Navigating the AI Era: Holistic Transformation Yields a Game-Changing 20% Efficiency Surge for Businesses

In the pulsating heart of the MDX 2023, the spotlight gleamed upon the transformative force steering industries into uncharted territories – the omnipresent realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Amidst the fervour of cutting-edge technologies, one futurist, Zack Kass, emerged as a guiding force with over a decade of leadership in AI.

Kass, the former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI and an AI Futurist, not only opened the doors to the vast opportunities within the AI landscape but also called for a fundamental shift in our perspective on technology. His vision goes beyond the technical intricacies of AI adoption, and it extends into reshaping societal narratives and advocating for a human-centric approach in the dynamic landscape of AI.

Businesses should strongly consider a comprehensive overhaul concurrent with AI adoption. The emphasis lies on reshaping outdated systems to ensure a tangible and meaningful impact of AI on their operations. This approach acknowledges the imperative need for a synchronised transformation of technology and existing systems to harness AI's potential benefits fully.

A shift from mere adoption to a comprehensive transformation of business ecosystems is beneficial and imperative. He said: “MIT Sloan published a report that said businesses that adopt AI but don't make improvements to their business processes risk a negligible 4% improvement in business efficiency, whereas businesses that adopt AI and make changes to their business process see a 20% improvement in efficiency. And I think that this number is low.”

Humanistic approach
Amidst the rapid evolution propelled by AI, Kass issued a call to prepare for tremendous change while optimising for humanistic qualities, challenging conventional wisdom surrounding career choices and education. He said: “As we acquire skills and knowledge, it's inevitable that they will eventually become commoditised. Once you become an expert architect, tools like AutoCAD might automate aspects of that role. Similarly, mastering computer science might see specific tasks taken over by AI. The job landscape is dynamic, continually evolving with the invention of new roles we may not have been prepared for.

“The key here is not just about acquiring the skills needed for a job; it's about cultivating qualities that make you resilient to the future. AI can handle basic tasks, but there are inherent human qualities that it cannot replicate. The real question is not whether you can learn the skills necessary for a job but whether you can develop qualities essential for future resilience.”

Human resilience lies in vision, wisdom, courage, curiosity, and empathy expertise in this ever-changing landscape. These qualities set us apart from AI and equip us to navigate the future job market's uncertainties.

Teamwork and resilience
It's essential to recognise the concerns raised by companies about the deficiency in collaborative skills among recent graduates. This underscores the urgency for reassessing educational priorities, highlighting the necessity for a workforce skilled in seamless collaboration within a team setting.

“The immutable qualities inherent to being human are the ones that will ultimately shape our collective success in the future. Relying solely on our skills and knowledge exposes us to the risk of commoditisation with the widespread adoption of AI.

“However, by fostering a stronger connection to our physical community, building resilience to change, and anchoring our identity beyond the realm of our professions, we position ourselves to thrive in a future marked by constant change. This future, unburdened by the operational overhead of outdated practices, is the one that truly excites me.”

Shaping the narrative

Reflecting on Hollywood's tendency to depict AI in post-apocalyptic and dystopian settings, it's crucial to acknowledge the allure of such narratives. However, it becomes imperative for us to endeavour to reshape this narrative collectively. Steering away from the grim outlook, we should strive for a more positive and constructive vision of AI's role in our future.

 

Kass said: “I enjoy post-apocalyptic and dystopian films — they're gripping. However, the challenge lies in their prevalence, almost dominating Hollywood's narrative. While they make great entertainment, these depictions might not offer an accurate glimpse into our future. This constant portrayal could shape a self-fulfilling prophecy, influencing our perception and potentially manifesting a less optimistic reality.”

Towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

Acknowledging the profound impact AI is positioned to make on humanity is crucial. When we compare it to pivotal moments in history – such as the invention of the wheel, the discovery of fire, the development of aqueducts, the advent of the internet, and the harnessing of electricity—it becomes clear that AI is a transformative force with vast implications for our shared future.

He said: "AI, particularly AGI, will likely surpass the combined influence of these pivotal advancements." The crux of his argument lay in a thought experiment: explaining the internet to someone from the early 20th century or a caveman, a task that would undoubtedly prove impossible. This exercise served as a backdrop for envisioning a future where our lives become equally incomprehensible to those just a few decades behind us.

Embrace AI in your daily life
Despite the potential of AI to reshape the human experience, Kass pointed out a surprising reality: many people still do not use AI in their daily lives. Issuing a call to arms, he urged, "Use this technology; adopt these technologies. If you're going to form strong opinions about it, use it." In what he referred to as "phase one”, the enhanced application phase, Kass emphasised the importance of closing the growing digital divide. He added: "At some point, that digital divide will become problematic. We're fast approaching a world where many people use AI, and many people don't, and it bifurcates between successful people and people who aren't."

There's a significant emphasis on embracing AI, viewing it not just as a technological tool but as a fundamental aspect of our daily lives. The next decade is envisioned as the most marvellous and spectacular era in human history. The call resonates for active participation in this transformative journey by engaging with AI.

A philosophical journey
Taking a philosophical approach to the AI revolution, Kass encouraged his audience to keep an open mind. He acknowledged that opinions formed without adequate understanding of technology contribute to society's challenges. Kass emphasised the need for individuals to engage with AI directly, stating, "I think a lot of the problems that we face today concerning technology come from the fact that people have formed opinions without actually having done enough of their thinking on what the technology means for us." 

A call to Malaysia
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception in Malaysia, Kass concluded by urging the nation to fully embrace AI and position itself as a global economic force in the ongoing digital revolution. The final words served as a call to action for governments and individuals, emphasising the importance of actively engaging with the transformative potential of AI to shape a future that mirrors shared aspirations.

“It would be profoundly disheartening and ironic if we were to construct the most advanced technology ever conceived and then waste its potential simply because we failed to envision the beauty of the future it could bring. So, I extend this call to you. My experience in Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, has been incredibly welcoming. As we navigate this digital revolution, I hope Malaysia wholeheartedly embraces AI, propelling itself forward on the global economic stage.”