available Summer 2025

by
Michael Fauscette

We stand at the precipice of a disruptive shift in how work gets done. Throughout history, the nature of work has evolved through distinct phases—from manual labor in agrarian societies to mechanized production during the Industrial Revolution, and then to knowledge work in the Information Age. Today, we are witnessing the emergence of what may be the most significant shift yet: the rise of the digital workforce.

The digital workforce is more than just another wave of automation or technological advancement. It signals a paradigm shift in which artificial intelligence transitions from being merely a tool that requires constant human guidance to becoming a collaborative partner capable of independent action. This evolution marks a profound departure from traditional workforce models where technology has primarily served to augment human capabilities rather than demonstrate autonomous agency.

Organizations that once defined their workforce strictly in terms of human capital are now expanding their definition to include AI systems that can operate with increasing levels of independence. These digital workers don't merely execute predefined tasks or follow rigid instructions; they demonstrate initiative, adapt to changing circumstances, make informed decisions, and learn from experience. They are reshaping our fundamental understanding of what constitutes a "worker" in the modern economy.

About Michael

Michael Fauscette is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Analyst at Arion Research LLC, a global cloud advisory firm helping organizations navigate digital transformation and optimize their technology investments. A renowned technology analyst and thought leader, Michael brings over three decades of deep expertise in enterprise software, AI implementation, and digital business strategy.

As a pioneer in the field of agentic AI and digital workforce development, Michael has established himself as an authoritative voice on how organizations can successfully leverage autonomous AI systems to transform operations and drive competitive advantage. His extensive research and hands-on experience with AI technologies have positioned him as a trusted advisor to both enterprise technology users and leading software providers.

Prior to founding Arion Research, Michael served as Chief Research Officer at G2, where he was instrumental in helping software buyers leverage crowdsourced insights for technology decision-making. His distinguished career includes nearly a decade leading IDC's worldwide enterprise software application research group, as well as executive roles at major software companies including PeopleSoft and Autodesk.

A sought-after speaker and industry commentator, Michael hosts the "Disambiguation" podcast exploring emerging technology trends and co-hosts "In the Hot Seat" on the Playaz Productions Network. He currently serves as Board Chairman at LocatorX, advisor to G2, and holds board and strategic leadership positions at several technology companies.

Michael's thought leadership extends across digital transformation, customer experience strategies, agentic AI, business automation, and the evolving role of AI in reshaping enterprise operations. His insights on building digital-first organizations and implementing effective AI strategies have made him a trusted voice for businesses navigating technological change.

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