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

Thomas Otter joined Acadian Ventures in March 2022 as a General Partner. Prior to Acadian, he advised companies such as Workday, Ultimate Software, Personio, and Unit 4, and collaborated with private equity and growth equity firms like Warburg Pincus, Scottish Equity Partners, PSG, and Goldman Sachs on M&A, strategy, negotiations, and diligence. He previously led the product management organization at SAP SuccessFactors, scaling it to over a billion dollars in annual recurring revenue, and served as a Research Vice President at Gartner Group, leading HR tech research. Thomas holds a Doctorate from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and the Strategy and Innovation Diploma from Oxford. He is a Fellow of the British Computer Society. . A regular guest lecturer at various universities, Thomas grew up in South Africa and now resides in Heidelberg, Germany. He is also a collector of vinyl records and a lover of great music.In this conversation, we discuss:How a chance encounter led to a 30-year career in HR technology.The evolution of HR technology from the mainframe era to modern cloud-based systems.The intersection of ethics, compliance, and technology within HR.The strategic importance of HR in today's business landscape and its impact on the employee experience.The role of technology in automating administrative tasks to enhance employee satisfaction.Historical milestones in HR tech, including the first business application of a computer for payroll.ResourceConnect with Thomas Otter AI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about using AI to get ahead in your career 

World-renowned futurist Bernard Marr discusses AI trends and his book 'Generative AI in Practice'. Topics include ethical considerations in AI, AI's role in business decisions, generative AI's impact on industries, and the importance of human skills in the age of AI.

Chris Dyer is a globally recognized company culture and future of work expert, delivering keynotes for over 15 years to audiences worldwide. As a CEO managing thousands, his companies consistently earn accolades as best places to work and have been recognized five times by Inc. Magazine as some of the fastest-growing companies. Chris is ranked as Inc. Magazine's number one leadership speaker on culture, has published three best-selling books, and is named number five on the leadership power list. He is also a top 40 change management guru, a top 50 global thought leader, and the host of a top 50 leadership podcast. Beyond his professional achievements, Chris is an avid hiker, musician, and world traveler.In this episode, we discuss:The concept of being an "accidental everything" and how curiosity and the willingness to say yes can lead to unexpected opportunities.We explore how Chris transitioned from speaking to writing, despite initial doubts and external skepticism.We delve into the power of a strong support system, including employees, mentors, and friends, in achieving success.We examine the varying perceptions employees have about AI in the workplace, from ignorance to apprehension to enthusiasm.We discuss the rapid pace of technological innovation and its impact on both employees and organizations.We highlight the importance of helping employees understand and adapt to technological advancements to enhance their value and mitigate job displacement risks.ResourceConnect with ChrisAI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about the future of audio engineering

Peter Voss is the visionary founder and CEO of Aigo.ai, a pioneering company at the forefront of conversational AI and natural language processing. Over the past 15 years, Peter and his team have perfected a highly intelligent, hyper-personalized chatbot designed for enterprise customers. In 2009, Peter founded SmartAction.ai, which developed the first AI-based contact center technology. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Peter is an engineer, inventor, and AI pioneer who writes and presents on philosophical topics such as rational ethics, free will, and artificial minds. He is also deeply involved in futurism and radical life extension.In this episode, we discuss:Peter Voss's Journey: From an electronics engineer to creating a successful software company, and his deep dive into the nature of intelligence and AI.Defining AGI: What Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) means to Peter, and how we will recognize its achievement.Cognitive Skills Gap: The differences between current AI technologies like large language models (LLMs) and true cognitive skills required for AGI.Path to AGI: The limitations of deep learning and LLMs, and why cognitive AI is the necessary path towards achieving AGI.Human Interaction and Intelligence: The importance of real-time learning, metacognition, and minimal sensory input in developing AGI.Ethics and Responsibility in AI: The philosophical and practical considerations of developing AGI, including the ethical implications and societal benefits.ResourceConnect with Peter AI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about the future of corporate VC

Emil Winebrand, the CEO and co-founder of insoundz, is a trailblazer in the AI and audio technology industry. With a master's degree in engineering from Tel Aviv University, Emil's career began deeply immersed in the tech world, taking a significant turn after a decade of service in the intelligence technology unit of the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces), where he developed a keen interest in AI for audio enhancement. Under Emil's leadership, insoundz has emerged as a force in generative AI for audio technology, revolutionizing how we experience sound. His passion led to the development of the insoundz flagship product, Revive, which transforms any recording into studio-quality sound. Emil is also recognized for leading award-winning engineering teams across various domains, from electro-optics to algorithm development.In this conversation, we discuss:Emil's early fascination with AI and neural networks, beginning at the age of 13.His journey from studying electrical engineering to working in the IDF, where he encountered significant audio issues that sparked his passion for improving audio quality.The creation and capabilities of InSounds' product, Revive, which enhances audio by regenerating it with AI to achieve studio-quality sound.The ethical considerations and challenges of using AI in audio engineering, including the potential for bias and the implementation of watermarking to prevent misuse.The unique tech ecosystem in Tel Aviv and how the culture and education in Israel, including experiences in the IDF, contribute to the success of tech entrepreneurs.Emil's transition from CTO to CEO and the personal growth and challenges he faced in adapting to a leadership role focused on storytelling and vision rather than just technical details.Resource Connect with EmilAI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about leveraging AI to create more time in your dayPowered by insoundz Revive

