Hamza Bennis, left, Presti AI; Jake Freedman, Dovr Media; and Ziv Fass, Package AI
NAPLES, Fla. — When business leaders consider the role artificial intelligence can play in their company’s strategies, there are often as many questions as answers around how to proceed. However, as a panel of AI experts explained when they took the stage at the 2024 Leadership Conference, the correct answer is not “one size fits all.”
Ziv Fass, representing Package AI, kicked off the session with an overview of open vs. closed AI systems, adding that ChatGPT — an AI tool many audience members were familiar with — is a closed system that is data protected.
Jake Freedman, CEO at Dovr Media, agreed that closed AI models are the preferred systems for anyone exploring the use of artificial intelligence for the first time, adding that the technology more manageable when incorporated in small increments.
“To make life easy, you have to silo it,” Freedman said. “Choose one thing and learn how to use it. There are so many areas where AI can support furniture dealers, for example, photo shoots, marketing calendars, forecasting.”
Hamza Bennis, representing Presti AI, said that business leaders getting started with artificial intelligence tools should feel like AI offers a solution that has been “built for you.” Bennis added that a “democratization” of who can use AI is underway, and in the future, everyone will be using AI in some area of business or personal life.
All the panelists agreed that every business can utilize AI tools to create greater efficiencies, improve customer service and eliminate “data islands” that are instead shared to support the decision-making process at many levels of the customer journey.
Bennis encouraged audience members to think of AI as something that can be used vertically across all departments.
“It should be as easy as integrating any other solution,” he said, following with what would become one of the defining takeaways of the session: “You should expect 10 times improvement on whatever you’re using AI for; don’t expect too little. If you don’t see that kind of return, look for other solutions.”
Fass continued the high-expectation conversation, saying that it is imperative to “choose solutions proven with customers similar to yourself,” adding that AI is software that can identify areas with the most value for automation and help define metrics.
“AI is a journey, not one and done,” said Fass. “It’s true for every software project: There should be a ‘wow’ moment for sure.”
When asked about a time frame for measuring results of AI implementation, Freedman underscored the immediate impact leaders should anticipate. “Expect results yesterday. For base level research, you can see results in 15 to 20 minutes.”
Although the panel agreed that starting with tools like ChatGPT is a good first step, they added that company leaders should also be prepared to address employee fears as part of the process.
“We all have some level of fear (about AI), but I think the reality is that the first part is automation,” Fass said. “AI is going to make humans more productive instead of being replaced. Like every technology revolution, change is hard.”
Freedman agreed. “Small business and big businesses are using and will use AI,” he said. “You really have to get on this train if you are going to be a leader in your field.”
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