We Optimized Away the Human Part of Work

We’ve spent years using technology to make work faster, easier, and more efficient. But what did we lose along the way? Meg McWilliams joins Work, Measured to explore why people are craving in-person connection again, what happens when we remove the small moments of friction that build trust and belonging, and why AI might actually help us become more human, not less. From film and immersive experiences to gaming communities and now Mixies, Meg has spent her career thinking about what brings people together. We talk about the resurgence of IRL experiences, the social cost of an increasingly digital world, generational shifts in how we connect, and what leaders should be thinking about as AI reshapes work. And yes, we get into why you should never let anyone kill your “fart around” moments.