Digital Labor Lab

Digital Labor Lab
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AI is changing work faster than ever, and while the destination is unclear, the opportunity is undeniable. Digital Labor Lab is the podcast for leaders who want to stay ahead—not by guessing, but by exploring, questioning, and adapting. We bring together top minds, real-world case studies, and evolving strategies to understand what’s happening now and what’s coming next. If you’re ready to take part in shaping the future of digital labor, you’re in the right place.

Episodes

  1. Inside Shopify's "AI First" Memo: Hire AI Before Humans?

    04/11/2025

    Inside Shopify's "AI First" Memo: Hire AI Before Humans?

    Shopify's CEO just sent shockwaves through the tech world with a memo declaring AI is no longer optional – it's the default. Before hiring anyone new, teams MUST prototype with AI agents first. What does this mean for Shopify employees, HR, performance reviews, and the future of work everywhere? In this episode of Digital Labor Lab, we dissect the groundbreaking Shopify memo. We explore: Why AI usage is now a baseline expectation for EVERYONE at Shopify (including executives). The concept of "Reflexive AI" – making AI your first instinct. How AI skills will directly impact performance reviews and peer feedback. The pressure this puts on employees already doing more with less after layoffs. Is Shopify setting a new standard for AI integration, or creating chaos? Key takeaways for leaders considering an "AI First" strategy in their own organizations. Join Brad Owens and Jenny Owens as they analyze this pivotal moment in digital labor and discuss how companies can navigate the transition to an AI-integrated workforce without burning out their teams. #Shopify #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #DigitalLabor #Leadership #TechNews #HR #PerformanceReview #CEO Want help implementing an AI-first strategy? We're building toolkits! Learn more and contact us at: Website: www.digitallaborlab.com Subscribe for more insights What's your take? How would you feel about this mandate? Let us know in the comments! Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction: Shopify's Groundbreaking AI Mandate 00:00:52 Why This Memo Changes Everything: AI is Default 00:01:56 Reflexive AI & The New Performance Standard 00:03:26 How AI Skills Will Be Measured in Performance Reviews 00:04:28 Fostering AI Skills: Exploration, Peer Learning & Tooling 00:05:04 Shopify's AI-First Strategy: Prototyping & Staying Ahead 00:06:19 The Employee Impact: Confusion, Stress & Need for Support 00:08:12 Compensation & Time: Recognizing AI Learning as Labor 00:08:56 The Pressure Cooker: AI Mandate Meets Post-Layoff Culture 00:09:54 Raising the Stakes: Implications for Competitors & AI Adoption 00:11:02 Supporting the Transition & Final Takeaways

    12 min
  2. How to Fortify Your AI: Privacy Solutions for Enterprises

    04/04/2025

    How to Fortify Your AI: Privacy Solutions for Enterprises

    Discover How to Secure Your Data from AI's Hungry Grasp! Explore essential strategies to shield your proprietary data from becoming someone else’s AI training fodder. In today’s episode of Digital Labor Lab, we dive into on-prem AI solutions, the ins and outs of private model training, and seamlessly integrating security into your digital labor tools for a robust defense against unauthorized data usage.In a world where your data is your crown jewel, maintaining confidentiality is crucial. Whether you’re operating in healthcare, law, or tech, the risk of your data being used to fine-tune external models without your knowledge is real. Learn how companies like Samsung and JP Morgan tackle these challenges and why blocking AI isn’t the ultimate answer. Gain insights on safeguarding your data through strategic architecture designs, such as deploying AI models within your existing systems and leveraging synthetic data sets for privacy. We also discuss cutting-edge developments like open-source models and hardware advancements, ensuring you're well-equipped for the evolving AI landscape.How are you currently protecting your data when using AI tools? Is your organization exploring on-prem AI solutions? We'd love to hear your thoughts.Don’t forget to subscribe to Digital Labor Lab for more eye-opening discussions on AI and the future of work. For more content and updates, connect with us at www.digitallaborlab.com and follow us on social media @DigitalLaborLab.#AI #DataSecurity #DigitalLaborLab #AITools #PrivacyProtectionResources from this episode: Meta Secretly Trained Its AI on a Notorious Piracy Database, Newly Unredacted Court Docs Reveal - https://www.wired.com/story/new-documents-unredacted-meta-copyright-ai-lawsuit/00:00 Introduction 00:33 Welcome to Digital Labor Lab 01:00 Protecting Your Proprietary Data 01:47 Risks of Uncontrolled AI Usage 02:09 AI Architecture Strategies 02:50 Challenges with Local AI Hosting 03:09 Cloud AI Solutions 03:34 Open Source Models 04:31 Benefits of Local Models 05:56 Differential Privacy 07:09 Data Classification 08:05 Sandbox Training Environments 08:52 Synthetic Data Sets 09:55 Digital Labor Strategy 10:15 Security First Approach 10:32 Identity Verification and Monitoring 11:11 Governance and Ethics 13:00 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    15 min
  3. Unveiling the Piracy Problem in AI: Meta's Legal Battle

