In this episode of the DataSkate Digital AI Workforce Podcast, Jason Asher and Ryan Albretsen welcome Dustin Bonn, Vice President of IT Operations at Marco Technologies. The conversation explores Dustin's journey from a small-town South Dakota upbringing to leading IT operations at a growing tech company. They delve into the importance of AI readiness assessments, the challenges of adopting AI technologies within organizations, and the future of AI in workforce development. Dustin shares insights on how Marco Technologies is navigating the AI landscape, emphasizing the need for internal and external assessments to drive efficiency and improve client experiences. The discussion highlights the balance between leveraging AI and maintaining the human element in business operations.

Takeaways

• Marco Technologies has grown from 500 to 1200 employees through organic growth and acquisitions.
• AI readiness assessments are crucial for organizations to understand their starting point with AI.
• Internal policies are being developed to control data and improve AI usage within the company.
• Dustin emphasizes the importance of engaging employees in AI initiatives.
• The company is focusing on automating repetitive tasks to improve efficiency.
• Client-facing AI tools are being developed to enhance customer experience.
• Barriers to AI adoption include resistance to change and established workflows.
• Dustin believes AI can significantly increase productivity for employees.
• The future of work may involve AI workers assisting human employees in various tasks.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

03:53 Dustin's Journey and Background

06:51 AI Readiness Assessment at Marco Technologies

09:56 Challenges in AI Adoption

12:54 The Future of AI in Workforce

14:53 Conclusion and Closing Remarks