C200 member Inna Kuznetsova is the CEO of ToolsGroup, whose AI-powered solutions enable businesses to address supply chain uncertainty. Inna was previously CEO of 1010data and President and COO of INTTRA. She currently serves on the board of Freightos, a SaaS marketplace platform for international freight.
Running a business in today’s business world requires more than traditional strategies. Mastering technological advances can provide a competitive advantage, amplifying both organizational and personal effectiveness.
Senior executives are increasingly adopting generative AI, marking a paradigm shift in their approach to leadership. Beyond its impact on organizational processes, this efficiency tool serves as a catalyst for improving individual productivity. The use of generative AI by senior leaders is not only a technological advancement; it represents a commitment to continuous improvement in the face of evolving business complexity.
The scalability of generative AI sets it apart, moving seamlessly from simple to complex tasks. … [+]
The organizational benefit of using generative AI
The scalability of generative AI sets it apart, moving seamlessly from simple tasks to complex organizational strategies. It addresses growing organizational needs by delivering strategic insights and optimizing decision-making processes across various functions, from operations to data analysis.
Leveraging this technology when onboarding new hires can significantly improve efficiency, engagement, and the overall employee experience. Interactive guides powered by Generative AI can answer questions, provide training modules, and relay information through natural language queries, adding personalization to the process.
Senior executives also championed the use of Generative AI in customer service efforts to provide immediate and effective assistance to their customers. According to PwC AI Business Survey 202240% of executives surveyed responded that their company had benefited from AI customer service activities in the past 12 months.
For example, JetBlue AI-powered customer support initiatives represent a strategic shift toward leveraging advanced AI technologies to optimize customer service operations. By integrating generative AI, JetBlue aims to provide a more responsive chat channel, thereby improving the overall experience of its passengers. Automation through generative AI allows JetBlue to achieve greater efficiency in handling routine tasks, freeing up human agents to focus on more complex or specialized customer issues. The scalability of AI-based solutions also allows the airline to handle a greater volume of customer queries during peak times.
The versatility of generative AI is a game-changer, adapting to the unique needs of organizational functions to increase productivity. The impact of this technology could add trillions of dollars to the global economy: a McKinsey study estimates that generative AI could add the equivalent of $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion each year through use cases that support customer interactions, generate creative content for marketing and sales, and write computer code based on natural language prompts, among other tasks.
Start with improving personal productivity
Executives interested in integrating generative AI into their workflow should start small, focusing on improving personal productivity before implementing it across broader company operations. Initiating the use of generative AI shouldn’t require a massive overhaul: it can start with specific, manageable functions such as streamlining daily responsibilities. Here, the power of AI extends beyond traditional planning advice. It becomes a strategic partner in optimizing daily workflow, suggesting not only what to do, but also how to do it efficiently.
Generative AI is a powerful summarization and editing tool
In the fast-paced world of business management, it’s necessary to stay informed, but sifting through numerous documents can be overwhelming. AI synthesis tools such as ChatGPT And Microsoft Copilot offering a solution to the information deluge by condensing large volumes of text into concise summaries. Whether it’s new regulations, market analyzes or long-form articles, AI can provide a summary, allowing executives to quickly assess the relevance of the content.
The adaptability of this summary tool to different audiences is a remarkable feature. Executives can personalize their requests, asking for a summary in a certain number of sentences, a bulleted list format, or simplified content. The results are tailored to the user’s specific needs and preferences; even handling language requests aimed at non-technical people, those without deep domain knowledge, or even an industry-specific audience. This personalization of information ensures that information is accessible and understandable for various organizational roles.
Generative AI is a strategic partner to optimize daily workflow, not only suggesting what to do, … [+]
Beyond summaries, AI tools can also help with document writing. Whether writing summary reports, business proposals, or internal emails, AI will generate a first draft. Leaders can train the AI by providing examples of their writing style to produce content that perfectly matches their tone and preferences.
However, AI only provides a solid starting point. Although it can understand and imitate certain patterns, this technology may not capture the entirety of an individual’s style or the specific context in which the document is intended. The human touch, involving personalization, editing and contextual refinement, is necessary for AI-generated content to truly reflect the voice and requirements of each user.
Time management and workflow optimization
AI takes personalized planning to the next level by offering personalized advice based on specific prompts. Whether it’s prioritizing tasks or planning the day, AI responds to nuanced requests, ensuring that leaders receive advice that precisely matches their preferences and priorities. The user can enter detailed criteria, such as urgency, importance or specific project dependencies, and receive strategic advice that optimally matches their goals.
Teams can use AI for scenario-specific recommendations; Planning a client event, an offsite meeting, or even a fun day in a new city can result in incredibly useful results when providing AI with detailed preferences. For example, ask: “Plan a day in Lisbon for a couple who enjoys walking, historical tours and music; restaurants should have vegan options and be within walking distance of this hotel” could give a complete schedule.
AI’s adaptability to various needs makes it an indispensable tool for leaders across all industries. From event planning to team-building activities, leaders can leverage AI to ensure every detail aligns with their vision.
Practical advice for adoption
Using this efficiency-enhancing tool shouldn’t be an overwhelming task; Generative AI was developed to be accessible without IT support. User-friendly applications like ChatGPT provide a simple entry point, ensuring that senior leaders, regardless of technical expertise, can easily adopt and benefit from generative AI.
Before diving into generative AI, take time for thoughtful exploration of its potential benefits, followed by hands-on experience. By exploring these features, you will discover how AI can help you make the most of your time and maintain a well-organized daily workflow. This progressive and informed approach lays the foundations for successful integration of AI into your daily life.
Start with small, specific tasks:
- To make generative AI easier to use, start with small, specific tasks. Request a summary of a document, ask for help writing a short memo, or request personalized planning advice. By starting with manageable tasks, you can see the immediate positive impact of AI on your daily workflow before applying it to business-wide operational tasks.
Gradually expand use:
- As you become more familiar with generative AI, you can gradually expand your use. Experiment with more complex tasks, such as creating detailed documents, planning events, or finding in-depth information about your industry. Gradual expansion ensures AI seamlessly integrates into your routine, giving you time to explore its full capabilities.
Use comments and adjustments:
- Interacting with the AI assistant should be a dynamic and iterative process. Analyze feedback from AI interactions and adjust prompts, preferences, and expectations based on the results. This continuous feedback loop will help the AI assistant increasingly adapt to your unique working style, becoming a more effective and personalized tool over time.
The modern business landscape demands agility and adaptability. Generative AI perfectly aligns with these requirements, providing senior leaders with a tool that can evolve with the ever-changing dynamics of the business environment. Its ability to contribute across diverse functions ensures that leaders remain well-equipped to meet emerging challenges.
Generative AI is not just a technological tool, but a comprehensive solution that supports senior leaders in their dual role: leading the organization and managing their individual responsibilities. It plays a central role in reshaping and strengthening the macro and micro aspects of leadership. From influencing high-level strategies to aiding individual productivity, generative AI is an integral part of the leadership toolkit.