PERSPECTIVES IN FOCUS
Courtney Michener Miller
— Fei-Fei Li,
Professor, Stanford University
I’m the mom of a high school senior, which means I’m looking backward and forward daily: reminiscing, planning and coaching, in one of the greatest motherhood transitions of this blessed journey. I move from sheer pride to tears in a matter of minutes.
My son’s wingspan is wide, his creativity on fire and his dreams are constantly flowing. He is ready to soar into this world and find his way. He’s potential, human potential, on overdrive. He has a new business partner for life.
As learning & development (L&D) professionals, so do we.
At an accepted students day at a university recently, I sat as an audience member, a proud parent, listening to a panel of professors, career counselors and students. They were all discussing the change artificial intelligence (AI) has brought to career planning, curriculum design, resume writing, course offerings — the list was endless, the answers few. I was laughing inside, contemplating my college computer and ethernet cable, AOL messenger and dorm room phone plugged into the wall.
It made me remember that the world of technology has always been changing, evolving, working its way into our lives and workplaces. I’ve loved every bit of it. I am thankful to work in an organization on the cutting edge, that is supporting us with the tools and ambition to bring AI into our worlds of work with purpose for our business, patients and each other.
I felt a few steps ahead of the conversation, although my son would argue with me, always understandably questioning his mother’s savvy. In my perspective, AI is the partner we’ve been needing in L&D.
Join me.
AI is our new decision intelligence engine, thought partner, adaptive problem solver, our newest strategic capability and it’s causing us to radically reimagine the way we build, deploy and gather intel in an ever-changing, rapidly moving progress loop for our people and systems.
As learning professionals, we are psychologically designed to prioritize emotional intelligence, carry a beginner’s mindset to ensure we remain curious as lifelong learners and keep critical thinking a priority.
AI has been here behind the scenes for longer than we most likely know, but it is now a leading player and part of our daily lives at work.
We own our own wingspans; we own its potential impact on our lives and worlds of work. I believe AI is the decision intelligence partner we’ve been waiting for in the learning world.
Today’s kids have been on the AI wave in this #OneBeautifulLife all along and will learn at universities all they can about transformation and technology evolutions. They will enter worlds of work we may not yet understand, undoubtedly a world where machines and humans co-exist with intention. Right now, we are creating that world for each of them.
At the end of the day, AI can’t replace a human mind, heart and soul. It can’t replace a human with potential, creativity and fire. In fact, I believe that’s exactly what AI needs. A human to bring out its full potential, to work by its side. AI needs us.
So, spread your AI wings for your businesses, patients, each other and the future world of work. They’re all counting on us.
Courtney Michener Miller is head of commercial learning for AstraZeneca and a member of the LTEN Board of Directors. Email her at courtney.michener@astrazeneca.com or connect through linkedin.com/in/courtneymichenermiller.