Gen AI: Innovations, mindsets, and what’s next for 2025

What's next for Gen AI?

In our final webinar for 2024, we spoke to several experts in AI adoption and social change about the impact of this emerging technology. How will AI affect individuals and businesses? , How can we harness its power to boost human creativity and innovation?. We welcomed Dr. Cornelia Walther, Humanitarian Leader, Author, and Director of POZE, Scott Province, VP of Integrated Learning Services, at ELB Learning, and Nikki Lee, Head of Impact Evaluation, Assessment, and Research at Google, to a conversation moderated by Josh Penzell, VP of AI Innovation and Strategy, at ELB Learning.  

Throughout the conversation, one theme became abundantly clear — as we explore the potential of generative AI, it’s important to remember that this technology isn’t something to be afraid of. It’s a tool that can help us unlock our unique human potential and create a future based on equity. 

Using AI for human uniqueness and creativity 

The rise of AI technologies presents an opportunity to boost human capabilities rather than replace them. Gen AI isn't here to supplant human ingenuity but to amplify it and help us unlock more of our human qualities. Dr. Cornelia Walther proposed, “Rather than using AI to do more at lower cost, think about what makes you unique and where AI can now help you to do more of that very specific stuff that makes you stand out.” Integrating AI into our workflows allows us to leverage its computational power and data-processing abilities to free up time for more creative and strategic thinking. AI is great at recognizing patterns and crunching data, but it can’t replace human intuition, empathy, and understanding.  

By letting AI take over the more repetitive, data-driven tasks, we can focus on the work that requires our uniquely human skills — like critical thinking and creativity. This way, we’re not only more efficient, but the work we do is more fulfilling. 

Integrating Gen AI into employee development 

The potential of Gen AI in employee development is nothing short of transformative. Think of the traditional training methods we've all encountered — the one-size-fits-all approach that often misses the mark for individuals with their own learning preferences and needs. Now, imagine a shift to personalized learning paths, each finely tuned to an employee's unique goals or skill gaps.  

“There's a lot that's being done with machine learning and AI these days that can observe and evaluate how you're doing, then provide you hints, additional education, and then assess your proficiency at a specific skill and then tell you where to go get additional coaching on that,” Nikki Lee explained. AI can craft tailored learning journeys and provide instant feedback, reinforcing our ability to adapt and upskill in the face of shifting job landscapes. This AI mentorship is about making us sharper, more adaptable, and, ultimately, more valuable. 

Changing your approach to problem-solving  

As organizations adopt AI, a change in perspective is needed. The traditional, top-down approach is being replaced by a 'first principles' method of breaking down complex problems into their basic elements. Instead of generic solutions, you can understand the principles behind your work. This leads to more creative problem-solving and a more purpose-driven approach to AI that makes organizations adaptable and resilient. By embracing this mindset, we can stay ahead, respond better to market changes, and comply with the latest AI regulations.  

However, as we explore the possibilities of Gen AI in 2025, it's crucial to be mindful of the pitfalls. One of the most pressing challenges is the inherent bias in AI models, which can perpetuate inequalities. This is where ethical considerations come to the forefront, and compliance with regulations such as the upcoming EU AI Act is essential for maintaining transparency, fairness, and respect for human rights. With this Act, organizations will be mandated to include AI training into their compliance programs. The goal is to educate employees on ethical and responsible AI practices to ensure accountability and build trust with customers. What the training looks like, seems to be at the discretion of the employer. So how will you train your employees for a more ethical and unbiased approach to using AI?  

Guiding AI use with ethics and equity 

The potential of Gen AI in employee education, training, and business operations is immense and can revolutionize how we learn and develop skills. When we approach the integration of Gen AI into employee development and business operations with care and balance, we unlock its full potential while minimizing the risks. However, we must remember that the human element is irreplaceable. 

"We need to consider the human in the loop because we are the ones who are training AI models, selecting what data it gets; it gets trained on what we know. We are making decisions along the way," Nikki Lee explained.  

There are significant ethical concerns and principles that should govern the use of AI. As Scott Province noted, "Our unconscious biases, which are inherent in our language, can also be embedded in algorithms. This poses a risk of further perpetuating these biases if we rely solely on AI to produce language." All panelists emphasized the need to address biases in AI and stressed the importance of AI literacy in understanding and mitigating these risks. Scott continued, "How can I use this as an analytical or research tool to then come to my own findings? Considering how AI summarized this and what perspectives it's ignoring and what actions and events it's highlighting? And what does that tell us about ourselves? This is what the system is reflecting back to us — our zeitgeist."  

The panelists cautioned against the potential loss of human control if AI is used without critical awareness. As AI becomes more prevalent, it's crucial for both L&D leaders and employees to have AI literacy skills, including understanding the potential risks and pitfalls of its implementation. 

By prioritizing the greater good and fairness, organizations can ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly, benefiting both the workplace and society. As Dr. Cornelia Walters stated, "The first, second, and third industrial revolutions were driven by commercial interests, with social aspects viewed as collateral damage or benefit." It's necessary to shift this mindset and prioritize ethical considerations in the use of AI. We have the chance to steer this upcoming fourth industrial revolution (4IR) in a different direction by prioritizing positive social impact and, as a collateral benefit, the commercial benefits.  

We're at a pivotal moment in history where our choices about AI shape the world. It's not just about the latest tech trends. It's how we can use these tools to create a society that's underpinned by fairness, transparency, and respect. We have the power to influence the direction AI takes. By advocating for an inclusive, ethical approach to AI, we can ensure that the technology serves all of us, creating a future that's not only smarter but also more just and sustainable. 

To dive deeper into this discussion, watch the full webinar with our expert panel below: