Source: Fortune
Summary
Zillow’s former CEO, Rich Barton, shares his experience with AI, highlighting the importance of understanding its limitations and potential. He took a six-week course to learn how to build AI systems that can reason alongside humans, challenge assumptions, and adapt to individual thinking. Barton now uses three custom-built agents daily, which have improved his judgment, productivity, and communication. He emphasizes the need for executives to invest time in learning about AI and its applications, rather than just relying on assumptions.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Rich Barton’s AI journey is a case study in executive adaptation. He moved from using AI for marginal productivity gains to building systems that understand his business and decision-making process. Barton’s agents now challenge his assumptions, provide context, and improve his communication. The story highlights the gap between executives who understand AI’s potential and those who don’t. As AI capabilities improve, the liability of not knowing its mechanics will grow.
The announcement sounds familiar: executives must invest time in learning about AI to stay relevant.
Author: Evan Null
