Leading Organizations That Matter: Episode 47 Summary

Title: Dmitri Charovic: An Artificial Intelligence Primer
Release Date: December 10, 2024
Host: Rey Spadoni
Guest: Dmitry Charovic, Faculty Member at Suffolk University and CEO of AnyQuest

Introduction

In Episode 47 of the Leading Organizations That Matter podcast, host Rey Spadoni delves into the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with expert Dmitry Charovic. Targeted towards leaders and supporters of mission-driven organizations such as nonprofits, healthcare providers, and social service agencies, the episode aims to demystify AI and explore its potential impact on organizations dedicated to improving lives amidst significant challenges.

Guest Background

Dmitry Charovic brings a wealth of experience in AI, machine learning, and business analytics. As a faculty member at Suffolk University in Boston, he focuses on bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that students and faculty are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Dmitry is also the founder and CEO of AnyQuest, a company specializing in generative AI platforms. His career spans leadership roles at prominent tech firms like Progress Software and Computer Associates, and he holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a Master of Science from the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute.

Evolution of Artificial Intelligence

Dmitry provides a comprehensive overview of AI’s evolution, highlighting significant milestones:

• Rule-Based Systems (1980s): Early AI relied on expert systems where humans defined a set of rules for the AI to follow. Dmitry explains, “AI was very different, but I actually was working with Mikhail Batvinnik... on one of the first chess programs” (03:19).

• Machine Learning: Transitioning from rigid rule definitions, machine learning allows AI to develop rules based on vast datasets. Dmitry notes, “machine learning, business analytics, where you can feed a lot of data to a system and it will come up with the rules” (04:51).

• Deep Learning: The latest advancement involves modeling AI after the human brain using artificial neurons, enabling AI to think, learn, and interact more like humans. “These models ... can now be customized very inexpensively to do this or that work and that” (07:29).

Inflection Point: Deep Learning and Accessibility

The conversation shifts to the current inflection point in AI development, driven by deep learning and its widespread accessibility:

• Dmitry explains, “these models are generalist. They have read every book... and you can customize them just a little bit to make them into doctors or marketing specialists or HR managers” (08:08). This democratization of AI allows organizations of all sizes to leverage powerful AI tools without prohibitive costs.

AI as a Tool vs. AI as a Collaborator

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the perception and potential of AI:

• AI as a Tool: Companies like Apple present AI as a productivity enhancer. Dmitry comments on Apple’s recent advertisements, stating, “Apple is viewing or trying to present AI as a tool... making what you have already been doing a little bit quicker, better, more efficient” (11:51).

• AI as a Collaborator: He envisions a future where AI acts as a team member, alleviating administrative burdens and enabling human workers to focus on higher-level tasks. “AI can become a collaborator that has taken that administrative load off your back” (13:03).

Impact on Knowledge Workers and Automation

Dmitry discusses the disruptive potential of AI in knowledge work:

• “This is automation of knowledge work... but there is a catch. This is not a replacement for human” (14:17). AI can handle specific tasks efficiently but remains limited by its inability to think beyond predefined parameters and its susceptibility to errors.

• He cautions that while AI can automate certain functions, it introduces unpredictability akin to human behavior, necessitating a balance between automation and human oversight.

AI in Education: Suffolk University’s Approach

Addressing AI’s impact on education, Dmitry highlights Suffolk University’s proactive strategies:

• Recognizing that AI can solve standardized tests and perform tasks traditionally done by students, Suffolk chooses to integrate AI into its curriculum rather than ban its use. “We decided that that's not the right approach because when students graduate, they will be expected to use AI” (17:24).

• The university emphasizes preparing students to work alongside AI, focusing on skills like delegation and effective management in an AI-augmented environment.

Current Trends and Future Outlook

Looking beyond the present, Dmitry identifies two key phenomena shaping the future of AI:

1. Performance Plateau of Traditional Models: Approaching the limits of transformer-based models like GPT, making further performance gains increasingly costly (21:56).

2. Reduction in Cost: The decreasing cost of computing power enables more affordable AI solutions, fostering widespread adoption and new opportunities for organizations (21:56).

Regarding the next five years, Dmitry is cautiously optimistic:

• While he acknowledges the ongoing debate around Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), he believes the focus will remain on leveraging current AI technologies efficiently and ethically. “...figuring out how to use this technology productively in a way that is safe, ethical and efficient” (23:25).

Ethical Considerations and Regulation

Ethics in AI deployment is a critical concern discussed in the episode:

• Dmitry warns against delegating sensitive decisions like hiring or firing to AI, citing ethical implications and accountability issues: “AI cannot be held accountable for any decisions that it makes” (25:12).

• He advocates for establishing ethical guidelines and task forces within organizations to navigate the responsible use of AI. “Every company should have one. But then more broadly at the government level... there should also be some process” (26:38).

Advice for Leaders of Mission-Driven Organizations

To help leaders navigate the AI landscape, Dmitry offers practical advice:

• Embrace Learning and Experimentation: “Accepting the culture of learning and experimentation... get a copy of ChatGPT or access to ChatGPT or Claude and just start using it” (28:35).

• Foster a Collaborative Environment: Encourage a culture of sharing and experimentation within organizations, possibly through regular “show and tell” sessions where team members discuss their AI experiences.

• Anticipate Integration with Existing Solutions: Leaders can expect their technology partners and vendors to incorporate AI features into their products. For deeper integration, organizations might need to engage AI specialists to tailor AI tools to their specific needs (31:35).

Monetization and Accessibility of AI Tools

Addressing concerns about the cost of AI tools, Dmitry provides reassurance:

• “I don't think the current technology... will be expensive in the future because there is too much of it and there are too many vendors. It's capitalism” (29:46).

• However, he acknowledges that specialized AI features, such as voice interfaces or customized models, may come at a premium, and integrating AI deeply into business processes could require significant investment.

Conclusion

Dmitry Charovic concludes the podcast by encouraging leaders to actively engage with AI technologies. “I would just encourage everybody to start using it. It's very easy to start... experiment and expand from there” (33:17). Host Rey Spadoni reflects on the enlightening discussion, expressing motivation to explore AI further and leverage its potential to empower mission-driven organizations.

For more information about Dmitry Charovic and his work, listeners are encouraged to visit his faculty page at Suffolk University or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Notable Quotes:

• Dmitry Charovic: “AI is truly transformative technology and it has been that kind of technology for the past 30 years, but even more so now.” (04:51)

• Dmitry Charovic: “The ultimate promise of AI is actually the ability for us to use AI as a collaborator.” (13:03)

• Dmitry Charovic: “AI cannot be held accountable for any decisions that it makes.” (25:12)

• Dmitry Charovic: “Make it part of your small process and... experiment and expand from there.” (33:17)

Final Thoughts

Episode 47 serves as a crucial primer for leaders of mission-driven organizations to understand and navigate the complexities of AI. By breaking down AI’s evolution, current capabilities, ethical considerations, and practical applications, Dmitry Charovic equips listeners with the knowledge needed to harness AI’s potential responsibly and effectively in their organizations.