it's one of the things generative AI does best. Imagine a world where personalized campaigns help products you love find you. Today's guest did just that and he created Evolv AI to help brands connect with customers across all digital channels.  Tyler Foster is the CTO of Evolv AI, a platform that helps brands improve conversion and experiment faster. He started the company with CEO Michael Scharff in 2019 and together they've grown it into an early leader in AI-first digital experimentation having helped brands like Safelite, DirectTV, and Verizon. Prior to Evolv AI, Tyler was the founding CEO and Chief Architect of Senient Systems and an early Software Engineer at Cloudera. Listen and learn... How a farmhand and SCUBA diver became an AI developerHow AI is helping brands target consumersThe tradeoff between personalization and data collectionHow to eliminate bias in automated decisionsWill AI eliminate creative jobs?How society needs to adapt to new definitions of work imposed by AIWhy we need to disconnect ideas from tools and processesWhat does it mean that we're entering a "post-truth" era?Why AI is more fair than humansReferences in this episode... Meredith Broussard on AI and the Future of WorkDiane Keng from Breinify on AI and the Future of WorkAre AI-generated ads more or less effective?Evolv.ai

Send us Fan Mail Tim Guleri has had a remarkable run at Sierra Ventures since 2001. He has invested in transcendent companies including Sourcefire and MakeMyTrip which both went public. Before that, Tim had a successful career as an entrepreneur and exec at companies like Scopus and Octane which was acquired by Epiphany in 2000. Sierra has one of the strongest future of work and AI portfolios that includes companies like Paro, Krisp, and SupportLogic which acquired Emtropy Labs which was founded by great former guest Harish Batlapenamurthy. In full disclosure, Sierra and I are both investors in ArmorCode. Listen and learn... Why the most successful venture investors were previously entrepreneursTim's thesis for investing in gen AI customer journey company SimulateHow Tim identifies "gen AI whitewashing" when hearing pitchesWhy gen AI is more than just another platform shiftHow gen AI startups can beat Big Tech incumbentsWhy all companies are ultimately "financial products"Sierra's primary data from CIOs: "...they're spending money on use cases that unlock employee productivity"What Tim means by "build horizontally but execute vertically"Which jobs AI will eliminate vs. augmentTim's "one that got away" pitch from his early days at SierraReferences in this episode... According to CNBC, 69% of U.S. adults are uncomfortable with AI that can mimic human thinkingAshu Garg from Foundation Capital on AI and the Future of WorkRory O'Driscoll from Scale Venture Partners on AI and the Future of WorkSierra Ventures

Send us Fan Mail We've had interesting conversations about remote-first work with leaders like Jordan Husney, Parabol CEO, and Darren Murph who at the time was the global head of remote work at GitLab (thank you Darren for the intro to Adam). Today's guest has been building a platform to make distributed teams productive since long before it was fashionable. Adam Nathan founded Almanac in January of 2019 to challenge incumbents like Microsoft Office and Google's GSuite.  Since then, he and the team have enabled organizations like Cisco, Credit Karma, and ByteDance to collaborate in shared workspaces. Adam has raised more than $40M to date across two rounds from a legendary group of investors that includes Floodgate, Tiger Global, and General Catalyst. Prior to Almanac, Adam did his undergrad at Duke and he received his MBA from Harvard. He's also an active volunteer for The Salvation Army. Listen and learn... How being a product manager at Apple and Lyft inspired Adam to start a company to avoid wasting time at workWhat's unique about remote-first workWhy remote teams need structure and transparency to be productiveHow to eliminate time wasted in meetings without losing opportunities to build trusted relationshipsHow to charge for new LLM features in SaaS productsWhy we tolerate LLM hallucinationsWhere there's a gap in the market for a better collaboration experienceWhat Adam has learned from his entrepreneurial journey References in this episode... Jordan Husney from Parabol  on AI and the Future of WorkDarren Murph from GitLab on AI and the Future of WorkWhy we need to shut down AI development to prevent AGIAlmanac.io

Send us Fan Mail Durga Mulladi is the SVP & GM for Technology Planning & Edge Solutions at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., the iconic company best known for enabling cell phones via its CDMA technology and chipsets that were first demonstrated in 1985. Durga has been an integral part of Qualcomm's growth having spent nearly 26 years there in various technology leadership roles. He holds 578 patents, is a senior member of IEEE, received his PhD in '98 from UCLA, and was awarded Qualcomm's IP excellence award. Durga's list of accolades and accomplishments goes on for days. We're all fortunate to learn from a wireless pioneer and true tech legend. Listen and learn... Durga's insights from more than 25 years pioneering wireless technologyAn insider's view of Qualcomm's formula for successHow networks and chips enabled the birth of the smartphoneQualcomm's AI roadmapHow soon we can expect LLMs running locally on phonesHow AI takes advantage of the unique capabilities of 5G networksHow to figure out what transactions happen on the device vs. in the cloudHow LLM fine-tuning may soon happen on the edge of the network or on the deviceWhat size LLMs can be run locally while managing power consumptionHow to improve consumer trust in LLMsReferences in this episode... JP Vasseur from Cisco on AI and the Future of WorkRene Steenvorden from Randstad on AI and the Future of WorkHow OpenAI's code interpreter is disrupting the field of Data Science

Send us Fan Mail In 2020 when today's guest founded her company the transformer architecture was relatively new and OpenAI was a science experiment funded by Elon Musk to ensure that AGI benefits all humanity. She and her team commercialized an early version of a co-pilot for writing content long before we appreciated the value of next-word prediction. Since then, May Habib and the team have raised $21M from an exceptional group of investors including Insight Partners and Gradient Ventures. Today, Writer helps company authors comply with style and brand guidelines and also ensure grammatical accuracy. It's used by an amazing list or organizations including Spotify, Intuit, and Uber. Prior to Writer, May co-founded Qordoba and was a Global Shaper for the World Economic Forum after graduating from Harvard with a BA in Economics. Listen and learn... How May got her start in NLPWhat enterprise leaders don't understand about the current state of generative AIHow to speak to your data using LLMs Why Writer uses graph databases instead of vector databases for generative AIHow Writer mitigates the impact of bias, copyright infringement, and halluciations when using LLMsHow AI is being used to replace tasks people hate... without eliminating jobsHow AI helps users with neurodiversity issues like ADHDHow May navigated a tough company pivotReferences in this episode... Mona Akmal, Falkon CEO, on AI and the Future of WorkAlex Capecelatro, Josh.ai CEO, on AI and the Future of WorkMaking the web more accessible with AI for those with disabilities

Send us Fan Mail Today's guest created one of the largest communities for conversational AI and generative AI enthusiasts. Pete Erickson is the founder of Modev which hosts the popular VOICE & AI conference and also others including the GovAI Summit.  Pete started the company back in 2009 and has since produced over 150 events across 89 countries that have connected more than 125,000 people. Pete and the team have created communities for tech companies like Samsung and Amazon. Today, we get a glimpse into the mind of a great entrepreneur who is focused on making AI education accessible to everyone. Listen and learn... How Modev went from a few people in a pizza shop... to a conversational AI event with more than  1,000 attendeesHow Modev trained developers to build Alexa skills... in 2009How new AI regulation is impacting the generative AI developer communityHow Pete would regulate generative AIAbout Sam Altman's request to Congress for OpenAI to be regulatedShould we expect AI vendors to regulate themselves?What we can learn from GDPR in Europe about forthcoming AI regulationHow AI will transform the entertainment industryWhich jobs will be replaced by AI... and which ones are future-proofWhat big news Pete will be announcing at the Voice & AI conference References in this episode... The Voice & AI conferenceHow Goldman Sachs says AI will increase global GDPBradley Metrock, CEO of Project Voice, on AI and the Future of WorkDaniel Davila, movie producer and Hollywood consultant, on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail Entrepreneurs wonder what it’s like to be a VC. And VCs without an operating background often don’t understand the grit required to turn an idea into a successful business. The best investors have been successful operators first. Today’s guest is one of those. Nick Adams founded Differential Ventures in 2017 to invest in B2B, data-first seed-stage companies. Since then, Nick and the team have invested in an impressive group of companies including Private AI, Ocrolus, and Agnostiq. Before Differential, Nick helped grow companies like OPower and RAGE Frameworks in sales, marketing, and product leadership roles. Today we get to learn about how to innovate and grow a startup when the product is a venture fund. Listen and learn... How being an investor and entrepreneur are similarThe most outrageous pitch Nick has heard... and how it involved pornHow being a baseball player trained Nick to be a venture capitalistNick's advice for what to do after closing a big sales dealWhere there are opportunities for generative AI entrepreneurs to get fundedHow AI is being used to design circuit boardsNick's most recent investment... and what made him decide to write the checkWhat Nick is telling Congress we need to do to regulate AIReferences in this episode... Why generative AI is desperately in need of regulationMetafold, new Differential investmentDan Grunfeld from Lightspeed on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail Vijay Tella is an enterprise software legend having founded unicorn and Cloud100 company Workato nearly a decade ago after an amazing run as the founding SVP of Engineering at TIBCO and CEO of Qik which was acquired by Skype. Vijay is a visionary leader who has raised more than $400M and built a team of nearly 1,000 employees. Workato is a leader in the fast-growing enterprise automation space and the company's customer list reads like the Wall Street Journal including organizations like Adobe, Atlassian, Coca-Cola, and Walmart to name a few. Vijay's latest achievement is his book The New Automation Mindset - launching today on this podcast - in which he and his co-authors put the current generative AI euphoria into historical context and provide timely insights and case studies.  Thanks to great former guest Carter Busse, Workato CIO, for the intro to Vijay. Listen and learn... How Vijay got his start as a "digital plumber" at TIBCO and OracleWhat Vijay learned about enterprise software delivering a consumer app at QikHow modern tools democratize access to automating workVijay's advice to leaders about what to automate firstWhy "replacing people with AI is the wrong approach"How Workato is incorporating generative AI into its productHow AI is required to get the full benefit of automationWhat jobs will replace those eliminated by automationReferences in this episode... The New Automation Mindset by Vijay TellaCarter Busse on AI and the Future of WorkGuru Banavar from Viome on AI and the Future of WorkThe Khanmigo AI tutor

