Alex Tsakiris is the founder and host of the popular podcast Skeptiko, which has garnered millions of downloads over the years as it explores the intersection of science and spirituality. A published author, entrepreneur, and critical thinker, Alex has become a prominent voice in the debate surrounding the nature of consciousness and its connection to the physical world. In 1986, he founded MindPath Technologies, a pioneering company that developed AI expert systems for major corporations like Texas Instruments, DuPont, and Standard Oil, before it was acquired by Proxima Corporation in 1996.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Alex Tsakiris’s journey from AI entrepreneur to host of the Skeptiko podcast, exploring the intersection of science and spirituality.
• The impact of AI on the concept of consciousness and how it challenges traditional scientific paradigms.
• The influence of Alan Turing's work on AI consciousness and how it shapes today’s discussions on human-machine interactions.
• Why Alex questions AI dogma and how his background in expert systems influences his perspective.
• The role of transparency versus truth in AI development and how it shapes ethical considerations.
• Real-world AI applications that focus on enhancing human well-being and reducing workplace friction.

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On AI ethics and Data Science

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.

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Eliminating bias in hiring: AI and the Future of Work with Denise Hemke, Chief Product Officer at Checkr

Keith Sonderling’s Paper “Filling the Void: Artificial Intelligence And Private Initiatives”

Dan Helfrich is the Chair and CEO of Deloitte Consulting, where he leads a team of over 80,000 professionals. He frequently shares his expertise on topics such as the evolving consulting landscape, the future of work, and inclusive leadership. Before assuming his current role, Dan led Deloitte’s Government & Public Services division. A proud Georgetown University alum, Dan holds both a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from the school, where he is also known as the play-by-play announcer for the Hoyas men's soccer team. Outside of work, Dan enjoys cheering on his talented kids from the sidelines of the soccer field.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Dan’s role as CEO of Deloitte Consulting and his work at the intersection of enterprise transformation, technology, and change.
• How Deloitte Consulting is helping organizations like the International Olympic Committee reimagine fan experiences and digital transformation.
• The importance of agility in leadership, highlighting examples like Marriott Vacations Worldwide's successful response to disruptions and Summit Coffee's creative pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Insights from Deloitte’s global survey of 3,000 executives, revealing key trends in AI adoption, including the focus on productivity, cost efficiency, and the gap between intent and results.
• The challenges enterprises face with AI, including trust concerns, data privacy, and the uncertainty around ROI and long-term investment in AI technologies.
• Dan’s perspective on the future of AI, the regulatory landscape, and the critical role of leadership in navigating these disruptions.

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On transforming tech culture

Babak Hodjat, co-inventor of Siri, on AI and the Future of Work

Matt Beane is a writer, professor, and advocate for fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and machines in the workplace. His influential TED Talk from 2018 has garnered over 1.8 million views, challenging conventional perspectives on AI's role in the workforce by highlighting its divergence from traditional human skill acquisition. As a co-founder and financier of Humatics, an IoT startup connected to MIT, Matt frequently shares his insights in esteemed publications such as Wired, MIT's Technology Review, TechCrunch, Forbes, and Robohub. His latest book, The Skill Code: How to Save Human Ability in an Age of Intelligent Machines, published by HarperCollins, has received accolades from notable figures like Adam Grant, Bob Sutton, Professor Ethan Mollick, and Reid Hoffman. Matt holds both a PhD and a master's degree from MIT's Sloan School of Management, along with a BA in philosophy from Bowdoin College. We are thrilled to welcome Matt to this episode of AI and the Future of Work.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The winding, non-linear career path that led to Matt's research on technology, skill-building, and the future of work—from dishwasher to high school math teacher to MIT researcher.
• How the advent of new technologies, like smartphones and email, changed workplace dynamics and the way teams interact.
• The "Skill Code" and the three Cs of learning—Challenge, Complexity, and Connection—and how these elements are crucial for building reliable skills under pressure.
• The difference between knowledge and skill, and why skill development requires more than just education—it requires real-world application, collaboration, and engagement.
• Matt's ethnographic approach to understanding work in diverse settings, from warehouses to operating rooms, and how he builds trust to gain insights into how people perform their jobs.
• The role of motivation, human relationships, and trust in skill-building, and how these factors drive us to improve and master new tasks.

Resources

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On using AI to prevent students from cheating

Bruce Feiler on AI and the Future of Work

* Matt Beane’s Substack post “Don't Let AI Dumb You Down"

Dave Smoley recently received a well-earned Lifetime Achievement Award (and signed Billy Idol guitar) from Workday co-founder Aneel Bhusri to recognize his 30 years of technology leadership.

This week, we discussed his journey from basement to boardroom as a leader at companies like Apple, AstraZeneca, GE, Honeywell, and Flex.

