In this episode we sat down with Chris Daigle, CEO and co-founder of ChiefAIOfficer.com - the executive academy training non-technical business professionals to become the AI expert in their role, team, or industry
Chris started building software companies back in 2002, and that two-decade run across SaaS and several ventures is what shaped the framework he now uses to teach businesses how to deploy AI - not as a technical skill, but as a leadership one
The through-line of this conversation: AI in the workplace isn't too late to catch - it's wide open for first movers, and the people who win are the ones who pair business judgment with a working grasp of the tools
Key takeaways:
Treat AI as a leadership skill, not a technical one - the CAIO certification is built for non-technical operators who want to own AI strategy, not write code
Pair business acumen with a working grasp of the tools - Daigle says the job is knowing the generative modalities day-to-day and building the strategy on top, not picking one or the other
The door is still open for first movers - he's blunt that it's not too late, and the new roles AI creates didn't exist a year ago
Own your own results - the mentor line that drives him, "If it is to be, it's up to me," is the same posture he wants operators to take toward AI
Connect with Chris
Hi Chris - give our readers a quick intro, plus a fun fact
Hello, and thank you for having me at ChatGPT Central!
I'm Chris Daigle, CEO & Co-Founder of ChiefAIOfficer.com, where we focus on educating, training, certifying, and providing software for non-technical business professionals who are looking to be the “AI Expert” in their role, team, business or industry.
A fun fact about me is that I started my entrepreneurial journey in SaaS back in 2002 and have since been involved in various successful ventures.
CAIO is the first executive academy for mastering AI at work - but it's far from your first startup
That's correct! ChiefAIOfficer.com is my latest venture, but I've been involved in several startups.
My experience has been instrumental in shaping the framework we use to teach businesses how to leverage AI effectively.
My experience has been instrumental in shaping the framework we use to teach businesses how to leverage AI effectively.
Who is the CAIO certification for, who teaches it, and what have students done with it
The Chief AI Officer certification is designed for non-technical business people who want to integrate AI into their operations or ascend to the role of AI Strategist or Chief AI Officer.
Our curriculum is taught by industry experts, including myself, and covers everything from tactical use of the tools to strategic implementation of an AI strategy while addressing ethical considerations.
Our students have gone on to successfully integrate AI into various business processes, improving efficiency and creating new revenue streams.
Most recently I heard from a graduate who had landed the AI Strategist role at one of the largest pharma companies in the world.
What skills should a Chief AI Officer actually have - and what does the curriculum cover
A Chief AI Officer should have a blend of business acumen and a basic understanding of AI technologies.
Our curriculum covers the different modalities of Generative AI and how to use them day-to-day; the development of the AI Business Strategy for a company, and then how to manage a strategic AI deployment, AI ethics, and more.
The goal is to equip leaders with the knowledge to make informed decisions and lead AI initiatives in their organizations.
The goal is to equip leaders with the knowledge to make informed decisions and lead AI initiatives in their organizations.
What's your outlook on AI in the workplace - is it too late for newcomers
AI is transforming the workplace in profound ways, and it's definitely not too late for newcomers.
There's still plenty of room for innovation and growth.
There are limitless opportunities for those of us who are first movers.
As far as how it is impacting the job landscape, AI is automating routine tasks, allowing employees to focus on more strategic activities, and creating new roles that didn't exist before.
Last one - favorite song, movie, and a quote that inspires you
My favorite song is "Strobe" by FM Belfast.
As for movies, I love "Apocalypse Now".
A quote that inspires me is, "If it is to be, it's up to me".
That bit of advice from a mentor early on reminds me that I am ultimately responsible for the results I am getting out of life and business
AI Central Voices is where the AI Central team sits down with the founders, executives, and builders shaping AI - going behind the scenes of how they operate, what they're betting on, and where the industry goes next.
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