Between You and AI | Leadership, Human Skills & the Future of Work

Epizódy

• Tokenmaxxing: Why AI Keeps Getting More Expensive — and What It Means for Leaders. 23.06.2026 11min

  In this episode of "Between You and AI", Andrea Iorio (USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker) unpacks a paradox catching companies off guard: AI promised to give us our time and money back, yet spending on it only climbs — and the results often don't follow. From tokenmaxxing to the quiet choice between tokens or humans, see why using more AI became a trap, and why choosing less is now the rarest competitive advantage there is.Key themes:AI's original promise — handing back time and cost — and Uber's COO admitting the link between AI spend and value generated "is not there yet"Seneca's diagnosis two thousand years ago, and Cal Newport's deep vs. shallow work: why busyness is human nature, not a 21st-century problemThe Jevons Paradox: why every efficiency gain triggers a demand explosion, never a leisure dividendWhat every HR leader needs to understand about tokens — and why token consumption became a live proxy for employee AI useThe concept of tokenmaxxing: burning maximum tokens as a status signal, from Meta's and Amazon's internal leaderboards to the backfireHow companies are clamping down: Microsoft's cuts, Uber's blown budget, and Salesforce's $300M AI billTokens or humans: why, per Glean's CEO, technology now costs the same as people — with AI budgets growing in place of new hiresThe final turn: why volume is no longer a signal of your work, and selectivity — using AI less, and better — became the skill of the decade.👤 Andrea IorioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiorio_brLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaiorioWebsite: https://www.andreaiorio.com
• AI-xhaustion: The Double-Edged Sword of AI's Impact on Our Mental Health 10.06.2026 14min

  In this episode of "Between You and AI", Andrea Iorio (USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker), explores the complex relationship between AI advancements and mental health, highlighting both benefits and risks. From AI-driven stress to potential in democratizing mental health care, see how technology shapes our well-being and productivity.Main Topics:The initial hopes and subsequent reality of AI's impact on personal productivity and stressThe concept of AI exhaustion and the mental health crisis linked to technology useThe phenomena of chronic strain and the AI paradox: speeding up work expectations amid emotional tollThe erosion of patience and the rise of impatience in our fast-paced digital environmentPotential benefits of AI in increasing access to mental health support, including therapy chatbotsThe paradoxical findings of AI use correlating with increased depressive symptomsReflection on the promise of reclaiming time through AI and the crucial question of ownership of that time. 👤 Andrea IorioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiorio_brLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaiorioWebsite: https://www.andreaiorio.com
• The Pope, Anthropic, and the battle for "trust" in the AI industry. 03.06.2026 15min

  In this episode of "Between You and AI", Andrea Iorio (USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker), explores the first papal encyclical in history on Artificial Intelligence — Magnifica Humanitas, released by Pope Leo XIV on May 25, 2026. And not in any ordinary way: the Pope presented it in person, on the stage of the Synod Hall, next to Christopher Olah, co-founder of Anthropic.Is there a conflict of interest there? And why is nobody asking that question?👤 Andrea IorioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiorio_brLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaiorioWebsite: https://www.andreaiorio.com
• The Boomerang Effect: Are AI Layoffs for Real, or Just an Alibi? 20.05.2026 14min

  In this episode of "Between You and AI", Andrea Iorio (USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker), Andrea Iorio analyzes the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market, highlighting cases of layoffs, rehirings, and the boomerang effect. We discuss the legal, philosophical, and ethical implications of business decisions driven by AI, with global examples and reflections on the future of the relationship between technology and work.Key Topics:The Hangzhou court ruling on AI-driven layoffs;Cases of rehiring after AI-motivated layoffs;Differences in legal approaches between China, Europe, and the US;The impact of AI washing on worker and investor trust;Philosophical reflections on responsibility in automation.👤 Andrea IorioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiorio_brLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaiorioWebsite: https://www.andreaiorio.com
• The METR chart that shrinks your job every quarter — and is keeping Wall Street up at night. 14.05.2026 10min

