Publications

“Social contract” has quickly become one of the most-used, least-defined phrases in the AI policy conversation. This first event in a two-part series will trace the origin and history of the American social contract, examining how work became the anchor of economic security, mobility, and civic identity in the United States.

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We get it right when we focus on fundamentals: recognize that job quality matters more than job quantity; center care work as essential to economic function; build coalitions across labor, technology policy, and civil society; understand that flexibility without security is precarity; remember that workers are also caregivers, creatives, and civic leaders.

Artificial Intelligence Training for Union Teachers (and Others)

No matter how the technology evolves, workers will have a seat at the table in its development and deployment. 

We have come a long way in making sure workers are a part of the conversation about how AI is deployed in their workplaces. But while we talk, tech monopolies are consolidating the power to make development and decisions unilaterally.

At this year’s Aspen Ideas Festival, conversations across sessions from AI to religion to capitalism kept circling around a question that’s been keeping me up at night: How do we ensure rapid, disruptive change strengthens rather than erodes American opportunity and democracy?

Because here’s the fundamental truth no algorithm can calculate: what happens when millions of working people stand together, speak with one voice, and demand the dignity and respect they deserve. The future of work is still being written. Let’s make sure it works for all of us.

At this summer’s Aspen Ideas Festival, I had the great pleasure of facilitating a conversation with four Ideas Fest Fellows — young leaders in the fields of media, philanthropy, and economic policy — about their view of the future of work.

According to Brunswick Group’s latest research, the traditional playbook for engaging working-class workers—especially younger ones—is rapidly becoming obsolete.

The retirement landscape is at a critical juncture, and it’s created a global opportunity — and responsibility — for us all. Evolving workplace retirement plans, increasing longevity, and changing workforce dynamics create even more demand for secure investment products and lifetime income solutions. Through hybrid approaches, innovative financial products, and a focus on financial education, we can ensure that the future of work includes the future-ready resources that people need to live better lives, longer.

In this conversation with Economic Opportunities Program Executive Director Maureen Conway, Padhi explores the massive potential of scaling technology and generative artificial intelligence (AI) and where many companies have fallen short of realizing these benefits.