AI Unplugged - The Future of Work

Episode 10: The Reflection

"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.

Episode 9: The Capitalist

"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.

Episode 8: The Labor Leader

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.

Episode 7: The Scientist

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.

Episode 6: The CEO Whisperer

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.