The World AI Cannes Festival is back Feb 8-10 and we're there! See live updates on what's new in AI this year
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For the third consecutive year, Launch Consulting attended the World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival (WAICF), marking our continued commitment to the forefront of AI innovation and thought leadership. At this year's festival, our Chief Strategy Officer, Russ Whitman and Kevin McCall, our Managing Director of AI, hosted an interactive workshop titled "F the Future: Use AI Now". The workshop was a deep dive into the transformative power of AI and its practical applications across various industries. Our session was designed not just to showcase the potential of AI, but to provide a hands-on experience that demystifies its complexities and illustrates how businesses can harness this technology for substantial growth and efficiency.
The focus of our session was clear - to move beyond the speculative and into the tangible, demonstrating through concrete examples how AI can be applied effectively by businesses today. We shared our journey towards becoming an AI-First organization, a meticulously crafted approach that has guided us through the intricacies of AI adoption and integration. Our framework, designed to demystify the process and make AI accessible to all, is built on five pillars:
Through this framework, we've not only transformed our operations but also empowered our clients to embrace AI with confidence. By sharing the framework of our workshop “F the Future: Use AI Now.", we hope to inspire other businesses as they embark on their AI journeys with a sense of urgency and purpose.
In the realm of artificial intelligence, the allure of cutting-edge technology often overshadows a fundamental truth: the essence of AI's success lies not in its algorithms, but in human collaboration and understanding. Our interactive workshop at WAICF highlighted the indispensable role of the human element in AI adoption, emphasizing three critical pillars: trust, talent, and tool selection.
The workshop underscored a crucial message: the most successful AI implementations are those that harmonize technical excellence with thoughtful participation from domain experts. It's a potent reminder that the path to AI success is paved with human insight as much as it is with data and algorithms.
Historically, our team operated within the confines of Studios, focusing on AI in isolation. This siloed approach, however, is giving way to a more integrated strategy. We're championing the spread of AI knowledge across our entire company, advocating for an AI-First mindset. This paradigm shift isn't just about leveraging AI for our clients; it begins with us. By applying AI to our internal processes, we're not only streamlining operations and reducing costs but also setting a precedent for what AI can achieve.
Launch is navigating the path to become AI first based on 5 strategic pillars:
1. Learn AI: Cultivating a Deep Understanding of AI's Capabilities and Limitations
The first step towards becoming AI-first is fostering a culture of continuous learning within our team. This involves not just familiarizing ourselves with the latest AI technologies and methodologies, but also understanding their practical implications, ethical considerations, and potential limitations. At Launch, we invest in comprehensive training programs, workshops, and seminars that empower our employees with the knowledge needed to innovate and make informed decisions about AI applications. This learning process is ongoing, adapting to the rapid advancements in AI to ensure that our team remains adept and well-informed.
2. Use AI: Implementing AI Tools and Technologies to Enhance Internal Operations and Workflows
The adoption of AI within our internal operations serves as a testament to our belief in its transformative power. By integrating AI tools and technologies into our workflows, we're able to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce human error. This includes everything from using AI for data analysis and insight generation to automating repetitive tasks and optimizing project management. Implementing AI internally not only improves our operational efficiency, but also provides us with firsthand experience and insights into the practical challenges and benefits of AI - knowledge that is invaluable when advising our clients. We also partnered with organizations such as Microsoft, Snowflake and Palintir, who share the same ethos about the transformative power of data and AI for business.
3. Build AI: Developing Bespoke AI Solutions Tailored to the Unique Needs of Our Clients and Projects
Our commitment to being AI-first extends beyond internal use; it's about leveraging our expertise to develop customized AI solutions that address specific challenges and objectives of our clients. This bespoke approach ensures that the solutions we offer are not just cutting-edge, but also perfectly aligned with the unique needs of each project. Additionally, our sector-specific knowledge enables us to understand the distinct challenges across various industries, ensuring that our AI solutions are not only innovative but also deeply informed by a well-rounded understanding of the industry landscape. Whether it's creating intelligent systems that can predict consumer behavior, developing AI-powered analytics platforms, or automating key operational processes, our focus is on delivering value through innovation and tailored solutions.
