The future we want: Why AIConfident exists

1. The way we live and work is being rapidly transformed by how we design and use AI technologies. 

These technologies give us the potential to solve massive, complex problems for the whole of society, as well as millions of tiny problems for each of us.

Yet the way we design and use AI technologies carries huge risks for society. Some of these may require us to use AI technologies to solve them. Others will need more traditional solutions.

2. At AIConfident we believe we must work towards a future where the use of AI technologies results in better, more equitable outcomes for people and for human connection. 

But this future can only be realised if leadership teams across society have the capacity to make conscious, confident decisions about how and where we bring these technologies into our work and life. For us this boils down to three things:

• Equipping leaders to make responsible choices about how and where AI technologies are used;
• Enabling leaders to drive positive AI-related change beyond their organisation - benefiting their customers or communities;
• Ensuring young people can thrive in a world where AI technologies are used widely.

3. This mission is urgent

AI technologies are bringing rapid change and this change has continued to accelerate in recent months.

The impact of AI technologies are no longer avoidable: They present a significant opportunity exists for organisations that exist to do good things in the world, creating an impact on a scale never before possible. However, vulnerable communities are being exposed to new harms, and established business models are coming under threat.

4. Many leaders feel left behind, overwhelmed by the hype, and unsure where to start‍

Some changes are clear: 

• Staff using generative AI tools with little governance, or structure, exposing them to data security risks;
• People trying to work out what to do with the hours they’ve saved in their day, while others are fearful for their jobs;
• Educators are grappling with how to simultaneously prepare young people for this new world, while safeguarding them from new harms, and keeping their data secure
• Recruitment teams are deluged with AI-written cover letters and marketing teams are struggling to stand out from the AI-driven slop;

But others are far less visible. For example people are turning to AI tools for companionship, therapy and mental health support in huge numbers. We don't yet know the consequences of these.

5. AIConfident gives leaders the confidence to lead strategically for change

We enable leaders across society to have The the confidence to take positive, informed decisions about their strategy, people and culture in an AI-enabled world. We want to set them up to apply AI technologies to solving some of our most pressing challenges.

We sit in boardrooms and work with leadership teams, helping you to get a clear understanding of what lies ahead, enabling you to distill your priorities from the hype. We're lead by your hopes and dreams - we’re about giving you the capacity to lead for change yourselves, developing people who are confident leading at the intersection of your expertise with AI technologies.

6. We're perfectly placed to do this

Our cofounders bring nearly two-decades of working at the intersection of AI technologies and society, including advising Government Ministers and the team at 10 Downing Street on National-level AI strategy. We've: 

• Been communicating complex concepts to non-technical senior leaders for years;
• Led teams through uncertainty ourselves. We know how difficult it is, and what it takes to succeed.
• We’ve already supported the AI journey of a huge range of organisations, from the largest UK funders, through businesses large and small, and over 100 headteachers, gathering best practice and high quality data along the way.

We've built an amazing team of expert Associates, each with their own area of expertise. They have a shared set of values for the future of an AI enabled society. The team come from a range of backgrounds including leadership roles for national charities, technology companies, innovation consultants for OECD and Nesta as well as education leaders and or experts in youth engagement.

If you're in a leadership role and living this change right now, get in touch to find out how we can help.

Or if your values align and you're interested in joining our team of associates and being part of something amazing, reach out.

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Image credit: Lone Thomasky & Bits&Bäume / https://betterimagesofai.org / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/