Picture the ambitious and studious fair-haired 12-year-old from Downings in Co. Donegal. A seaside village at the corner of northwest Ireland.
The next stop Boston is you look out across the Atlantic Ocean. Determined to succeed and committed to her studies, she dreamed of purpose and wondered what that might be. Fast-forward four years, she is pregnant, and her education dreams are in jeopardy. But not so. She becomes even more determined to leverage the power of knowledge to raise herself and her daughter.
Hello and welcome to the AI Six podcast, where I teach you AI for good in just six minutes a day. Committed to this industrial revolution, I decided six months ago to create this podcast to show up for myself and for you as we learn AI together.
Now today’s episode is less AI-generated and more what dreams are made of. Bear with me before you cringe at my crass.
I’m not going into any more of my backstory, but anyone that knows me knows I’m a bit of a grafter and education has been my strongest lever in life.
Today, I want to share the news that I have been accepted into the Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy to take their Executive Programme in Leading in Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Technology and Policy this summer.
When I was writing my application, I was transported back to my college days when I watched my friends go on their international year, take the illustrious JI Visa to the United States, and spend summers finding themselves and losing other things! I lived my dreams through their wild tales.
But today, my dreams are coming true because, yes, I can say ‘I’m going to Harvard!’ It wasn’t possible for Joanne in her teens or twenties because she was single-handedly raising her daughter. But today that daughter also used the lever of education and is a lecturer in tax, finance, and accounting at University of Galway. Maybe one day, we will go back to Harvard together. ☺
Why Harvard, why now?
It’s only when you get older that you realise timing is everything in life. Often when we want something most and that door of opportunity is locked. The door opens when we are ready.
So, for me, the timing of this opportunity is just perfect. I’d been searching for an AI programme with authority and would speak to my public policy niche. With my own writing and broadcasting and teaching on AI I’ve realised that the hands of the AI revolution are most certainly
- Big tech
- Governments (lawmakers – our politicians and policy makers – huge influencers and executors of public policy)
So, I feel very strongly that understanding both of these stakeholders and as the arbitrator on behalf of the citizens through great communications, I needed to step up and play my part. What that will be, who knows. But I am committed, and I have demonstrated that commitment in my work – this podcast, my upcoming book, my AI Diploma in AI for marketing, finding out what the world is doing and telling you.
What will I learn?
- Understanding Generative AI Fundamentals: Distinguishing between AI and machine learning and comprehending their applications and limitations.
- Leveraging AI for Organizational Productivity: Exploring how AI can enhance efficiency and foster continuous learning within organizations.
- Real-World Applications for Social Good: Examining case studies where AI has been responsibly harnessed to benefit society.
- Engaging in AI Policy Debates: Delving into current discussions around AI regulation, security, labour implications, misinformation, and intellectual property.
How will I use my studies?
I will continue on my drive of AI for good to educate public sector pros, speak on stages advocating why we must all engage if the world is to be a better place with AI and my writing of course and my new book on AI for marketing will provide an easy-to-follow framework for anyone new to AI and looking to integrate it into their organisations safely and with scalability in mind.
So that’s it for today’s episode. A little bit different, but normal business resumes tomorrow!
As always, if you enjoy this podcast, please share it with your network, and I’d really appreciate a review and rating!
If you want to find out more about my AI work, use the code AISix10 for a discount on my AI Diploma for Marketers.
About the Podcast Host
Joanne Sweeney is a specialist in public-sector marketing and digital communications. She’s the author of Public Sector Marketing Pro and the creator of the Professional Diploma in AI for Public Sector Marketing. With years of experience in training, consulting, and advocating for digital transformation, Joanne provides insight and guidance for government agencies navigating the digital landscape. She is also the host of the award-winning Public Sector Marketing Show podcast.
