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Dan Turchin


Host Dan Turchin, PeopleReign CEO, explores how AI is changing the workplace. He interviews thought leaders and technologists from industry and academia who share their experiences and insights about artificial intelligence and what it means to be human in the era of AI-driven automation. Learn more about PeopleReign, the system of intelligence for IT and HR employee service: http://www.peoplereign.io.


AI and the Future of Work

In this special episode of AI and the Future of Work, host Dan Turchin welcomes John Chambers, Former Chairman & CEO of Cisco and Founder & CEO of JC2 Ventures. John is a visionary leader who reshaped the technology landscape.

During his time at Cisco, the company grew from $70 million to $47 billion in revenue, building the foundation of the modern Internet and expanding the team from 400 to 75,000 employees. Known for his strategic foresight and ability to anticipate market shifts, he led over 180 acquisitions and has been recognized as one of Time’s '100 Most Influential People.'

Today, as the founder of JC2 Ventures, John champions disruptive innovation, coaching the next generation of entrepreneurs and helping startups scale with his strategic insights and focus on replicable processes. A global tech icon and trusted mentor, John’s commitment to driving meaningful change in technology continues to inspire innovation across industries.

In line with this mission, this episode marks a pivotal announcement: John Chambers has invested in PeopleReign, a groundbreaking AI-first platform revolutionizing employee service automation. The partnership underscores Chambers’ belief in the transformative potential of AI to improve productivity and enable employees to focus on meaningful, passion-driven work.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

 • The pivotal announcement: Why John Chambers and JC2 Ventures are investing in PeopleReign and how this collaboration aligns with the future of AI-driven work.
 • AI’s transformative potential: How AI will reshape industries faster than previous technology revolutions and its parallels with the Internet boom of the 1990s.
 • The AI-First approach: Key traits of successful AI-first companies and how they achieve market disruption through speed, innovation, and customer-centric strategies.
 • Cultural leadership in tech: The importance of fostering visionary leadership, adaptive cultures, and sustainable business models in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
 • Redefining work and productivity: How AI can enhance employee experiences by automating repetitive tasks, reducing friction, and enabling more meaningful work.
 • Future of work predictions: Insights into the "ask economy" and the emergence of ad-hoc, skill-based teams as drivers of innovation and collaboration over the next five years.

Resources

Dan Helfrich, CEO of Deloitte Consulting, on AI and the Future of Work

Connect with John Chambers

Learn more about JC2 Ventures

Special Episode: John Chambers, Former CEO of Cisco and Founder of JC2 Ventures, on the Future of AI-Driven Work and Investing in PeopleReign

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 Newsletter

Connect with Mike Schuster

AI fun fact article

Episode on how AI is diagnosing and treating sleep disorders

314: Mike Schuster, Two Sigma AI Leader and Google Translate Pioneer, On AI in Finance, Data Challenges, Collaboration, and Future Trends

Tony Stubblebine is the CEO of Medium, the widely popular publishing platform that recently surpassed 1 million subscribers. A serial entrepreneur, Tony is also the founder of habit coaching companies Coach.me and Lyft Worldwide and is the publisher of Better Humans on Medium. He is a passionate advocate for writers and a frequent speaker on the intersection of human creativity and technology, emphasizing why bots won’t replace human ingenuity. Tony holds a BA in Computer Science from Grinnell College, where he proudly supports the Pioneers.

In this conversation, we discuss:

 • How Medium's recommendation system was overhauled under Tony's leadership to prioritize human curation over algorithmic popularity, creating a platform that values thoughtful content.
 • The transformative decision to adopt a subscription-based model, allowing Medium to focus on delivering content readers are happy to pay for, rather than relying on ad-driven engagement.
 • The balance between human curation and algorithms in delivering a "sane, thoughtful, and informed" reading experience that supports both freedom and quality.
 • Medium's mission to deepen readers' understanding by emphasizing human wisdom over pure knowledge, highlighting the importance of life experience in creating impactful content.
 • Why Medium minimizes the presence of AI-generated content, focusing instead on curating thoughtful and valuable human contributions for its readers.
 • Tony's perspective on fixing the "broken Internet" by proving that business models focused on delivering value, rather than grabbing attention, can be successful and sustainable.

