AI 101, Biden’s Executive Order, California’s Approach to GenAI,? and AI Tips for Effective Leadership?

Welcome to SV-AI (Silicon Valley - Accelerates Innovation), my newsletter focused on the responsible development and deployment of innovations strengthening California's global competitive edge. Please subscribe to receive upcoming editions. Here, I’ll share tech policy news and leadership insights that you need to know and how technologies, like Artificial Intelligence, are being used IRL. In this edition, learn why state capitols are still ground-zero for new AI policies, get insight into how CA’s state government is approaching generative AI, and find out which qualities make for effective leadership (according to ChatGPT).??

AI 101?

If you are confused about what artificial intelligence actually means, you’re probably not alone.? The term “artificial intelligence” encompasses a wide range of technologies.? My alma mater defined it well: “Simply put, artificial intelligence refers to the ability of machines to learn and make decisions based on data and analytics.”?

There are plenty of resources on how to use AI and its potential impacts. For those hungry to learn more, I recommend checking out:

1. Ethan Mollick , associate professor at The Wharton School, is the author of “One Useful Thing” , a Substack newsletter that demystifies some of the complexities around AI and translates them into short, actionable insights.? (Full disclosure - I’ve taken Ethan’s class on entrepreneurship and he’s brilliant - I’m a big fan.)?
2. AI for Good shares concise implementation goals, news, and events focused on practical applications of AI to scale solutions for positive global impact.?
3. SVLG’s Silicon Valley Vibes podcast recently discussed all things generative AI with Deloitte’s Silicon Valley Managing Partner Carina Ruiz Singh .? (Full disclosure #2 - I’m also a big fan of Carina - her story about how her Filipino mother uses AI to cook Indian food was one of the most relatable that I’ve heard!)???

State Capitols Remain Ground-Zero for AI Policy??

The Biden Administration achieved a significant milestone this week by unveiling the long-anticipated executive order on Artificial Intelligence . During the White House briefing for key stakeholders before the EO’s official release, I was particularly impressed by Senior Advisor and Director of the Office of Public Engagement Stephen Benjamin’s focus on equity as this technology advances.?

My two cents: while federal action is vital to developing secure and trustworthy AI, Sacramento and other state capitols will continue to play an outsized role in the near-term crafting AI policy and regulatory postures.?

Building on Governor Newsom’s Executive Order and CA Senator Scott Wiener’s AI safety framework bill , I expect a flurry of new activity when the State legislature reconvenes this January and many conversations where the private sector is a key contributor at the table.?

We continue to engage with policymakers and the public about the role of AI in improving people’s lives and strengthening our economy.? This week, SVLG’s Responsible AI Working Group released five core principles of responsible AI: human-centered, explainable outcomes, equitable, secure, and risk mitigation.? Please head over to our website to learn more.?

Previewing CA’s Use of Generative AI?

Californians can expect a new risk assessment report later this month on how generative AI will impact the state government’s work, as well as the state’s economy, and energy usage.?

Secretary of the California Government Operations Agency Amy Tong and California Chief Information Officer Liana Bailey-Crimmins recently previewed its contents in an interview with Statescoop .?

Some key takeaways:?

1. Initial uses of generative AI will focus on improving customer service for residents.
2. New technologies will be tested in a controlled environment before agencies scale adoption.?
3. Pilot programs will be used to test the efficacy of generative AI in government.?

But my main takeaway? This is just the start of a long but important road with California’s innovators and policymakers in the driver’s seat.?

Final Thoughts

Finally, I asked ChatGPT “What are the top three traits of the most effective business leaders?” and in a handful of seconds it generated:??

1. Vision and Strategic Thinking: Effective leaders have a clear vision of where they want to take their organization and the ability to develop and execute a strategic plan to achieve that vision.
2. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills, both in conveying their vision and in listening to others, are crucial. Effective leaders can inspire, motivate, and collaborate with their teams and stakeholders.
3. Adaptability and Resilience: Business leaders often face challenges and setbacks. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and bounce back from failures is a key trait for success.

These traits, combined with other qualities like integrity, decisiveness, and empathy, contribute to effective leadership.

As someone who has held various leadership roles in both the public and private sector, I’m not sure I have seen a better or more succinct encapsulation of executive leadership.

I think in some ways, this exercise serves as a microcosm for our broader current dialogue on AI.??

The technology presented extremely relevant and high value information - but this is only fully maximized with the human capacity to execute and actually put said information into practice.

AI can narrow the field and significantly enhance decision-making power but the high order application ultimately rests with each of us.???????

Please comment below with your best leadership advice or any thoughts that you may have on this edition of SV-AI!??

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