Embracing GenAI: A Three Point Guide to Thriving in the Age of GenAI
Discover how to navigate the AI revolution with confidence. Learn from 30 years of tech experience on adapting to change, avoiding common pitfalls, and turning disruption into opportunity.
There is a palpable fear about GenAI, which is understandable. After 30 years in tech, I've been there more times than I can count.
# The Dance of Disruption: Get Knocked Down; Get Back Stronger
Most of you reading this may not know about Windows 3 and Charles Petzold's book on Programming for Windows 3. The book was heavy, because programming for Windows 3 wasn't easy. I wrote 150 lines of code from that book just to get a simple "Hello, World!" on screen.
Fast forward a few years, Visual Basic swoops in. Suddenly, that same task became a simple drag-and-drop affair and a line of code.
I've been knocked down a few times by these "disruptive technologies." Each time I got back up, I came back stronger. And today, I want to share my survival guide with you.
# Three Golden Rules for Riding the AI Wave
- Let go of the sunk cost fallacy. We all have a tendency to cling to what we’ve invested in—be it technology, methods, or techniques. But holding on too tightly can sink us! Instead, let’s embrace the new. Take the fundamentals you already know and find ways to apply them in fresh, exciting areas.
- In this age of endless AI chatter, finding the right voices to listen to is crucial. Skip the armchair experts and tune into people with skin in the game. Follow folks like Kelsey Hightower, Martin Fowler, or Simon Willison. These folks aren't just talking about the future - they're shaping it. Read their blogs and listen to their conversations on social media.
- Stop watching from the sidelines. Roll up your sleeves and use these tools! Do things that spark your interest using these new technologies. Play with AI tools. Build something. Break something. Fix it. Every mistake is a lesson, and every success is a stepping stone. Borrowed knowledge is like borrowed money - it's helpful in a pinch, but you need to earn your own to truly grow. So go and earn your knowledge.
# The Road Ahead
As we step into 2025, the AI revolution isn't slowing down. Neither should you. Every technological wave brings not just challenges, but opportunities for those ready to embrace them.
Embrace AI. Make 2025 your year of fearless growth!
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