Resources

Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter

Connect with Tony

AI fun fact article

On The Secrets To A Successful VC Career

315: Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Medium, On Human Curation, Subscription-Driven Quality, and Fixing the Internet

Punit Soni is the CEO of Suki, a voice-based digital assistant revolutionizing clinician-patient communication. Under his leadership, Suki has raised $165 million, including a recent $70 million in Series D funding. Punit is also a prolific angel investor and previously served as Chief Product Officer at Flipkart, India’s largest e-commerce company. His career includes significant roles in tech leadership at Google and Motorola Mobility. Punit holds an MBA from Wharton and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wyoming.

In this conversation, we discuss:

 • The impact of AI on healthcare and its potential to reshape the industry.
 • Punit's vision for a decentralized and more efficient healthcare system powered by AI.
 • The shift from traditional interfaces to voice-based, ambient AI interactions in healthcare.
 • How Suki is making clinical documentation and administrative tasks more efficient for clinicians.
 • The future of healthcare tech as an invisible assistant, allowing clinicians to focus on patient care.
 • The importance of transparency in AI-driven healthcare technologies.

Resources

Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter

Connect with Punit

AI fun fact article

On how AI helps accelerate medical research

316: Punit Soni, CEO of Suki, On Healthcare AI Revolution, Voice Assistants, and Empowering Clinicians

Dr. Brian Magerko is a professor of Digital Media at Georgia Tech, where he directs the Expressive Machinery Lab and the graduate studies program in Digital Media. With degrees in Cognitive Science from Carnegie Mellon and Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan, his research explores the intersection of human creativity and AI. Creator of EarSketch, a platform enabling music creation through code used by over a million users nationwide, Dr. Magerko’s work has earned over $20 million in federal grants and features in The New Yorker, USA Today, and NPR.

In this conversation, we discuss:

 • How Dr. Brian Magerko's work at the intersection of human creativity and AI is redefining educational tools and artistic expression.
 • The creation and impact of EarSketch, a platform that teaches coding through music and has reached over a million users.
 • The ethical considerations of AI-generated art and music, including intentionality and cultural impact.
 • How improvisational cognition and embodied computing inform the future of human-computer interaction.
 • The societal and educational implications of integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into learning environments.
 • Exciting examples of innovative AI applications in music, dance, and public interactive installations.

Resources

Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

AI fun fact article 

On entrepreneurship in emerging markets

317: Dr. Brian Magerko on Revolutionizing Creativity: AI's Role in Art, Music, and Education

Prakash Arunkundrum is the Chief Operating Officer at Logitech, a $14 billion market cap company with over 7,300 employees globally. With a broad range of responsibilities, Prakash oversees the company’s operations, including global manufacturing, supply chain, customer experience, and quality operations. He also serves as General Manager of one of Logitech's business units and leads the strategy for the company's environmental sustainability initiatives. Prakash, who joined Logitech in 2015, has a rich background in management consulting, having held executive positions at Kearney and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is also an architect of Logitech’s AI strategy and a sought-after speaker on AI and the future of computing.

In this conversation, we discuss:

 • How Logitech is positioned at the intersection of AI and daily life, providing the input layer for AI models through audio, video, and content.
 • Logitech's commitment to sustainability, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of devices and using AI to optimize energy efficiency.
 • The potential of AI to automate repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on creative and intuitive work.
 • The philosophy of responsible AI, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and accountability in its development.
 • The global culture at Logitech that fosters innovation, diversity, and seamless user experiences.
 • Prakash’s leadership style as a pragmatic strategist who values data, empathy, and people-first results.