Send us Fan Mail Christopher Penn writes one of the few newsletters I read weekly. I have no idea how I ended up on his mailing list but I’ll never opt out despite the rainbow “Unsubscribe here” buttons he prominently displays. Christopher provides well-researched, thought-provoking commentary on all topics related to generative AI. Like recent guests Pradeep Menon and Ken Wenger Christopher doesn’t settle for soundbite-level commentary and he often shares unpopular opinions backed up with data. Christopher is the Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist at TrustInsights.ai. He’s a six-time IBM Champion in IBM Data and AI, a Brand24 Top 100 Digital Marketer, an Onalytica Top 100 AI in Marketing influencer, and co-host of the award-winning Marketing Over Coffee marketing podcast. He is also the author of two dozen marketing books. His list of accolades and accomplishments goes on for days. Listen and learn... The number one question Christopher asks data-driven marketersWhat has surprised Christopher most about the capabilities of LLMsWhy the letter to pause AI was "dumb"The right way to remove bias and hate speech from LLMsOpen source vs. closed source AI... and how it's related to making pizzaAre we ready for AI vendors to censor content?Christopher's predictions for how all enterprise software will incorporate generative AIWhy Christopher continues to hone his bow and arrow skillsReferences in this episode... Pradeep Menon on AI and the Future of WorkKen Wenger on AI and the Future of WorkTiernan Ray on AI and the Future of WorkChristopher's (entertaining and informative!) newsletterDreamGPT... to glorify LLM hallucinationsThe bots aren't sentient!

Send us Fan Mail About 54 million Americans and 936 million patients globally suffer from sleep apnea and 80% of cases go undiagnosed. Today’s guest is fixing that problem. Chris Fernandez co-founded EnsoData in June 2015 to use AI to make sleep studies more efficient, cost effective, and accurate. Since then, he and the team have raised more than $30M from an exceptional group of investors including Zetta Venture Partners, M25 Ventures, and Inspire Medical Systems. Chris received his bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Biomedical and Medical Engineering. He also wrote one of the most thoughtful perspectives on the entrepreneurial journey when he handed over the reigns to new CEO Justin Mortara last November. At 8,200 words, it may also be one of the longest. Listen and learn... What led Chris to care about solving sleep problemsHow EnsoData overcame being "a solution in search of a problem"How AI and machine learning can be applied to sleep apneaHow being incubated by Y Combinator helped launch EnsoDataHow to use brainwaves to train AI models to diagnose sleep issuesWhen we'll get "smart rooms" that adjust the environment to optimize for healthy sleepHow Chris and the team control for the impact of AI biasHow to improve the quality of your sleep... from an expertWhat led Chris to replace himself as CEOReferences in this episode... Gordon Wilson, Rain Neuromorphics CEO, on AI and the Future of WorkWhy We Sleep by Matt WalkerStanford Professor Dr. William Dement and the origins of sleep science

Send us Fan Mail We’ve had interesting recent discussions about AI and the law with great guests like Robert Plotkin. And we’ve had many interesting conversations about AI with CIO legends like Mark Settle from Okta and Carter Busse from Workato to name a few. In over 200 episodes we haven’t yet discussed how to deliver IT service to the legal industry. Jim McKenna has been delivering technology to attorneys and coaching others who do the same for more than two decades. In his current role at perennial Silicon Valley top law firm Fenwick & West, Jim supports an organization of more than 1,000 employees as CIO. He oversees teams that manage IT and security and is first and foremost a thought leader for the business. Prior to Fenwick, Jim held similar roles at Morrison and Forester. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the International Legal Technology Association. Thanks to Xavier, unsung hero and Fenwick IT specialist, for helping with A/V issues. Listen and learn... What's unique about delivering IT and security service to lawyersHow the legal industry shifted to work from home during the pandemicWhat's ahead for LegalTechWhere there are opportunities for AI to predict future employee needsHow Jim keeps up with security and compliance requirements... while innovatingJim's leadership advice: "Prepare in advance so when the tough occurs you're not afraid!"References in this episode... Robert Plotkin on AI and the Future of WorkMark Settle on AI and the Future of WorkCarter Busse on AI and the Future of WorkHow generative AI is being used to analyze patterns in DNA sequences

Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest has had a front row seat for every technology platform shift for the past 20+ years. More important, he has played an important role in enabling several of them. Kit Colbert joined tech stalwart VMware in September 2003 and currently serves as senior vice president and chief technology officer. He is responsible for ensuring VMware’s long term technology leadership through research and innovation programs. Kit manages the VMware Engineering Services team, advanced R&D initiatives, the Design/UX team and the company’s ESG commitments. Kit was previously VMware’s Cloud CTO, General Manager of VMware’s Cloud-Native Apps business, CTO for VMware’s End-User Computing Business, and the lead architect for the vRealize Operations Suite.  Kit is a recognized thought-leader on application modernization and multi-cloud trends and a frequent speaker. He holds a bachelor’s of science in computer science from Brown University. Listen and learn... How a Silicon Valley stalwart like VMware innovates from the insideHow VMware's founder-led culture continues to influence the company todayHow VMware reinvented itself beyond desktop virtualizationKit's recipe for innovationWhy crypto and AI hype are similarKit's perspective on how to regulate AIVMware's generative AI strategyReferences in this episode... Andi Mann from Sageable and Splunk on AI and the Future of WorkDiane Greene and the history of VMwareKit's team's blog

Send us Fan Mail Ron Bodkin is a self-described “serial entrepreneur focused on beneficial uses of AI”. Ron founded ChainML in April 2022 to make it easier to integrate AI models into applications. The AI we know today is immature in so many ways and many of them relate to how crude the tooling is for traditional developers building AI-first features.  The ChainML protocol is a cost-efficient, decentralized network built for compute-intensive applications running on blockchain technology. Prior to founding ChainML Ron had a distinguished entrepreneurial career having founded Think Big Analytics before it was eventually acquired by Teradata after which he spent three years in applied AI at Google. Ron is also an active investor and advisor and has degrees in Computer Science from McGill and MIT. Listen and learn... What led Ron to focus on how AI can have a positive impact on the worldWhy Hinton's right when he says "we've invented a superior form of learning"Where the current toolstack for building LLM apps is incredibly immatureHow to control the cost and performance of LLM appsWhy human brains are inefficientWhy the "effective cost of computing" is being reduced by 50% every yearHow we may get to AGI within 20 yearsWhy proprietary datasets and commercial issues will slow down AI innovationThe right way to regulate AIReferences in this episode... Meredith Broussard, professor and author, on AI and the Future of WorkAttorney relies on court cases made up by ChatGPTThe Microsoft Sparks of AGI paper

