*By Conor White*
Automation doesn't have to be a job-killer.
That's according to Wade Foster, the CEO of Zapier, which creates technology that allows different workplace apps to communicate with each other.
"The key thing that automation provides is it allows machines to do the things they are really, truly best at," explained Foster in an interview on Cheddar Wednesday. "And then it allows humans the creative angle to work. We're able to find better stories to tell our customers, we're better able to invent new ways of doing things that we haven't done before."
It might be a good thing for those in sectors like technology and media, but others ー those, for example, in manufacturing industries ー will feel the negative effects of technological advances. The World Economic Forum estimates that five million jobs will be lost to automation by 2020. In an interview Wednesday on Cheddar, Foster said it's important not to forget about those workers.
"When you look at blue collar work and things like that, I think we will have to find ways to transition the knowledge that's learned there to help folks find new ways of helping society move forward."
Overall, Foster is optimistic when it comes to automation and about the impact it will have on the world at large.
"Instead of replacing jobs, it's actually helping \[companies\] achieve more, grow revenue," he said. "And in turn they're able to actually create more jobs because they're better able to do things they haven't been able to do before."
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/could-automation-actually-be-good-for-workers).
The founder and president of Cyborg Mobile Kobie Hatcher has been on a strong trajectory to disrupt his industry with a program called The New Technologists. It's not only meant to address the diversity gap within large tech companies but also help pave the way to transform the lives of young BIPOC students. He joined Cheddar News to talk about how he's working to make a difference with the lack of diversity in tech. “There's truly no lack of talent out there. It's just identifying them and letting them know that, hey, I've been in the tech sector for over 20 years. I see you. I know what you can bring, bring it, we need it," Hatcher said.
Constituent service platform Indigov recently raised $25 million in a Series B funding round. Indigov bills itself as a constituent relationship management tool that helps elected officials improve the way they organize, respond to, and engage those they serve. The startup's services are being used by federal, state, and local governments across the country, including the U.S. House of Representatives. Alex Kouts, founder & CEO of Indigov, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
The 2022 NBA playoffs are intensifying as four teams vie for an NBA finals berth. Tonight, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors can book their finals ticket with a win over the Dallas Mavericks, while Miami will be feeling the 'heat' tomorrow night, facing elimination against the Boston Celtics.
And with the growing popularity of sports betting, the NBA playoffs offers a potential money-making opportunity for fans. Trysta Krick, host of BetMGM Tonight, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Snap stock saw the worst day ever after a large drop in price on Tuesday following warnings of revenue and earnings slowdown. This trend caught on with other social and digital media stocks due to fears that brands heavily relying on advertising get hit with the same inflation struggles. However, some analysts note that Snap may be a unique case due to a rapid, possibly unsustainable, expansion leading to the current grim forecast.
From Meta’s Oculus to PlayStation’s VR headsets, Cheddar News anchors Ken Bufa and Kristen Scholer cover the potential for this tech in Cheddar Connected as more heavy hitters like Apple look to take the stage.
