Jun Chen (VP of IT & Security, Glassdoor; PairUp Advisor)

Dr. Emily Harburg (CEO & Co-Founder, PairUp)

__

In the bustling ballroom of the modern workplace, a new dance partner has taken to the floor: artificial intelligence (AI). Picture this — a sleek, robotic figure gliding seamlessly alongside its human counterpart, executing a perfect tango. This dance - a blend of human intuition and AI precision -is transforming how we acquire, distribute, and apply information at work. Let’s break down this dance move by move, shifting our mindset so that we can choreograph the dance between AI and humans (us), driving a transformative future of unparalleled collaboration.

Step One: The Critical Human Lead

Humans, with our intrinsic creativity and emotional intelligence, need to continue to take the lead in the dance with this new partner. We possess an unparalleled ability to contextualize information, reading between the lines, and making connections that are not always apparent. This talent is invaluable in the workplace, where understanding the subtleties of client needs, team dynamics, and strategic vision requires more than just raw data.

Step Two: The Synergistic Lift with AI

AI, our nimble partner, processes vast data at lightning speed, identifying patterns that complement human intuition. This synergy creates the lift — AI uncovers insights and humans, with our creativity and empathy, transform those insights into actionable, resonant solutions. Together, we elevate each other’s capabilities, driving more precise decisions and impactful results. 

Step Three: The Flourish of Innovation

By seamlessly integrating AI into knowledge-sharing processes, organizations unlock new levels of efficiency and creativity. The result - the culmination of this dance -  is the flourish of innovation. Imagine a brainstorming session where AI tools provide real-time data analysis, trend forecasting, and even suggest innovative ideas based on historical successes. The human team, equipped with these insights, can push the boundaries of conventional thinking, leading to groundbreaking solutions and products.

Conclusion: Dancing into the Future

The dance between humans and AI in knowledge sharing is not just a fleeting trend — it’s a transformative shift in the human mindset, with technology providing unparalleled  access to knowledge. By embracing this partnership, we can create workplaces that are not only more efficient and innovative but also more human-centric. So, let’s lace up our dancing shoes and step onto the floor, ready to embrace the rhythm of this new era. Together, humans and AI can choreograph a future where knowledge flows freely, creativity thrives, and the possibilities are limitless. 

____

Jun Chen is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in Product Engineering, IT, and Cyber Security. She has led teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions for Fortune 100 companies in highly regulated industries. She is also an executive coach who helps individuals build resilient leadership habits and organizations achieve outstanding results. A pioneering woman in tech, Jun has navigated the industry's challenges with grace and strength, proving the power of embracing one's unique identity. She holds a BA in Finance from National Chengchi University and an MS in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts.

Dr. Emily Harburg is the CEO and founder of PairUp, a platform that utilizes generative AI to accelerate workplace knowledge sharing and connection. Emily’s background spans industry, startups, and academia. She has worked in industry at Disney Imagineering, Facebook (Meta), and EF Education First. She also co-founded Brave Initiatives, an organization dedicated to helping women learn how to code and now supports training the incarcerated. Emily graduated with a B.A. in Social Anthropology and Psychology from Harvard College, and with a Ph.D. in Technology and Social Behavior from Northwestern University.  Emily's research has been shared in global conferences, academic journals, case studies, and news publications -- including the Harvard Business Review, TEDx, Computer Human Interaction (CHI), CNN, and more.