August 22, 2025


AI-first” has grow to be a buzzword in government conversations, however what does it actually imply? Is it about utilizing synthetic intelligence at each flip, or making use of it with intention and function? For analyst and researcher Susan Etlinger, it’s clearly the latter. 

On the most recent episode of “What If? So What?”, Susan joins host Jim Hertzfeld to discover what it takes to construct AI methods which might be each progressive and accountable. With a background that bridges the humanities and know-how, she makes a compelling case for the vital position of human perception in an AI-driven world. 

When (and When Not) to Automate 

AI’s energy lies not simply in what it will possibly do, however in understanding when to not use it. Susan argues that leaders should assess whether or not automation really improves outcomes or dangers eliminating useful studying alternatives. 

She shares a narrative from early in her profession, when manually compiling enterprise knowledge helped her develop important abilities like stakeholder administration, strategic pondering, and monetary literacy. Her level: AI can speed up, however solely human expertise provides outcomes that means. 

From Generative to Agentic AI: Who’s in Management? 

The dialog explores the evolution from machine studying to Generative AI, and now to Agentic AI. Susan encourages leaders to ask:  

Who units the objectives? Who ensures alignment?  

Whereas AI brokers can deal with duties from begin to end, intention, ethics, and judgment stay the accountability of people. 

Smarter AI Methods, Not Simply Extra AI 

Susan’s key takeaway is evident:  

Organizations don’t want extra AI; they want higher AI methods. 

Begin with a clear use case, implement with intention, and study from the end result. The best approaches respect the bounds of automation whereas amplifying human strengths. 

Preserve Individuals on the Middle of Your AI Technique 

For leaders shaping AI technique, Susan provides a transparent reminder:  progress isn’t about changing human resolution making, it’s about enhancing it. AI can speed up outcomes, but it surely’s individuals who guarantee these outcomes are purposeful, moral, and aligned to your small business objectives. 

🎧 Take heed to the complete dialog

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Meet our Visitor – Susan Etlinger

Wisw Susan Etlinger Headshot

Susan Etlinger is a globally acknowledged skilled on the enterprise and societal influence of knowledge and synthetic intelligence and senior fellow on the Centre for Worldwide Governance Innovation, an unbiased, non-partisan assume tank primarily based in Canada. Her TED speak, “What Do We Do With All This Huge Knowledge?” has been translated into 25 languages and has been seen greater than 1.5 million occasions. Her analysis is utilized in college curricula world wide, and he or she has been quoted in quite a few media shops together with The Wall Avenue Journal, The Atlantic, The New York Occasions and the BBC. Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric from the College of California at Berkeley. 

Comply with Susan on LinkedIn  

Study Extra about Susan Etlinger

Meet our Host

Jim Hertzfeld

Jim Hertzfeld is Space Vice President, Technique for Perficient.

For over twenty years, he has labored with purchasers to transform market insights into real-world digital merchandise and buyer experiences that truly develop their enterprise. Greater than only a strategist, Jim is a practical insurgent identified for difficult the traditional and turning grand visions into actionable steps. His candid demeanor, sprinkled with a dose of cynical optimism, shapes a story that challenges and evokes listeners.

Join with Jim:

LinkedIn | Perficient

 

 





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