The Impact, Benefits, and Challenges of AI in Design

Times are a-changin' for the modern job seekers, people managers, and leaders across all industries and stages of their careers, where confronting the storms of change and complexity are now a regular occurrence rather than the rare occasion and exception. Those who can embody and embrace their inner "chaos pilots" will be the ones who can navigate their way through the waves of uncertainty and unclarity--not just for themselves in their own careers, but also to help shape the work and professional growth of others as people managers, mentors, and leaders to help them thrive even in the midst of challenges. From Kim's early career experiences pivoting from legal and corporate affairs to PR SaaS/tech and marketing consulting; to building and launching multimillion-dollar, go-to-market strategies in new territories and expansion markets for highly-regulated organizations and entities across the U.S. and globally, Kim will share real-life career and leadership stories "from the trenches" that anyone can apply regardless of industry, job title, or level. As a former psychology major, Kim is also passionate about tapping into the human potential through the science of neuropsychological behaviors and mindsets from a multi-disciplinary perspective, especially in the age of AI and automation--including applying the business theory of Blue Ocean strategy in a tough job market, unstable economic conditions, and a turbulent election year that seems to be increasingly at odds against our individual and collective successes, as well as leveraging philosophical, cultural concepts such as kintsugi for career satisfaction, leadership innovation, and deep personal/professional transformation.

When was the last time you did something that scared you? When was the last time you felt uncomfortable? I have a 'how hard could it be?' outlook to all of life. I truly believe that you can achieve anything you want, you just have to decide you want it. Then put in the work, and get it. Even when you’ve never done it before. I realized that everything I ever dreamed possible for my life, my lifelong dreams, I had already achieved - all by 30. The degree, the house, the relationship, the multiple-six-figure salary, the travel where I wanted, when I wanted… all of it! And then I walked away. You can do hard things. You can achieve anything you want, change anything you want. What's possible for me is possible for anybody - you have to simply have the mindset, determination, and discipline to make it happen. When your life around you no longer aligns with what you want to do, you need the strength and confidence to light your own fuse, blow it up, and get out of comfortable - complacent - normal... and go write that next chapter. You've done hard things before. Hard could the next one be?

Based on hundreds of meetings with beginners in Data Analytics, I'll try to summarize the main tips I give. What is worth learning? What are the pros and cons of the analytics profession? What do I do all day? I will try to answer these and other questions during the session.

The digital product design process is broken and we have an opportunity to use new tools to build a better future. Dysen Stoks shares how and why designers must shift priorities to always consider unintended consequences hidden in experiences. And Donita Mathis shares how AI holds the key to finding the time for this kind of process revolution.