Where AI is actually built: the humans in the room
Episode 2 of Why Memory and Storage Matter turns to people.
As AI use ripples across organisations, how are you adapting? I've spent a good deal of time on AI coding recently, and it was an eye-opener in understanding how it actually works.
In Episode 2 of Why Memory and Storage Matter with Micron Technology Singapore, we look at the humans in the room, or where AI is actually built. Watch it here (YouTube).
Change is the only constant
In this episode, I spoke with Dane Tang, an executive coach who works with leaders in the age of AI, and Cher Whee Sim, Vice President, People Strategy, Technology and Workforce Transformation at Micron Technology.
Picture this: an AI-wielding employee just did in 10 minutes what took you two months previously. Dane shared this uncomfortable scene, which one of her clients experienced first-hand. Everyone reacts differently to change.
But which is better? A doctor who offers assurances regardless of the circumstances, or one who tells you the truth? In Dane's view, people want leaders who tell them what's coming and what they can do about it.
The short version: the fundamentals of change leadership still hold, but AI triggers an identity question. That means leaders need to adopt a coaching mindset.
Mostly human
So how can we help employees reskill and rethink how they work?
According to Cher Whee, research says just 30% of AI transformation is the technology. The lion's share, 70%, is actually people. Among other things, this calls for a growth mindset.
Leaders play a part too. Cher Whee noted how Micron leaders also take part in reverse mentoring on AI, learning from junior employees about emerging tools and perspectives while fostering two-way learning.
She also shared three guiding principles at Micron. The first is to meet people where they are. The second is to offer psychological safety. The third is to implement leader-led change.
Looking to get started? Cher Whee suggests starting small, finding a learning buddy, and making sure to celebrate the wins along the way.
The full episode goes into more depth. In the meantime, it's a fair question to put to yourself: what is your organisation doing about AI, and how are you upskilling?
