Bookmark: Ceding Control To The Agent
The article “Ceding Control To The Agent” explores the complex interplay between automation and human labor, particularly in light of the rapid advancements in AI. The central thesis posits that while AI offers the potential to liberate humans from mundane tasks, it also poses significant challenges to employment. The narrative illustrates this tension by highlighting how previous industrial revolutions predominantly transformed manual labor, while today’s AI revolution targets cognitive tasks previously considered uniquely human. This shift demands a rethinking of human work and purpose. Tejas Kulkarni, in a referenced TED talk, articulates the paradox of AI’s progression as both beneficial and inevitable, proposing that the forthcoming ubiquity of automation can be perceived positively—though not without acknowledging the double-edged nature of such progress. The article illustrates potential transformations, like the automation of video game development and engineering simulations. It further examines human creativity, citing Kulkarni’s observations on children’s learning as a microcosm for human-computer interaction, suggesting that the mastery of simple tools speaks to both human and AI capabilities. Ultimately, the piece argues for an embracement of AI, positing that the real challenge lies in reconfiguring social and economic structures to ensure that AI advances serve human dignity, fostering a “renaissance of human potential” rather than diminishing it.
Featured writing
When your brilliant idea meets organizational reality: a survival guide
Is your cutting-edge AI strategy being derailed by organizational inertia? Discover how to navigate the chasm between visionary ideas and entrenched corporate realities.
Server-Side Dashboard Architecture: Why Moving Data Fetching Off the Browser Changes Everything
How choosing server-side rendering solved security, CORS, and credential management problems I didn't know I had.
AI as Coach: Transforming Professional and Continuing Education
In continuing education, learning doesn’t end when the course is completed. Professionals, executives, and lifelong learners often require months of follow-up, guidance, and reinforcement to fully integrate new knowledge into their work and personal lives. Traditionally, human coaches have filled this role—whether in leadership development, career advancement, corporate training, or personal growth. However, the cost and accessibility of one-on-one coaching remain significant barriers. AI-driven coaching has the potential to bridge this gap, providing continuous, personalized support at scale.
Books
The Work of Being (in progress)
A book on AI, judgment, and staying human at work.
The Practice of Work (in progress)
Practical essays on how work actually gets done.
Recent writing
Influence in the AI Era: Why Human Skills Still Matter
I read this and couldn't agree more: human skills are the linchpin in the age of AI. The article argues that while AI can automate tasks, it can't replicate empathy or the nuance of genuine human interaction. This isn't just about keeping jobs. It's about enhancing them. Empathy and leadership are not replaceable attributes; they are the catalysts for AI's true potential. Imagine a world where technology supports human connection rather than replaces it. Are we ready to embrace that vision, or will we let machines lead the way? Let's ensure the future remains human-centered.
Is Automation the Key to Organizational Resilience?
Automation as the backbone of resilience? This article argues it's essential, but let's not forget the human element. While automating routine tasks can indeed free up resources, it's the strategic deployment of human creativity that drives true innovation. Think of automation as the scaffolding, not the structure. The author claims automation transforms efficiency, yet the real transformation happens when we align technology with human insight. So, are we building resilience or just a faster treadmill? Let's ensure our focus remains on enriching human potential, not just replacing it.
The one-person company advantage: why coordination overhead is the new competitive liability
Imagine a marketer who single-handedly rebuilt his company's entire demand-generation engine in just six weeks using a stack of AI tools. Historically, this task would have required a small team, including a copywriter, designer, analyst, and marketing ops person. Yet, here we have a solo operator outpacing what a team of specialists used to achieve. The secret? It's not about exceptional talent; it's about the structural advantages AI tools unlock.