Joanna Stern, formerly of The Wall Street Journal, shares her journey into entrepreneurship with her new media company, New Things, and her book "I Am Not a Robot." This episode provides an in-depth look at her experiences living with AI and automation, offering critical insights into the practical applications, limitations, and societal impact of these technologies for ecommerce professionals considering integrating AI into their operations.
Key takeaways
Consider the practical limitations and real-world user acceptance of AI and automation before full-scale implementation, as widespread adoption isn't always driven by yearning.
Evaluate the long-term societal and ethical implications of AI tools, especially for customer interaction and internal operations, beyond immediate efficiency gains.
Learn from Stern's approach to integrating emerging tech by first-hand experimentation and critical analysis, rather than solely relying on theoretical benefits.
Understand that while AI can streamline processes, the ‘human element’ remains crucial, influencing how technology should be designed and deployed.
Themes
ai & automationfounder & leadershipbrand & content
My guest today is longtime friend of the show Joanna Stern. You all know Joanna: she is the former senior personal technology columnist for The Wall Street Journal, a former Decoder guest host, one of my co-founders at The Verge, and also just one of my very closest friends. Joanna just left that lofty perch at the Journal to start her own media company called New Things, and she’s starting with her new book about AI called I Am Not a Robot, which is out this week on May 12th. So we had Joanna on to talk about all of that, especially what she learned going all in on automation. Links: I Am Not a Robot | Harper Collins It’s time. Meet my New Thing | Joanna Stern Why I left My prestigious job to make YouTube videos | Joanna Stern / YouTube Signing off from this column after 12 years. Here’s what’s changed in tech | WSJ I tried the robot that’s coming to live with you. It’s still par human | WSJ The people do not yearn for automation | Decoder Subscribe to The Verge to access the ad-free version of Decoder! Credits: Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Decoder is produced by Kate Cox and Nick Statt and edited by Ursa Wright. Our editorial director is Kevin McShane. The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.
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Consider the practical limitations and real-world user acceptance of AI and automation before full-scale implementation, as widespread adoption isn't always driven by yearning.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Evaluate the long-term societal and ethical implications of AI tools, especially for customer interaction and internal operations, beyond immediate efficiency gains.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Learn from Stern's approach to integrating emerging tech by first-hand experimentation and critical analysis, rather than solely relying on theoretical benefits.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Understand that while AI can streamline processes, the ‘human element’ remains crucial, influencing how technology should be designed and deployed.
