
AI and the Future of Work: Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace, Business, Ethics, HR, and IT for AI Enthusiasts, Leaders
336 episodes — Page 3 of 7
296: Armen Berjikly, CTO @ BetterUp, On Using AI to Unlock Human Potential
Send us Fan MailArmen 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.ResourceSubscribe to the AI and the Future of Work newsletterConnect with ArmenAI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about extending life with AI
295: Thomas Otter, Venture Capitalist, On How One Good Decision Made Him The Accidental HR Tech Pioneer
Send us Fan MailThomas 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.ResourceConnect with Thomas Otter AI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about using AI to get ahead in your career
294: Bernard Marr, Author & Futurist, On How to Use Generative AI to Get Ahead In Your Career
Send us Fan MailBernard 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.ResourceConnect with BernardAI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about the future of audio engineering
293: Chris Dyer, Future of Work Expert, On 6 Surprising Ways AI Can Accelerate Your Career
Send us Fan MailChris 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.ResourceConnect with ChrisAI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about the future of audio engineering
292: Peter Voss, AGI Co-inventor and CEO at Aigo.ai, On Making AI Smarter Without Harming Humans
Send us Fan MailPeter 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.ResourceConnect with Peter AI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about the future of corporate VC
291: Emil Winebrand, CEO of insoundz and Audio Engineering Expert, on How AI is Improving Audio Quality
Send us Fan MailEmil 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 EmilAI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about leveraging AI to create more time in your dayPowered by insoundz Revive
290: Adityo Prakash, Founder & CEO of Verseon, On Extending Life With AI
Send us Fan MailAdityo 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.ResourcesConnect with Adityo AI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about which AI businesses are getting investor dollars
S5 Ep 289Tamara Steffens, MD at Thomas Reuters Ventures, Explains How Corporate VC Works
Send us Fan MailTamara 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.ResourceConnect with Tamara AI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about breaking into venture capital
Roy Atkinson, CEO of Clifton Butterfield, Shares Insider Tips on Mastering The Customer Experience as an IT Leader
Send us Fan MailRoy 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.ResourceConnect with Roy AI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about preventing AI from ruining us
Kendall Clark, CEO of Stardog, On Mastering Data Science... If You're Not Technical
Send us Fan MailKendall 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 learnKendall 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 moreResourceConnect with KendallAI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about limiting AI’s adverse effects
Allison Baum Gates, Venture Capitalist, On The Secrets To A Successful VC Career
Send us Fan MailAllison 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 howAllison 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.ResourcesConnect with AllisonAI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about limiting AI’s adverse effects
Jonathan Siddharth, CEO of Turing, On Unleashing Human Potential with AI
ESend us Fan MailJonathan 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...ResourceConnect with Jonathan hereAGI Icons speaker eventAI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about limiting AI’s adverse effects
Florin Rotar, Chief AI Officer at Avanade, on how to limit AI’s adverse effects
Send us Fan MailFlorin 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 discussHow 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 moreResourcesFlorin’s LinkedInFun fact article Bruce Feiler discusses the future of relationships on AI and the Future of Work
Naomi and Derek, Investors at Menlo Ventures, On Generative AI Businesses That Are Getting Investor Dollars
Send us Fan MailNaomi 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 discussHow 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.ResourcesThe Menlo Ventures Enterprise AI reportMenlo Ventures websiteFun fact article
Steve Truitt, Award-Winning Author & Futurist, On Saving Humanity & Preventing AI From Ruining Us
Send us Fan MailSteve 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 moreResourcesGet Steve’s book, Mindset ChroniclesAdditional episode you’ll enjoy AI fun fact
Chris Herringshaw, CTO at Janus Henderson Investors, Reveals What Everyone's Missing about the Future of Finance
Send us Fan MailChris 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.ResourcePrevious episode about an AI app platform that’s growing faster than OpenAI Learn more about Janus Henderson AI fun fact article
Dmitry Shapiro, CEO of MindStudio, on how he built the AI app platform that's growing faster than OpenAI
Send us Fan MailDmitry 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
Suresh Vittal, CPO at Alteryx, On His Journey to Revolutionizing Data Analytics
Send us Fan MailAs 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 pageRelated episode you might enjoy about responsible AI useAI fun fact article in the Atlantic
Ben Kus, CTO of Box, On Responsible AI Use, Innovation Culture, and Future AI Trends
Send us Fan MailBen 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 resourcesBen’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?
