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

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 Treat also critiques the outdated 'slingshot model' of education, advocating for lifelong learning and immersive, 3D digital experiences that enhance engagement and understanding.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.

Kyle Daigle, Chief Operating Officer at GitHub, shares his unique journey from fine arts to leading the largest code hosting platform. He discusses how GitHub Copilot empowers developers, allowing them to focus on creativity and problem-solving. The importance of human oversight in coding, especially with AI tools, is emphasized, along with the ethical implications of software development. Daigle envisions a future of "ambient AI" that is context-aware, privacy-conscious, and personal, transforming the coding landscape while keeping humans at the center.

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

Silvio Savarese, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist at Salesforce, shares insights into building trustworthy AI systems. They discuss designing AI with safety and human oversight to protect users. The conversation dives into the critical need for data privacy and bias mitigation in predictive models. There’s a focus on balancing the speed of innovation with long-term impacts on trust and compliance. The episode also emphasizes the necessity of transparency in navigating AI ethics, particularly in high-stakes decision-making.

Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer at Coursera, shares her insights on how AI is transforming education. She discusses the shift from traditional degrees to personalized learning experiences and microcredentials. Marni emphasizes the vital role teachers play, advocating for their integration into AI-enhanced environments. The conversation touches on how AI tools are democratizing access to education while maintaining integrity, highlighting the need for a blend of technical skills and critical human abilities in the evolving job market.