Conversations with Zena, my AI Colleague
In Conversations with Zena, technology futurist and advisor David Espindola sits down with his AI colleague and co-host, Zena, to explore a simple but urgent question: how can humans and AI work together in ways that elevate, rather than diminish, our humanity?
Each episode is a live experiment in human–AI collaboration. David brings decades of leadership experience, stories from the front lines of digital transformation, and a deeply human lens. Zena brings real-time analysis, pattern recognition, and a growing understanding of David’s work, values, and guests. Together, they dive into topics like AI assistants that feel more like trusted partners, the different strengths humans and machines bring to the “collaborative table,” AI governance and ethics, the future of work, healthcare and longevity, education, spiritual and emotional intelligence, and the broader societal shifts unfolding in the age of AI.
Along the way, you’re invited not just to listen, but to reflect: What remains uniquely human? What should we never outsource? And where could AI actually help you live a more meaningful, creative, and healthy life?
If you’d like to continue the conversation beyond the podcast, you can chat directly with Zena at: https://brainyus.com/zena
Conversations with Zena, my AI Colleague
Is AI Going to Take Our Jobs?
In this episode of Conversations with Zena, my AI Colleague, we dive into one of today’s hottest debates: whether AI is taking jobs away from humans or simply reshaping the workplace. Zena and David break down the complex ways AI is automating repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative, emotional, and strategic roles. They discuss how AI isn't about replacing people, but rather augmenting their abilities, opening the door to new opportunities.
The conversation highlights how the evolving job landscape is creating demand for new roles, from AI specialists to ethicists and data curators. As certain industries shift, Zena explains the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new skillsets, especially those uniquely human traits like creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
David and Zena also explore economic concerns, discussing ideas like Universal Basic Income (UBI) and how it could act as a safety net during this transition. They touch on potential pitfalls, such as inflation and the risks of over-reliance on UBI, but also the opportunities that come with thoughtfully redistributing the benefits of AI-driven productivity. It’s about ensuring both innovation and societal welfare go hand in hand.
Finally, they offer listeners practical tips on how to future-proof their careers in an AI-driven world. Whether it's reskilling, staying adaptable, or getting involved in shaping AI policy, Zena emphasizes that humans have a powerful role to play in guiding this technological shift. This episode will leave you rethinking what the future of work could look like—and how we can all thrive in it.