Former Meta and Google AI Product Manager Launches AI Boot Camp
Marily Nika, a former AI product manager at Meta and Google, has started an AI boot camp through Maven. The boot camp includes online videos, case studies, projects, and live lectures. Marily, who holds an MBA from Stanford and a Ph.D. from Imperial College London, charges $500 for a three-week course and $2,000 for a 12-week course. The boot camp has already taught 1,500 students, many of whom have used their company budget to attend.
Salesforce Promotes Clara Shih to CEO, AI Division
Clara Shih, formerly the design lead at Fitbit and a Stanford graduate, has been promoted to CEO of Salesforce AI. She is focused on educating employees and customers about safety and security risks, talent training, productivity gains, and data management. Salesforce has a growing team of 1,400 machine learning engineers and data scientists. Shih is retraining every employee in departments such as recruiting, sales, finance, and customer support to become AI experts.
Northstar Travel Group Hires Google Veteran as Chief Products Officer
In an effort to stay ahead of the curve, Northstar Travel Group has hired Nino Tasca, a 10-year Google veteran, as chief products officer. Tasca is leading the company’s efforts to incorporate advanced AI technologies. Northstar formed an internal committee last year to share AI research and trade information, recognizing the transformative potential of AI in the industry.
Cisco Systems’ AI readiness survey revealed that nearly all business leaders feel pressured to deploy AI-powered technologies. However, more than two-thirds admit that they are not fully prepared for this new era. The survey, which included 8,161 business leaders globally, also found that policy guidelines and training for using AI tools at work are lacking within organizations.
Changing Roles and Responsibilities in the Age of AI
As AI becomes increasingly important, new roles and responsibilities are emerging within organizations. Chief AI officers are being appointed to oversee AI transformation and the ethical use of AI. Chief data and analytics officer roles are also gaining prominence. Corporate boards are seeking AI experts, favoring specialists over general managers from the tech industry. AI education, certification, and training programs are on the rise to meet the demand for AI skills.
While introductory AI coursework from tech giants is typically free, more advanced technical courses often come at a cost. Microsoft has seen significant interest in its generative AI coursework, with 1.5 million learners. Microsoft and LinkedIn have introduced a generative AI skills initiative, including online coursework and a professional certificate. Startup adviser Christina Chen focuses on recruiting and training minorities and women in AI roles, charging companies to build high-performing AI teams.
Overall, companies are realizing the need to invest in AI education and training to stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing landscape. With the right skills, professionals can enhance their careers and contribute to the success of their organizations. The demand for AI expertise is growing, and businesses must adapt to this new era to thrive.