Collaborating with AI: Changing Mindsets from Fear to Empowerent with Alex Lieder.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of success in the ever-evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence.
Image: Tamara Velazquez
“Recognizing that we can’t excel at everything is crucial. Imposter syndrome often stems from the fear of judgment, which is beyond our control. Accepting our limitations fosters healthier self-expectations. Embracing a collaborative mindset transforms judgment into a learning opportunity. No matter how skilled we are, there will always be those more adept. Assuming positive intentions reduces self-criticism.”
In the bustling tech landscape of Berlin, Alex Lieder, the CEO of the forward-thinking startup Skillfill, is at the helm of a mission to revolutionize hiring through intelligent software. Skillfill's adept team harnesses the power of Natural Language Processing (NLP) to streamline the recruitment process, utilizing skills-based assessments and targeted questioning. This approach not only saves time but elevates the overall candidate experience.
My journey into the world of NLP and intelligent software led me to collaborate with Alex on few projects in the past. His commitment to knowledge sharing, along with CTO Stephanos, has been instrumental. In our recent exchange, I invited Alex to share his perspectives on the intersection of women and AI. Our conversation delved into the vital topic of increasing female representation in the AI landscape.
As we reminisced over stories and laughter against Berlin's gray backdrop, Alex excitedly disclosed his team's upcoming strategy session in Paris for 2024, blending business discussions with the pleasures of fine wine and cheese. Our conversation transitioned seamlessly into a deep dive on the role of women in AI.
I opened up about my own experience in the Machine Learning landscape, assisting companies in building apps and software during my time as a tech recruiter these last 7 years. My journey unveiled both the immense possibilities and limitations of AI models. When I embarked to start my own business - Valentina Brook, an AI Coaching Institute for Women, I admitted my initial skepticism about integrating AI into my business strategy at Valentina Brook. I realized I wasn't alone; many women I encountered shared a reluctance toward AI. So I was eager to explore this curious case with Alex.
Alex gave some helpful insights from what he is seeing in his circle. Hailing from a male-dominated engineering space, the tendency is to observe a noticeable gender gap in tech, where men often embrace new technologies more readily. Alex highlighted a potential gendered mindset, observing men's openness and women's cautiousness, especially in HR roles, driven by fears of being replaced by AI. Being replaced by AI is a huge topic that is gaining momentum and I wanted to unpack this with Alex.
Alex provided a very interesting analogy. “Consider the transformation of factory work with the advent of machinery. Machines replaced grueling, monotonous tasks, alleviating the burden on human laborers who once toiled for 80 hours, even sleeping in shifts in the same room. Now, we have a unique opportunity to delegate menial tasks to machines. Personally, as a non-marketing expert, my role requires crafting SEO-optimized blog posts. While I possess insights and knowledge, the sheer complexity of the task used to demand a team of experts. Today, leveraging AI, I review and rewrite posts, with 60-80% of the workload seamlessly delegated. This isn't about being replaced; it's a shift in focus, a newfound freedom to explore and contribute elsewhere.”
Image: Tamara Velazquez
Alex continuted “Recognizing that we can't excel at everything is crucial. Imposter syndrome often stems from the fear of judgment, which is beyond our control. Accepting our limitations fosters healthier self-expectations. Embracing a collaborative mindset transforms judgment into a learning opportunity. No matter how skilled we are, there will always be those more adept. Assuming positive intentions reduces self-criticism.”
Alex credits a lot of his ideas to Fred Kofman author and philosopher who studied the concept of Conscious Business. Fred advocates collaboration over competition and in embracing the transformative potential of AI, we find resonance with his wisdon, particularly regarding the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the tech sector. Embracing AI as a collaborator and not a competitor we are called to embrace our passion and values and learn the art of collaboration to bring our deepest desires and dreams into the world. This collaborative mindset not only fosters an inclusive atmosphere but also transforms the focus from individual success to a collective mission. As we integrate AI tools into our work, the principles of 'Conscious Business' encourage us to see this integration as an opportunity for collaboration rather than a threat. It's about cultivating a learning environment, assuming positive intentions, and finding a greater cause that unites us. In doing so, we not only embrace the power of AI but also pave the way for a future where collaboration is the cornerstone of success in the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
“In the long term, the virtuous pursuit of excellence achieves more real success than the unbridled pursuit of success.”
As the conversation turned to advice for women curious about embracing AI, Alex outlined practical steps:
1) Surround yourself with AI advocates: Immerse yourself in a community of passionate AI advocates who not only inspire but also provide invaluable support, fostering an environment where collaborative learning thrives.
2) Learn in a safe zone with like-minded individuals: Seek out a safe and encouraging space where like-minded individuals share your enthusiasm for AI, creating a collective learning experience that bolsters confidence and mutual growth.
3) Document your personal journey: Chronicle your AI journey with intentionality, capturing not just successes but also the learning curves. Your documented story becomes a powerful narrative, inspiring others and showcasing the authenticity of your growth. Use your documented journey to be vocal, building a personal brand through social media, Substack, or Medium.
4) Amplify your voice: and expertise by strategically sharing your documented journey across various platforms. Building a personal brand becomes not just a self-promotion but a means to empower others, turning your experience into a beacon for those navigating the AI landscape.
5) Tinker with AI tools out of curiosity: creating a habit of testing new things. This continuous exploration not only sharpens your skills but also instills a proactive and innovative mindset, essential for staying at the forefront of AI advancements.
In closing, Alex emphasized the danger of overselling oneself and advised positioning as a learner. "Real experts are called like this by others, not by themselves," he remarked, highlighting the importance of vulnerability in the learning process. In this dawn of a new age, collaboration with brilliant minds and intelligent technology emerges as the key to success. By embracing a collaborative mindset and leveraging AI tools, we pave the way for a future where women not only participate but thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
Image Credit: Tamara Velazquez