Resources

Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Connect with Prakash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakasharunkundrum/

AI fun fact article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/10/29/ai-electronic-waste-recycling/ 

On Generative AI Businesses That Are Getting Investor Dollars: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naomi-and-derek-investors-at-menlo-ventures-on/id1476885647?i=1000654677763

318: How AI and Sustainability are Redefining Hybrid Work and Product Design: Insights from Prakash Arunkundrum, Logitech COO

Marcus "Bellringer" Bell is an award-winning music producer, songwriter, musician, singer, activist, and entrepreneur. He has marketed, promoted, produced, remixed, and written for iconic artists like Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and Timbaland, as well as for major brands like Sony Music, HBO, Netflix, and Amazon. As the CEO of Bellringer Productions, Marcus oversees a music sync, licensing, and production company with a catalog of over 10,000 songs and 300 recording artists. His music has been featured by brands including McDonald's and General Mills, and even performed by Beyoncé during her On the Run II tour with Jay-Z. Marcus is also the Amazon number-one bestselling author of Bellringer Branding Bible: The 5 Musician Branding Principles for Singers, Rappers, DJs, Music Producers, Composers, Writers, and Recording Artists. His contributions to music and branding make him a trailblazer in the industry.

In this conversation, we discuss:

 • Marcus Bellringer's journey as a music producer and technologist, blending creativity with AI to transform the music industry.
 • How AI tools have enabled Marcus to create over 15,000 songs in just six months, surpassing a lifetime of work without AI.
 • The creation of 
Ravyn Lyte • , North America's first AI music artist, and how it represents innovation in music creation and mental health advocacy.
 • AI's role in the entertainment industry, addressing fears and shifting the narrative from threat to opportunity.
 • The humanistic approach to AI, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection, storytelling, and compassion in the age of technology.
 • Practical advice for creatives navigating the intersection of humanity and AI, including tools and strategies for finding meaning and purpose.

Resources:

Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter • : https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn • : https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusbellringer/
AI fun fact article • : 
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-11-artificial-intelligence-threat-music.html • 
Writer CEO May Habib on LLMs and the Future of Co-Pilots for Content Generation with AI • : 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/may-habib-ceo-of-writer-discusses-llms-and-the/id1476885647?i=1000628256870 •

319: The Future of Music with AI: Marcus "Bellringer" Bell's Journey from Producing 15,000 Songs to Creating North America’s First AI Artist

Josh Drean is a leading voice in the future of work community, known for his advocacy on bringing more humanness into the workplace. As Co-founder of the Work3 Institute, Josh specializes in the intersection of employment and emerging technologies, including AI, blockchain, and AR/VR. He is the co-author, along with Deborah Perry Piscione, of the forthcoming book "EMPLOYMENT IS DEAD: How Disruptive Technologies Are Revolutionizing the Way We Work", to be published by the Harvard Business Review Press. Josh holds a master's degree from Harvard and has studied I/O Psychology. His insights have appeared in renowned publications such as the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company, and he has been featured on The Today Show, NBC, and FOX Business.

In this conversation, we discuss:

 • The challenges of traditional work models and why they no longer serve the needs of today’s workforce.
 • How the next generation is reshaping expectations around job security, compensation, and career fulfillment.
 • A fresh take on decentralized work and how it could change the way we collaborate and earn.
 • What contribution-based compensation could look like and how it aligns with shifting values in the workplace.
 • The evolving role of AI in our careers and why adapting to new technology is essential for staying competitive.
 • Insights on how companies can attract and retain the best talent by prioritizing employee experience in a rapidly changing world.

Resources

Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter - https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshdrean/

AI fun fact article - https://www.semafor.com/article/12/02/2024/employee-lawsuit-accuses-apple-of-spying-on-its-workers

On How to Measure the Business Impact of Machine Learning and why all AI isn't Generative AI - https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14464391

320: How Disruptive Technologies are Revolutionizing the Way We Work: A Conversation with Josh Drean, Co-Author of Employment is Dead

Megh Gautam, Chief Product Officer at Crunchbase, is one of the sharpest product minds in Silicon Valley. With a track record that includes leadership roles as Head of Product at Twilio and Director of Product Management at Dropbox and Hearsay Systems, Megh has honed his expertise in driving innovation and growth. An active angel investor, Megh combines his industry insights with a passion for supporting emerging talent and ideas. He holds a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the National Institute of Technology Durgapur in India.