    03/28/2025

    Unveiling the Piracy Problem in AI: Meta's Legal Battle

    What if your business AI is built on stolen content? Dive into the alarming truth behind AI-driven systems that might just be fueled by pirated works. As court revelations unveil Meta's controversial use of a copyrighted data set, we explore the implications for digital labor and highlight the ethical dilemmas that businesses face today. Join Jenny and Brad Owens in this episode of Digital Labor Lab as they dissect the intricate layers of AI technology, from the unauthorized use of books by big names like Stephen King and Margaret Atwood to the broader risks and trust issues companies need to address. As they unpack this unfolding narrative, discover why ethical AI isn't just a buzzword but a strategic advantage for forward-thinking businesses. Can the contemporary rush for AI lead to unforeseen legal battles or reputational damage? Don't let your company fall into the AI ethical trap! Are your AI tools built on a stable and lawful foundation? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment and engage with us on how businesses can ensure AI compliance. Hit "Subscribe" for more intriguing discussions on AI challenges and future insights!Visit www.digitallaborlab.com and follow us at @DigitalLaborLab for more updates. 🔍 #AIethics #DigitalLabor #AIFutureResources from this episode: Meta Secretly Trained Its AI on a Notorious Piracy Database, Newly Unredacted Court Docs Reveal - https://www.wired.com/story/new-documents-unredacted-meta-copyright-ai-lawsuit/00:00 Introduction to AI and Copyright Issues00:50 Welcome to Digital Labor Lab02:00 Meta's Controversial AI Training Data04:44 Business Implications of Unethical AI06:49 Legal and Reputational Risks09:21 Guide for Business Leaders11:47 Vendor Accountability and Best Practices13:34 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

    14 min
  4. AI's Paradox: Making Work Simpler or More Stressful?

    03/08/2025

    AI's Paradox: Making Work Simpler or More Stressful?

    Unleashing the Paradox of AI: Making Jobs Harder or Easier? Explore the surprising impact of AI and automation on your work life. Join us as we delve into why tasks may get tougher, not easier, with AI's rise in the workplace. Discover insights from HR to healthcare and how businesses might rethink their AI strategies.In this engaging episode, Jenny and Brad Owens investigate the unintended consequences when AI handles routine tasks, leaving humans with complex, stressful projects. As digital labor becomes more prevalent, we ask what this means for job satisfaction and productivity. Through real-life examples, we uncover the importance of balancing AI and human tasks to prevent burnout and maintain efficiency.We want to hear from you! Has automation made your job easier or more challenging? What are your thoughts on managing this shift? Share your experiences in the comments! Don't forget to subscribe for more content on the future of work. Stay connected with Digital Labor Lab at www.digitallaborlab.com and follow us on social media @DigitalLaborLab for the latest updates.#ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #Automation #DigitalLabor #AIImpactResources from this episode: Understanding the Role of Cognitive Load in Paramedical Contexts - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10903127.2024.2370491?needAccess=true00:00 Introduction00:31 AI's Impact on Simple Tasks01:24 The Paradox of Automation04:27 Cognitive Load and Burnout06:53 Balancing AI and Human Work10:13 Key Takeaways12:12 Call to Action

    13 min
  5. AI & The Law: How Regulations Will Impact Your Business

    02/28/2025

    AI & The Law: How Regulations Will Impact Your Business

    Discover the latest in AI regulations! Dive deep as we explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence use and the impact of global regulations. Join hosts Jenny and Brad Owens as they break down the complexities of AI laws in the EU and US, and what this means for business owners like you. Resources from this episode: The EU Act is Coming to America - https://substack.com/home/post/p-157005561Anthropic Economic Impacts paper - https://assets.anthropic.com/m/2e23255f1e84ca97/original/Economic_Tasks_AI_Paper.pdf 00:00 Introduction 00:28 AI Guardrails Overview 01:01 GDPR and EU AI Act 03:25 Regulatory Differences in the US 05:02 US AI Regulation Challenges 07:19 Business Impact of AI Regulation 09:30 The Future of AI Legislation 10:59 Practical Tips for Business Owners 12:14 The Importance of Documentation

