Navigating AI, Data, and the Future of Work with Cary Sparrow

·28 min·2 clips

Kerry Spear explains why he scrapped a major AI project three times in three months as models became obsolete.

The episode begins with an ad for a healthcare finance solution, followed by host Michael Levitt introducing Kerry Spear. Kerry explains that Wagescape provides real-time data on wages, hiring, and skills demand, founded 10 years ago. He describes the labor market as constantly disrupted, starting with the pandemic and now AI, which he calls the biggest current disruptor. Kerry notes the difficulty in predicting even six months ahead due to fast product life cycles. He draws parallels between the AI boom and the dot-com era, warning of 'AI slop' where many companies may fail. Kerry shares his own experience with AI patents and a failed project to build an LLM interface, killed because underlying models changed too quickly. He discusses how AI could replace 80% of work at 5% cost, leading CFOs to cut hiring plans. Ethical controls are highlighted, especially in fields like healthcare and auditing where accuracy is critical. Kerry emphasizes the importance of quality data underlying AI models. He explains how Wagescape's data, covering over 90% of U.S. jobs, offers more accurate insights than traditional surveys. The conversation turns to leadership, with Kerry noting resistance to data that contradicts gut instincts, but observing a shift towards more curiosity. Universities are using his data to adapt curricula to market demands. Kerry advises leaders to understand data limitations and meet stakeholders where they are. The episode concludes with contact details for Wagescape.

As heard by us

A practical look at when to build with AI and when to wait.

Breakfast Leadership Show centers a practical AI question with Kerry Spear, founder and CEO of Wagescape: when to build and when to wait. Spear's account of an LLM project that had to restart three times in its first three months because the underlying models kept changing gives…

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Why you'd press play

When AI keeps changing the rules before your project ships, this one stays useful.

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