In this conversation, we discuss:

 • How Crunchbase is leveraging AI and proprietary data to provide predictive insights for startups and investors.
 • The balance between enhancing data accuracy and maintaining ethical transparency in AI-driven decision-making.
 • The emergence of AI marketplaces that empower creators to monetize their content while preserving ownership rights.
 • Why trust and attention are the scarcest resources today, and how Crunchbase ensures both through innovation and responsibility.
 • The importance of skepticism in the age of LLMs and how to foster critical thinking in a generation growing up with AI.
 • Megh’s reflections on his journey as a product leader and how mentorship has shaped his career at top tech companies like Twilio, Dropbox, and Hearsay Systems.

Resources:

Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter • : 
https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribeConnect with Megh on LinkedIn • : 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghbartma/ • 
AI fun fact article • : 
https://pressgazette.co.uk/platforms/news-publisher-ai-deals-lawsuits-openai-google/ • 
On how SambaNova became the first generative AI unicorn and accelerated LLM advancements with open-source AI • : 
https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/13151659 •

321: Can AI Really Predict Startup Success? Data Ethics, Trust, and Insights from Megh Gautam, Crunchbase CPO

In this special compilation episode of AI and the Future of Work, we celebrate Data Privacy Day by revisiting powerful conversations with industry leaders tackling some of today’s biggest AI challenges. From deepfake detection to ethical AI, this episode highlights the critical role of privacy, trust, and security in the future of AI.

Join us as we revisit insights from top experts in AI:

🔹 Vijay Balasubramaniyan (CEO, Pindrop) – Listen to his full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15742476 
🔹 Ray Wang (Founder, Constellation Research) – Listen to his full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16144550 
🔹 Dr. Zohar Bronfman (CEO, Pecan AI) – Listen to his full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16064087 
🔹 Holger Mueller (VP, Constellation Research) – Listen to his full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/16098992 

Resources

Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe 

Connect with Vijay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijayab 

Connect with R "Ray" Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rwang0/ 

Connect with Dr. Zohar Bronfman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zohar-bronfman/ 

Connect with Holger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holgermueller/

Data Privacy Day Special Episode: AI, Deepfakes & The Future of Trust

Tim Guleri has had a remarkable run at Sierra Ventures since 2001. He has invested in transcendent companies including Sourcefire and MakeMyTrip which both went public. Before that, Tim had a successful career as an entrepreneur and exec at companies like Scopus and Octane which was acquired by Epiphany in 2000.

Sierra has one of the strongest future of work and AI portfolios that includes companies like Paro, Krisp, and SupportLogic which acquired Emtropy Labs which was founded by great former guest Harish Batlapenamurthy. In full disclosure, Sierra and I are both investors in ArmorCode.

Listen and learn...

 1. Why the most successful venture investors were previously entrepreneurs
 2. Tim's thesis for investing in gen AI customer journey company Simulate
 3. How Tim identifies "gen AI whitewashing" when hearing pitches
 4. Why gen AI is more than just another platform shift
 5. How gen AI startups can beat Big Tech incumbents
 6. Why all companies are ultimately "financial products"
 7. Sierra's primary data from CIOs: "...they're spending money on use cases that unlock employee productivity"
 8. What Tim means by "build horizontally but execute vertically"
 9. Which jobs AI will eliminate vs. augment
 10. Tim's "one that got away" pitch from his early days at Sierra

References in this episode...

 • According to 
CNBC • , 69% of U.S. adults are uncomfortable with AI that can mimic human thinking
Ashu Garg from Foundation Capital on AI and the Future of WorkRory O'Driscoll from Scale Venture Partners on AI and the Future of WorkSierra Ventures

Tim Guleri, Managing Director @ Sierra Ventures, discusses what he's looking to fund in gen AI... and what most entrepreneurs get wrong

Listen and read

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