The Official BNI Podcast: Episode 887 - Integrating AI into Your Company

Release Date: November 20, 2024
Host: Dr. Ivan Misner
Guest: Kian Gohar, AI Researcher, Bestselling Author, CEO of Geolab, Former Executive Director of the X Prize

Introduction

In Episode 887 of The Official BNI Podcast, Dr. Ivan Misner delves into the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern businesses. Joining him is returning guest Kian Gohar, an esteemed AI researcher and CEO of Geolab, whose expertise provides invaluable insights into leveraging AI for business growth.

Recap of the Previous Episode

The episode kicks off with a brief overview of the previous discussion:

Kian Gohar (01:08):
"We talked a little bit about what are the fundamentals of AI, what I call the ABCs of AI and how do you learn to hack some of your workflow and behaviors to be able to get more creative answers with AI to solving some of your business problems."

This foundation set the stage for a deeper exploration into practical AI applications within businesses.

The Impact of AI on Business

Dr. Misner highlights the dual sentiments among BNI members regarding AI:

Dr. Ivan Misner (02:11):
"I think more and more BNI members are very concerned about how AI is going to impact their business. And in some cases I've seen excited about what AI can do and they're also confused by it."

He shares an anecdote illustrating common challenges:

Dr. Ivan Misner (02:50):
"I was talking about that with a BNI member who was a sedan service and they were driving me home and he said, you know what, I have no idea what my power teams are in BNI now."

To address such concerns, Dr. Misner utilized ChatGPT to redefine "power teams," expanding the member's network with professions he hadn't previously considered. This practical example underscores AI's potential to enhance networking strategies effectively.

Practical Steps for AI Integration

Kian Gohar offers a structured approach to integrating AI into businesses:

1. Holistic Assessment:
   Begin by identifying various domains within your company where AI can be applied, such as sales, customer service, or marketing.

2. Change Management Program:
   Implement a robust change management strategy that includes:

   • Leadership Role Modeling:
     Kian Gohar (06:11):
     "You as the leader, want to role model the behavior to your teams that you're using AI as well, so that gives them permission to use it."

   • Upskilling and Training:
     Conduct workshops to educate teams on AI applications relevant to their roles.

3. Pilot Projects:
   Start with one or two specific use cases, run pilot programs, and measure their success. Encourage team members to become AI champions who can lead by example and facilitate knowledge sharing.

4. Gradual Integration:
   Expand AI applications progressively, ensuring each new integration builds upon the successes and lessons learned from previous implementations.

Kian emphasizes the importance of patience and consistency:

Kian Gohar (09:24):
"We're not going to make your company AI ready overnight. It's going to be a process."

He also advises starting AI integration on a personal level to build enthusiasm:

Kian Gohar (10:24):
"Start on a personal level. Find something that you love researching or thinking about or doing, and see how AI can spark your imagination around that topic."

Key Insights and Quotes

• AI as a People-Centric Tool:
  Dr. Ivan Misner (07:42):
  "AI integration in your company isn't about IT. It's really a people issue. We do not believe that AI will displace human work. However, humans with AI skills will displace humans who don't have AI skills."

• Expanding Network Through AI:
  Dr. Ivan Misner (03:22):
  "By having this conversation with AI, with ChatGPT, I was able to give him professions that he could then work with to increase his referrals."

• Encouraging Creative Problem-Solving:
  Kian Gohar (04:35):
  "Think about pretending like you're the world's expert in marketing or sales or negotiation or networking. That's one of the beauties of AI can help us get out of our head and really come up with creative solutions."

Conclusion

Episode 887 offers a comprehensive guide to integrating AI into businesses, emphasizing that successful adoption hinges on human-centric strategies rather than purely technical implementations. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and leveraging AI to enhance networking and operational efficiencies, businesses can unlock unprecedented growth and innovation.

Dr. Ivan Misner (11:39):
"Thank you so much for being on two episodes back to back, and you are welcome anytime you've got some great ideas on AI, I'd love to have you back."

As AI continues to evolve, episodes like this provide essential frameworks for businesses aiming to stay ahead in an increasingly digital landscape.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductions, and outros as per the podcast guidelines.