  In this episode of "Between You and AI", Andrea Iorio (USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker) explores the remarkable shifts in AI's ability to work autonomously and continuously. Drawing on data from exponential progress charts, host Andrea Iorio discusses how the acceleration of AI's evolution could transform careers, daily tasks, and the job market in the coming years. If you want to understand how to prepare for the next technological doubling, this episode is essential listening.Key topics:The evolution of artificial intelligence: from one hour of autonomous work to twelve, with projections reaching forty-eight hours by January 2027.The chart from the Berkeley-based nonprofit METR, which tracks how long AI can work without getting lost — revealing a sharp acceleration over the last few years.How AI's ability to perform engineer- and analyst-level work is undergoing a rapid transformation, moving from simple tasks to high-level cognitive work.Amara's Law: the overestimation of technology in the short run versus the underestimation of its long-run impact — and why a long-term view matters now more than ever.The human cognitive system and our built-in difficulty grasping the exponential growth driving AI's evolution.Why running a quarterly audit matters — to evaluate what's still in your routine manually, and where AI can take over.How to future-proof your career by answering three questions: 1) what does AI already do better than me? 2) what could become routine in a matter of months? 3) where should I focus my human hours?The speed at which complex tasks — even senior engineer work — can be automated, reshaping the structure of projects and roles.How leaders and teams must adapt to AI's next doublings to avoid being replaced or left behind.An invitation to continuous reflection: track the pace of AI's evolution and adjust your calendar accordingly.👤 Andrea IorioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiorio_brLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaiorioWebsite: https://www.andreaiorio.com
• FOBO: Why is Gen Z sabotaging AI’s transformation at work. 23.04.2026 10min

  In this episode of Between "You and AI", Andrea Iorio (USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker) explores the emotional roots behind resistance to AI in the workplace, the historical parallels with the Luddites, and practical strategies leaders can implement to turn fear into opportunity. Key Topics:The psychology behind sabotage: fear of obsolescence (FOMO) among Gen Z employeesHistorical context: the Luddites' fight against technological change and its lessons for todayWhy sabotage today is doomed to fail: data from 2026 shows resistance harms careers and prospectsThe importance of leadership empathy: openly addressing fears to build trustCo-designing AI implementation: involving teams to foster ownership and reduce sabotageBuilding trust and agency: giving employees control over AI workflows and automation choicesThe cost of neglecting emotional support: risking internal sabotage and leadership oversightsTransforming resistance into innovation: adopting AI visibly to become irreplaceable in your organization. Andrea IorioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiorio_brLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaiorioWebsite: https://www.andreaiorio.com
• How to Scale an AI-First Culture, and the CTO’s Role 14.04.2026 9min

  In this episode of Between "You and AI", Andrea Iorio (USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker) draws an unexpected parallel between a 3-month-old baby learning to crawl and organizations adopting AI, revealing the three conditions that unlock collective change — and why 95% of companies are missing them.Discover how the principles that help babies master crawling are the same ones that accelerate cultural shifts in business. We break down the four crucial "floors" of AI readiness — data, design, value, and people — and why each one is a cultural challenge, not a technical fix. Andrea shares specific insights from global leaders like Mayo Clinic and John Deere, illustrating how shifting the focus from automation to augmentation transforms both value and trust in AI.You'll uncover why trust is the real bottleneck — why leaders and employees often trust AI and each other less over time, and what leaders, especially CTOs, must do to build that trust. Learn how to create the conditions where AI can thrive, prioritizing leadership, culture, and environment over fancy algorithms.👤 Andrea IorioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiorio_brLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaiorioWebsite: https://www.andreaiorio.com
• Meta's Apparent Contradiction and the Impact of AI on the Job Market. 31.03.2026 10min

  In this episode of Between "You and AI", Andrea Iorio (USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker) explores the rising value of AI professionals, the strategic investments by tech giants like Meta, and the implications for the future of work and salaries. It highlights how AI is transforming market dynamics, creating a new elite class of high-paid experts, and reshaping employment patterns. Will AI scientists be the new superstars?Key TopicsThe surge in AI talent valuation and high salariesMeta's strategic investments and acquisitions in AIThe impact of AI on workforce restructuring and layoffsThe shift from operational to strategic value in the job marketThe polarization of market value between operational and strategic skills👤 Andrea IorioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiorio_brLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaiorioWebsite: https://www.andreaiorio.com
• The Social Fatigue of Influencers and the Anxious Generation. 24.03.2026 10min

  In this episode of Between "You and AI", Andrea Iorio (USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker) starts from a seemingly superficial phenomenon—the shift in celebrity aesthetics—to explore a much deeper issue: the collective fatigue driven by unattainable standards, overstimulation, and a life increasingly mediated by algorithms.From the movement toward more natural-looking results, to the concept of “filler fatigue” and the cultural critiques portrayed in the film The Substance, the episode reveals how the relentless pursuit of perfection fuels a continuous cycle of dissatisfaction. A cycle that goes beyond aesthetics, extending into digital behavior and the way we relate to the world.Andrea connects this scenario to what is now known as social media fatigue—a growing phenomenon driven by cognitive, environmental, social, and even personality-related factors. Drawing on studies and real-world examples, he analyzes the impact of social media on mental health, especially among younger generations, and discusses how hyperexposure, constant comparison, and performance pressure are leading creators and influencers—such as Justin Bieber and others—to rethink their online presence.The episode also dives into the transformation of content consumption, highlighting the saturation of short-form formats, the resurgence of longer, more reflective content, and the rise of podcasts as a space for more authentic connection—free from the tyranny of public metrics.More than a diagnosis, this episode is an invitation to reflect: how can we slow down, reconnect with what’s real, and prioritize what truly matters in an increasingly noisy world?👤 Andrea IorioInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/aiorio_brLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaiorioWebsitehttps://www.andreaiorio.com
• AI, Weapons, and Responsibility: How Trust Became the Real Differentiator for Technology Leaders. 19.03.2026 9min

