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?

The Quiet Collapse of “Training” (And What High-Performing Teams Do Instead)

Most organizations don’t have a skills problem. They have a transfer problem. Learning still lives outside the work, so it disappears the moment real pressure shows up. The teams that perform best design learning where decisions are made, managers coach in real time, and behavior change is the goal, not completion.

The Human Side of AI

There is an evolving partnership between humans and AI, exploring how our ancient, embodied brains navigate collaboration with technology built from human knowledge yet fundamentally nonhuman.

Where Does the Time Go?

We reflect on the passing of summer and encourage an inventory of one's use of time––go for joy and authenticity.

AI as Offense and Defense

The New York Times reports today on the weaponization of AI. While we often think of AI as an editor or a supercharged search engine, behind the scenes there’s a shadowy world of AI-vs-AI activity fit for a Netflix thriller.