How Does 0ur Garden Grow?

In most business discussions, garden metaphors work well––planting seeds, or cultivating relationships, fertilizing concepts. For smith & beta, we expanded our garden walls to include AI offerings. Is it a different garden? Well, we have been educating agency and marketing professionals in “all things digital” for many years. AI felt comfortable—a new tech tool imposed on work, somewhat user friendly, and in a frenzied Romantic stage where performance expectations may or may not be grounded in reality. We did our own research, gathered experts, and launched a provisional curriculum. Our AI foundations courses cover the basic literacies of AI use and then goes deeper with AI by role, or “201-level” learning experiences. Yes, we know our garden is dynamic. It’s affected by weather, pests, and other unknown factors. However, we have the courage* to grow, create, and experiment. Over the summer we’ll continue to engage with professionals to co-construct AI experiences and workable beliefs and values.

Next week: Is tolerance for ambiguity a superpower right now?

*Fun fact: “Courage” is one of our most successful offerings.

Did you read these already?

Me, but Better

People are talking...what can humans do that AI cannot? Time to think about who you can be in relation to the tools that you use.

We ask if anyone like to join our conversation on FOBO (fear of becoming obsolete)? Not an insignificant feeling to have with AI’s encroachment into many professions, many small tasks and large responsibilities.

Americans may be experiencing a mixture of curiosity, anxiety, skepticism, empowerment, overwhelm---often simultaneously---over AI adoption. Here, we talk about creating space for a range of emotions.

Ambiguity Forever

Tolerance for ambiguity is a trait shared by artists and other creative problem solvers. It’s part of what allows them to discover insights.