2024 Gratitude and Reflections

Like many of you, I am having moments of reflection this week. One of my thoughts is that I don’t express my gratitude often enough to those who have made a difference in my personal and professional growth. This year has been both challenging and rewarding, so it seems like a very appropriate time to rectify this. In addition to my incredibly supportive family and friends, I wanted to say thank you to the rest of my supporting ecosystem.

To my incredible Elevate Your AIQ podcast guests: Thank you for generously sharing your time, insights, and wisdom with me and my audience. Your perspectives on Responsible AI, AI-driven transformation, the future of work, human potential, and workforce dynamics have helped all of us increase our AI readiness. This includes how to balance responsibility with innovation, and balance efficiency with empathy. If I didn’t get you any Elevate Your AIQ swag yet, DM me your address, or remind me before the next in-person event! (And to future guests: you can expect increasingly streamlined communications as I leverage AI agents to create a more structured, consistent guest experience!)

Chad Sowash Edie Goldberg Kyle Lagunas Stela Lupushor Wagner Denuzzo, LCSW (He/Him/His) Harold, Goldstein 阿瑟斯 Dina Bay Martyn Redstone Richard Rosenow Rachel Cossar Pete A. Tiliakos Hernan Chiosso, CSPO, SPHR ?? Ioanna Mantzouridou Onasi Gary A. Bolles Charles Handler, Ph.D. Gordon Ritchie Shiran Danoch, PhD Justin Strharsky Charlene Li Daan van Rossum Victoria Sakal ?? Ainesh Ravi Chuck Hamilton Jeff Mike Markellos Diorinos Mark Simpson Ilyse Terri Shuster-Frohman Benjamin Encz Josh Cavalier Sultan Murad Saidov Andrew Whyatt-Sames Beth White?? Tyler Fisk Jon Stross Giancarlo Erra Lydia Wu Joe Lazer (FKA Lazauskas) Toby Culshaw Jeffrey Pole Isabelle Bichler-Eliasaf John J Hansen Barb Hyman Jack Houghton Larry McAlister Mike Wolford Ben Mones Noelle London Manav Jain Brett Coin Michael Fitzsimmons

To my informal advisors, sounding boards, and podcast production team: Your guidance through my solopreneurship and content creator journeys has been invaluable. You've offered practical wisdom, constructive encouragement, and thoughtful perspectives that have helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself and my opportunities. I hope on some level I have reciprocated! A sincere thank you for helping me make continual progress.

WRKdefined William Tincup Ryan Leary Ryan Kielma Pete A. Tiliakos Chad Sowash Brent Skinner Remy Glaisner Toby Culshaw 阿瑟斯 Antonia Manoochehri Richard Rosenow Bob Kelner Mike Pino Nicky Hoyland David Bernstein Steve Levy Gerry Crispin Leah Joyner, CEBS Michael Molinari

To my podcast listeners: A huge THANK YOU for listening! (Special thanks to those who have provided feedback on the show!) Your learning mindset, your curiosity about human-centric AI, and your commitment to a successful path forward are what will make this transformation successful. I recognize that change is never easy—it takes courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Just start experimenting, and never outsource your critical thinking. You’ve got this!

(Every download, every share, every piece of feedback is greatly appreciated. Send me a DM, email, or find me at my under-construction Substack, where I’ll be writing and sharing other content beyond the podcasting studio.)

To my communities: True communities have high levels of engagement and encouragement, leadership guiding real conversations (and healthy debates), and a reasonably high degree of psychological safety. Quality has always mattered more than quantity, both in membership and in content. I am a member of too many which don’t meet this criteria, but luckily, these ‘communities’ are overshadowed by some truly communal ones which exceed expectations. Regarding the latter, a huge thank you to the community leaders and my fellow members. Your generosity and empathy have been extremely encouraging and motivating for me, and I would venture to say transformative for others. Your commitment to AI literacy, your willingness to learn, and your growth mindset have been a constant source of inspiration.

Talent Intelligence Collective Toby Culshaw ForHumanity Ryan Carrier, FHCA Sara Davison Tyler Fisk All Tech Is Human Rebekah Tweed Responsible AI Institute Recruiting Brainfood Hung Lee

To my clients and partners: A very sincere THANK YOU for putting your trust in me. Strong, lasting relationships are built on a foundation of trust, and I take this seriously. I have always been one to actively listen to challenges from others’ perspectives before attempting to devise solutions. Thank you for appreciating the benefits of my non-linear career path, my systems thinking approach, as well as my honesty when I don’t immediately have the answer.

It’s easy to get anxious about the future, but I try to focus on the things I can control. Reflecting on this support system and my entrepreneurial journey thus far, I feel privileged and grateful. And I’m confident that my vibrant, engaged, creative communities will continue to support responsible innovation, design ethical AI solutions, and unlock human potential. What more could I ask for?