Valerie Fischer on Future-proofing Your Career.

Valerie Fischer , Co-Founder of AI Business Solutions

What's your career journey been like and how has that led you to be an authority on this topic?

I always say to "Follow your curiosity, it will lead you to your Purpose." This is exactly what happened to me. I started my career in the corporate world, but because I was curious to find out if there was another world beyond it, I ventured into a small business. I co-founded an e-commerce site for Filipino made products that led me to a better understanding of entrepreneurship and digital marketing. I was also curious about human behavior, specifically what makes us buy, and so I studied and became a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner. My name started reaching Filipinos all over the world, which led me to invest in my first tech business, and that tech business evolved into what it is now; AI Business Solutions. All because I followed my curiosity.

Are there specific jobs in your industry at higher risk of AI disruption?

As far as my first business is concerned, I think there will always be a market for local, artisanal and handmade products so that will not really be affected. To me, course creators, social media managers, and even copywriters will be affected. But only IF they do NOT study this technology closely and understand what they can offer that AI cannot. Honestly, those with clerical, repetitive job descriptions will be affected. So those currently hold positions in these types of jobs should already be upskilling and reskilling.

What skills do you think young professionals should learn to stay employable in a world with AI?

Given the world we are in right now, young professionals will need to be able to do the 3Cs: to think Critically, solve problems Creatively, and Communicate effectively. They will also need to be able to work well with others and be adaptable to change. Here are some skills needed to survive and thrive in an AI-assisted world. • Data analysis and interpretation (a challenging skill, but an important one) • Programming and software development (quite technical, but a basic understanding is needed) • Machine learning and artificial intelligence (again, basic understanding is fine) • Critical thinking and problem-solving (with practice, anyone can have this) • Communication and teamwork (a given in a professional setting anyway) • Adaptability and flexibility (fortune favors the flexible)

How can AI help business owners and executives make better decisions?

AI can help business owners and executives in many ways: • Analyze large amounts of data to identify trends and patterns • Forecast future demand and sales • Develop personalized marketing campaigns • Optimize supply chains • Automate repetitive tasks This is why we started AI Business Solutions. We know that productivity and efficiency will skyrocket the moment that business leaders and executives open themselves up to AI use.

What ethical issues should businesses consider when using AI?

As AI becomes more powerful, businesses (even the government and other entities) need to be aware of the ethical implications of its use. Some of the ethical issues that businesses should consider include: • Bias: AI systems can be biased, which can lead to discrimination. • Privacy: AI systems can collect and store a lot of personal data, which raises privacy concerns. • Transparency: Businesses should be transparent about how they are using AI. • Accountability: Businesses should be held accountable for the decisions that AI systems make.

How will AI impact leadership and management?

I had so many realizations after attending the Philippines’ first AI Summit and many of them involve AI in leadership and management. Based on case studies presented, AI is actually already being used to automate tasks, and provide insights that can help leaders make better decisions. One of the most significant ways that AI will impact leadership is by automating tasks. 10,000 hours of taxation clerical work was compressed into 30 minutes just by using AI. Another way that AI will impact leadership is by making decisions. AI can be used to analyze large amounts of data to identify trends and patterns. This information was used by a meat production company when it identified which cities and supermarkets were the main consumers of meat. It was able to affect like product development, marketing, and resource allocation. Of course, AI is not without its challenges. One challenge is that AI can be biased and another is that AI can be used to manipulate people. Despite these challenges, AI is a powerful tool that can have a significant impact on leadership and management. As AI continues to develop, it is likely to become even more powerful and sophisticated. Leaders who are able to embrace AI and use it effectively will be well-positioned to succeed in the future. Just like leaders in these companies McKinsey: McKinsey is using AI to help clients with a variety of tasks, including strategic planning, risk management, and talent management. For example, McKinsey is using AI to help clients identify new business opportunities. Amazon: Amazon is using AI to help with tasks such as product recommendations, fraud detection, and customer service. Salesforce Einstein: Salesforce Einstein is being used by sales teams to predict customer behavior and identify potential leads. For example, Einstein is being used by Salesforce to help sales teams identify customers who are most likely to buy their products. As AI continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and impactful applications of this technology. And I am hoping that many Filipino companies will take inspiration from these brands and adapt to AI usage as well.

What specific skills or roles do you think AI can't replace in your industry?

In the online marketing and tech industry, AI is likely to have a significant impact on many roles. However, I believe that AI will not be able to replace the following skills or roles: • Creativity: AI can be used to generate creative ideas, but it will not be able to replace the human ability to be truly creative. • Empathy: AI can be programmed to understand and respond to human emotions, but it will not be able to replace the human ability to empathize with others. • Leadership: AI can be used to make decisions, but it will not be able to replace the human ability to lead and inspire others. • Building real connections: While AI will connect us with more people, it will not be able to replace real, deep personal connections

Finally, what does the future of work look like with automation and AI, and how can ambitious professionals thrive in this changing landscape?

The future of work is likely to be a hybrid of human and machine work. AI will automate many tasks, but it will also create new jobs and opportunities. Ambitious professionals will need to be adaptable and willing to learn new skills. They will also need to be able to work well with others and be able to think critically and solve problems creatively.

Here are some tips for ambitious professionals who want to thrive in the age of automation and AI: • Learn new skills that are in demand. • Network with people who are working in AI and automation. • Be willing to take risks and try new things. • Be adaptable and willing to learn new skills. • Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in AI and automation. The future of work is changing, but it is not all doom and gloom. Ambitious professionals who are willing to adapt and learn new skills will be able to thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.

Where should people follow you to find out more about your work?

I really want business owners to be curious about AI so I would like to share my website www.valeriepfischer.net where I presently have an AI assistant. Hope you can talk to it and help me train it. You can also follow me on Linkedin at Valerie Fischer.