Embracing Artificial Intelligence: Insights from Williamson Inc.’s Women in Business Luncheon
On October 21, 2023, Williamson Inc. hosted its quarterly Women in Business luncheon, bringing together over 100 women from across Williamson County. The event, held at Brentwood United Methodist Church, focused on the intriguing and ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). Titled “Keeping the ‘Human’ in AI,” the gathering sought to equip attendees with the knowledge to navigate the AI-driven business realm while maintaining a human-centered approach.
A Culinary Experience with Networking Opportunities
As attendees arrived, they were greeted with a delightful fall-themed lunch served by Catering and Events by Suzette. This setting fostered an atmosphere of connection, allowing women from various industries to network, inspire, and grow their community before diving into discussions about AI. The warm ambiance was punctuated by laughter and conversation, reinforcing the importance of female camaraderie in a professional setting.
Inspiration from Local Insights
The luncheon’s focus on AI was influenced by feedback from the previous year’s Outlook Williamson survey, revealing that technology and AI rank among the top priorities for local businesses. Jena Potter, vice president of marketing and communications for Williamson Inc., emphasized the urgent need to explore how AI could reshape the ways people work and communicate. “As AI continues to reshape how we work and communicate, we felt it was the perfect opportunity to explore how to keep people and purpose at the center of innovation,” she stated, highlighting the community’s eagerness to embrace technological advancement.
The AI Journey: A Personal Perspective
Keynote speaker Sarah Gibson, an AI strategist and university professor, began her presentation with a compelling personal story. She shared her journey of discovering and falling in love with AI, illustrating how it has positively impacted various facets of her life. Through her engaging storytelling, Gibson set the foundation for her discussion about successfully integrating AI into both business operations and everyday life.
Understanding AI: Risks and Rewards
Throughout the presentation, Gibson made it clear that AI is a double-edged sword. While it poses certain risks, the potential rewards are significant. “We’re going to have to face AI, so, yes, there are risks, but I also think there are a lot of rewards,” she noted. Her goal was to help attendees recognize the transformative capabilities of AI and how they can leverage those benefits for their endeavors.
Practical Applications of AI
Delving into the specifics, Gibson outlined a step-by-step approach for incorporating AI into business strategies. She discussed various types of AI and the developmental processes that underpin it. Practical examples, such as how AI can aid in creating engaging social media captions, provided tangible takeaways for attendees looking to enhance their business presence online.
Key to this successful integration was understanding how to interact with AI effectively. Gibson shared that to receive high-quality responses from AI, one must ask precise and thought-provoking questions. “If you want to get a great answer out of AI, you need to ask really interesting questions and interesting words,” she advised, introducing a simple formula for crafting prompts that included elements like rule, task, format, voice, and context.
The Human Element in AI
One of the most thought-provoking moments of the presentation was when Gibson differentiated between artificial intelligence and authentic intelligence. “AI can mimic your style, but it can’t feel your story,” she stated emphatically. This distinction underscored the importance of maintaining human connections even in an increasingly digital and automated world. AI may provide information and mimic styles, but it lacks the emotional depth and contextual understanding that characterize human interactions.
Practical Tips for Engaging with AI
As her presentation neared a close, Gibson offered several practical exercises for attendees to start incorporating AI into their daily lives. Suggestions included brainstorming ideas with AI, utilizing it as a creative partner, and leveraging its capabilities to enhance productivity. “AI is like your best friend,” she concluded. “Have you ever had those relationships where that person pushes you in the right way? …They help you think deeper about the world around you. AI can do that for you.”
Attendee Reactions and Future Engagements
This insightful and informative session left a lasting impression on those present. First-time attendee Rachel Hagan expressed her appreciation for the event, noting, “I was pleasantly surprised with the presentation and content.” Reflecting on the value of connecting with women from various sectors, she highlighted the richness of collaboration beyond industry-specific gatherings.
Regular attendee Tausha Dickinson shared her enthusiasm for engaging discussions and the opportunity to reconnect with old friends. Her eagerness to hear Gibson’s insights on AI exemplifies the spirit of continuous learning that characterizes the Women in Business collective.
Williamson Inc. is already gearing up for the next luncheon, which will feature Part 2 of Sarah Gibson’s AI presentation, promising to delve even deeper into the subject.
For those interested in engaging with Williamson Inc. and staying informed on future events, additional information can be found by visiting WilliamsonChamber.com. The luncheon underscored the importance of community, connection, and the balancing act of technology and humanity in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
