Cultivating AI Resilience: A Survival Guide for Newly Minted AI Barbies and Kens

In Part 1, we unpack what you can do today about getting your house in order.

Good morning, marketers! You’re AI Barbies and Kens now (or Alans or Midges, you do you) and it’s not all pink casitas and Beach. Election interference. Massive job loss. An unprecedented global disruption that poses an existential threat to humanity. There’s a lot competing for your attention when it comes to generative AI. And that’s just the external – how about your own business and marketing initiatives?

Maybe you’re negotiating the balance of human labor and tools while guzzling from fire hoses and battling FOMO. Maybe you fear lawsuits. In this post, we’re going to unpack what you can do today about getting your house in order. In part two, we’re going to look into how to dial up your marketing to make it as resilient and future-proof as possible.

Preparing for Battle

Before storming Malibu Beach, we recommend you tap into the guidance of a trusted AI expert. For example, Alyce Eyster, Sr. Manager of Content Strategy, was recently certified by the Marketing AI Institute for completing their Piloting AI for Marketers Series.

When selecting an expert to follow, consider factors such as their relevant experience in your industry, thought leadership demonstrated through publications or talks, alignment with your specific business objectives, and a proven track record of success in real-world scenarios. A few that we follow are: Paul Roetzer (founder and CEO of the aforementioned Marketing AI Institute), futurist Bernard Marr and Wil Reynolds, CEO and Vice President of Innovation of SEER Interactive.

Once you’re found your in-house and external experts, assemble a team of stakeholders to coordinate efforts around AI tool adoption (more on this below). This coalition should at minimum include early AI adopters who will be using the tools and key executive leadership, including IT and HR. You’ll also want your legal team nearby to answer questions and help develop policy.

Set clear goals for AI adoption at this stage of the process – be they improved efficiency, better marketing insights or enhanced customer experience – and then establish a timeline to measure and track progress.

Ask ‘What Could Go Wrong?’

The adoption of AI in business brings opportunities and efficiency, but it’s not without potential pitfalls. Data bias is a prevalent concern; AI systems, trained on biased data, may inadvertently discriminate against certain groups, such as racial minorities or women. Security risks add another layer of complexity; AI systems can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, leading to data theft or operational disruption. These risks underscore the need for vigilance and robust cybersecurity protocols.

AI can also raise compliance risks, where systems may inadvertently violate regulations. Adhering to applicable laws and regulations is paramount to avoid legal complications. Additionally, the complex and opaque nature of AI systems can result in a lack of transparency. This lack of understanding can be a barrier to trust and effective risk management.

Meanwhile, the automation potential of AI may lead to job loss or job change on your team as systems become more efficient and demand increases for workers to engineer prompts, troubleshoot AI tools and more. It’s important to have these conversations early and often as your company navigates this change together.

Workplace AI Policy & Tool Vetting

Mitigating AI risk requires a thoughtful approach to vetting AI tools. Ensuring transparency in data sources and algorithms, asking about testing and validation plans, understanding limitations, and requiring non-discrimination agreements can help assess the reliability, safety and ethical use of the tool. Ongoing monitoring of the tool’s performance to ensure that it’s not being misused further aids in maintaining responsible AI practices.

When building policies to address ethical considerations, make sure your approach is in line with laws such as GDPR and CCPA. Be picky about the tools you choose. Engage vendors, test products, and ensure they align with your goals and system requirements. We look for tools with good financial backing and thoroughly read the terms and conditions before signing on.

What Could Go Right?

Embarking on the AI journey can undoubtedly be daunting. With new technologies, evolving algorithms, and uncharted territories, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. But remember, it’s a journey, not a sprint. Stay focused, adapt to changes, learn from experiences, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.

The future of AI in business is filled with opportunities for unprecedented efficiency, insight and innovation. Through proper execution, you can prepare your organization for future success, actively shaping that future!

Looking Ahead to Part 2

Cultivating AI resilience is about preparation, insight and execution. By following these steps, you will get your house in order, laying a strong foundation for your AI journey. Stay fabulous, AI Barbies, Kens, Alans, and Midges. The future is yours to shape! Don’t forget to tune in for Part 2, where we’ll explore how to dial up your marketing to make it as resilient and future-proof as possible.