Delivering Business Value, Trust, and User Satisfaction in the Era of AI

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Delivering Business Value, Trust, and User Satisfaction in the Era of AI

As we stand on the brink of a new era defined by artificial intelligence, there is a palpable excitement in the air—along with a sense of uncertainty. AI, with its potential to revolutionize our personal and professional lives, presents a unique opportunity for us to engage, innovate, and lead. But how do all of us, especially those in transitional generations who might still struggle with setting the time on their coffee machines, embrace and make peace with this rapidly advancing technology? The answer lies in how we approach this journey—both as individuals and as a collective.

AI is not just another technological advancement; it’s a transformative force that, if harnessed correctly, can bring unparalleled benefits. But this transformation is not just about adopting new tools; it’s about rethinking how we tell our story, how we communicate the narrative of progress, and how we bring everyone along on this journey.

Competitive Edge and Growth: The Drivers of Innovation

In the business world, staying ahead means continuously innovating. AI offers us the tools to maintain that competitive edge, enabling organizations to respond swiftly to market changes and stay ahead of competitors. The acceleration of innovation through AI boosts productivity, reduces costs, and drives the development of new products. But beyond these tangible benefits, AI holds the key to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to healthcare improvements.

The X Factor for Success: Human Empathy and Ingenuity

What makes us truly unique in the age of AI is our human empathy and ingenuity. These traits are our X factor—what distinguishes us and drives our success. I’ve had the privilege of learning and growing in an ecosystem shaped by Microsoft, theater training, and a wealth of experiences from high school to the corporate world. This journey has been one of continuous reinvention, powered by curiosity and a relentless drive to say "yes" to new opportunities.

Each of us has the capacity to harness this X factor, to positively reinvent ourselves daily, and to embrace the possibilities that AI offers. It’s our empathy that bridges the gap between our fears of what AI could bring and the immense potential it holds to change our world for the better. As we lead in this era of AI, it’s crucial to remember that while AI can process information and perform tasks at incredible speeds, it’s the human element that guides its development, application, and ethical use.

The Human Element in AI: Creation, Interpretation, and Ethics

AI systems are created, designed, and trained by humans—our intelligence, creativity, and ethical considerations are at the core of technological advancements. While AI can generate outputs and insights, it’s up to us to interpret these results, make decisions, and apply them in ways that are practical and beneficial. We establish the ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks that govern AI use, and it’s our responsibility to continuously improve these technologies through research and innovation.

Leading with AI: Vision, Change, and Collaboration

Leadership in the AI era requires a clear vision and strategy for AI integration, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring that AI is used ethically and responsibly. This approach builds trust and drives organizational success. But leadership is also about managing human change—investing in reskilling and upskilling the workforce, communicating effectively, and enhancing collaboration between AI specialists and domain experts.

The technical skills needed to harness the full potential of AI are essential, but so is building AI literacy across the organization. Developing data proficiency and expertise in algorithm and model development is key to unlocking AI’s full potential. But at the end of the day, all of this innovation must empower us in our careers, communities, and countries. Our mission is to ensure that AI benefits every person and organization across every role and business function.

A Personal Motivation: Turning Passion into Purpose

I was honored to have Tammy McMiller join me for this discussion at the M365 Community Days in Chicago. Tammy’s journey into her current mission began with a deeply personal experience. After years of leading digital transformation efforts within Fortune 500 companies, Tammy’s focus shifted dramatically when a family member was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer after experiencing symptoms for over two years. This experience exposed significant gaps in the healthcare system—gaps that can have devastating consequences.

This pivotal moment inspired Tammy to pursue a mission that transcends traditional business success. She resolved that if she ever had the opportunity to start another company, it would be one dedicated to helping people avoid the kind of pain and uncertainty her family endured. This mission drives Tammy every day and aligns seamlessly with her values: using AI to create real, positive change. Tammy’s company, Plan Heal is a Microsoft for Startups member with Microsoft Partner Status. Plan Heal uses its expertise to build products and deliver services to help the? human population live safer, healthier, and more productive lives. Their collective team of company leadership and esteemed advisors have more than 40 years of leading in the product and software development, digital analytics, data security, artificial intelligence, and medical field. I learned about Tammy and her company while doing research to write one of my scripts for my live show Mondays a Microsoft (every other Monday at 8am PT with my co-host Karuana Gatimu) from an article by Microsoft’s news division on startups solving business problems .?

I am thrilled to be working with our community on a daily basis through our Microsoft Global Community Initivative that supports local, regional event producers and community organizers produce events. The Microsoft 365 Chicago Community did a great job hosting the event. A big thank you to all of the organizers, speakers, sponsors and volunteers. For more community events in the Microsoft Ecosystem please visit https://www.communitydays.org .?

AI: A Collective Journey

As we explore the vast possibilities that AI offers, it’s important to remember that this is a collective journey. Each individual’s insights and experiences contribute to a broader understanding. By sharing knowledge and collaborating, we can overcome challenges and accelerate advancements in AI technology. Together, we can ensure that AI development is ethical, inclusive, and beneficial for all.

AI is poised to reinvent nearly every aspect of business, but to truly reap its benefits, we must understand how it works and develop a strategy for becoming AI-powered organizations. By embracing a Think-Act-Feel framework, where thoughts, actions, and emotions are interconnected, we can lead effectively in this new era. Let’s harness our human ingenuity, determination, and curiosity to create a future where AI empowers us all, making the impossible possible.

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