Neil Mandt, Emmy-Winning Entrepreneur, Unveils the Future of Hollywood & Media
Send us Fan MailNeil 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 coverIn 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 resourcesNeil’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
Babak Hodjat, CTO of AI at Cognizant, on creating Siri and the evolution of AI
Send us Fan MailBabak 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 resourcesBabak'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
Richie Cotton, Data Scientist & Co-host of the DataFramed podcast, discusses the future of data science & AI ethics
Send us Fan MailRichie 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 resourcesListen 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
Matt Martin, Co-Founder & CEO of Clockwise, on leveraging AI to create more time in your day
ESend us Fan MailMatt 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
Prasad Kawthekar, Co-Founder & CEO of Dashworks, on enterprise AI search tools
Send us Fan MailPrasad 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
Atif Rafiq, CEO & Bestselling Author, on the decision sprint process
Send us Fan MailAtif 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 learnWhat’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
Dr. Eric Siegel, Founder of Machine Learning Week, on 6 steps to usher in successful ML projects
Send us Fan MailDr. 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 learnHow 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 AIResourcesPurchase "The AI Playbook" — http://www.bizML.com Scott Zoldi episode —https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/520474.rss
Juliette Powell & Art Kleiner, Entrepreneurs & Professors, Discuss The 7 Principles of Responsible Technology
Send us Fan MailJuliette 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 learnHow 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
Dave Kellogg, SaaS whisperer and EIR at Balderton Capital, predicts the future of AI, Silicon Valley, and venture capital
Send us Fan MailDave 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 learnHow 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
Navrina Singh, Founder & CEO of Credo AI, discusses AI governance & ethics
Send us Fan MailNavrina 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 learnIf 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
Adam Wenchel, Arthur founder and CEO, discusses evaluating AI model performance
Send us Fan MailAdam 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 learnHow 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/
S4 Ep 65Sean Behr, serial entrepreneur and Fountain CEO, discusses the ethical implications of using AI in hiring
ESend us Fan MailSean 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
S5 Ep 2Subha Tatavarti, Wipro CTO, shares what a tech titan with 250k employees has learned about gen AI demand from 1,400+ enterprise customers
Send us Fan MailWipro 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
S5 Ep 1Wade Foster, Zapier co-founder and CEO, discusses the journey from intern to $5B unicorn
Send us Fan MailWe'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
S4 Ep 64Bruce Feiler, best-selling author, TED celebrity, TV personality, and New York Times columnist, discusses navigating life transitions
Send us Fan MailBRUCE 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
S3 Ep 63Josh Drean, co-founder of The Work3 Institute, author, and future of work authority, discusses human-centric employment in the era of AI
Send us Fan MailWe'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
S3 Ep 62Tom Wheeler, former FCC Chairman, CEO, VC, and author of Techlash, discusses how we can take back control from Big Tech
Send us Fan MailTom 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?
S3 Ep 61Joanne Chen, General Partner at Foundation Capital and popular TEDx speaker, discusses the future of AI investing
Send us Fan MailToday’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
S3 Ep 60Josh Bersin, HRTech pioneer, author, and CEO, shares how the best performing teams use AI
Send us Fan MailToday’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?
S3 Ep 59Amr Awadallah, CEO of Vectara and co-founder of Cloudera, discusses the future of AI search
Send us Fan MailAmr 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
S3 Ep 58Dr. John Boudreau, future of work pioneer and former Cornell professor, discusses the new definition of work
Send us Fan MailDr. 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
S3 Ep 57Paul Allen, founder of Ancestry.com and Soar, discusses how genAI studios launch AI-first companies
Send us Fan MailToday'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
S3 Ep 55Denise Hemke, Chief Product Officer at Checkr and former Workday GM, discusses using AI to reduce bias in the hiring process
Send us Fan MailAnyone 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
S3 Ep 54Tyler Foster, Evolv AI CTO, discusses the future of AI to help brands connect with consumers
Send us Fan MailAI 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
S3 Ep 53Tim Guleri, Managing Director @ Sierra Ventures, discusses what he's looking to fund in gen AI... and what most entrepreneurs get wrong
Send us Fan MailTim 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
S3 Ep 52Adam Nathan, CEO and Founder of Almanac, discusses the future of collaboration for remote teams and how GenAI is improving productivity
Send us Fan MailWe'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
S3 Ep 51Durga Malladi, Qualcomm SVP and GM and "Godfather of 5G", discusses the future of AI in mobile tech
Send us Fan MailDurga 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
S3 Ep 50May Habib, CEO of Writer, discusses LLMs and the future of co-pilots for content generation
Send us Fan MailIn 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
S3 Ep 49Pete Erickson, Modev founder, shares how he built the world's largest community for conversational AI enthusiasts
Send us Fan MailToday'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 conferenceReferences 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
S3 Ep 45Nick Adams, Managing Partner at Differential Ventures, discusses how to get your generative AI startup funded
Send us Fan MailEntrepreneurs 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
S3 Ep 43SPECIAL EPISODE: Vijay Tella, CEO of unicorn Workato, launches his book "The New Automation Mindset" here on the podcast
Send us Fan MailVijay 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