Episode Summary: Join Jennifer Davis as she describes her “Year of AI” integrating AI into her work as a management consultant, leveraging AI for facilitation, exploring the ethical use and the intersection of sustainability and AI. Discover how she navigated the complexities of AI tools to enhance collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic thinking in her projects, and hear her insights on the challenges and opportunities of AI in various contexts.
Key Highlights:
- Year of AI: Julie and Jennifer discussed Jennifer’s decision to make 2024 her “Year of AI” to overcome her avoidance of the topic and learn how to ethically use AI in her work as a management consultant.
- Learning Structure: Jennifer explained how she structured her learning about AI, including taking courses, attending conferences, and writing articles. She emphasized the importance of creating outputs and having accountability partners to stay focused.
- Practical Applications of AI: Jennifer shared practical applications of AI in her work, such as using AI-based knowledge tools for prereads and brainstorming sessions. She highlighted the benefits of integrating AI into facilitation processes to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Generalists and AI: Jennifer and Julie discussed how generalists are well-positioned to use AI due to their ability to think strategically and ask the right questions. They emphasized the importance of human judgment and critical thinking in effectively leveraging AI.
- Ethical Considerations: Jennifer expressed concerns about the ethical implications of AI, including the environmental cost, the risk of deep fakes, and the potential for over-reliance on AI. She stressed the need for vigilance and human oversight in using AI responsibly.
- Future Plans: Jennifer shared her plans for 2025, which include learning to play the ukulele and continuing to use AI in her work. She emphasized the importance of integrating AI into organizational strategies and promoting its use among friends and family.
- Advice for Generalists: Jennifer advised generalists to develop a network, find mentors, and engage with AI regularly. She highlighted the potential of AI to amplify human potential and the importance of global collaboration in establishing guidelines for its use.
About Jennifer Davis
Jennifer is a highly experienced management consultant with a passion for deepening collaboration and innovation to drive the equitable transition to a low carbon economy. With over 20 years’ experience, Jennifer advises and supports public sector clients on innovation policy and program design and implementation. She helps structure and implement private sector innovation consortia and sustainability programs and facilitates complex dialogues with Indigenous rightsholders and stakeholders. Jennifer’s focus areas include collaborative problem-solving for systems change, with a particular emphasis on climate change, biodiversity and equity. She specializes in strategy, facilitation, research, and clean tech/R&D, with a special focus on climate change projects in the Arctic. Her work reflects her commitment to moving Canada towards its net zero targets in a way that diversifies and strengthens the country’s economy and global competitive advantage in clean technology. Jennifer also sits on the Board of Directors for CAIN, Canada’s Accelerator and Incubator Network.”
Find Jennifer Here