4. Sell AI: Articulating the Value Proposition of AI to Our Customers
One of the key aspects of becoming an AI-first organization is the ability to effectively communicate the value of AI to our customers. This involves not just selling AI as a product or service, but educating our clients about its potential to drive business transformation. Through case studies, demonstrations, and detailed ROI analyses, we aim to demystify AI and make it accessible, helping clients to envision the tangible benefits AI can bring to their operations, from cost savings and efficiency gains to new capabilities and competitive advantages.
5. Partner on AI: Collaborating with Leading AI Researchers, Developers, and Companies
Staying at the forefront of AI innovation requires not just internal expertise, but also external collaboration. By partnering with leading AI researchers, developers, and tech companies, we tap into a wealth of knowledge, tools, and resources that can enhance our AI capabilities. These collaborations enable us to stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in AI, ensuring that we can offer our clients the most advanced and effective AI solutions available. Furthermore, these partnerships foster a collaborative ecosystem that accelerates innovation and paves the way for breakthroughs in AI applications.
Our five core pillars are dedicated to fostering skills, capturing experiences, and documenting tangible results. This approach has empowered us to apply AI across a spectrum of industries, from the public sector to construction, financial services, and software development.
A standout example of AI's potential is our collaboration with Teichert, a company with a 120-year history in construction. Faced with the challenge of leveraging decades of data, Teichert sought a more insightful analysis of their project bids. Our solution, InQuarry, revolutionized their bidding process. By analyzing historical data, InQuarry provides actionable insights, helping Teichert identify areas of underbidding and optimize proposals. This AI-driven assistant has become integral to their operations, showcasing the practical benefits of applied AI.
As we reflect on the transformative journey of AI throughout 2023, it's clear that AI has transcended its traditional confines, sparking discussions not only among professionals but also in everyday settings. This widespread engagement reflects a growing recognition of AI's potential to reshape our world. Looking ahead to 2024, the trajectory of AI continues upward, with generative AI poised to redefine the landscape.
The upcoming year is set to witness a significant shift in how generative AI is perceived and utilized. Until now, the conversation around generative AI has been largely dominated by text-based applications like ChatGPT. However, we are on the cusp of a paradigm shift, with generative AI extending its reach to include audio, video, and imagery. This expansion heralds a new era of multi-modal experiences, transforming not just how we create content but also how we interact with digital environments.
The evolution of generative AI promises to enrich our interactions with technology, offering experiences that are more immersive, personalized, and expressive. By transcending the limitations of text-based communication, AI will enable more nuanced and human-like interactions across a variety of media. This isn't merely about mimicking human output; it's about enhancing our capacity to communicate, learn, and create in ways that were previously unimaginable.
The urgency to adopt AI is clear: the companies that embrace AI today will lead tomorrow. Adopting an AI-first mindset is crucial, but it requires more than just technological integration. It demands a cultural shift within organizations—a move towards continuous learning, experimentation, and openness to change.
In one of our workshop discussions, a poignant question was raised: "How can AI help us to adopt AI better?" The answer lies not in a single solution, but in a holistic approach that considers company culture, change management, and the strategic alignment of AI initiatives.
We believe that by demystifying AI and providing practical frameworks for its application, we can empower businesses to fully harness its potential. The journey into AI is complex, but with the right mindset, strategy, and tools, it's a path fraught with opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and unprecedented growth.
The landscape of AI is vast and ever-changing, yet, amidst this flux, one thing remains constant: the imperative to act. As we navigate the intricacies of AI adoption, we hope to do so with curiosity, courage, and a steadfast commitment to transformation.
The future of AI is not just about what technology can do; it's about what we can achieve together through its application.
Launch is on a mission to help every large and growing organization navigate a data and AI-First strategy. Is your org ready? Take our free AI Readiness Self-Assessment to find out. Do you want to watch the full workshop? Click HERE.