Adityo Prakash is a serial entrepreneur, high-tech CEO, amateur photographer, and author who transitioned from academia to revolutionize video streaming, and is now transforming drug discovery and commercialization. As the founder of Verseon, Adityo employs deep quantum modeling and AI to expedite the identification and development of innovative pharmaceuticals, potentially reshaping our approach to aging and healthcare. With degrees in math and physics from Caltech and over 40 patents to his name, Adityo is at the forefront of technological advancements in the medical field.In this conversation, we discuss:How Verseon uses deep quantum modeling and AI to revolutionize drug discovery and development, aiming to change the standard of care for various diseases.Adityo's journey from Caltech, where he studied math and physics, to founding Verseon and securing over 40 patents.The challenges and opportunities at the intersection of high tech and biotech, and how these fields are converging to create new platform companies.The limitations of traditional trial-and-error drug discovery methods and how Verseon's approach offers a more systematic, atom-by-atom design of new drugs.The potential for AI and advanced modeling techniques to address complex health issues like aging, by treating it as a disease with identifiable therapeutic targets.The future of drug development, regulatory challenges, and how the integration of AI and physics could transform the pharmaceutical industry over the next decade.ResourcesConnect with Adityo AI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about which AI businesses are getting investor dollars

Tamara Steffens is a seasoned tech executive with a remarkable track record in scaling teams, infrastructures, and products. She has contributed significantly to early mobile and SaaS pioneers, including Boingo, Software.com, Fusion One, and Color. Tamara has held executive roles at Microsoft and Openwave, leading large teams and driving innovation. Her tech career began at Sun Microsystems and Silicon Graphics, where she architected partnerships that defined entire industries. Tamara holds a BS in finance from Michigan State University and is actively involved in shaping the future of business and innovation as a board member at the Broad Business School and a member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the U.S. Department of Commerce. She currently works as an MD at Thomson Reuters Ventures; we are thrilled to welcome Tamara to AI and the Future of Work.In this episode,  we discuss:Corporate Venture Capital Insights: Tamara shares her journey from working at tech companies like Sun Microsystems and Silicon Graphics to leading Thomson Reuters' venture fund. She explains how her extensive go-to-market experience shapes her investment strategy.Investment Strategies in AI: We explore how Thomson Reuters' corporate venture arm approaches AI investments, emphasizing the importance of product-market fit, revenue generation, and strategic alignment with the company's broader goals.Differences Between Corporate and Traditional VCs: Tamara outlines the unique considerations of corporate VCs, such as potential go-to-market synergies and strategic benefits, compared to traditional VCs which primarily focus on financial returns.Case Studies of AI Investments: We delve into specific investments, like WiseDocs and CentML, highlighting the processes, investment theses, and strategic benefits these companies bring to Thomson Reuters and their respective industries.The Impact of AI on the Legal Industry: Tamara discusses how AI is transforming the legal sector, enhancing efficiency, and changing the nature of legal work, particularly for junior lawyers and paralegals.Responsible AI and Data Governance: We talk about the importance of responsible AI, data privacy, and governance in AI investments. Tamara explains Thomson Reuters' approach to ensuring ethical AI practices and compliance with legal standards.ResourceConnect with Tamara AI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about breaking into venture capital

Roy Atkinson is a renowned thought leader in IT service management and customer service. A prolific writer, speaker, analyst, and podcaster, Roy's expertise has been featured in major tech publications. CIO Insight described him as a model for the future digital leader, and Nextiva named him one of the top 50 customer service experts of the decade (2010 to 2020). Roy's extensive career has included roles as an IT supervisor at the Jackson Laboratory, group principal analyst at Informa Tech, and CEO and principal advisor at Clifton Butterfield.In this episode, you will learn:Roy’s Multifaceted Journey: Discover how Roy's diverse background as a polymath, polyglot, and musician influenced his career in customer service and IT.Language Learning and Cultural Insights: Gain insights into Roy's extensive language studies, including Spanish, French, Latin, German, Italian, and Serbian, and how this passion has enriched his personal and professional life.Customer Service Roots: Understand how early work experiences, from delivering newspapers to working in a busy supermarket and a bank, shaped Roy's interest and expertise in customer service and customer experience.Music Industry Adventures: Hear fascinating stories about Roy's 20-year career as a professional musician, his achievements, and notable collaborations with renowned artists like John Mayall, Todd Rundgren, and Don McLean.Transition to IT and Technology: Learn about Roy's transition from music to IT, his role in managing IT systems, and his involvement with HDI, highlighting the parallels between the evolution of digital technology in music and business.Evolution of Employee Experience: Explore the changes in the employee experience over the past two decades, including the shift from a technology-centric approach to a focus on user experience, the impact of consumerization, and the rise of AI in IT management.ResourceConnect with Roy AI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about preventing AI from ruining us

Kendall Clark is the co-founder and CEO of Stardog, a leading enterprise knowledge graph platform with prestigious customers like Morgan Stanley, Raytheon, Bosch, and NASA. He founded the company in 2016 with a vision of making data access more meaningful. Self-taught in coding during his 20s, Kendall is on a mission to help people experience "aha" moments with data more frequently. Stardog recently launched VoiceBox, a conversational data platform enabling knowledge workers to interact with enterprise data using natural language.In this episode, you will learnKendall Clark's journey from AI research to founding Stardog.The unique intersection of data management and knowledge management in the enterprise.The evolution and impact of AI on data management practices.The launch and significance of Stardog's new conversational data platform, VoiceBox.Real-world applications of knowledge graphs, particularly with NASA.The importance of democratizing data access for non-technical knowledge workers.Much moreResourceConnect with KendallAI fun fact articleAn episode you might like about limiting AI’s adverse effects

Allison Baum Gates, a venture capitalist with a background in technology, shares insights on the future of work in VC. She discusses the impact of AI on jobs and the importance of creating a strong network in venture capital. Allison highlights the need for responsible AI implementation to mitigate risks and emphasizes the value of building a unique value add in the industry.