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

Dr. Mike Schuster is the head of the AI Core team at Two Sigma, where he leads engineers and quantitative researchers in advancing AI technologies across the firm's investment strategies and internal efficiencies. With over 25 years of expertise in machine learning and deep learning, Mike has been at the forefront of AI trends in tech and finance. Prior to Two Sigma, he spent 12 years at Google, contributing to transformative projects like Google Translate as part of the Google Brain team. Dr. Schuster holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Nara Institute of Science and Technology in Japan and is recognized as a pioneer whose work has significantly shaped the AI landscape.In this conversation, we discuss:The challenges and importance of building collaborative teams for complex AI systems in finance.Key differences between developing AI technologies in tech companies like Google versus finance firms like Two Sigma.The evolution of neural networks and their transformative impact on applications like Google Translate.The ethical considerations and risks of using AI in finance compared to other industries.Insights into data quality challenges and strategies for addressing bias in financial modeling.Predictions for the future of AI, focusing on efficiency, data quality, and practical advancements over the next five years.Resources:Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Mike SchusterAI fun fact articleEpisode on how AI is diagnosing and treating sleep disorders  

John Chambers, former CEO of Cisco and founder of JC2 Ventures, discusses his transformative journey in tech and the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future of work. He emphasizes the need for an AI-first mindset in companies to enhance productivity. Chambers reveals his investment in PeopleReign, a groundbreaking platform aimed at revolutionizing employee service automation. The conversation delves into how AI can improve employee experience and drive innovation, urging businesses to adapt and leverage intelligent systems for a vibrant workplace.

Boe Hartman, co-founder and CTO of Nomi Health, has an impressive background in technology from renowned firms like Goldman Sachs and Barclays. He discusses how technology and AI are critical in reshaping healthcare accessibility and costs. Hartman shares insights on innovative strategies for patient care and analytics that emerged during the pandemic. His journey from finance to healthcare tech highlights the power of adaptability. Nomi Health aims to save vast sums while enhancing patient outcomes through real-time data and AI-driven solutions.

Ray Wang, CEO of Constellation Research, shares his extensive expertise in AI and digital transformation. He discusses the benefits of decentralized intelligence and how it contrasts with centralized AI systems. The conversation tackles the gap between AI vendors prepared for market demands and those that aren't, alongside the challenges of achieving data precision across industries. Wang also explores a future of cross-industry collaboration for better decision-making and outlines the five maturity levels of AI in enterprise evolution.

Holger Mueller is a Vice President and Principal Analyst at Constellation Research, specializing in the future of work and human capital management. With over three decades in enterprise software, including leadership roles at Northgate Rinsau, SAP, FICO, and Oracle, Holger brings a wealth of industry experience to his analysis. Known for his thought-provoking insights, Holger covers the latest trends in enterprise automation and cloud technologies, often sharing timely updates on his social media. He holds degrees in Information Science, Marketing, International Management, and Chemical Technology from the University of Mannheim and is fluent in six languages.In this conversation, we discuss:Holger’s perspective on the rapid evolution of AI in enterprise technology and its impact on the future of work.The transformative role of cloud infrastructure, now hosting the majority of enterprise automation, and its implications for faster adoption cycles.The contrasting approaches to AI regulation, highlighting how some concerns around “ethical AI” stem from companies still lacking AI capabilities.The concept of “enterprise acceleration” and why agility, efficiency, and effectiveness are crucial for modern organizations to thrive.Insights on the ethical considerations in tech, emphasizing the strength of values and ethics over the pitfalls of excessive regulation.How “innovation gravity” shapes industry hotspots like Silicon Valley, driving technology forward and fostering the next wave of advancements.ResourcesSubscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with Holger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holgermueller/ AI fun fact article: https://www.itpro.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/the-ai-hype-cycle-separating-fact-from-fictionOn the Role of AI in Content Creation and Consumption: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14751184 

Dr. Zohar Bronfman, Co-founder and CEO of Pecan AI, shares insights from his journey bridging academia and entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges of leveraging predictive analytics in business and contrasts human intelligence with artificial neural networks, emphasizing AI's limitations. Dr. Bronfman argues for focusing AI development on enhancing human productivity rather than replication and highlights the ethical responsibilities of AI technologists in creating regulatory frameworks to prevent misuse. Curiosity and continuous learning emerge as key themes in driving innovation.

Dr. Seth Dobrin, CEO of Qantm AI, is a leading authority in the AI business world. He was IBM’s first-ever Global Chief AI Officer and is known for his human-centered approach to AI in corporate strategy, culture, and talent. With a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Arizona State University, Dr. Dobrin's early work focused on developing algorithms for large-scale genetic data analysis, later transitioning to business solutions at companies like Monsanto and IBM. He now leads Qantm AI and is a key investor in responsible AI ventures.In this conversation, we discuss:The role of responsible AI in corporate culture and how it impacts business strategies.Dr. Dobrin’s transition from molecular biology to AI and its applications in genetics and business.Insights into the future of AI regulations, including the challenges companies face in complying with emerging laws like the EU AI Act.The potential of AI to transform the workforce, creating both new job opportunities and eliminating existing ones.The ethical concerns surrounding AI, including attribution, bias, and technological colonialism.How conversational interfaces and AI-driven technologies will change the way we interact with the digital world in the next decade.ResourcesSubscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Dr. Seth DobrinAI fun fact articleOn the Future of Organizations and the Science of Team Performance 

Alex Tsakiris, founder and host of the Skeptiko podcast, examines the intersection of science and spirituality. He discusses the transformative journey from AI entrepreneurship to exploring consciousness. The conversation challenges the boundaries of traditional scientific paradigms, influenced by Turing’s work. Tsakiris questions AI dogma, emphasizing the importance of transparency in ethics. He advocates for a human-centered approach in AI applications, particularly in HR, to enhance well-being and foster meaningful dialogues about technology's impact.

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.ResourcesSubscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with KeithAI fun fact articleEliminating bias in hiring: AI and the Future of Work with Denise Hemke, Chief Product Officer at CheckrKeith Sonderling’s Paper “Filling the Void: Artificial Intelligence And Private Initiatives” 

Dan Helfrich, the Chair and CEO of Deloitte Consulting, leads over 80,000 professionals and shares insights on enterprise transformation. He discusses Deloitte's innovative work with the International Olympic Committee, emphasizing the need for agile leadership. Helfrich reveals findings from a global survey on AI, highlighting the gap between intentions and results alongside trust and data privacy challenges. He offers a forward-looking view on AI's role in enhancing productivity while addressing the critical need for transparency and inclusivity in organizational practices.