From Forecasting to Community: AI’s Promise, Human Resilience & Innovation Leadership

In Episode 227 of DisrupTV, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar bring together three compelling voices: Grant Halloran, CEO of Planful, renowned for his insights into financial planning and performance; Byron Reese, futurist and author with a bold vision for how technology elevates humanity; and Rachel Friesen, PagerDuty’s Head of Community & Advocacy, known for her passion for inclusive tech and resilient teams. Together, they explore AI’s transformative potential, the strategic value of people-powered innovation communities, and why foresight and adaptability are essential leadership skills.

Key Episode Insights

  • AI & The Future of Work (Byron Reese): Reese cautions that the “biggest problems of tomorrow will not be a lack of jobs, but a shortage of humans to take advantage of all of the opportunities technology will offer” Byron Reese. He frames AI as an enabler of a golden age—if we cultivate capacity rather than fear displacement.
  • Inclusive Tech & Resilient Communities (Rachel Friesen): Friesen emphasizes that resilient teams are as vital as resilient systems. Her advocacy for inclusivity underscores the idea that innovation thrives in environments where diverse voices are empowered
  • Strategic Planning in Disruption (Grant Halloran): As the CEO of Planful, Halloran brings a planning-first mindset—pointing to the need for organizations to stay agile via continuous forecasting, scenario planning, and performance management

Insights & Resources

This episode underlines a central theme: human capacity and connection are the bedrock of enduring innovation. Byron Reese’s futurism reminds us that with advancing AI, our challenge isn’t job loss, but elevating human potential to seize new opportunities. Rachel Friesen reinforces that breakthrough technologies only matter when teams are inclusive, engaged, and resilient. Grant Halloran reinforces the importance of proactive, agile financial planning—ensuring organizations can adapt strategy in real time. Together, the episode illuminates how humanism, strategic foresight, and inclusive leadership intertwine to create culture-forward, future-ready organizations.

Memorable Quotes

  • Byron Reese: “The biggest problems of tomorrow will not be a lack of jobs, but a shortage of humans to take advantage of all of the opportunities technology will offer.”
  • Rachel Friesen: (Implied message) “Resilient teams are as important as resilient systems.”

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a powerful reminder: Technology alone isn’t the answer—people are. Elevating human potential, securing inclusive, resilient communities, and anchoring decisions in agile planning—these are the true levers of transformation. Leaders who align strategy with humanity won’t just endure disruption—they’ll shape what lies beyond it.

Related Episodes