AI blitz

I’ve been spending the past couple of months deep in the world of AI and just wrapped up MIT’s Artificial Intelligence for Business Strategy course. I wanted to step back and understand two things: How did we actually get here? And how can we shape the world that we want with AI at the forefront?
 
That led to two more questions that are now front and center for me as an executive and board member:
 
→ Where can AI help us do existing things better?
This is the productivity unlock ... faster, smarter, more efficient execution across the enterprise.
 
→ What is now possible that simply wasn’t before?
This is the transformation question ... and it’s the one that will separate leaders from laggards.
 
At the same time, it’s impossible to ignore the broader context and level of concern. We’re living through profound shifts across technology, geopolitics, social norms, the global economy and beyond. In moments like this, leadership isn’t just about strategy. It’s about engagement and communication. Leaders have to slow down to explain what’s happening and how their organization is navigating the change (both the positive opportunities and the hard parts that will require people to reskill). This isn’t a one-time exercise. It has to be a continuous, honest, two-way dialogue.
 
I’ve also just started MasterClass’s new AI certification: “AI Fundamentals: Think, Create, and Work Smarter.” At $249, it’s much more affordable than the MIT program ($3,850) and it’s more hands-on, helping me integrate AI into my daily workflows. I’m enjoying it so far and will share more as I go.
 
One thing is clear: This isn’t a moment to observe from the sidelines. It’s the moment to jump into the deep end and learn to "AI swim."