Are we handing our future over to algorithms? As industries increasingly rely on AI and data analysis for decision-making, a crucial question emerges: what role will humans play in this technology-driven world? On the 26th November, Dell Technologies Forum will host a critical exploration of this dynamic, chaired by Priya Lakhani OBE, CEO of CENTURY Tech.
As the CEO of CENTURY Tech, an award-winning AI-powered learning platform, and a former teacher herself, Priya brings a deeply human perspective to the world of algorithms and data, which is why she’s such a crucial part as chair of our TRAILBLAZER PANEL: “Predicting the Unpredictable: Balancing Data and Human Intuition,”.
Priya will bring her expertise in leveraging AI for personalised learning to a broader discussion about the evolving relationship between human expertise and sophisticated algorithms. The panel promises to tackle the timely questions around how we balance the immense potential of AI with a thoughtful approach to its ethical implementation and potential impact on the workforce.
In anticipation of this important discussion, we spoke with Priya about her perspective on the combined power of AI and human thought:
Q: Your work at CENTURY Tech sits at the intersection of AI and education. What excites you most about the potential of AI to improve learning outcomes while preserving the essential role of human educators?
Priya: “When we think about education, we need to consider our goals and whether they’re actually feasible. It’s incredibly difficult to differentiate for every student in a typical classroom, but AI, as a tool, can enable teachers to do just that. We can use artificial intelligence to personalise the learning journey, even predicting how a child will perform on a particular question to ensure they never feel stuck.
But education is about more than just transferring textbook information. It’s about nurturing core skills like creativity and empathy, ensuring students have every opportunity and choice. The same applies for training in a corporate or profesisonal environment. AI can handle the tedious tasks – the marking and assessing that can turn educators and manager into data analysts by night – allowing them to focus on what only humans can do: fostering those essential human skills. It’s this fantastic interaction between artificial intelligence and human intelligence, where technology augments the human, that makes this so exciting.”
Q: Your panel at Dell Technologies Forum is titled “Predicting the Unpredictable: Balancing Data and Human Intuition.” What sparked your interest in this particular topic? Why is it so crucial to address right now?
Priya: “I talk about AI all the time, and while there’s so much potential, quite a lot of people are scared. This fear, stemming from a lack of understanding and media hype, stifles innovation. It’s crucial to address this now because we need to move beyond the fear and understand how technology can enhance humanity. We need to ask, ‘How can we balance that sort of human and AI element, acknowledging both the hype and the practical reality of this technology?
My hope is that by discussing the ways AI can make us more productive (through augmentation and automation), help us predict the future needs of our businesses and customers, and personalise experiences, people will leave with a clear view of the opportunities and risks AI presents and feel empowered to leverage it effectively.”
Q: The panel description mentions a concern about putting “our futures in the hands of technology.” What are some of the risks of relying too heavily on data and algorithms, and how can we mitigate those risks?
Priya: “The risk of relying too heavily on data and algorithms is that we may become overly reliant on technology. Like with self-driving cars, if we never learn to drive ourselves because we trust the technology completely, what happens when it fails? We need to maintain our own skills and not let technology completely replace them.
It’s also crucial that we don’t become complacent and accept these systems without understanding how they work. We need to educate ourselves about the data that goes into these models, how the models themselves function, and how to evaluate whether they are actually performing well. If we don’t understand these things, we risk becoming overly reliant on systems that may be biased or ineffective.
We must remember that even experts don’t have all the answers about AI, so we must approach these technologies with humility and a critical eye, always questioning and striving to understand them better.”
Q: What are you most hoping to achieve through this panel discussion? What would you consider a successful outcome?
Priya: “I want attendees to leave feeling AI confident. I want them to understand the opportunities and risks associated with AI, and how to approach this technology from both a professional and personal perspective.”
Q: For attendees who are grappling with how to implement AI ethically and effectively within their own organisations, what advice would you give them?
Priya: “When it comes to implementing AI effectively, I always emphasise two key things. First, establish a solid understanding of AI across your entire organisation. Everyone, from marketing to customer success, should grasp the basic input-output process of AI. Think about what data might feed those Netflix recommendations you love or how weather predictions are made – it’s not magic, it’s math! Every company is an AI company now, and lacking this understanding creates blind spots.
Secondly, develop a practical AI strategy that’s rooted in your business goals. Don’t get lost in the technical weeds. Instead, identify the problems you want to solve and the goals you want to reach. Ask yourself: How can AI help us be more productive, make better predictions, and personalise our offerings? Once you have a clear picture, collaborate with experts who can guide you on the right AI tools for the job. Remember, not all AI is created equal. My advice? Focus on your business needs and let the experts help you navigate the technology.”
The rapid evolution of AI demands a nuanced conversation, one that acknowledges both its immense potential and the very real anxieties it evokes. Priya Lakhani, with her unique blend of educational expertise and AI innovation, is the ideal guide for navigating this complex terrain.
At Dell Technologies Forum London, she’ll lead a discussion that goes beyond the hype, pushing us to confront the essential questions surrounding AI’s role in our lives and work. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a leader who champions human potential in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms. Join us as we explore a future where AI and human ingenuity work together to build a better tomorrow.
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