Last month, during a roundtable discussion hosted by Utah Business in partnership with Foley & Lardner, industry leaders gathered to explore the profound ways in which AI is reshaping the technology sector. Moderated by Cydni Tetro, Chief Innovation Officer at Swire Coca-Cola and founder of the Women Tech Council, the conversation highlighted various perspectives on AI’s transformative impact on jobs, skills, and workforce dynamics.
AI’s Transformative Impact on Workforce Dynamics
Panelist Sunny Washington, Co-Founder of OrcaPanda, emphasized how AI is changing the way consumers engage with technology. “People used to type in keywords like ‘Fitness trainers near me.’ Now, they might ask, ‘I just had a baby. What’s the best way for me to get into shape?’” This shift allows smaller brands to compete more effectively alongside larger corporations, creating a more level playing field.
Joon Beh, Founder and CEO of Hallo, noted the significant shifts within the human resources sector. “The entire recruiting process is being automated, from searching to the actual recruitment activities themselves,” he stated, highlighting the growing reliance on AI in hiring practices.
Barclay Lincoln Burns, Founder of GenerativeImpact.AI, added that every discipline will see changes due to AI integration. He remarked, “We are encouraging various departments to strategize around innovation and consider how AI will influence the tasks future graduates will perform.” Similarly, Manu Sood, Senior VP of Technology at AvidXchange, underscored that each job role is being redefined as AI becomes more prevalent, urging a rethinking of job responsibilities in an AI-augmented workplace.
Critical Skills for the AI-Ready Workforce
The discussion also turned toward the essential skills that will be needed for the workforce of tomorrow. Chris Willis, Senior Design Officer at Domo, expressed concern over the ease with which AI can provide answers without challenging users to think critically. “AI does well at tasks humans previously excelled at, but this convenience might hinder deeper learning and creativity,” he cautioned.
Edson Barton, Founder and CEO of YouScience, shared insights on helping young people recognize and cultivate their multifaceted talents, stating, “When everyone becomes a creator, the key is to find an inherent passion.” He stressed the need for individuals to embrace their unique skills in a world increasingly populated by AI.
Matt Freestone, Director of IT at Pura, remarked on the perception that AI might lead to a decline in human intelligence. “You can become less capable if you let AI dictate your actions. Instead, we should use AI to enhance our existing capabilities,” he urged.
AI Adoption and Industry Engagement
When discussing AI adoption, Mark Allen, Host of the AI Unleashed Conference, noted a growing curiosity among audiences eager to implement AI in their lives. “I find that sharing real-world examples helps people realize the practical benefits of AI,” he explained. This sentiment was echoed by Sunny Washington, who suggested that resistance to AI often stems from an innate reluctance to change established habits.
Panelists also shared thoughts on the necessary role of regulation in AI development. Earl Foote, CEO of Nexus IT Consultants, pointed out the challenges of regulating technology across state lines and advocated for a unified federal approach to AI legislation: “We need regulations that adapt to AI’s unique attributes rather than the same old rules applied to new tech.”
Utah’s Unique Position in AI Innovation
Utah is emerging as a hub for AI innovation, as noted by Chintan Patel, Head of Product at LVT. He highlighted the state’s abundance of talent and resources, stating, “Utah has the ingredients for success in AI—strong infrastructure, talent, and a vibrant venture capital community.”
As the conversation concluded, panelists emphasized the importance of embracing AI as a tool for augmentation rather than replacement. The consensus was clear: AI not only changes workflows but also holds the potential to enhance creativity and productivity across various sectors.
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