    14 min
  6. The Ethics of AI and Digital Labor: What Every Business Should Know

    02/24/2025

    The Ethics of AI and Digital Labor: What Every Business Should Know

    In this episode of Digital Labor Lab, Jennifer and Brad Owens dive into one of the most pressing issues in AI and automation: the ethics of digital labor. As businesses increasingly integrate AI and automation into their workflows, it's crucial to establish ethical guardrails to ensure responsible implementation. 🚀 Topics Covered: Why discussing AI ethics is critical for businesses Three essential guardrails for using digital labor responsibly Insights from the World Economic Forum and AI Emergency Summit The real impact of automation on jobs and businesses How companies can manage AI bias and ethical concernsFrom regulatory frameworks to ethical dilemmas, we explore how businesses can innovate without compromising fairness and human value. 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on the future of work and digital labor! Resources Mentioned: This Week in AI: Billionaires talk automating jobs away - https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/04/this-week-in-ai-billionaires-talk-automating-jobs-away/ Automation and New Tasks: How Technology Displaces and Reinstates Labor - https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/jep.33.2.3 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments—should businesses automate jobs completely? 🌍 Visit us at digitallaborlab.com for more insights. Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Episode Preview 00:05 - Welcome to Digital Labor Lab 00:22 - Today's Topic: Ethics of Digital Labor 00:33 - Why AI Guardrails Matter 01:35 - Pushback Against AI & Automation 03:38 - Billionaires & Job Automation: Industry Reactions 05:03 - Is Full AI Automation Feasible? 06:53 - The Risk of Mediocre Automation & Declining Quality 09:30 - Balancing AI & Human Labor: The Right Approach 13:39 - Algorithmic Bias & Ethical AI Challenges 16:54 - Why Businesses Need Digital Labor Leadership 18:16 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find More Content

    19 min
  7. Will AI Take Your Job? The Truth About Digital Labor & Automation

    02/19/2025

    Will AI Take Your Job? The Truth About Digital Labor & Automation

    Are we all going to lose our jobs to AI? 🤖 In this episode of Digital Labor Lab, hosts Jennifer and Brad Owens dive deep into the history and future of work, exploring how automation, AI, and digital labor are reshaping industries. From the Industrial Revolution to today’s AI-driven workforce, we discuss:✅ How automation has transformed jobs throughout history✅ The rise of agentic AI and digital employees✅ What tasks AI can (and can't) do better than humans✅ The potential for AI to assist rather than replace workers✅ The impact of AI on wages, employment, and workplace dynamics Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of work, fear vs. reality, and how we can embrace AI as a tool rather than a threat. 📌 Subscribe for more deep dives into AI, automation, and the future of work!💬 Share your thoughts in the comments—how do you feel about AI in the workplace? 🔗 Find us online:🌐 Website: digitallaborlab.com📲 Follow us: @DigitalLaborLab on LinkedIn, Blue Sky, and more! Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Will AI take our jobs?01:07 - Welcome to Digital Labor Lab01:36 - The history of work: From farms to factories02:35 - The Industrial Revolution and mass production05:30 - Automation in manufacturing: Robots vs. humans07:42 - The role of AI as an assistant, not a replacement10:48 - The future of digital labor: What's next?12:46 - How businesses are adapting to AI16:29 - Can AI and humans collaborate?18:54 - AI in everyday life: Travel agents & scheduling23:36 - Consumer trust: When do we prefer human interaction?24:39 - Closing thoughts & where to find us

    23 min

  8. 02/13/2025

    What is Digital Labor? | The Future of Work Explained

    Welcome to theDigital Labor Lab Podcast, where we explore the future of work, automation, AI, and the evolving role of digital labor in our economy. In this inaugural episode, hostsBrad Owens and Jennifer Owens discuss: ✅ What digital labor really means – is it just robots? 🤖 ✅ Why this topic is more relevant than ever in today’s economy ✅ Insights from industry leaders, including a key takeaway from Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff ✅ How digital labor is transforming industries like healthcare, supply chains, and HR ✅ What to expect from future episodes! Join us as we dive into the ethics, challenges, and opportunities surrounding digital labor. Whether you’re an employer, employee, or just curious about how work is changing, this podcast is your guide! 🔗Follow Us & Stay Connected: 📌 Website: https://www.DigitalLaborLab.com 📌 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitallaborlab 📌 Twitter/X: https://x.com/digitallaborlab 📌 Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/digitallaborlab.bsky.social 🎧 Available onSpotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more! 📩 Have a question or topic idea? Drop it in the comments! #DigitalLabor #FutureOfWork #Automation #AI #Podcast Video Chapters (Timestamps): 0:00 - Introduction: What is Digital Labor? 0:15 - Welcome to the Digital Labor Lab Podcast! 0:44 - Defining Digital Labor: More Than Just Robots 1:59 - Why Talk About Digital Labor Now? 3:00 - Key Takeaways from the World Economic Forum 3:55 - Hosts' Backgrounds: Why We Care About This Topic 5:11 - What to Expect in Future Episodes 7:20 - Where to Find Us Online 8:11 - Subscribe & Join the Journey!

    8 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

AI is changing work faster than ever, and while the destination is unclear, the opportunity is undeniable. Digital Labor Lab is the podcast for leaders who want to stay ahead—not by guessing, but by exploring, questioning, and adapting. We bring together top minds, real-world case studies, and evolving strategies to understand what’s happening now and what’s coming next. If you’re ready to take part in shaping the future of digital labor, you’re in the right place.

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  • Creator
    Digital Labor Lab
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Digital Labor Lab
  • Show Website
    Digital Labor Lab