The AI Catalyst Short Story: A 90-Day Journey
Gain insight into the real-world challenges of AI implementation, manage expectations, and witness the power of human collaboration in the face of technological change.
What does it take to implement AI in my organization?
"The AI Catalyst" was born from my experiences with three distinct groups in mind:
Solution Architects and Developers, brilliant minds often struggling to communicate complex Machine Learning and technical concepts to business teams.
Business leaders and heads of innovation, facing immense pressure to deliver AI solutions that transform their organizations overnight due to unreasonable expectations brought about the hype and magic of AI.
Non-technical professionals grappling with how AI will reshape their day-to-day work. Many of us are filled with anxiety, how to stay relevant and what skillsets are most needed in an AI first work environment.
This story aims to bridge these diverse perspectives, offering a common language for technical and non-technical team members alike.
By following JJ and his team through their 90-day challenge, readers will gain insight into the real-world challenges of AI implementation, manage expectations, and witness the power of human collaboration in the face of technological change.
"The AI Catalyst" strips away the jargon and hype surrounding AI, presenting a realistic, engaging look at what it truly means to become an AI-driven organization. Whether you're a seasoned tech professional or just beginning to explore AI's potential, this tale will resonate with you, inspire you, and help you see AI implementation through a more human lens.
Each of the 12 chapers will take about 3 to 5 minutes each to finish. So, this is a light read. I hope you find this meaningful and provoke some questions.
Please feel free to comment on each chapter. This story is useless unless you go deeper.
What would you do if you encountered such a situation?
How would you approach things differently?
There are no right or wrong answers. What is important is the quality of arguments, the pros and cons and the rigor of thinking.
Our Characters:
JJ Garcia: A seasoned Solution Architect at FinTechNova, skeptical of the latest tech trends but tasked (as often as it happens, got voluntold) with leading the AI transformation.
Maya: Head of Customer Success and Customer Support, focused on maintaining high-quality customer interactions during the AI transition.
Alex: IT lead, responsible for implementing and maintaining the technical infrastructure for AI initiatives.
Sarah: Data analyst, crucial in preparing and analyzing data for AI implementation.
Richard Nomura: FinTechNova's board chairman, who issues the 90-day AI transformation challenge.
Dr. Walid Ross: JJ's former professor and AI consultant, who provides valuable insights.
The Setting:
FinTechNova, a mid-sized financial technology company in Austin, Texas, finds itself at a critical juncture. Once a promising player in the fintech space, it now faces the threat of obsolescence in an increasingly AI-driven industry. The story unfolds primarily in FinTechNova's offices, with key scenes at local spots like RedHorn Roasted Perfection, a brewery and coffee shop where JJ meets Walid.
Let’s get started with Chapter 1 (3-4 mins read)
