The AI-Powered Workplace: How Artificial Intelligence, Data, and Messaging Platforms Are Defining the Future of Work by Ronald Ashri.
Ronald holds a PhD in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence / Agent-based systems) from The University of Southampton. Today Ronald is Chief Product and Technology Officer at OpenDialog AI. He previously was Co-Founder, CTO and CEO at GreenShoot Labs. Ronald specializes in AI systems design, knowledge management, agent-based systems, and conversational AI.
The AI-Powered Workplace is broken into three parts: Understanding AI, The applications of AI in the Workplace, and building Your AI-Powered Workplace. This book should certainly be a primer for those not familiar with AI.
Part 1 chapters 1-5 introduce AI concepts and explains for new users what AI is and how does it predict. Ronald is providing a solid outline regarding the early history of AI. I appreciate his reference to AI Winters by stating ‘AI goes into hiding’ which was fun to read. Readers will also appreciate how he compares the role of computing and technology in our lives as a pivot to the growing needs for AI services. At this point Ronald also begins diving into his area of expertise, AI agents. There are certainly deep insights regarding Agents within this opening part of his book.
Define the future of work
So, Ronald expands his overview into Part 2 chapters 6-9 placing AI services into a digital workplace. There are a host of well written books addressing how organizations become digital and the requirements needed to exploit the capabilities of AI services. Ronald is proving a good 10,000 foot view of the digital workspace.
However, there are additional books that provide enhanced views of engageing work, AI, and organizations which are critical for success: Work without Jobs, The Future of Work, and Reinventing Jobs.
Finally in Part 3 chapters 10-12 provide practical advice to engaging an AI-Powered Workplace, Ronald brings the ideas of moving from data to exploiting AI services to generate understanding and value. There are also chapters addressing AI strategy and ethics that need to be flushed out into their own books.
Good introduction to AI
In conclusion, The AI-Powered Workplace shows new users how the AI wave is making a dramatic impact upon our lives. Ronald has certainly addressed many areas of AI impacting the future of work. An enjoyable and insightful read for those brand new to AI.