Elevating your AIQ

In the grand tapestry of the digital age, a new thread is being woven into the fabric of our daily lives and work: AIQ, or Artificial Intelligence Quotient. Imagine for a moment that your digital IQ decided to embark on a journey, a quest to merge with the burgeoning world of AI. This fusion marks the birth of AIQ – a beacon guiding us through the uncharted waters of the AI era. The quest for AIQ isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving in a world where AI’s potential is boundless.

Why AIQ?

Simon Sinek tells us to start with “Why?” So, why AIQ? In the swirling storm of technological advancement, AIQ emerges as your lighthouse. It’s not merely about understanding AI; it’s about wielding it with the finesse of a maestro, blending the logic of algorithms with the nuances of human creativity. AIQ represents a harmony between human curiosity and artificial intelligence, where the quest for knowledge becomes a shared journey.

The AIQ Journey:

Our learning journey framework unfolds in three steps: Learn AI, Do AI, and Scale AI, each step towards building AIQ.

1.Learn AI:

Your journey begins with the spark of curiosity. Immerse yourself in the sea of knowledge, with AI courses from platforms like Codeacademy , LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, YouTube, and following key AI thinkers on X acting as your guides. These resources are your initial forays into the language of AI, where phrases like LLM's-Large Language Models, RAG- Retrieval Augmented Generation and GPT's -Generative Pre-Trained Transformers become part of your lexicon. Here are three resources for you to consider in the increasing order of time investment and depth.

1. A Primer to Generative AI (< 1 hr.): Intro to Generative AI | Codecademy
2. AI to get stuff done - Microsoft and LinkedIn have partnered in creating this course (~4.5 hrs) Career Essentials in Generative AI by Microsoft and LinkedIn
3. AI for Business - To go deeper into specializations like Marketing , HR and Finance this free course from the University of Pennsylvania’s (~ 40 hrs.) AI For Business Specialization

2.Do AI:

Use your new knowledge to ignite your passion. Try projects that excite and test you, from making easy tasks like email and document summaries with Copilot Pro to creating your Custom GPT Agents to analyze big data and do modelling that makes meaning from data and serves you insights. This stage is for exploration, where failure is not a problem but a benefit, remember learning to ride a bike always involves falling.

3.Scale AI:

Finally, amplify your impact by sharing your insights and integrating AI into wider contexts at broader level both inside the organisation but externally as well with broader stakeholders like partners, student communities and aspiring learners. Your journey as a learn-all in AI is not just about personal growth but about uplifting those around you, turning solitary sparks into a guiding light for all.

Making it Real

Next, it's time to embark on the journey with practical steps that bring AIQ to life, specifically tailored for business leaders:

• Engage in Strategic AI Learning: Seek out AI learning opportunities with a focus on strategic business impact. It's about finding the signal in the noise, understanding how AI can solve real business challenges.
• Test and learn AI-Driven Projects in Your Domain: Start small with AI projects relevant to your business area with a “jobs to be done” approach. Whether it's enhancing customer experiences or optimizing operational efficiencies, start small and scale with confidence. This is where theory meets practice, transforming insights into outcomes that deliver value.

• Foster an AI-Positive Culture in Your Organization: Lead by example and encourage your team to adopt an AI first mindset. ?Consider creating periodic AI learning forums with team members and cultivate an environment where AI is seen as a tool for innovation and growth. An environment where curiosity is rewarded is where innovation thrives.

?The Way Ahead ...

As I reflect on this journey, I realize the importance of navigating this era with confidence, curiosity, and a bit of magic. The dawn of the AI era is not just an opportunity for technological advancement but a renaissance of creativity and innovation.

So, let’s set sail together. The horizon is vast, and the possibilities limitless. With the AIQ learning flywheel as our framework, we are not just participants in this digital renaissance; we are its creators.

Thank you for sticking with me to the end! Your interest in leveraging AI for growth is both appreciated and inspiring. I'm eager to learn about your journey and ideas-how will you integrate AIQ into your leadership or business strategy?

?? Ram Iyer Digital Navigator