Send us Fan Mail Trent Fitz is the Chief Product Officer at Zenoss after having spent two decades in product and marketing leadership roles at companies like Trustwave and SailPoint. Trent owns product strategy and marketing at one of the pioneers in the space. Zenoss was founded in 2005 and has continued to reinvent itself. With the advent of generative AI, it’s more relevant than ever. We’ve explored the topics of service assurance and monitoring in the past with great guests like Colin Fletcher who coined the term AIOps while at Gartner and Gareth Rushgrove from Snyk who publishes the popular DevOps Weekly newsletter. The field of monitoring is evolving rapidly as new architecture patterns emerge and the data exhaust they generate continues to increase.  Listen and learn... Trent's history lesson in system monitoringThe role of AI in monitoring and operationsTrent's perspective on the evolution of monitoring tool sprawlWhat is AIOps vs. observability, monitoring, or event managementHow service-centric monitoring is essential for dynamic apps based on microservicesThe difference between generation one and two AIOpsWhere are manual rules insufficient and real AI is needed to monitor appsHow LLMs are being used to improve observabilityWhy Big Cloud won't own monitoring of cloud-native appsWill there be a time when AI will replace DevOps engineers?References in this episode... Colin Fletcher from Gartner on AI and the Future of WorkGareth Rushgrove from Snyk on AI and the Future of WorkCharity Majors on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail Today's guest is one of the pioneers in generative AI having spent nine years at Google Research building teams that developed breakthrough technologies that led to innovations like the transformer architecture behind ChatGPT. Jad Tarifi co-founded Integral AI in 2021 after a distinguished career in AI roles as a researcher and leader. He received his PhD in Computer Science and AI from the University of Florida and did his undergrad at the University of Waterloo. Thanks to great former guest and friend of the podcast Hina Dixit from Samsung NEXT for the intro to Jad. Listen and learn:  Can machines learn common sense? Do humans have common sense? Why Integral AI is providing a “base model for the world” Can machines ever learn as quickly as humans? How to improve the efficiency of LLMs with better algorithms Why the current transformer architecture is poorly designed for next word prediction How to use AI and robotics to create “magic wands” and “crystal balls” How to use AI to do “science at scale” What are the ethical implications of bots that can change the human life span How AGI is related to objective morality Jad’s four tenets of a new definition of “freedom” References in this episode…  Integral.ai Blake Lemoine and the “sentience” debate Podcastle, generative AI for podcasts (a technology nobody needs)

Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is one of the original AI-first entrepreneurs. SambaNova paved the way for generations of other companies including today’s generative AI cohort. Rodrigo Liang, CEO, and his team have raised more than a billion dollars from a legendary group of investors including Temasek, BlackRock, GV, and Walden International. The original vision for SambaNova’s chip architecture and software products came from work his co-founders did at Stanford’s famous AI Lab. Today, SambaNova has embraced generative AI and is again leading the industry. Before founding SambaNova, Rodrigo held senior leadership roles at Oracle and Sun after having received his masters and bachelors degrees in Electrical Engineering from Stanford. Listen and learn…  Why AI will be bigger than the internet How SambaNova migrated from designing AI chip architectures to software How to build your own LLM like ChatGPT Where there are opportunities for companies beyond NVIDIA in the AI chip space What will lead to the “trough of disillusionment” for AI What are adjacent opportunities for AI outside chat that are at the early stages of maturity How every knowledge worker will soon benefit from an AI personal assistant How to address the problem of popular LLMs being trained mostly on English contentWhy we’re in the “Linux moment for AI” What contributes to the cost and complexity of training new LLMs What is fine-tuning and how does it work References in this episode…  Sam Altman calls for global cooperation to regulate AIThe SambaNova technical blog The SambaNova partnership with Together.xyz to train BLOOMChat Christopher Nguyen, Aitomatic CEO, on AI and the Future of Work 

Send us Fan Mail We’ve interviewed some legendary CIOs including Mark Settle from Okta (a repeat guest), Reza Nazeman from SAP Concur, and, more recently, Carter Busse from Workato. We’re joined by another unicorn CIO today, Karl Mosgofian. Karl has helped grow Gainsight to more than $200M ARR and 1,200 employees. He has been leading the IT organization for nearly six years after having spent time at Harmonic, Apple, and Cadence Design. Thanks to friend of the podcast Carter Busse for the intro to Karl. Listen and learn... How Karl's role has changed since he joined Gainsight as a startup six years agoWhy it's hard for CIOs to "just keep the lights on"How Karl navigates the duel role of enabling the business to innovate with technology while making sure teams stay focused on solving business problemsHow Karl formulated the Gainsight employee ChatGPT policyWhy ChatGPT won't replace the help deskKarl's advice to vendors embedding AI in their productsHow Karl partners with his CISO and legal team to establish policies for LLM usageHow Gainsight is using AI internally to improve productivityAll about the quirky culture at GainsightReferences in this episode... Mark Settle on AI and the Future of WorkCarter Busse on AI and the Future of WorkReza Nazeman on AI and the Future of WorkLegendary Gainsight videos on YouTube

Send us Fan Mail No field is being upended as much as the legal profession. We’re all confused about how content generated by AI will be protected under the law and many lawyers are also asking how relevant they’ll be in a world where large language models can pass the bar and do legal research. Robert Plotkin is a luminary in the software patent space having been in the field for 25 years and having been involved in important IP cases related to everything from AI to quantum computing to autonomous vehicles and speech recognition. Robert also published the book Genie in the Machine back in 2009 which amazingly foreshadowed the legal implications of AI on IP. Robert has lectured at the Boston University School of Law and received his undergrad in Computer Science and Engineering from MIT. Listen and learn... How we should regulate LLMs... from an expertWhat entrepreneurs most often don't understand about IP lawWho has the rights to the inputs to LLMs?Can work derived from LLMs be patented?Is AI-generated work subject to copyright laws?What surprised Bill Gates when he saw GPT-4Is there an AI winter up ahead?References in this episode... Robert's personal siteHarvey raises $5M to be the AI co-pilot for lawyersAndy Clark's Natural-Born CyborgsBob Rogers, AI pioneer, on AI and the Future of WorkThe Blueshift IP whitepaper about how AI is automating the inventive process

Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is the author of a popular Medium blog where he has recently been dissecting generative AI for technologists. I read his introduction to the transformer architecture and immediately realized our audience needs to meet him. A bit like great recent guest Ken Wenger, Pradeep makes complicated technology accessible.  By day, Pradeep Menon is a CTO at Microsoft's digital natives division in APAC. He has had one of the best ground floor views of generative AI since Microsoft first invested in OpenAI in 2019 and then again in March of this year. Pradeep was previously in similar roles at Alibaba and IBM. He speaks frequently on topics related to emerging tech, data, and AI to global audiences and is a published author. Listen and learn... What surprises Pradeep most about the capabilities of LLMs What most people don't understand about how LLMs like GPT are trained The difference between prompting and fine-tuning Why ChatGPT performs so well as a coding co-pilot How RLHF works How Bing uses grounding to mitigate the impact of LLM hallucinations How Pradeep uses ChatGPT to improve his own productivity How we should regulate AI What new careers AI is creating References in this episode... Ken Wenger on AI and the Future of Work Pradeep's book Data Lakehouse in ActionD-ID speaking avatars

Send us Fan Mail We often discuss the technology that is automating the future of work. We perhaps don’t spend enough time talking about the human element - what it’s like being an employee whose career may be at risk or whose employer may not share her values. The future of work is about employers embracing the humanness of every employee and creating safe places.  Mark McCrindle is a best-selling author, futurist, demographer, and popular TEDx speaker who is regarded as one of Australia’s foremost social researchers. He works with senior leaders to help them devise strategies for making their products and services future-proof. He’s also the host of The Future Report, a podcast featuring the themes of his social research. Listen and learn... How work culture directly impacts employee productivityHow to measure the quality of employee experiencesHow the mining industry attracts and retains workers... and how AI may replace traditional rolesShould humans feel threatened by AI?Mark's advice to young leadersWhy Mark says "we're made for work"... but that doesn't necessarily require an exchange of time for moneyHow human relationships with machines will always be different than human relationships with each otherWhy the culture in Sydney is uniquely favorable for entrepreneursReferences in this episode... Mark's social researchmccrindle publicationsAI's impact on humanity with Gary F. BengierBryan Talebi, Ahura AI CEO, on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to be human when your colleague's a bot? Can AI ever truly understand us? This week, we're thrilled to welcome Gary F Bengier, eBay's first CFO and author of the award-winning novel, Unfettered Journey, as we dive into the future of work and the role of AI. Gary's background in Silicon Valley and his understanding of AI and technology make him the perfect guest to shed light on the ethical implications of AI, the potential impact of large language models on business, and the crucial differences between symbolic software and large language models. As we unpack the World Economic Forum's prediction that AI will generate 97 million new jobs while eliminating 85 million in the next three years, Gary and I contemplate the implications of machines and humans working together. We discuss the possibility that robots could eventually build robot factories, detaching the output of the economic system from labor hours, and explore the question of sentience in the age of advanced technology. Join us for an important conversation and peer into the mind of one of the great philosophers and technologists of our time. Oh, and learn what Gary says is a better definition for the acronym "LLM" :). References in this episode: Tiernan Ray on AI and the Future of WorkWow... ChatGPT is very thirsty!The Santa Fe InstituteGary's book Unfettered Journey

