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?

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.

AI’s Big Moment

After nearly 15 years helping leaders and teams evolve their skills and build new ways of working, I can confidently say—this year feels like the most pivotal.

The smith & beta Climate Pledge

Storms can bring out the best in us. How can we act to be a more earth conscious company?

Open to AI

Yes, we’re bombarded with information and filter what’s true, relevant, and meaningful, but just when we think we have it figured out, the questions shift. A topic that seems critical to know is artificial intelligence (AI). It feels familiar, doesn’t it?