  In this episode of Between "You and AI", Andrea Iorio (USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker) explores the impact of artificial intelligence on the geopolitical and business landscape, highlighting ethical questions, strategic decisions, and the role of leaders in building trust in powerful technologies. It offers a deep analysis of current global tensions, ethical challenges, and the evolving role of technology leaders—showing CTOs and CIOs that what differentiates them today is no longer just technical expertise, but something more intangible: the trust they inspire.Key topics discussed:The growing integration of AI in military operations, with a focus on Palantir’s Maven Smart System (MSS) and its $10 billion contract with the Pentagon.Ethical implications of military AI, including responsibility, transparency, and the absence of emotions or moral judgment in automated decision-making.How ethical stances by companies—such as Anthropic refusing contracts related to autonomous weapons—can create competitive advantages and strengthen user trust.The impact of trust on the reputation of AI companies, highlighting awareness campaigns and the influence of high-profile advertising, such as Super Bowl ads.The importance of ethical positioning in building trust, especially in the era of low-code tools and automation, where many different teams can now create technological solutions.The transformation of the technology leader’s role—from technical gatekeeper to guardian of digital trust—emphasizing soft skills, ethics, communication, collaboration, and influence without formal authority.How concrete actions, more than marketing narratives, reinforce trust and the strategic value of technology within organizations.Andrea IorioInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/aiorio_brLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaiorioWebsitehttps://www.andreaiorio.com
• From office desks to construction sites: Is manual work the next big trend in the age of AI? 12.03.2026 7min

  In this episode of Between "You and AI", Andrea Iorio (USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker) explore a quiet yet profound transformation in the labor market: as artificial intelligence automates standardized cognitive tasks, manual and physical activities are beginning to gain new relevance.Throughout the conversation, we discuss why this shift is happening, the technological and cultural forces behind it, and what it means for professionals and leaders who must prepare for an increasingly hybrid labor market—one where intellectual, social, and physical skills coexist.We also reflect on real examples of professionals moving from highly cognitive careers to manual activities, and how the scarcity of technical skills in the physical world may become one of the major differentiators of the future.More than a simple substitution between types of work, the episode proposes a deeper reflection: in an increasingly digital world, the value of what is physical, concrete, and tangible may rise precisely because it becomes rarer.Key TopicsThe shift in the work paradigm: from cognitive to manualReal examples of professionals switching from intellectual tasks to manual workHow AI is replacing standardized cognitive tasksThe growing demand for physical and technical skills in infrastructure and maintenanceThe cultural dimension of manual work: control, focus, and tangible accomplishmentThe scarcity of specialized technical skillsHow technology reshapes what is rare and valuable in the labor marketThe need to combine intellectual, social, and physical skillsThe role of leaders and professionals in adapting to this new landscapeReflections on the uncertain future of work in the age of AITimestamps00:00 — The impact of changes in work formats and the new demand for manual skills00:29 — Case of a designer who leaves his career to become a house painter due to AI00:55 — Professionals moving toward physical and craft-based activities01:23 — Geoffrey Hinton: “If you want a job in 2030, train to be a plumber.”01:51 — How AI infrastructure creates new demand for manual skills02:21 — The technological reasons behind this structural shift02:48 — The importance of the physical world in the digital economy03:17 — Cultural and psychological aspects that increase the value of manual work03:42 — A personal account of finding fulfillment in physical and tangible tasks04:11 — Control, focus, and well-being in manual work04:40 — The reassessment of the value of manual skills05:09 — How automation changes the hierarchy of scarce skills05:38 — How technology redefines what is rare and valuable06:06 — Individual preparation for the new world of work06:32 — Yuval Noah Harari’s insight on the uncertainties of AI07:01 — The future triad: intellectual, social, and manual skills07:27 — Using AI as a copilot while strengthening human capabilities07:50 — Closing thoughts and invitation to reflectResources & Links📘 Book — Between You and AIhttps://www.amazon.com/Between-You-AI-Unlock-AI-Driven/dp/1394274333📖 Yuval Noah Harari — Where is AI taking us?https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/02/02/opinion/ai-future-leading-thinkers-survey.html👤 Andrea IorioInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/aiorio_brLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaiorioWebsitehttps://www.andreaiorio.com