Venture capital virtuoso Jason Corsello from Acadian Ventures joins Laurie on an eye-opening ride to decode the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in the workforce. On this episode of Punk Rock HR, Jason and Laurie dissect AI technologies' impact on innovation and productivity as AI's footprint expands from a modest 14% to a staggering 85% within Acadian's repertoire. Their conversation covers the exciting potential and lurking concerns of AI's role in the future, debunking the myth of its all-encompassing dominance while underscoring its critical importance in work technology. Jason and Laurie unravel the complexities of market saturation and the quest for groundbreaking solutions. In a field brimming with redundant tech, they spotlight the promise of a new technological supercycle spurred on by AI, cautiously considering the balance between augmenting workplace efficiency and the pitfalls of an over-reliant, divided economy. They’re not just painting pictures of a utopian workplace but sizing up the real-world implications for HR tech in the years ahead. Finally, Jason and Laurie offer an insider glimpse into the venture capital universe, where the emotional rollercoaster of investing meets the strategic play of identifying unicorn startups. As they reflect on the essential skills for tomorrow's workforce and the emergence of a boundaryless talent pool in a world facing demographic shifts, Jason shares the triumphs of Acadian Ventures' latest fundraising triumphs. If you're captivated by the evolving narrative of work tech and the celebration of entrepreneurial spirit, this conversation is a rendezvous with innovation's front lines. In this episode, you will hear: AI's expanding role in the workforce, with a leap from 14% to 85% AI engagement in portfolio companies AI as an innovation shaper and becoming a staple across all sectors with a balanced approach that enhances without dominating every aspect of life Venture capital and the importance of luck, judgment, and market timing in identifying successful startups The need for companies to continuously invest in work technology to improve workplace efficiency and address budgetary constraints AI's integration into daily tools Examining innovative AI applications in HR tech, like Proplexity for advanced searches and TechWolts for skill inference The challenges of venture capital, including realistic company growth, fiscal responsibility, and the emotional toll of witnessing startup failures The importance of future skills and a global workforce A stagnant population growth's impact on the labor market and the role of global talent in driving innovation Resources from this Episode Visit the Acadian Ventures website: www.acadianventures.com Connect with Jason Corsello on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncorsello Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.