Will voice replace the keyboard at work? How will AI and voice technology change how we work?
In this episode of The Future of Less Work, host Nirit Cohen sits down with Josh Blalock, Chief Evangelist at Jabra, to explore a future where conversation becomes the interface. From AI-powered noise-canceling to real-time voice translation, Josh shares how voice and smart audio are unlocking a new way to work—one that’s more natural, inclusive, and connected across distance, time, and even language.
They dive into why voice is more than just a productivity hack, how it lowers the barrier to entry for AI adoption, and what it will mean when we no longer speak differently to machines and people. As the line blurs between human and agent teams, and as keyboards give way to microphones, this conversation offers a glimpse into how work is being reimagined—literally, word by word.
If you’re wondering what it means to be AI literate, how to lead teams across continents and time zones, or why voice-first work is about more than devices, this episode will make you rethink how you show up—and speak up—at work.
Want to dive deeper into this topic? Read Nirit’s Forbes article, “ When Work Talks Back And Voice Becomes The New Keyboard“, to explore these ideas further.
Guest Information:
Josh Blalock is the Chief Evangelist at Jabra, a global leader in audio, video and collaboration solutions. With over 20 years of experience in engineering and architecting Microsoft technologies, Josh has deep expertise in Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, and Office 365, as well as unified communications and video solutions. In his current role, Josh engages with customers, partners, and the industry around Jabra’s portfolio of solutions, and how it is evolving to meet the changing needs of the modern workplace.
Josh is also co-founder and board member of Comms vNext, a community-led conference that brings together Microsoft UC professionals and enthusiasts to learn and network. As a multiple-time Microsoft MVP in the Office Apps & Services category, Josh shares his knowledge and insights with the Microsoft UC community – helping them achieve their communication and collaboration goals.
Josh recently launched Cutting Through the Noise – a weekly podcast aimed at taking topics in the AV / UC / AI space that are seemingly overly complex, and breaking them down into understandable concepts.
Chapters:
00:00 – What if we could talk to technology the same way we talk to people?
01:50 – Will we stop using keyboards and prompts at work?
03:23 – How voice AI removes barriers to adoption
05:07 – What does AI literacy mean in a voice-first workplace?
07:12 – Can anyone use AI if we just make it conversational?
09:28 – Why accurate audio is critical for AI to work
12:39 – Will voice tech make hybrid work more productive and inclusive?
14:36 – Are personal devices replacing expensive meeting room tech?
16:06 – How AI and video enhance hybrid collaboration
17:45 – What will work look like when human-agent teams become the norm?
19:49 – Why AI adoption affects happiness and productivity at work
21:59 – Is talking faster—and better—than typing with AI?