Send us Fan Mail The current Hollywood writers strike is the highest profile example of shifting dynamics in the entertainment industry. Studios are spending less to produce more content. Fees paid to writers have plummeted. Generative AI is only accelerating the trend. This has profound implications for the future of storytelling. Today’s guest is an expert in the entertainment industry having founded Divisadero Pictures in 2011 to advise entertainment companies from Disney to Comcast to Microsoft on strategy and finance topics. Daniel Davila received his MFA from USC and his MBA from Stanford.  For historical perspective, today is only the second episode in more than 190 where we’ve discussed AI and the future of the work in the entertainment industry. For long-time listeners the last time was episode 87 back in April 21 with Michael Solomon and Rishon Blumberg, authors of Game Changer: How to be 10x in the Talent Economy, who  managed Bruce Springsteen and John Mayer in a previous life. Thank you to friend of the podcast Matthew Perez for the introduction to Daniel. Listen and learn... The history of media consumption patternsThe economics of the entertainment industryHow AI is changing the entertainment industryHow Daniel used generative AI tools to write a 70-page movie scriptDaniel's pitch to Francis Ford Coppola about the role of AI in movie-makingThe impact of streaming on media production and consumptionThe bias inherent in text to image tools like MidjourneyReferences in this episode... Michael and Rishon, Bruce Springsteen's former managers, on AI and the Future of WorkDivisadero PicturesThe Hollywood writers strike

Send us Fan Mail Guru Banavar is the founding CTO of Viome where he helped raise $150M from a list of top-tier investors including Khosla Ventures and Bold Capital Group. Viome offers insights into health and disease using host and microbiome gene expression. Guru led the development of a first-of-a-kind saliva-based early detection system for oral and throat cancers which won the FDA’s designation as a breakthrough device. Prior to Viome, Guru was a global VP & Chief Science Officer at IBM and the founding VP of the Watson AI Research team. Guru has received many awards including a Leadership in Technology Management Award and a National Innovation Award from the President of India. He has published extensively and holds more than 35 US patents. His work has been featured in media outlets including the New York Times, the Economist, the Wall Street Journal, BBC, and NPR. Listen and learn…  Why our healthspan is more important than our lifespan How DNA to RNA transcription determines your health state How to sequence your mRNA to understand how to optimize your diet and predict disease risk What AI techniques can be used to develop personalized treatments How to use data that varies across patients to make automated decisions for all patients How Guru thinks about false positive prescriptions as a scientist when health and safety are at stake Where the FDA is regulating how AI is used to make healthcare recommendations Why it’s impossible to know the best diet for you without first understanding the composition of your microbiome How to use biomarkers to turn your biological fingerprint into a data problem Guru’s perspective on the ethical and philosophical implications of extending the healthspan How digital twins will help perfect the ability to engineer biology References in this episode…  What it means to practice responsible AIThe KEGG ontology of biological pathways The Viome blog Dr. Shiv Rao, CEO of Abridge, on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail Today’s guests are using machine learning to turn real world data from past interactions into insights. Dr. Hyde is the co-founder and CEO of Atropos Health which has commercialized the insights exchange for healthcare. Dr. Hyde raised a $14M series in August 2022 from an exceptional group of investors including Breyer Capital and Emerson Capital. Dr. Hyde is joined by an early user of Atropos, Dr. John Halamka, President of the Mayo Clinic Platform. Dr. Halamka has been developing and implementing healthcare information strategy and policy for more than 25 years. He specializes in artificial intelligence, the adoption of electronic health records and the secure sharing of healthcare data for care coordination, population health, and quality improvement. He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2020. For AI and the Future of Work trivia buffs this is one of only three episodes we’ve recorded with multiple guests. The last one with Tooso founders Ciro Greco and Jacopo Tagliabue was one of our most memorable. Listen and learn... Why ChatGPT shouldn't be used for medical diagnosesHow Atropos uses healthcare data from the Mayo Clinic Platform combined with AI to assist caregiversHow to use AI to automate the research that can otherwise takes weeks or monthsHow the lack of access to data-driven recommendations leads to dangerous patient outcomesWho is responsible when AI makes a bad decision that adversely impacts a patientHow to use NLP to remove PII to make it usable by AI (and certify data hygiene)The challenges of managing patient data at scale in a way that complies with HIPAA regulationsReferences in this episode... ChatGPT's phenomenal adoption rate... by the numbersCiro and Jacopo from Tooso (acquired by Coveo) on AI and the Future of WorkPaddy Padmanabhan on AI and the Future of WorkDipanwita Das, Sorcero CEO, on AI and the Future of WorkThe Mayo Clinic PlatformAtropos Health

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Shiv Rao is a cardiologist, teacher, former corporate VC, and the CEO of an exciting company that is changing how doctors help patients. Dr. Rao started Abridge in March 2018 to solve one of the biggest problems in healthcare. He has since raised $27M most recently in a $12.5M series A extension last August from leading investors including Bessemer, Union Square, Wittington Ventures, and legendary AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio. Today we explore what happens when AI automates the error-prone task of doctors taking notes during patient visits. It’s easy to imagine a world where quality of ilife improves because doctors are present, focused on patient outcomes, and able to develop more genuine, human relationships while AI automates everything else. Listen and learn…  How much of a doctor’s time is spent not focused on patient care How AI can replace “pajama time” for doctors… and reduce burnout Why doctors require a 27-hour work day to deliver the quality of care patients expect How to use generative AI to assist doctors to capture better notes Who is responsible when AI makes mistakes that lead to incorrect diagnoses for patients Why AI won’t replace doctors… but doctors using AI may replace doctors not using it How Abridge reduces the risk of generative AI hallucinations How a design thinking lecture changed Dr. Rao’s life References in this episode…  Paddy Padmabhan discusses the future of healthcare on AI and the Future of Work The Abridge homepage The open letter from Musk, Wozniak, and others to “slow down” the pace of AI development

Send us Fan Mail Guillermo Corea is the Managing Director of the SHRM Workplace Innovation Lab and Venture Capital initiatives. He joined SHRM in 2015. He and his team are focused on finding and cultivating technologies that will impact the future of work. Guillermo’s team organizes the SHRM Better Workplaces Challenge Cup and Workplace Tech Accelerator plus they lead the organization’s impact investing program. Guillermo is a vocal leader in the HRTech community.   This was a fun one because we got to record in person at SHRMTech 2023 in San Francisco. Only our fifth live recording in more than 190 episodes! Listen and learn... How HR teams should drive workplace innovation Which Shark Tank shark is judging the Better Workplaces Challenge CupHow SHRM Labs connects tech entrepreneurs with HR leaders Why the CHRO is the most strategic exec in the C-suite How the pandemic and an aging employee population are creating opportunities for HRTech The technology Guillermo says will change work most in the next decade How to confront the problem of biased algorithms making HR decisions Why the HR blockchain will replace background check vendors The HRTech company Guillermo is ready to fund! References in this episode... Reza Nazeman, former CIO of SAP Concur, on AI and the Future of WorkKamal Ahluwalia, Eightfold President, on AI and the Future of WorkJason Corsello, VA at Acadia Ventures, on AI and the Future of WorkSHRM Labs

Send us Fan Mail Daniel Marcous comes to fintech from an unconventional background. Before co-founding April he was the CTO for the Waze product at Google, the social traffic app originally called FreeMap Israel that was acquired by Google in 2013 for $1.3B. Daniel started his career as a data scientist in the Israeli Defense Force and actively gives back to the Israeli Data Science community through involvement with DataHack, DataLearn, and KaggleIL. Listen and learn... What Daniel learned at Google and Waze about scaling AIWhy an Israeli data scientist left Google to start a company automating tax filing for AmericansWhy doing taxes is like finding the best route on a mapWhy continuous tax planning is the future of personal financeHow to manage consumer data responsibly... and still use it to train AI modelsWhy the U.S. tax code is so complicatedWhy ChatGPT will never do your taxesWhen AI will replace CPAsDaniel's favorite cocktailReferences in this episode... Why you shouldn't trust search results from LLMsThe April blogDaniel's gallery of home-made cocktailsArvind Jain, Glean CEO, on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail Artem Koren, co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Sembly AI, started the company in January 2019 to bring the power of AI to online meetings.  Artem and his team developed an app that listens in on virtual meetings and does all the note-taking for you including recommending action items and suggesting the most important topics. These are hard AI problems to solve and Sembly’s success is an indication they’re off to a great start. Before Sembly, Artem was an executive and co-founder at companies including Neusana and Visual Trading Systems and he spent time as a manager in big company land at Ernst & Young. Listen and learn... Why Artem and his co-founder decided to fix the problem of broken meetings Why the evolution of online meetings… is like the evolution of airplanes Why we’ll soon send AI agents to attend meetings on our behalf When meetings are required… and how to make them more efficient How neural nets are solving traditional voice transcription problems related to accents and background noise How to solve the problem of automatically determining who said what in a conversation How Sembly uses generative AI to summarize meetings What are the risks of having AI decide what tasks to assign to meeting participants How to prevent sensitive information from being passed to large language models as training data References in this episode...  Safety and ethics are being compromised in the rush to get new generative AI products to marketKrish Ramineni from Fireflies on AI and the Future of WorkRich White from Fathom on AI and the Future of WorkSembly AI

Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is one of the most recognized investors and thought leaders in the conversational AI community. Bradley Metrock is the CEO of Project Voice, author of the popular Substack newsletter This Week in Voice with more than 30,000 subscribers, and a General Partner at Project Voice Capital Partners. Congrats to Bradley and the team on their recent announcement of their new rolling fund.  Bradley’s a proud citizen of the Volunteer State of Tennessee. Fair warning: you may be ready to move to Chattanooga after today’s conversation. Oh, and he’s also an ironman in the world of podcasting having just launched season eight of This Week in Voice, a podcast he launched in 2017. We’re on about episode 180 of this podcast going back to 2019 so I admire Bradley’s stamina. Listen and learn…  Where there’s opportunity for entrepreneurs to innovate in conversational AI How conversational AI is changing quick serve restaurants, contact centers, banking, and hospitality How Bradley evaluates new pitches at Project Voice Capital Partners How Bradley defines voice technology in his market map Is voice the new app… or perhaps the “original app” Why generative AI is so disruptive Should we be concerned about voice assistants like Siri and Alexa listening in on our conversations What jobs will AI create over the next decade Bradley sells the great state of Tennessee to entrepreneurs establishing roots outside a coastal state References in this episode...  Dr. Lance Eliot describes the risk of sharing your data with ChatGPTApplied Brain Research, a Project Voice Capital Partners investment Bradley’s voice technology market map The Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights Project Voice 2023 

Send us Fan Mail Ken Wenger is the author of the forthcoming book Is the Algorithm Plotting Against Us?: A Layperson’s Guide to the Concepts, Math, and Pitfalls of AI. I’ve been reading it and it is excellent. Ken is a deep thinker and a great writer. He’s also the senior director of research and innovation at CoreAVI and chief technology officer at Squint AI.  His work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and determinism, enabling neural networks to execute in safety critical systems. Kenneth has co-authored two articles in the scholarly journal Machine Learning with Applications and several white papers for different publications, including Embedded Computing Design. He also holds several patents under CoreAVI’s auspices. Listen and learn... How neural nets emulate the brain to make decisionsWhy we have to be careful when using the term "intelligence" to describe "AI" systemsWhen Ken trusts machines to make decisions... and when he doesn't Why LLMs like ChatGPT "hallucinate"How generative AI replicates human biasWhy Ken feels "if we haven't addressed ethical issues we're not ready to deploy AI solutions"What AI explainability is and why it's importantReferences in this episode... Ken's book: "Is the Algorithm Plotting Against Us: A Layperson's Guide to AI"Krishna Gade, Fiddler CEO, on AI and the Future of WorkCoreAVISquint AISurprising results from the Pew Research Center's survey about attitudes toward generative AI

Send us Fan Mail Bob Rogers, AI pioneer, entrpreneur, and author, started Oii in 2019 to automate supply chain design. The company uses advanced modeling and AI to optimize supply chain planning and automate the configuration of complex networks. Bob started his career as a Harvard physicist using neural networks to measure activity near black holes in deep space.  During his 35 year career Bob has been a trailblazer in using AI to solve complex problems. He’s also an Expert in Residence for AI at UCSF Smarter Health and was Chief Data Scientist in the Data Center Group at Intel as well as co-founder and Chief Scientist at Apixio, a Healthcare AI company.  Additionally, he co-authored the books Artificial Neural Networks: Forecasting Time Series and “De-mystifying Big Data and Machine Learning for Healthcare“. Bob received his BA in physics at UC Berkeley and his PhD in physics at Harvard.  Listen and learn... How neural nets work... from a pioneerWhat it was like to co-author a book with ChatGPTWhat surprised Bob most when he tested the boundaries of ChatGPTWhy ChatGPT spews credible nonsenseThe ethics of using generative AI to sell content derived from copyrighted materialsWhy ChatGPT became an instant global phenomenonHow OpenAI trained ChatGPT "to be nice"Is there another "AI winter" ahead?References in this episode: The book Bob co-authored with ChatGPTCan AI be an author of a publication in a scientific journal?Bob's previous book: Demystifying AI for the enterpriseStanford's Dr. Fei-Fei Li in conversation with OpenAI CTO Mira MuratiFuturists Peter Scott and David Wood on AI and the Future of WorkBob's company: Oii.ai

Send us Fan Mail Cisco got its start in 1984 connecting computers at Stanford University to form the first local area network. Other than maybe Microsoft or Apple, it’s easy to argue Cisco has had more influence on the growth of the internet, and by extension, the modern world, than any other company. 15 years after Cisco started today’s guest was hired to begin what would become a legendary career.  Nearly 25 years later JP Vasseur has changed the world again and again. In the process, he has been recognized as the #1 inventor at Cisco with 600 patents to his name. He has authored or co-authored 35 standards, published three books on internet technologies, and has been recognized as a Cisco Fellow, a prestigious title awarded to the top few most-distinguished technical leaders at the company. Today we learn from a living legend about the past, present, and future of technology. Listen and learn... How AI at Cisco has evolved in the past 12 yearsDisruptive vs. incremental innovationHow predictive networks learnThe design principle JP used when designing the first predictive networkThe challenges of predicting outages using unsupervised vs. supervised machine learningJP's process for innovating like a startup within CiscoInnovation in networking we can expect in the next decadeJP's best memory from the early days of CiscoReferences in this episode: JP's blogKevin Roose from the New York Times had a disturbing conversation with Microsoft's BingChambers Talks, the great podcast from former Cisco CEO John ChambersYann LeCun on how babies learnPhil McKinney, former HP CTO, on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail Navindra Yadav is the co-founder and CEO of Theom, the cloud data security leader. He and the team recently raised a $16M series A from an impressive group of investors including Microsoft’s M12 venture fund and Ridge Ventures. Prior to Theom, Navindra was the founder and CEO at Tetration and prior to that he was a distinguished engineer at Cisco. Navindra’s work has received more than 182 patents. For full disclosure, Dan is an investor in Theom. Thanks to Patty Hatter, great former guest, for introducing us to Navindra. Listen and learn...  What CISOs least understand about the security of enterprise data Why CASBs (Cloud Access Security Brokers) are inherently vulnerable The hardest technical problem Theom has solved How to assign a “criticality score” to data How to use NLP (natural language processing) to detect PII (personally identifiable information) How to protect from unauthorized data access through social engineering Why data stores like Snowflake, Databricks, and Confluent don’t already monitor data inappropriately leaving their platforms? When consumers will be able to trust that data they provide SaaS vendors is secure. The security startup Navindra and Dan are ready to fund! References in this episode…  Navindra’s company: Theom.ai Patty Hatter on AI and the Future of Work Congressman Ted Lieu on the creation of an “FDA” equivalent to regulate AI

Send us Fan Mail We often discuss the future of work for enterprise employees. What technology will they use, how will people and machines interact, and how teams will be organized when geography and language are no longer barriers. Few have spent more time in and around enterprise service management than today’s guest and few are better qualified to share insights about what’s ahead. Andi Mann has been a technology leader in technology companies around the world since the 90s. He founded Sageable, the digital transformation advisory services practice, in 2015 and has also recently served in roles that include CTO for DevOps at Splunk and VP Products and Strategy at CA which is now part of Broadcom. Andi and I both did time at BMC Software in the early 2000s. Andi is the author of multiple books including The Innovative CIO, he’s a sought after speaker, and tech provocateur who is never shy about what’s wrong with IT and where the world of digital is headed. Thanks to friend of the podcast Steve Kaplan for the intro to Andi. Listen and learn…  Why Andi summarizes his career this way: "I make computers do more work to allow people to do more creative things" The best use of enterprise AI Andi has seen How Andi helped an industrial transportation company save a billion dollars Why “less complex systems can’t understand more complex systems” Why the best use of AI is targeting “known knowns” by augmenting vs. replacing human intelligence How to overcome the lack of trust in AI Why AI won’t eliminate any jobs… and why it will create many new ones Skills to invest in today that will never be replaced by automation References in this episode...  Dr. Lance Eliot writes about ChatGPT dispensing therapy advice Colin Fletcher, father of the term “AIOps”, on AI and the Future of Work Andi’s book “The Innovative CIO" Andi’s company Sageable 

