LinkedIn COO Dan Shapero Reveals Three Ways AI Enhances His Work Efficiency

LinkedIn’s COO, Dan Shapero, recently told Business Insider how he leverages AI tools to enhance his productivity in three key ways. As a leading professional networking platform with millions of users worldwide, LinkedIn plays a crucial role in fostering connections and information sharing. Shapero emphasizes that leaders must not only understand AI technology deeply but also use it firsthand to meet the demands of high-level management. Shapero points out that he often relies on AI tools to get summaries of meetings he cannot attend. Given the extensive nature of his responsibilities as a high-ranking executive, it is impossible for him to participate in every meeting. However, with Copilot, an AI assistant integrated into Microsoft Teams, he can quickly review the key outcomes and stay informed about the company's latest developments. To stay current with new technologies, regulations, and industry trends, Shapero uses AI tools like ChatGPT. He notes that engaging in conversations with ChatGPT allows him to grasp unfamiliar subjects rapidly, enhancing the scientific basis and accuracy of his decision-making. This approach ensures he remains knowledgeable and can act decisively when necessary. Shapero also uses LinkedIn’s own Account IQ product to streamline his meeting preparation. Account IQ compiles news, shared information, and recruitment updates from target companies, generating a comprehensive summary document. By reviewing this document before client or partner meetings, Shapero can better prepare for discussions. Additionally, he uses AI-generated suggestions to refine his writing and communication skills, though he prefers to craft his own LinkedIn job description due to his extensive experience. Despite the many benefits AI provides, Shapero believes it cannot fully replace humans in certain critical roles. For instance, in the later stages of hiring, AI can assist with screening and initial assessments, but the final decision must be made by humans. This is because human judgment is essential for evaluating a candidate's fit for the role and conducting in-depth interviews to convince them to join the company. Furthermore, Shapero feels that AI lacks the ability to inspire team morale and build deep connections with employees, which are crucial leadership functions. Many other prominent executives in the tech industry also acknowledge the value of AI in their daily workflows. Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, are among those actively using AI tools. Tobi Lütke, CEO of Shopify, even goes so far as to challenge his employees to demonstrate the value of AI technology. These leaders agree that AI significantly improves efficiency and helps manage information overload. However, they all emphasize that final decisions and key leadership tasks remain the domain of human professionals. As part of the Microsoft ecosystem, LinkedIn is at the forefront of integrating AI technology to enhance user connectivity and communication. The platform’s ongoing efforts reflect a broader industry trend towards leveraging AI to optimize workflows and provide more valuable insights to users. By blending AI with human expertise, LinkedIn aims to create a more dynamic and effective professional networking environment. In summary, Dan Shapero’s use of AI tools at LinkedIn exemplifies how technology can augment a leader’s capabilities, but also highlights the irreplaceable role of human judgment and leadership in key decision-making processes.