Future of Digital Labor: How AI-Driven Automation Is Set to Disrupt the Global Labor Market with Jesse Anglen, CEO of Ruh.ai

Jan 13, 2026

Jesse Anglen, CEO of Ruh.ai and founder of Rapid Innovation, ventures from construction to AI leadership, highlighting the importance of self-driven learning. He discusses the disruptive potential of AI-powered automation, with insights on reducing onboarding times and the ethical responsibilities businesses face. Anglen emphasizes the need for adaptability and empathy in the workforce as traditional roles are transformed. His journey underscores the necessity for lifelong learning amid the rapid evolution of digital labor.

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ANECDOTE

From Construction To Self-Taught Developer

Jesse Anglen taught himself software development via YouTube and then managed a 30-person team despite no formal degree.
That self-taught leap launched his transition from construction to building decentralized apps and AI systems.

ANECDOTE

14-Year-Old Building An App With AI

Jesse set up an agentic development system so his 14-year-old daughter could build a complex app with no prior coding knowledge.
A project that once cost ~$280k became a near-complete prototype for roughly $600 using AI assistance.

ANECDOTE

Replacing Payroll With Digital Labor

Jesse's company replaced many roles with AI agents, shrinking headcount from 370 to about 87 while running ~160 AI agents.
A developer's automation cut client onboarding from six weeks to four days, sparking obsession with digital labor.

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In the AI Risk Reward podcast, our host, Alec Crawford (@alec06830), Founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. aicrisk.com, interviews guests about balancing the risk and reward of Artificial Intelligence for you, your business, and society as a whole. Podcast production and sound engineering by Troutman Street Audio. You can find them on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Alec sits down with Jesse Anglen, CEO of Ruh.ai, to discuss the rapid transformation of digital labor through AI agents and the profound impact on the modern workforce. Jesse shares his unique journey from the construction industry to leading AI companies, emphasizing how curiosity and self-driven learning fueled his success. The conversation delves into the rise of AI-powered automation, the potential for unprecedented labor disruption, and the ethical responsibilities business leaders face in this new era. Jesse also highlights practical advice for young professionals, stressing the importance of developing empathy, adaptability, and AI management skills as traditional roles evolve. The episode rounds out with a lively lightning round, touching on startup culture, open source innovation, and the ongoing need for lifelong learning in a fast-changing landscape.

Summary:

Career Evolution: Jesse Anglen’s path from construction to AI leadership showcases the value of adaptability and self-education in tech.
AI-Powered Automation: The discussion highlights how Ruh.ai and similar platforms are transforming businesses by deploying digital labor agents.
Ethical Concerns: Jesse addresses the risk of massive unemployment and urges proactive ethical considerations as AI adoption accelerates.
Future-Proof Skills: Empathy, project management, and AI literacy are key competencies for thriving in an AI-driven economy.
Continuous Learning: Lifelong learning and engagement with open source AI communities are essential for staying relevant and competitive.

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Books:

The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber
Principles by Ray Dalio

Movies:

The Matrix
Back to the Future