Lessons from past technological missteps
In this political and social economic climate, we cannot afford to forget the same historical errors seen and done by other technological innovations—social media, Web 2.0, and Metaverse over the last decade.
Designing a strategic plan that includes AI requires a commitment to continuous employee learning and adaptation. Ethical DEI initiatives can foster innovation and a culture of collaboration as agencies provide equal learning opportunities.
Here are three points to think about as you map out your strategy.
Identify areas within your company culture where employees can achieve professional growth. Getting directly from your employees their strengths and areas for growth early in the hiring process benefits the company, not just the employee. It prevents dollars and hours from being spent on employees being placed in a workplace where they never felt they belonged and could excel. In the assessment, you must address unconscious bias to ensure accessibility and belonging are at the center.
Invest in training your teams to understand and ethically leverage AI tools. Once you truly understand an employee’s strengths and how they will embrace AI, agencies can begin to be ahead of the curve and stay there.
Foster an ethical culture of innovation. Encourage employees to experiment with AI applications and share their findings. Just like the introduction of computers and the internet, humans love experiential opportunities. So when ChatGPT becomes the fastest-growing user application in history, we know more will come. However, several communities still need access to AI education.
Building AI creative-ready workforce
DEI is not just the absence of cultural representation; it’s the absence of equitable access.
According to Forbes, the boom of the creative economy isn’t offering most countries financial gain. Yet, US-disadvantaged businesses, such as micro and small agencies, are accessing more AI tools for content creation and ad campaigns than ever. Brands, marketers, and advertisers must value the creative impact in the evolving AI space because every room isn’t created inclusive.
Here’s what to keep in mind when fostering inclusivity in AI:
- A concerted effort to create a more equitable industry environment is necessary—a principle and practice of Design Justice.
- Being mindful of limiting access to prestigious events like Cannes must be considered.
- Focus on the significant impacts of knowledge creation, production, and transfer.
- Be conscious of who benefits now from building an AI creative-ready workforce and be part of changing this outcome.
