Cynthia's 1984: Transforming Students and Organizational Processes for the AI Era, with Cynthia Schauer, Co-Founder of Smart Flow

This episode marks a bittersweet moment... Because today is the final episode of Native Digital Native Analog Show. As we welcome a new chapter with the d’Skills in Action... Strap in for our last ride as we cap off this season with a conversation full of mind-blowing thoughts about the profound impact of artificial intelligence on our world. With our special guest, Cynthia Schauer. Exploring topics from automating outdated practices to addressing AI-related fears... Cynthia Schauer has a brilliant mind with extensive experience as an executive and strategic advisor, including her recent role as Vice President of Creative Services at Rite Aid. Today, she is pioneering a crucial venture in the AI landscape, helping companies automate their onboarding and historical data processes through SmartFlow. Her expertise in questioning the fundamental premises of practices, especially in the context of onboarding, offers valuable lessons. --- The Necessity of Adapting to AI and Automation  In my conversation with Cynthia, I get to ask her thoughts about the students coming into corporate... She noticed the growing gap between how students are exposed to technology and AI in their personal lives and how they are educated within traditional institutions. “Students are going to come in and they're not prepared for the way the companies have changed. I would challenge you and flip it. I would say the students are going to be prepared. The companies aren't, especially in some of these more established companies.” --Cynthia Schauer She emphasizes the need for educational institutions to catch up and teach students how to harness AI as a tool... And the importance of companies and institutions adapting to AI and automation. She added..."If companies are going one way and the education systems are going the other, that gap is just widening."  She emphasizes that these technologies are here to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. 
AI and Abundance Mindset Another pressing topic from our conversation is the common misconceptions and fears surrounding AI, such as job loss or misuse.  "It's a little of both. Now, when I talk to those in the tech sector, there have been some that have admitted they're seeing their own clients don't understand AI."--Cynthia Schauer Along with this is the shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset in the context of AI. Rather than fearing job displacement due to AI, people and organizations should embrace the opportunities it presents for increased efficiency and productivity. It's crucial to educate individuals about the benefits and opportunities AI can provide while addressing their concerns. "There is enough for everybody... We need to bring that happiness back into our teams. Stop making my job so frustrating because when I have to redo something multiple times, I'm not happy." --Cynthia Schauer 
Transformation of Organizations As we look ahead 10 years, the conversation we had predicts a transformation in the way organizations operate. "You need a chief AI officer to drive this... It is the person that not only understands technology but also understands leadership."-- Cynthia Schauer Cynthia emphasizes the need for a CAIO. This role is described as a bridge between technology and leadership, responsible for understanding how AI can be strategically integrated into the business to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. It