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For the third consecutive year, Launch Consulting attended the World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival (WAICF), marking our continued commitment to the forefront of AI innovation and thought leadership. At this year's festival, our Chief Strategy Officer, Russ Whitman and Kevin McCall, our Managing Director of AI, hosted an interactive workshop titled "F the Future: Use AI Now". The workshop was a deep dive into the transformative power of AI and its practical applications across various industries. Our session was designed not just to showcase the potential of AI, but to provide a hands-on experience that demystifies its complexities and illustrates how businesses can harness this technology for substantial growth and efficiency.
The focus of our session was clear - to move beyond the speculative and into the tangible, demonstrating through concrete examples how AI can be applied effectively by businesses today. We shared our journey towards becoming an AI-First organization, a meticulously crafted approach that has guided us through the intricacies of AI adoption and integration. Our framework, designed to demystify the process and make AI accessible to all, is built on five pillars:
Through this framework, we've not only transformed our operations but also empowered our clients to embrace AI with confidence. By sharing the framework of our workshop “F the Future: Use AI Now.", we hope to inspire other businesses as they embark on their AI journeys with a sense of urgency and purpose.
In the realm of artificial intelligence, the allure of cutting-edge technology often overshadows a fundamental truth: the essence of AI's success lies not in its algorithms, but in human collaboration and understanding. Our interactive workshop at WAICF highlighted the indispensable role of the human element in AI adoption, emphasizing three critical pillars: trust, talent, and tool selection.
The workshop underscored a crucial message: the most successful AI implementations are those that harmonize technical excellence with thoughtful participation from domain experts. It's a potent reminder that the path to AI success is paved with human insight as much as it is with data and algorithms.
Historically, our team operated within the confines of Studios, focusing on AI in isolation. This siloed approach, however, is giving way to a more integrated strategy. We're championing the spread of AI knowledge across our entire company, advocating for an AI-First mindset. This paradigm shift isn't just about leveraging AI for our clients; it begins with us. By applying AI to our internal processes, we're not only streamlining operations and reducing costs but also setting a precedent for what AI can achieve.
Launch is navigating the path to become AI first based on 5 strategic pillars:
1. Learn AI: Cultivating a Deep Understanding of AI's Capabilities and Limitations
The first step towards becoming AI-first is fostering a culture of continuous learning within our team. This involves not just familiarizing ourselves with the latest AI technologies and methodologies, but also understanding their practical implications, ethical considerations, and potential limitations. At Launch, we invest in comprehensive training programs, workshops, and seminars that empower our employees with the knowledge needed to innovate and make informed decisions about AI applications. This learning process is ongoing, adapting to the rapid advancements in AI to ensure that our team remains adept and well-informed.
2. Use AI: Implementing AI Tools and Technologies to Enhance Internal Operations and Workflows
The adoption of AI within our internal operations serves as a testament to our belief in its transformative power. By integrating AI tools and technologies into our workflows, we're able to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce human error. This includes everything from using AI for data analysis and insight generation to automating repetitive tasks and optimizing project management. Implementing AI internally not only improves our operational efficiency, but also provides us with firsthand experience and insights into the practical challenges and benefits of AI - knowledge that is invaluable when advising our clients. We also partnered with organizations such as Microsoft, Snowflake and Palintir, who share the same ethos about the transformative power of data and AI for business.
3. Build AI: Developing Bespoke AI Solutions Tailored to the Unique Needs of Our Clients and Projects
Our commitment to being AI-first extends beyond internal use; it's about leveraging our expertise to develop customized AI solutions that address specific challenges and objectives of our clients. This bespoke approach ensures that the solutions we offer are not just cutting-edge, but also perfectly aligned with the unique needs of each project. Additionally, our sector-specific knowledge enables us to understand the distinct challenges across various industries, ensuring that our AI solutions are not only innovative but also deeply informed by a well-rounded understanding of the industry landscape. Whether it's creating intelligent systems that can predict consumer behavior, developing AI-powered analytics platforms, or automating key operational processes, our focus is on delivering value through innovation and tailored solutions.
