AI: A New Perspective

Traveling to Chicago with the National Millennial and Gen Z Community was more than an opportunity to attend prestigious events—it was an invitation to step into transformative spaces filled with creativity, innovation, and inspiring discussions. Hosted by the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, the Emerging Leaders’ Summit at the WNDR Museum, and the Milestones in Mentoring Gala at the Union League Club of Chicago left me with valuable perspectives into the evolving role of AI and the power of mentorship.

Exploring AI at the WNDR Museum

The Emerging Leaders’ Summit at the WNDR Museum began with a journey through an incredible interactive space. Walking through the museum's rooms, I was mesmerized by the designs and patterns that surrounded me. This set the tone for a day of creativity and exploration. After the tour, we gathered upstairs to learn about the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, its mission, and the impactful work it does.

The highlight of this segment was a marketing challenge where we created TikTok videos to showcase the Center’s value and inspire others to learn more about it. This activity tapped into our imaginations, leveraging both our creativity and the dynamic museum surroundings. It was fascinating to see the unique approaches each team brought to the challenge, and the resulting videos were as entertaining as they were effective. Following the challenge, we participated in a choreographed dance routine—a fun and energizing way to conclude the session.

But what truly captured my attention was the panel discussion centered on Generative AI and its implications for creativity and strategy. Panelists explored a narrative that reframed how we perceive AI—not as a job-taker but as a powerful assistant designed to enhance human capabilities.

One statement resonated deeply: “AI won’t replace our work, but people who know how to use it will.” This perspective aligns with my own experiences and emphasizes that AI, while revolutionary, lacks key human qualities such as emotional depth, empathy, and cultural intuition. These elements remain irreplaceable in roles like customer service, where human intention and emotional intelligence are critical.

While AI can perform awe-inspiring tasks—like writing essays or analyzing data—its limitations become apparent in areas requiring ethical decision-making, creativity, and interpersonal relationships. For example, you can often tell when an essay is purely written by ChatGPT versus when it’s written by a human but enhanced by AI. The difference lies in the nuanced layers of thought, context, and empathy that only humans can provide.

Human Qualities That AI Cannot Replicate

The panel highlighted several uniquely human qualities that make us indispensable in the workforce:

●      Emotional depth and empathy: Essential for building meaningful connections and understanding complex human experiences.

●      Creativity and innovation: The ability to think outside the box and push boundaries.

●      Ethical decision-making and morality: Navigating gray areas with conscious thought.

●      Consciousness and self-awareness: A uniquely human perspective on existence and purpose.

●      Cultural context and spirituality: Understanding traditions, values, and beliefs that shape societies.

●      Complex interpersonal relationships: Managing collaboration and conflict in ways machines cannot.

●      Resilience and adaptability: Thriving in the face of challenges and change.

These discussions illuminated the evolving role of AI as an enhancer rather than a replacer, encouraging us to focus on integrating its capabilities into our workflows in meaningful ways. For example, AI excels at routine tasks, providing outlines, or answering simple questions—freeing up human creativity and energy for more complex endeavors.

Celebrating Mentorship at the Gala

The day concluded with the Milestones in Mentoring Gala, where six industry leaders were honored for their dedication to guiding and inspiring the next generation. The event was a powerful reminder of the value of mentorship in both personal and professional growth.

A Transformative Experience

Reflecting on this trip, I’m struck by the synergy between technology and humanity. AI offers us tools to expand our capabilities, but it is our distinctly human traits—our empathy, creativity, and ethical compass—that will continue to shape the future.

I’m deeply grateful to Bill Imada and the Plank Center for curating an experience that challenged me to think critically about the intersection of AI, leadership, and mentorship. This journey reminded me of the importance of staying curious and collaborative in a world of constant innovation.

Join the Conversation

The insights gained at the Plank Center’s events inspire me to encourage others: embrace opportunities that challenge you, explore the potential of AI, and celebrate the mentors who shape your path. Together, we can innovate, adapt, and build a future where humanity and technology coexist harmoniously.

Let’s continue the dialogue—what are your thoughts on the role of AI in our lives and work?