In this special episode of AI Unplugged: The Future of Work, listeners are invited inside Leadership Now’s recent convening, AI's Workforce Reckoning, featuring exclusive opening remarks from Leadership Now CEO Daniella Ballou-Aares and a timely discussion on one of the most urgent questions facing the economy: how do we prepare workers for an AI-driven future?Moderated by Warren Valdmanis, the panel brings together Jonathan Frankle, Chief AI Scientist at Databricks; Mike Novogratz, Founder and CEO of Galaxy Digital; Alexa von Tobel, Founder and Managing Partner of Inspired Capital; and Dane Linn, Senior Vice President at Business Roundtable. Together, they explore the accelerating impact of AI on jobs, productivity, and economic opportunity, while grappling with the responsibilities of business, investors, and policymakers in managing the transition.The conversation delivers a sobering but constructive message: disruption to American workers is no longer theoretical. It is already underway. The challenge now is ensuring that the benefits of AI are broadly shared and that workers have a voice in shaping what comes next.

"The future is not a forecasting exercise—it’s a design exercise." – David Autor. In this season finale of AI Unplugged, hosts Warren Valdmanis and Deval Patrick reflect on the most important ideas from their conversations across Season 1. They explore whether AI is something happening to us or something we have the power to shape, revisiting key themes including augmentation versus automation, the dignity of work, worker voice, and the risks of inequality. Drawing on insights from their guests, they examine the role of leadership, policy, and collective responsibility in determining AI’s impact, and make the case that AI’s greatest potential lies in how intentionally we choose to use it to solve society’s most pressing problems.

"It’s a digital person" – Dave Roux. In this episode of AI Unplugged, hosts Warren Valdmanis and Deval Patrick engage in a wide-ranging conversation with investor and technologist Dave Roux about the structural impact of AI on the economy and labor force. Roux explores how AI’s “agentic” capabilities, its ability to act autonomously and improve itself, set it apart from prior technologies, reframing it as a new form of labor rather than just a tool. The discussion examines the implications for business leaders, policymakers, and workers, highlighting the need for intentional deployment, workforce adaptation, and ethical guardrails to ensure AI’s benefits are broadly shared.

In this episode of AI Unplugged: The Future of Work, hosts Warren Valdmanis and Deval Patrick are joined by legendary labor leader Mary Kay Henry, longtime head of SEIU, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping work across every sector of the economy. Mary Kay shares powerful insights on why the future of work is less about technology itself and more about power, voice, and who gets to shape change. From healthcare and home care to retail and warehousing, the conversation examines how workers can help design AI, protect economic security, and ensure innovation enhances human potential rather than replacing it.

David Siegel, a renowned technologist and entrepreneur, shares insights on how AI can be a powerful tool for solving real-world problems, emphasizing the importance of human agency in leveraging technology. The conversation explores the balance between technological advancement and human involvement, highlighting the need for thoughtful integration of AI into various sectors.

Hosts Warren Valdmanis and Deval Patrick delve into the transformative power of AI with guest Chris Zook, a renowned business strategist. Explore how AI is reshaping industries, enhancing productivity, and redefining leadership. Discover insights on AI's impact on jobs, customer engagement, and the future of work, all while navigating the challenges and opportunities of this technological revolution.

"Technology allows us to fly" - David Autor. In this episode of "AI Unplugged," hosts Warren Valdmanis and Deval Patrick engage in a thought-provoking discussion with David Autor, the Ford Professor of Economics at MIT. They explore the transformative impact of AI on the workforce, emphasizing its dual role as both an automation and collaboration tool. Autor shares insights on how AI can enhance human expertise, the challenges of rapid technological change, and the potential for AI to democratize professional opportunities. The conversation delves into the implications of AI on labor markets, the importance of policy intervention, and the future design principles needed to harness AI's potential for societal benefit.

Hosts Warren Valdmanis and Deval Patrick are joined by Rachel Korberg, Executive Director of the Families and Workers Fund, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on the future of work. The conversation delves into how AI is reshaping job quality, equity, and opportunity, while also addressing the fears and potential downsides associated with automation. Rachel shares insights from a new study with Gallup on job quality and explores strategies for inclusive workforce development, emphasizing the importance of reskilling and preparing for AI-driven changes.

In Episode 3 of "AI Unplugged," hosts Warren Valdmanis and Deval Patrick engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Brian Deese, exploring the intersection of AI, industrial policy, and sustainable investing. Brian shares insights from his extensive career, including his roles in the Obama and Biden administrations and at BlackRock, discussing the critical role of AI in modern economic strategies. The episode delves into the challenges and opportunities AI presents for the workforce, the importance of regulatory frameworks, and the potential for international cooperation in AI deployment. The discussion also touches on the role of principled investors in driving corporate responsibility and innovation in the AI space.

In this episode of "AI Unplugged," Warren Valdmanis, Deval Patrick, and Erik Brynjolfsson delve into the transformative impact of AI on the economy and society. They explore the concept of GDPB, discuss the Turing trap, and consider the future of work in an AI-driven world. Join the conversation as they examine how AI can augment human potential and the policies needed to ensure equitable progress

Welcome to "AI Unplugged: The Future of Work," where hosts Warren Valdmanis and Deval Patrick explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence on our lives, careers, and society. Through engaging discussions with experts from various fields, they delve into the opportunities and challenges AI presents, aiming to prepare individuals and institutions for the rapid changes ahead. Join them as they seek to balance innovation with human values, ensuring AI benefits everyone, not just a select few.