Beena Ammanath, a prominent figure in the world of artificial intelligence (AI) as the Global Deloitte AI Institute Leader, Founder of Humans For AI, and author of “Trustworthy AI” and “Zero Latency Leadership,” provides an insightful roadmap for leadership in the age of AI. She emphasizes the importance of equipping stakeholders across the organization with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to AI ideation, development, and governance to maintain enterprise momentum and value in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
AI stakeholders encompass a wide range of individuals, including data scientists, technologists, executives, and line of business employees, each requiring different skill sets and knowledge according to their roles. While technical skills are crucial for data scientists and AI engineers to keep up with AI advancements, line of business employees need an understanding of how AI functions in their work context. Business leaders must establish the significance of up-to-date AI skills across the workforce and provide opportunities for stakeholders to acquire and enhance these skills.
To set the organization on a path of continuous skills development, Beena suggests several approaches. Firstly, she emphasizes the importance of AI literacy as a foundation for continuous learning, given the rapid evolution of AI technology. She recommends offering regular AI literacy courses and encouraging independent learning through available resources. Organizations should promote knowledge transfer by facilitating regular interactions between technologists and other stakeholders, sharing valuable insights, and capturing knowledge through various media.
Staying abreast of AI trends and research is essential for skill growth, as new knowledge is a key component of skills enhancement. Business leaders can support this by communicating important AI developments, best practices, and case studies to encourage ongoing learning among stakeholders. Providing a sandbox for hands-on learning allows employees to experiment with AI tools in a safe environment, gaining practical experience and confidence in using AI. Collaboration is crucial in promoting up-to-date skills, fostering a culture of continuous learning, creativity, and accountability in AI decision-making across the organization.
As AI continues to evolve, particularly with the emergence of generative AI models capable of creating various forms of content, stakeholders must be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage in AI application and governance effectively. By empowering employees with opportunities for continuous skills development, organizations can navigate the complexities of AI technologies and innovations, ensuring success in the age of AI. Beena’s strategic approaches aim to prepare businesses for the transformative impact of AI, emphasizing the importance of ongoing learning and adaptability in the ever-changing AI landscape.