Dave shares unique insights about the impact of technology on the workplace and the evolving role of the CIO. Currently, he invests in and advises early-stage tech companies, leveraging his extensive expertise.

Dave holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Clemson University and an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. Thanks to friends of the podcast (and PeopleReign investors) Thomas and Jason from Acadian Ventures for the introduction.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Dave's early fascination with computers and how it influenced his interest in computer science.
• His experience transitioning from programming at a bank to pursuing an MBA and the lessons learned along the way.
• The pivotal moment at GE that rekindled his passion for technology, leading him to combine tech with business roles.
• His insights on the cultural differences between GE and Apple, particularly in leadership styles and organizational structures.
• The role of teamwork and specialized skills in today’s tech-driven industries, especially in the context of cloud computing and AI.
• His current ventures as an investor and advisor, including his work with companies like PeopleReign.

Resources

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On using gen AI to get ahead in your career

Chris Caren, CEO of Turnitin since 2009, has played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a plagiarism prevention tool to a comprehensive education technology platform that promotes academic integrity, streamlines grading, and enhances educational outcomes. Under his leadership, Turnitin was acquired by Advanced Publications in 2019 for $1.75 billion. Prior to Turnitin, Chris was General Manager of Business Solutions at Microsoft. He holds an MBA with distinction from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a BS in Engineering from Stanford and regularly contributes to CNBC and other media outlets.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How a childhood introduction to computers and a background in science set the stage for a career in software.
• The journey from Microsoft to Turnitin and the decision to focus on meaningful industries like education.
• Insights into leadership, including the importance of team cultural fit and the power of delegation.
• Navigating the challenges of taking over from company founders while maintaining and respecting the company culture.
• How AI is transforming the educational landscape and Turnitin's evolving role in addressing student misconduct with AI tools.
• The complex relationship between higher education and AI, balancing the need for students to learn writing and critical thinking with the demand for AI literacy in the workforce.

Resources

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On finding work you love

Vijay is the co-founder and CEO of Pindrop, a leader in voice security technology. With a background in engineering and research roles at Google, Siemens, IBM Research, and Intel, Vijay invented phone printing technology in 2010 and launched Pindrop in 2011. Under his leadership, Pindrop has raised over $200 million from investors, including JC2 Ventures, led by by Cisco's John Chambers. Holding multiple patents in VoIP security and scalability, Vijay frequently speaks at major conferences such as RSA, Black Hat, and CCS. He earned his PhD in computer science from Georgia Tech.

In this conversation, we discuss:

1. The evolution of voice technology from landline telephony to modern voice systems.
2. The challenges of educating people about voice security and deepfake threats in the early 2010s.
3. How the rise of Alexa and other voice assistants transformed public perception of voice technology.
4. The rapid development of voice cloning tools and their implications for security.
5. The role of deepfakes in political interference, including high-profile cases President Biden.
6. How companies like Pindrop are using AI to detect and combat voice-related deepfake attacks in real-time.

Resources

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How AI is reinventing networking with Cisco's Dr. JP Vasseur

William Osman is a prominent tech creator and inventive mayhem conjurer on YouTube, with over 3 million followers and nearly 200 videos that have collectively amassed over half a billion views.

As the mastermind behind Open Sauce, a major creator community event that drew over 20,000 attendees, 500 exhibitors, and 150 celebrity creators, William has significantly impacted the tech and creator landscape. His engaging content, known for its bold experiments and Francis Ford Coppola-like editing, includes fan favorites such as "How Many Parts Can You Take Off a Car?" and "Can a Rented Raccoon Simulate Fatherhood?" William is also the cohost of the Safety Third podcast, with over a hundred episodes. He holds a BS in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from Cal State Northridge. We’re thrilled to have him on AI and the Future of Work to discuss his unique journey and insights.

Topics in this episode --

• Exploring Early YouTube: In this conversation, we discuss the evolution of YouTube and content creation from its early days, reflecting on how the tools and community have changed over the years.
• From Engineering to Entertainment: We delve into the guest's journey from making simple, personal videos to integrating engineering with entertainment, and how this unique blend led to their success on YouTube.
• Challenges of Early Content Creation: The guest shares insights on the early challenges of making videos, including the limited tools available in 2008 and the lack of a robust creator community.
• The Role of Storytelling in Videos: We discuss the shift from focusing solely on technical aspects of video production to emphasizing storytelling, and how this transition impacted the guest’s content and audience engagement.
• The Impact of Open Sauce: The guest reflects on the vision behind Open Sauce, an event celebrating nerd culture and the maker community, and how it represents a sociological shift in connecting like-minded individuals.
• Creative Process Insights: We dive into the guest's creative process, exploring how they generate ideas, choose which projects to pursue, and how they use engineering problems to drive compelling narratives in their videos.

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