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

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307: Keith Sonderling, EEOC Commissioner: using AI to make hiring more fair and eliminate human bias Oct 21, 2024

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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.

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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”

306: Dan Helfrich, CEO of Deloitte Consulting, on AI Job Creation & Predictions for AI in the Enterprise Oct 14, 2024

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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.

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On transforming tech culture
Babak Hodjat, co-inventor of Siri, on AI and the Future of Work

305: Matt Beane, Author & Professor, On Mastering Skills To Stay Relevant In the Age of AI Oct 07, 2024

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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.

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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"

304: Dave Smoley, Legendary Serial CIO & Investor, On Transforming Tech Culture at Apple, AstraZeneca, GE, Honeywell, and Flex Sep 30, 2024

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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.

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On using gen AI to get ahead in your career

303: Chris Caren, CEO @ Turnitin, on using AI to prevent students from cheating plus lessons for leaders on innovation and team culture Sep 23, 2024

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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.

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On finding work you love

302: Vijay Balasubramaniyan, Co-Founder of Pindrop, on The Journey to Raising over $200 Million to Detect Audio Deepfakes Sep 16, 2024

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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.

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How AI is reinventing networking with Cisco's Dr. JP Vasseur

301: William Osman On The Path To 500M+ YouTube views: From Engineering Experiments to Viral Videos Sep 09, 2024

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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.

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An episode you might like about extending life with AI

300: Pankaj Kedia, AI pioneer and VC @ 2468 Ventures, On The Fast Approaching Age of Abundance Sep 02, 2024

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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.

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Babak Hodjat, co-inventor of Siri, on AI and the Future of Work

299: Josh Allan Dykstra, Founder of The Work Revolution, On Finding Work You'll Love Aug 26, 2024

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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.

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Josh Bersin, HRTech pioneer, on the future of AI at work

298: Nick Mehta, CEO of Gainsight, On Building A Human-First AI Culture Aug 19, 2024

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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.

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An episode you might like about extending life with email