A Boomer's Journey into AI

My name is James and I’m a boomer.   Why should someone like me, who is an accomplished business executive, lifelong learner, and even has a computer science degree feel like he needs to open up his journey into AI as if I am introducing myself at an AA meeting? 

Part of me just doesn’t want to put in the effort to learn yet another technology just enough so that, technically speaking, I sound like a high schooler with one semester of Spanish visiting somewhere in Latin America trying to talk to the locals.  Maybe I would rather avoid having to engage any of those Gen-Z, Gen-X, or Millennials in the workforce who grew up with technology like some sort of third arm with the ability to multitask using their mobile phone and computer while talking.  I could do without them dissing me with, “Okaaaay, Boomer” when I don’t instantly want to jump at the chance to add the latest whatever to my every device, car, room, and household appliance.

Yet, here I am on the road to becoming a practical AI ninja. At least that is what the last 30 days have shown me.  Here's three quick lessons from this AI journey to help you jump start your own journey:

Lesson 1:  Stop listening to all the “experts” and doing your research.  That is such a boomer thing!  (Oh, wow, I’m liking this!).  I did the research for months. I even asked AI how to learn about AI.  It spit out a paralyzing list of things to do, but neglected to suggest the one thing that mattered most, you can really start anywhere.

Lesson 2:  Anywhere is OK, but choose something you know.  You are conditioned to avoid grabbing something and starting to punch all the buttons before opening up the user’s manual.  What is different in the current world of AI,  is it’s the “user experience” that matters.  So AI is made to be experienced by those who are inexperienced.  You can just start.

Something that gives me sanity to this approach is that if you begin with the end in mind, then your steps along the way are all progress, whether they be short term success or failure.  I want AI to become a practical and useful multiplier for me and my business. That is the end in mind for me.   The best way to experience AI that builds both knowledge and confidence for you is when you bring your personal knowledge and vast experience to bear by starting with a subject matter you already know. 

Lesson 3:  Nike.  Just Do It!  The reality is that AI is impacting and changing the world in which every person, business, and organization must operate.  This is happening faster than the radio, the assembly line, television, plastics, even the internet.   Even AI itself is changing, some estimate, every 4 months.  So, whatever you thought you knew, if you are not swimming in the AI current, you are getting left further and further behind.

Just get in! The water is fine.  Choose an AI.  Choose your phone or your computer.  Start by saying or typing, “I want to discuss [your area of expertise]”  You too will soon be a practical AI ninja.