Send us Fan Mail Meredith Broussard is one of the most visible, vocal leaders in the emerging field of algorithmic accountability. Professor Broussard is a data scientist and Associate Professor at NYU whose research focuses on AI in investigative reporting and using data analysis for social good. Meredith is the author of Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World and the forthcoming More Than a Glitch: Confronting Race, Gender, and Ability Bias in Tech.  Among other things, Professor Broussard was featured in the seminal documentary Coded Bias. Today's discussion is about one of the most important topics in our field and in this episode we explore it with someone whose name is on a shortlist of AI ethics pioneers. You’ve heard me say repeatedly coursework in AI ethics should be required for every student graduating with a technical degree. Here's why! Listen and learn... How AI reveals bias encoded in societyWhy it's important to always ask "what could go wrong" What is the new field of "algorithmic accountability reporting"What the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights may mean for bad acting companiesWhat's the right role for the federal government in AI regulationHow to assign an "accountability score" to algorithmsThe ethical issues related to AI we'll be discussing in a decadeReferences in this episode... More Than a Glitch, Professor Broussard's new book... and her "love letter" to an amazing group of women who are pioneers in the emerging field of algorithmic accountabilityProfessor Broussard's personal websiteThe racist soap dispenserJoy Buolamwini's Algorithmic Justice LeagueRumman Choudary, formerly head of the META team at TwitterCathy O'Neil's ORCAAThe ethical judgments built into generative AI modelsGoogle's "stochastic parrots" debacleThe Agnes Irwin School outside Philadelphia

Send us Fan Mail Arvind Jain, Glean CEO and Rubrik co-founder, started Glean in March 2019 to make it easier to find answers strewn across myriad SaaS apps. Prior to Glean, Arvind had an incredible run at data security company Rubrik which he co-founded in 2014. Prior to Rubrik Arvind was a distinguished engineer at Google. Glean became a unicorn last year having raised $100M in May from a list of iconic investors including Lightspeed, General Catalyst, Kleiner Perkins, and Sequoia. Enterprise search is one of the best examples of a field that was in desperate need of disruption. In this episode, we meet one of the disruptors. Listen and learn... Where there's a gap in traditional search technology including GoogleHow to retrieve the best answers across hundreds of SaaS appsHow to understand what users need even when they don't know the right way to ask for itHow to use LLMs like ChatGPT to improve search accuracyHow products like Alexa and Siri are teaching us to ask questions using natural language rather than searching with keywordsHow to personalize enterprise search without improperly using user dataWhat is the future of knowledge managementReferences in this episode... The ethics of ChatGPTSeth Earley from Earley Information Science on AI and the Future of WorkThe Glean blog

Send us Fan Mail Parul Saini has been a technology leader at tech-first companies like Zuora, Splunk, and Uber for more than a decade in roles with increasing responsibility. She has had a birdseye view of AI tech trends and the future of work. In her current role at Uber, her service portfolio includes contact center, employee productivity, and identity management applications. Today, we learn from an expert how to manage enterprise apps that support thousands of employees for a rapidly growing global company. Listen and learn... Why "empathy" is the baseline for ITHow to hire and retain IT talentHow to navigate the dual challenges of being a technology leader and people manager simultaneouslyHow to use AI to increase the velocity of hiring decisionsWhy great CIOs... are also great at sales and marketingWhat Parul has learned from Shantanu Narayen, Adobe CEO, and Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber CEOOne thing only Uber insiders knowParul's advice for aspiring female IT leadersReferences in this episode... Mark Settle, seven-time CIO, on AI and the Future of WorkHow autonomous vehicles are changing global traffic patterns

Send us Fan Mail Binny Gill started his career as a programmer after studying CS and Engineering at IIT Kanpur and later UIUC, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He then had an impressive eight-year run as a technology leader at Nutanix, the hyper converged infrastructure company, eventually becoming its CTO for cloud services. In January 2021, Binny left Nutanix to start Kognitos based on a bold vision to make everyone a programmer. In this discussion, we learn about his journey and how generative AI just may change everything. Thanks to Steve Kaplan for the intro to Binny. Listen and learn: Binny's inspiration for starting Kognitos: "...why should humans need to think like machines... when machines can now think like humans?"What makes programming so hard.Why the future of programming is using natural language to describe the features you want.How computing interfaces restrict us from communicating like humans when programming.Why Binny says "generative AI is the new electricity."The most important leadership lesson Binny learned working alongside iconic leaders at IBM.References in this episode: How Petals just became the BitTorrent of LLMsPhil McKinney, former HP CTO, on AI and the Future of WorkThe Kognitos blog

Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of amazing female leaders we've interviewed on this podcast. Daphne and I met in November while co-presenting at the HMG Strategy event in New York City. Daphne’s energy is infectious. Her passion for inspiring leaders was obvious on stage and even more obvious when we met afterward. Daphne’s new book Win When They Say You Won’t: Break Through Barriers and Keep Leveling Up Your Success became an instant best seller. Listen to this one and you’ll understand why. Before becoming an author, Daphne started The Board Curators to help others prepare for serving as paid company directors. She serves on numerous boards including AMN Healthcare and Masonite International. Earlier in her career, Daphne was a serial CIO serving in IT leadership roles at companies including IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and GE Healthcare. Listen and learn... Daphne's remarkable path from poor kid in rural Illinois to global CIOHow to overcome racial bias as a black femaleThe subtle ways bias infiltrates organizationsWhere imposter syndrome originates... and how to conquer itHow to "version your life" to adopt a growth mindsetHow to use Daphne's EDIT process to achieve your goalsWhy DEI "won't be a thing any more" in a decadeReferences in today's episode... Daphne's book: Win When They Say You Won'tCharlene Li on AI and the Future of WorkGiselle Mota on AI and the Future of WorkKai Nunez on AI and the Future of WorkDaphne's websiteFun facts about AI adoption in 2023

Send us Fan Mail This is one of my favorite episodes of the year. It’s our third annual long, strange trip into the mind of a Silicon Valley legend. Dave Kellogg is one of the best marketers, CEOs, tech provocateurs, and board whisperers around. He was an executive at iconic companies like SAP, MarkLogic, and Salesforce turned investor and board director who is now an executive in residence at Balderton Capital.  In this episode, we discuss, well, just about everything that matters for the tech economy… startup growth metrics, generative AI, how to get funded in 2023, and of course our favorite jam band. Listen and learn:  What Dave got right… and not so right… in his 2022 predictions How startups can survive downturns How to fix the problems at Salesforce, Amazon, and Facebook What single theme will characterize 2023 in Silicon Valley What will happen to startups that raised massive rounds in 2021 Why virtual companies won’t outperform companies built around hubs in tech centers What’s ahead for consumption-based pricing and PLG Why generative AI poses an existential threat to Google References in this episode:  Dave’s (excellent) blog Peter Fishman, Mozart Data CEO, on AI and the Future of Work Derek Steer, Mode  co-founder, on AI and the Future of WorkHow ChatGPT can detect Alzheimer's disease

Send us Fan Mail Carter Busse has been leading IT organizations for more than two decades. He has been an IT leader at successful, high-growth organizations ranging from Salesforce to MobileIron to 8x8 to Cohesity Among his many accolades, he was recently named a 2022 ORBIE Bay Area CIO of the year and was also the first IT leader hired at Salesforce back in 2000.  Carter understands the challenges of managing tech infrastructure for high-growth tech companies where there’s zero margin for error because everyone thinks they know tech better than you. CIOs are like plumbing: nobody appreciates them when everything’s working but they’re the first to get blamed when there’s a blockage. He's now the CIO of rising star Workato, the integration automation platform that has raised more than $400M, was most recently valued at nearly $6B, and has about 1,000 employees in 13 offices around the world.  Listen and learn... What a CIO does.Why CIOs have the shortest tenure in the C-suite.The role of AI to improve employee experiences.How to recreate the Apple Genius Bar at work... for at-home employees.How generative AI will be used in the enterprise.Key questions to ask when evaluating new uses of AI.How CIOs deliver strategic value and avoid being "technology traffic cops".References in this episode: What happens when ChatGPT is wrong?Mark Settle, seven-time CIO, on AI and the Future of WorkWorkato

Send us Fan Mail Darren Murph has been Head of Remote at GitLab for 3.5 years and has been a part of its rise to prominence. His leadership helped shape GitLab’s remote-first culture. GitLab went public in 2021 and has about a $7B market cap. It’s one of the leading DevOps platforms and has grown its team to more than 2k employees.  Before GitLab Darren has been an entrepreneur, journalist, and author. Oh, and by the way, he holds one of the most awesome records in the Guinness Book of World Records. Listen and learn: How to make work an organizational principle instead of a perk or policyWhat a Head of Remote does... and why every company will soon hire oneWhy there's no such thing as "hybrid" workThe number one mistake organizations make when transitioning to remote workHow remote-first teams make the most of in person teamHow GitLab uses the personal "readme" to help remote employees get to know each otherHow to Zoom happy hours with "community service hours"How Darren earned his place in the Guinness Book of World RecordsReferences in this episode... Matt K. Parker on AI and the Future of WorkDarren Murph on TwitterChase Warrington, Head of Remote at DoistHow voice assistants are helping the elderly age in placeElliQ, the voice assistant from Intuition Robotics

