In the latest episode of The AI Grapple, I sat down with Lee Schofield, the founder of Future for Now. Lee's journey into AI is anything but conventional. From a background in economics and finance, she moved into design thinking and human-centred design, fuelled by a passion for education and AI literacy.
Lee's transition into AI was inspired by the immediate impact she saw when integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into her work. This experience highlighted the powerful intersection of social sciences and technology. Her startup, Future for Now, focuses on AI literacy, launching workshops to upskill professional women with non-tech backgrounds and making generative AI more accessible.
Throughout our conversation, Lee emphasised the critical role of soft skills in the future workplace. While STEM skills are important, she believes critical thinking, creativity, and systems thinking will become increasingly vital. Lee advocates for a strategic and curious mindset, adaptability, and effective communication skills. As AI evolves, understanding and efficiently utilising AI tools will be essential for staying relevant in the job market.
For organisations looking to integrate AI, Lee stresses the importance of starting with education. Understanding AI's fundamentals, limitations, and opportunities is crucial. She supports fostering a culture of experimentation, where employees can explore AI tools and their applications safely. Small steps and pilot projects can help navigate this transition, ensuring data privacy and ethical considerations are addressed.
Lee also discussed the potential disruption generative AI could bring to business models, suggesting that traditional subscription models may need to evolve due to the increased computational power required by AI features. This shift could lead to more customised and dynamic interfaces tailored to individual needs, fostering a "maker economy" where bespoke solutions become more common than pre-packaged software.
Ethics and responsible AI implementation are central to Lee's approach. She highlights the need for sustainable and efficient AI use, considering the environmental impact of computational power. Addressing biases in AI systems and ensuring data security are also paramount. Lee recommends resources like Atlas of AIÂ by Kate Crawford for a deeper understanding of AI's ethical implications.
Looking ahead, Lee is optimistic about AI's potential to enhance accessibility in various domains, from healthcare to education. She envisions AI reducing barriers and creating opportunities globally. However, she cautions that this potential must be harnessed responsibly to ensure equitable outcomes.
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As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that Lee's insights provide a valuable guide for navigating the AI revolution. By focusing on continuous learning, fostering a culture of experimentation, prioritising education, and upholding ethical standards, we can harness AI's power to drive positive change and innovation.
Stay tuned for more episodes of The AI Grapple, where we'll bring you further insights and discussions with leading experts. Embrace the opportunities AI presents and navigate its challenges with care and consideration. For more on AI literacy and integrating AI responsibly, visit Future for Now or connect with Lee Schofield on LinkedIn. Don't miss out on the opportunity to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of AI.
 Important Links:
Future For Now:Â https://www.futurefornow.world/Connect with Lee on LinkedIn:Â https://www.linkedin.com/in/leedschofield/
Resources Mentioned:
Atlas of AIÂ by Kate Crawford: https://katecrawford.net/atlas
Technically Wrong by Sara Wachter-Boettcher: https://www.sarawb.com/books