4. Sell AI: Articulating the Value Proposition of AI to Our Customers
One of the key aspects of becoming an AI-first organization is the ability to effectively communicate the value of AI to our customers. This involves not just selling AI as a product or service, but educating our clients about its potential to drive business transformation. Through case studies, demonstrations, and detailed ROI analyses, we aim to demystify AI and make it accessible, helping clients to envision the tangible benefits AI can bring to their operations, from cost savings and efficiency gains to new capabilities and competitive advantages.
5. Partner on AI: Collaborating with Leading AI Researchers, Developers, and Companies
Staying at the forefront of AI innovation requires not just internal expertise, but also external collaboration. By partnering with leading AI researchers, developers, and tech companies, we tap into a wealth of knowledge, tools, and resources that can enhance our AI capabilities. These collaborations enable us to stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in AI, ensuring that we can offer our clients the most advanced and effective AI solutions available. Furthermore, these partnerships foster a collaborative ecosystem that accelerates innovation and paves the way for breakthroughs in AI applications.
Our five core pillars are dedicated to fostering skills, capturing experiences, and documenting tangible results. This approach has empowered us to apply AI across a spectrum of industries, from the public sector to construction, financial services, and software development.
A standout example of AI's potential is our collaboration with Teichert, a company with a 120-year history in construction. Faced with the challenge of leveraging decades of data, Teichert sought a more insightful analysis of their project bids. Our solution, InQuarry, revolutionized their bidding process. By analyzing historical data, InQuarry provides actionable insights, helping Teichert identify areas of underbidding and optimize proposals. This AI-driven assistant has become integral to their operations, showcasing the practical benefits of applied AI.
As we reflect on the transformative journey of AI throughout 2023, it's clear that AI has transcended its traditional confines, sparking discussions not only among professionals but also in everyday settings. This widespread engagement reflects a growing recognition of AI's potential to reshape our world. Looking ahead to 2024, the trajectory of AI continues upward, with generative AI poised to redefine the landscape.
The upcoming year is set to witness a significant shift in how generative AI is perceived and utilized. Until now, the conversation around generative AI has been largely dominated by text-based applications like ChatGPT. However, we are on the cusp of a paradigm shift, with generative AI extending its reach to include audio, video, and imagery. This expansion heralds a new era of multi-modal experiences, transforming not just how we create content but also how we interact with digital environments.
The evolution of generative AI promises to enrich our interactions with technology, offering experiences that are more immersive, personalized, and expressive. By transcending the limitations of text-based communication, AI will enable more nuanced and human-like interactions across a variety of media. This isn't merely about mimicking human output; it's about enhancing our capacity to communicate, learn, and create in ways that were previously unimaginable.
The urgency to adopt AI is clear: the companies that embrace AI today will lead tomorrow. Adopting an AI-first mindset is crucial, but it requires more than just technological integration. It demands a cultural shift within organizations—a move towards continuous learning, experimentation, and openness to change.
In one of our workshop discussions, a poignant question was raised: "How can AI help us to adopt AI better?" The answer lies not in a single solution, but in a holistic approach that considers company culture, change management, and the strategic alignment of AI initiatives.
We believe that by demystifying AI and providing practical frameworks for its application, we can empower businesses to fully harness its potential. The journey into AI is complex, but with the right mindset, strategy, and tools, it's a path fraught with opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and unprecedented growth.
The landscape of AI is vast and ever-changing, yet, amidst this flux, one thing remains constant: the imperative to act. As we navigate the intricacies of AI adoption, we hope to do so with curiosity, courage, and a steadfast commitment to transformation.
The future of AI is not just about what technology can do; it's about what we can achieve together through its application.
Launch is on a mission to help every large and growing organization navigate a data and AI-First strategy. Is your org ready? Take our free AI Readiness Self-Assessment to find out. Do you want to watch the full workshop? Click HERE.