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode first appeared on Peter Scott's (excellent!) AI and You podcast. Peter Scott and David Wood are two of the most recognized AI futurists. Both are respected authors, speakers, and visionaries. Peter is a popular TEDx speaker and long-time NASA engineer. David was recently named one of the "top 100 most influential people in technology". Today's discussion is a must-listen in which we discuss the future of technology, the future of work, and the future of humanity. In this one, Peter hosted and the three of us had a round table discussion about everything from generative AI to sentience. Let us know what you think after listening. Our DMs are open on Twitter and LinkedIn. Listen and learn... Where AI won and lost in 2022Our predictions for AI in 2023What will the impact of ChatGPT be on the future of technologyWhat tasks are best-suited for generative AIHow we'll regulate generative AI when it spews nonsenseWhat is artificial general intelligence (AGI) and when we'll achieve itWhat is sentience and are today's bots sentient?How and where the US AI Bill of Rights falls short vs. AI regulation in the EUWhat we should be doing to systematize the practice of responsible AIReferences in the episode: Peter Scott on AI and the Future of WorkEric Olson from Consensus on AI and the Future of WorkMichael Osterrieder from vAIsual on AI and the Future of WorkJim Lawton from Zebra on AI and the Future of WorkGary Bolles on AI and the Future of WorkMeta's Galactica bot failure

Send us Fan Mail We’ve met some brilliant product minds on this show over the years. If you’re a long-time listener you hopefully enjoyed discussions with legends like Phil McKinney, former CTO of HP, and Philippe Cases, founder and CEO of Topio Networks, among others. Today’s guest belongs on that list. Rich and I first met when he was starting UserVoice around 2010 and I was at ServiceNow. I love his approach to innovation. He pioneered the idea that listening to customers can be as easy as adding a feedback tab to every web page back when all that existed were clunky survey tools. Today, thousands of sites use the widget he invented.  He’s now out to make meetings more productive by helping attendees focus on conversations while an app transcribes them and offers simple buttons to annotate what’s happening. It’s obvious once you’ve used Fathom that this is the future of meetings. Rich White is not only a serial innovator but also a repeat entrepreneur who has raised from a group of exceptional investors over the years and was part of the YC Winter 2021 batch. Enjoy! Listen and learn... As a product expert and innovator, how to know when you've found "an itch worth scratching"What is "product-market fit" and how to know when you've achieved itWhat is a viral coefficient and how do you calculate itHow the "jobs to be done" framework led Rich to develop the key feature of FathomThe hardest problem Fathom has solved... has nothing to do with voice transcriptionHow Fathom trains developers to practice responsible AIReferences in this episode: Project Linchpin from the US Army is centralizing more than 685 AI projectsPhil McKinney on AI and the Future of WorkPhilippe Cases on AI and the Future of WorkFathom

Send us Fan Mail Special episode this week! We recorded two live discussions from Turing's BOUNDARYLESS "Future of Work" event in San Francisco. In the first, Rani Mavram, Complete.so CEO, discusses using data to transform compensation policies from being a liability to an asset for high-growth companies. In the second, Ankit Jain, Aviator CEO, discusses using automation to improve developer productivity for remote-first engineering teams. Listen and learn... From Rani Mavram: Why compensation policies have an outsize impact on employee engagementWhat's required to make compensation plans transparentThe difference between compensation plans and "total reward" packagesWhere innovation is happening in the field of employee compensationFrom Ankit Jain: How to make remote-first engineering teams successfulUsing automation to improve developer productivityHow startups can replicate the developer experience at Google and FacebookThe future of generative AI and GitHub Copilot in assisting human developersReferences in today's show: Turing's BOUNDARYLESS eventComplete.so for compensation transparencyAviator to improve developer productivity

Send us Fan Mail Merve Hickok is one of the most recognized thought leaders in the emerging field of AI ethics. Merve is the founder of AIethicist.org and Lighthouse Career Consulting. Her work is at the intersection of AI and data ethics along with social justice and DEI policy and regulation. Merve was recently listed among the top 100 most brilliant women in AI ethics and in the past she lectured at the University of Michigan’s School of Information on Data Science ethics. Merve’s at the forefront of this emerging field that will define how we live and work for the next several decades. This is an important conversation. Enjoy! Listen and learn…  What led to Merve founding AIEthicist.orgHow the AI ethics conversation has evolved over the past year What the White House got right (and wrong) in the blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights What responsible AI means to Merve Why regulation doesn’t necessarily constrain innovation How AI policy and regulation are different around the world References in this episode...  Why Meta’s newest LLM survived only three days onlineJonathan Frankle on AI and the Future of WorkRene Morkos from ALICE Technologies on AI and the Future of WorkPanos Siozos from LearnWorlds on AI and the Future of WorkPaddy Padmanabhan from Damo Consulting on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail Emmanuel Turlay spent more than a decade in engineering roles at tech-first companies like Instacart and Cruise before realizing machine learning engineers need a better solution. Emmanuel started Sematic earlier this year and was part of the YC summer 2022 batch. He recently raised a $3M seed round from investors including Race Capital and Soma Capital. Thanks to friend of the podcast and former guest Hina Dixit from Samsung NEXT for the intro to Emmanuel. I’ve been involved with the AutoML space for five years and, for full disclosure, I’m on the board of Auger which is in a related space. I’ve seen the space evolve and know how much room there is for innovation. This one's a great education about what’s broken and what’s ahead from a true machine learning pioneer. Listen and learn... How to turn every software engineer into a machine learning engineerHow AutoML platforms are automating tasks performed in traditional ML toolsHow Emmanuel translated learning from Cruise, the self-driving car company, into an open source platform available to all data engineering teamsHow to move from building an ML model locally to deploying it to the cloud and creating a data pipeline... in hoursWhat you should know about self-driving cars... from one of the experts who developed the brains that power themWhy 80% of AI and ML projects failReferences in this episode: Unscrupulous users manipulate LLMs to spew hateHina Dixit from Samsung NEXT on AI and the Future of WorkApache BeamEliot Shmukler, Anomalo CEO, on AI and the Future of Work

Send us Fan Mail Kevin Mulcahy, co-author of the Future Workplace Experience, has been thinking and writing about the future of work since 2016. Six years ago the future of work was dramatically different. Reading Kevin’s book makes him seem like a clairvoyant who predicted the future.  In addition to being a successful author Kevin is a sought after speaker on all topics related to the future of work and workplace trends. In the past, he also lectured on entrepreneurship at Babson College. Listen and learn: What HR teams need to know about delivering great employee experiencesHow Airbnb created a culture of measuring and improving the employee experienceWhat are progressive employers doing to make the transition back to office work easierThe three "soft leadership" questions every manager should get great at askingHow to measure the quality of employee experiencesHow AI can be used to detect changes in tone in employee engagementWhere to start when using AI to improve the employee experienceHow the metaverse will improve remote workReferences in this episode: Twitter boss Elon Musk fires the entire ethics team as one of his first acts of "leadership"Charlene Li on AI and the Future of WorkGary Bolles on AI and the Future of WorkMark van Rijmenam on AI and the Future of WorkBurn In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution by P.W.  Singer and August Cole

Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is the co-founder and CEO of vAIsual, the company pioneering the use of generative AI to create synthetic stock media. All of those photos you see online and in print publications of people promoting products usually are human models posing in generic ways. Their pictures are sold by companies like Getty Images in marketplaces that are inefficient and limited in scope. Michael Osterrieder and his partner Nico are legends in the world of stock media who realized there’s a better way. They created what they call an algorithmic camera and launched vAIsual last year to scratch their own catch. Michael is a serial entrepreneur and photographer based in Budapest and he’s out to test the limits of generative AI. Listen and learn: How growing up listening to heavy metal inspired Michael's career in visual mediaWhat are the challenges of using generative AI to create synthetic stock images of peopleHow visual media content creation has evolvedThe ethics of generative AIWhat Michael describes as "the biggest art heist in history"How vAIsual extends human photos using machine vision and human labelingCan an AI be the owner of copyrighted material it produces?What is the definition of consciousness?References in this episode... AI has a burnout problemEric Olson from Consensus on AI and the Future of WorkJonathan Frankle on AI and the Future of WorkMichael's whitepaper about vAIsual

