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

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

Jad Tarifi, co-founder of Integral AI and a leading AI thinker, dives deep into the future of intelligence and freedom. He explores why achieving AGI should focus on enhancing freedom rather than just intelligence. The conversation covers the limitations of traditional metrics and the importance of world models in AI development. Jad discusses ethical implications, proposing that AI aligns with humane values to improve society. He also provides a glimpse into Integral AI’s ambitious plans for a post-AGI economy and empowered human-machine relationships.

Bruce Feiler, a bestselling author and expert on meaning in work, sheds light on career reinvention and adapting to an evolving job landscape. He emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability for effective leadership. The discussion highlights that our work journeys will likely change several times and encourages personal agency in career choices. Feiler advocates for a human-centered approach amidst technological advancements, asserting that skills like empathy and adaptability will be crucial for the future workforce.

William Chan, CEO of Iodine Software and a healthcare AI pioneer, delves into how AI can tackle the staggering $260 billion wasted in administrative costs. He discusses the critical role of accurate documentation in healthcare reimbursement and how AI can assist amid staffing shortages. The importance of responsible AI use is emphasized, particularly in supporting human decision-making. Chan's vision champions actionable insights for clinicians, ensuring trust and improving patient interactions while addressing bias in AI development.

Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, a top futurist known for his "Optimistic Dystopian" viewpoint, dives into how society must shift to tackle the challenges posed by AI and quantum computing. He discusses the vital difference between prioritizing shareholders vs. stakeholders in technology development. Mark outlines the significance of educating future generations and the potential protective effects of restricting technology access for kids under 16. He also emphasizes preserving human agency in an AI-driven world, weaving together insights from his latest book and diverse philosophies.

In this engaging discussion, Bhaskar Roy, Chief of AI Products & Solutions at Workato, shares his remarkable journey from co-founding Qik to leading AI innovations. He emphasizes the transformative potential of AI agents, which he believes will revolutionize automation. The talk also covers balancing AI reasoning with human oversight, pushing enterprises beyond mere experimentation to achieve tangible ROI, and fostering a culture that embraces AI, reducing fear while unlocking new opportunities for employees.

Dave Treat, Chief Technology Officer of Pearson, discusses the transformation of education through technology. He delves into how AI study tools are revolutionizing learning by providing support right when students need it. The conversation touches on the challenges of student motivation and mental health, and how AI can create personalized experiences. Treat also critiques the outdated 'slingshot model' of education, advocating for lifelong learning and immersive, 3D digital experiences that enhance engagement and understanding.

Wade Foster, Co-founder and CEO of Zapier, shares insights from his journey building a platform that automates workflows for millions. He discusses the crucial role early user feedback plays in growth and the competitive edge of operating with urgency. The conversation dives into leadership mindsets needed for scaling startups, as well as the emotional hurdles entrepreneurs face. Resilience and empowering teams are highlighted as keys to innovation, underscoring the importance of adaptability in the rapidly changing landscape of AI-driven work.

Alex Buder Shapiro, Chief People Officer at Jasper AI, discusses her journey from Google to shaping workplace culture in the age of AI. She highlights the dramatic shift in employer-employee relationships and explores how AI can create both opportunities and anxieties. Alex emphasizes the need for human-centered approaches to AI integration, addressing the importance of aligning incentives and addressing bias. She also talks about the new generation of employees reshaping workplace dynamics and the vital role of mentorship in this evolving landscape.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether and co-founder of Holepunch, dives into the transformative potential of decentralized finance. He discusses how USDT became the go-to digital dollar by addressing banking challenges. Ardoino argues for a math-based governance of money over political influences. He also explores the future of brain-computer interfaces, highlighting the fusion of human and AI as the next frontier. With a hopeful outlook, he debates the long-term safety of AI, suggesting a new era of collaborative intelligence could solve societal issues.