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The Rise of AI: Empowering Innovation and Supercharging Our Potential

Updated: Aug 8, 2023

Early learnings from attending the IIEX Conference in Austin, TX.



In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a defining moment in our lives. In just a matter of months, AI has transformed from a niche tool used primarily in specific industries, to a versatile resource adopted by individuals and businesses from all backgrounds and sectors. Among the prominent AI programs today, ChatGPT has stood out as a frontrunner, achieving an astonishing milestone of reaching one million users in less than five days, surpassing adoption rates of iconic tools like the iPhone and Instagram.


Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the Insight Innovation Exchange (IIEX) Conference in Austin Texas where AI took center stage as industry leaders from the Insights and Market Research field gathered to exchange knowledge and showcase cutting-edge tools. Here are three key takeaways from the event on how we can leverage AI to further empower innovation and supercharge our potential:


AI as a catalyst for innovation

Attendees showcased diverse applications of AI, including identifying early market signals for consumer trends, pinpointing specific consumer groups through social media analysis, and developing custom ChatGPT plugins that synthesize data and generate valuable insights from vast amounts of information. In each instance, AI not only streamlined processes but also facilitated faster, smarter innovative thinking by offering precise directions for immediate action. AI became the catalyst that propelled the innovation process forward, regardless of whether it involved identifying consumer groups, predicting future trends, or even producing comprehensive summaries of existing data. By shouldering the initial heavy lifting, AI liberated valuable time and resources, enabling a swifter trajectory towards subsequent innovative development.

AI as an ever-evolving tool

As we continue to witness the integration of AI into our daily lives and professional roles, it is necessary to consider one l essential lesson. Human judgment remains indispensable in assessing the quality and validity of AI-generated outputs. AI is an ever-evolving tool, far from being static. Acknowledging the inherent opportunities and limitations it presents, such as its reliance on the quality of training data, biases, and occasional generation of false information, is vital. Employing our common sense and critical thinking skills will remain paramount as we forge ahead.


AI as a partner in your success

As a partner in innovation, AI offers tremendous potential. The remarkable examples showcased at the IIEX Conference demonstrate how our industry and partners have leveraged AI to jumpstart early-stage innovative thinking on the way to creating new opportunities for strategic advancement and business success. This is an exciting time as we combine these technological advancements with the strategic expertise of firms like Sklar Wilton & Associates, resulting in a supercharged landscape of possibilities.


Artificial Intelligence has rapidly transitioned from an exclusive tool to a ubiquitous force driving innovation across industries. Its impact on our lives has been monumental, revolutionizing how we approach tasks, uncover insights, and accelerate development. As we navigate this ever-evolving landscape, we must remain cognizant of its dynamic nature and leverage it responsibly. By harnessing AI's potential, collaborating with human judgment, and partnering with visionary organizations, we can unlock unprecedented growth and pave the way for a future brimming with possibilities.


To learn more about how we're helping businesses innovate in today's AI driven world, email us at info@sklarwilton.com


About the Author

Gail Scapillato is a Director in the Research & Analytics practice at Sklar Wilton & Associates. She loves diving deep into data and working through complex analyses to help her clients translate insights into strategic implications. In her spare time, Gail loves spending time with her family, reading fiction and about interior design, travelling, and staying active.

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