Send us Fan Mail Otto Soderlund co-founded Speechly in 2016 with Hannes Heikinheimo in their hometown of Helsinki. He believes voice should be a first-class citizen for all apps and making it easy for developers to add voice support from any platform will unlock new innovation. Speechly is a member of the YC Winter 22 batch. Otto and I recently co-presented at the VOICE22 event in Washington DC although I presented remote so this is the first time we’re actually meeting. I heard good things about his talk so I was eager for this discussion. It didn't disappoint. Listen and learn... Why voice is the new app and what it means to develop "voice-first" appsHow RAIN Agency uses Speechly to help auto technicians use voice assistants to fix cars How to accurately detect and transcribe speech when dealing with common challenges like background noise and accentsWhen speech detection achieved "superhuman" levels of accuracyHow Speechly combines speech recognition with natural language understanding (NLU) on the local deviceHow Otto thinks about exercising responsible AIWhy "voice technology won't exist as a separate field in a decade"References in this episode... Responsible AI has a burnout problemAlex Capecelatro from Josh.ai on AI and the Future of WorkKrish Ramineni from Fireflies on AI and the Future of WorkThe Speechly demo site

Send us Fan Mail Jonathan Frankle, incoming Harvard Professor and Chief Scientist at MosaicML, is focused on reducing the cost of training neural nets. He received his PhD at MIT and his BSE and MSE from Princeton. Jonathan has also been instrumental in shaping technology policy related to AI. He worked on a landmark facial recognition report while working as a Staff Technologist at the Center on Privacy and Technology at Georgetown Law. Thanks to great guest Hina Dixit from Samsung NEXT for the introduction to Jonathan! Listen and learn... Why we can't understand deep neural nets like we can understand biology or physics.Jonathan's "lottery hypothesis" that neural nets are 50-90% bigger than they need to be...but it's hard to find which parts aren't necessary.How researchers are finding ways to reduce the cost and complexity of training neural nets.Why we shouldn't expect another AI winter because "it's now a fundamental substrate of research".Which AI problems are a good fit for deep learning... and which ones aren't.What's the role for regulation in enforcing responsible use of AI.How Jonathan and his CTO Hanlin Tang at MosaicML create a culture that fosters responsible use of AI.Why Jonathan says "...We're building a ladder to the moon if we think today's neural nets will lead to AGI."References in this episode... The AI Bill of RightsMosaicMLJonathan's personal site

Send us Fan Mail Eric Olson, CEO and co-founder of Consensus, is a collegiate athlete turned data scientist turned entrepreneur who needed faster access to reliable data while working at DraftKings. Consensus is a search engine that uses a large language model to find answers in peer-reviewed research articles. Eric's living proof that the best entrepreneurs start by solving a problem they've encountered. Hear how Eric's scratching his own itch. Listen and learn... Why Google isn't the answer for scientists seeking evidence-based answers onlineWhy a business model that relies on ads can't solve the "unbiased answer" problem for researchersHow Consensus addresses the problem of conflicting information online from credible resourcesHow to use labels to improve search retrieval accuracy... without introducing bias into resultsHow to use extractive large language models (LLMs), to extract relevant portions of documents and match them to NLP questions Why generative AI like GPT-3 can't answer "what's the consensus opinion out there" when multiple potential answers existWho is responsible if Consensus delivers answers that lead to harmful outcomesWhat Eric learned as a division I NCAA athlete (Go Wildcats!) that has helped him as a high-tech entrepreneur References in this episode: Elon Musk launches the Optimus bi-pedal robot at AI dayDan Grunfeld, Stanford athlete and Lightspeed partner, on AI and the Future of WorkConsensus

Send us Fan Mail Mona Akmal, CEO of sales intelligence platform Falkon, is the outspoken co-founder behind an emerging leader in a hot space. Mona migrated to the United States at age 20 with a CS degree and little else. She had an impressive 12-year run as a product leader at Microsoft where she helped scale OneDrive and Office. She subsequently led product and technology organizations at places like Code.org and Amperity. Two decades later, Mona’s the CEO of Falkon AI, an intelligence platform for go to market teams. Falkon recently raised $16M from a group of A-list investors that includes Greylock and Madera among others. Listen and learn... Why Mona's philosophy revolves around two words: "efficiency" and "excellence"What makes a standout sales rep great.How do find signal in noisy sales and marketing dataHow many touches are required from stage one to closing a B2B dealHow to fix the CRM data hygiene problemWhy econometrics approaches perform better than machine learning to solve the "small data problem"Why "everyone needs to be coached and nobody needs to be managed"Mona's (legendary) mental health advice to entrepreneursReferences in this episode... Barr Moses from Monte Carlo on AI and the Future of WorkDerek Steer from Mode on AI and the Future of WorkPeter Fishman from Mozart Data on AI and the Future of WorkStephen Messer from  Collective[i] on AI and the Future of Work Kamal Ahluwalia on AI and the Future of WorkLeading scientists fear AI could lead to nuclear war by the end of the century

Send us Fan Mail Hina Dixit, venture capitalist leading AI investing at Samsung NEXT, grew up in a small town in India from humble beginnings. She couldn’t afford a Starbucks coffee and graduated with significant student debt… which fueled her passion for mentoring and coaching as she became financially independent.  Prior to Samsung NEXT, Hina was an Apple engineering leader who helped launch two-factor authentication and other core iOS technologies. Hina’s a reluctant venture investor having always been a builder. A mentor from Homebrew encouraged her to pursue investing and she’s now passionate about finding and funding the next generation of AI and web3 entrepreneurs. Listen and learn…  How Hina overcame institutional biases to achieve success in engineering leadership roles and venture investing How being trusted with money at a young age by her father helped Hina become independent and confident in her career The challenges Hina faced transitioning from a builder at Apple to an investor at Samsung NEXT What Hina looks for when investing in AI and web3 startups Where there are opportunities for innovation in web3 and metaverse infrastructure What will prevent Big Tech from centralizing the decentralized web How Hina thinks about responsible AI when evaluating new investments How and when entrepreneurs should engage corporate venture capital (CVC) firms The AR/VR technology Hina wants to invest in… her inbox is open :) References in this episode:  Paul Lee, Synesis One CEO, discusses AI, web3 and crypto for gaming on AI and the Future of Work Krishna Gade, Fiddler CEO, discusses AI explainability on AI and the Future of Work Barr Moses, Monte Carlo CEO, discusses data pipeline monitoring on AI and the Future of Work Bindu Reddy, Abacus AI CEO, discusses training and managing data models on AI and the Future of Work How Jack Clark is incorporating AI ethics into new AGI research

Send us Fan Mail Rana Gujral, CEO of Behavioral Signals since 2018, joined the company after a distinguished tech career growing companies like Logitech, TiZE, and Cricut. Behavioral Signals uses emotion and behavioral science to help contact center agents deliver better service. Rana and the team are on a mission to improve customer interactions by using signals other than the spoken word to understand exactly what they need based on indicators like voice tone and pitch. Listen and learn... How to train AI models on past service interactions and outcomes to determine which agents should speak to which customersHow to use deep learning and NLP to process non-speech behavior signals like intonation, pitch, and tonal varianceHow behavior signals can be used to predict stress, duress, and propensity to buy or payHow to achieve high levels of prediction accuracy without processing "the spoken word"Why tone and pitch are better indicators of sentiment than actual words across any language How to compete with Google/Microsoft/Amazon for data when building an AI-first conversational intelligence productThe biggest opportunity Rana sees to use AI to help humans live better livesReferences in this episode: Mahesh Ram from Solvvy (now Zoom) on AI and the Future of WorkGadi Shamia from Replicant on AI and the Future of WorkHow personalization algorithms work in your social feedsBehavioral Signals

Send us Fan Mail Ahmed Elsamadisi built the data infrastructure at WeWork before realizing every company could benefit from his team’s innovation. Traditional star schemas aren’t the best way to manage data. Ahmed instead pioneered a new approach using a single-table column model better suited for real questions people ask. He launched Narrator in 2017 to make it easier to turn data questions into answers and has since raised $6.2M from Initialized Capital, Flybridge Capital Partners, and Y Combinator. Ahmed received his BS in Robotics from Cornell. Hear from a pioneer (and tech provocateur) how new data wrangling techniques are making it easier for mere mortals to get more value out of their data. Listen and learn… How a roboticist who got his start building self-driving cars and designing missile defense systems ended up redefining how data is storedWhy traditional approaches that require SQL to access data are brokenHow a single-column schema eliminates the complexity of joining systems and tablesWhy it’s easier to tell better stories with data using temporal relationships extracted from customer journeysWhy Snowflake, Redshift, and BigQuery are really all the same… and data modeling is the place to innovate What it means to replace traditional tables with activities… and why they’ll eliminate the need for specialized data analysts How to reduce data storage costs by 90% and time to generate data insights from weeks to minutes Why data management vendors are responsible for bad decisions made using your data What is data cleaning and how you should do it What is a racist algorithm Why querying data with natural language will never work Is the WeCrashed version of Adam Neumann’s neuroticism accurate? Hear from someone who lived it... References in this episode: Google’s LaMDA isn’t sentientChandra Khatri from Got It AI on AI and the Future of Work Derek Steer from Mode on AI and the Future of Work Barr Moses from Monte Carlo on AI and the Future of Work Peter Fishman from Mozart Data on AI and the Future of Work Ahmed on Twitter