AI Just Gave You Superpowers — Now What?

March 20, 2026

Imagine AI giving you superpowers — sounds exciting, right? But here’s the thing — what happens next? Christian Catalini from MIT and Eddy Lazzarin of a16z crypto join Robert Hackett to unpack how AGI could reshape work and markets. They explore the big split between automation and verification — how AI agents are now starting to act like coworkers, especially impacting junior roles and the 'codifier’s curse.' Now, here’s where it gets interesting: they introduce the 'AI sandwich' structure for companies, and why trust, consensus, and meaning are more vital than ever in this new AI-powered economy. According to Catalini, crypto might become crucial for identity and provenance — helping build trust in a digital world. And get this — there are two possible futures: a hollow economy or one that’s truly augmented by AI. So, what does all this mean for your career? Well, it’s a game-changer, and the key is understanding where we’re headed. Content+a16zpodcast@a16z.com makes it clear — these shifts are happening now.

A new paper, “Some Simple Economics of AGI,” is making the rounds—Web3 with a16z we sat down with author Christian Catalini (MIT Crypto Economics Lab) and Eddy Lazzarin (CTO of a16z crypto), in conversation with Robert Hackett, to unpack what AGI could mean for work and markets.

EPISODE NOTES:

A hot paper — "Some Simple Economics of AGI" — has been making the rounds, so we sat down with the author, covering:

Automation vs. verification: the key economic split
Why AI agents now feel like coworkers - What's happening to junior roles and the “codifier’s curse”
The “AI sandwich” structure for firms
The value of "meaning-makers," consensus, and status economies
Why crypto may become essential infrastructure for identity, provenance, and trust
Two possible futures: a hollow vs. augmented economy

Featuring Christian Catalini (founder of MIT Crypto Economics Lab) and Eddy Lazzarin (CTO of a16z crypto) in conversation with Robert Hackett, our discussion dives deep into how automation is reshaping labor markets, as well as the nature of intelligence.

What do these changes mean for startups, the future of work, and your career?

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Audio Transcript