Interview: Jen Stave - Leading Harvard’s D^3 Institute in Shaping the Future of AI and Organizational Transformation

Redefining AI’s Role in Business, Creativity, and Human Potential

I had the privilege of meeting Jen Stave at the Estoril Conferences in Lisbon. Her keynote on the intersection of AI and organizational transformation captivated the audience.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, understanding how to harness its potential while mitigating its challenges is paramount. We sat down with Jen Stave, the Inaugural Leader and Chief Operator at the Digital, Data, and Design (D^3) Institute at Harvard, to shed light on this intricate balance. With distinguished career-spanning roles at Wells Fargo, the Vera Institute of Justice, and Sentinel Consulting, Stave brings a wealth of expertise in AI strategy, organizational transformation, and data science.

Her academic background, including a Ph.D. from American University and executive education from Harvard Business School, equips her with a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, business strategy, and societal impact. In this interview, Stave delves into the nuances of generative AI, its implications for the workforce, and the future of organizational models in the age of intelligent machines.

1. How would you summarize the key findings of your AI research in just two paragraphs?

We are finding that Generative AI has tremendous potential to increase workplace productivity and increase quality of life for humans; however, the capabilities of generative AI are constantly changing and there is variation in its ability to perform some tasks. D^3 research has highlighted that it is incredibly powerful in some situations, increasing quality and efficiency. Yet, in other situations, it can backfire and be counterproductive. We also see a diverse impact across employee groups. Some studies have shown that AI will have a disproportionate impact on low-performing or more junior employees, bringing their skills up to the same level as more senior employees. Yet other studies have shown that more senior employees will reap the benefit of generative AI because of the sophistication needed to monitor for risk and creativity in application. This is the "jagged frontier" of AI capabilities. And this is the focus of companies at the moment. If you can figure out how to optimize the capabilities of your workforce, you'll be lightyears ahead of the competition.

2. What can we expect from your future work?

We are focusing on changes to the firm (new operating and business models), functional changes to workplace productivity, reskilling, quality of life, and emotional well-being in the age of AI.

3. How has your perspective or research focus shifted over the last year?

The need for academically rigorous knowledge about what AI can and can not do has never been greater. No other group has an incentive to build a knowledge base about the potential harms and benefits of AI and share it with the world as a public good in order to drive the future of business.

4. In your view, what is the role of AI in enhancing human creativity?

It's another tool in the tool kit. We can choose to use it for any agenda we have, such as enhancing creativity, quality of life, and more. We just need to be explicit that we, as humans, are driving the agenda. We are not bystanders in this AI revolution.

Navigating the Jagged Frontier of Generative AI

Jen Stave's insights illuminate the dual-edged nature of generative AI in today's organizational ecosystems. While the technology undeniably propels productivity and democratizes skill levels across employee hierarchies, it also introduces complexities that require strategic navigation. The "jagged frontier" concept aptly captures the uneven terrain of AI capabilities, where opportunities and challenges coexist. Organizations poised to thrive are those that adopt AI tools and invest in understanding their nuanced impacts on diverse workforce segments.

Moreover, Stave underscores the imperative of human agency in the AI revolution. By positioning AI as an extension of the human toolkit, she emphasizes that creativity and strategic direction remain firmly in human hands. This perspective is crucial as businesses grapple with integrating AI in ways that enhance rather than diminish human potential. Looking ahead, the focus on developing new operating models, reskilling initiatives, and fostering emotional well-being will be essential in ensuring that the benefits of generative AI are realized sustainably and equitably. Dr. Stave's work at the D^3 Institute is a beacon for organizations striving to harness AI's transformative power while safeguarding the human elements that drive innovation and success.