Which Type of “I” Are You?

The history of every “rush” is replete with tales of boldness, bounty, and bald-faced chicanery. There’s something about the opportunity of ushering tomorrow in today that brings out the best and worst in humanity. We’re witnessing this pattern play out again right now with the gold rush that is generative AI.

Innovators, Investors, and Imposters are all competing for your attention — and it’s often tough to determine fact from folly (or fraud). This discernment is further complicated by the exponential growth of these technologies. Their rapidly increasing capabilities call into question the tried-and-true maxim, “If it sounds too good to be true, then it is.”

Innovators are the pioneers. They are the creators and builders who leverage AI to push boundaries and open new possibilities. These individuals and organizations are genuinely interested in harnessing the power of AI to solve real problems and advance the field. They innovate not just for profit but to make a significant impact.

Investors come in two flavors: Early Adopters and Financiers. Early Adopters are motivated by the potential gains AI might bring to their organizations. Their investment is different from that of a Financier in that they deploy their resources internally. Financiers, however, fit the more traditional profile of a backer and are driven by the promise of financial returns. While either Investor type may not be directly involved in the creation of AI technologies, their investment in the tech fuels the industry.?

Imposters are the opportunists of the AI rush. They capitalize on the hype and confusion around AI technologies to offer overpromised solutions or downright fraudulent services. These are the entities or individuals whose claims about AI capabilities sound too good to be true — because they often are.

So what’s a decision-maker to do? To navigate this complex landscape, leaders need practical tools. The following “Toolkit for Leaders” provides actionable insights to assess and engage with each type of “I,” ensuring informed and strategic decisions.

Toolkit for Leaders: Assessing and Engaging Different Types of I

1. Identification Checklist

Here is a quick checklist for each type of "I." It enables a leader to quickly assess which category a person or entity might belong to based on observable characteristics and behaviors.

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