Like it or not, Generative AI is becoming part of the communications toolkit. But unlike any technology that has preceded it, AI is able to perform tasks and produce results that have always been the domain of PR professionals - especially at the entry-level. And that's just today; AI is only going to get better. How can communicators and marketers adapt, adopt, and advance in this new, AI-enabled reality?

In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle dives deep into the challenges and opportunities AI presents for communications professionals with Anne Green, CEO of G&S Business Communications. Anne, an award-winning communicator, thought leader, and advocate for ethics within the PR profession, is leading the charge toward AI enablement within her agency and for her clients. But she’s keenly aware of the technology's black-box nature and, in the episode, outlines an approach that ensures ethical adoption and enablement.

Anne and Dan delve into these ethical considerations and much more as they examine the evolving role of AI in marketing and communications. They discuss the importance of approaching AI with a critical and ethical lens, considering its impact on human interactions and the industry's hiring practices. At the same time, they explore how AI can enhance strategic thinking and help communications professionals deliver greater impact to their businesses. Anne also shares her concerns about online divisiveness and disinformation, emphasizing resilience and big-picture focus. The episode concludes with a positive outlook on human creativity and the importance of staying engaged in societal discussions.

Listen in and hear about...

• Ethical dilemmas for marketers in the tech and AI revolution.
• The critical role of ethics in AI-driven marketing.
• AI's growing business role and the imperative of strategic adoption.
• The need to find a personal advantage in new tech adoption.
• Adapting to AI's impact on communication and thought.
• The importance of bridging AI and organizational goals.
• The rise of online disinformation and its societal impact.
• Optimism in the human capacity for innovation.

 

Notable Quotes

• [05:50 ] "I want to see writing that's electric, that leaps off the page, even if it's a marketing pitch or something." - Anne Green
  
• [20:13 ] "There's a lot of misperceptions about what this industry is about, but like anything in human life, there are the angels and the bad actors." - Anne Green
  
• [29:01 ] "I want to invite people to think about big picture questions like what will it mean to be human? What does authorship mean? What does it mean to have co-intelligence or augmented intellect?" - Anne Green
  
• [41:08 ] "In the case of generative AI, you need to approach it as if you are about to have an interaction." - Dan Nestle
  
• [01:05:01 ] "I am kept up with the proliferation of divisiveness and fake stuff online, and very much engineered disinformation, which is upsetting to me." - Anne Green

 

Resources & Links

Dan Nestle

• The Trending Communicator | Website
• Daniel Nestle | LinkedIn
• Dan Nestle | Twitter

Anne Green

• G&S Business Communications | Website
• Anne Green | LinkedIn

 

Timestamped summary for this episode (generated by ChatGPT)

[00:01:15 ] Anne Green's career path

Anne Green discusses her career path, from an internship to becoming CEO, highlighting the accidental nature of her journey.

[00:06:10 ] Reflecting on past experiences

Dan Nestle and Anne Green reminisce about their past experiences, specifically their connection through Cooper Katz and the impact of their mentors.

[00:10:56 ] The enduring importance of writing

Dan Nestle emphasizes the timeless importance of writing and critical thinking in the PR profession, despite technological advancements.

[00:13:14 ] Adapting to changes in communications

Anne Green reflects on the changes in communication, from the advent of social media to the impact of technology on writing and critical thinking.

[00:16:14 ] The role of PR in upholding quality

Dan Nestle discusses the frustration of spin in PR and the need for the profession to uphold quality, truth, and critical thinking.

[00:19:22 ] Challenges in content quality

Dan Nestle and Anne Green acknowledge the prevalence of low-quality content and the need for PR to play a role in promoting good writing and ethical standards.

[00:19:31 ] Ethical Awareness in the Industry

Discussion about ethical awareness in the communications field and the responsibility to maintain integrity.

[00:21:15 ] Adoption of New Technology

Exploring the industry's capability to use new technology tools and the need to bring an ethical lens to their usage.

[00:24:46 ] Impact of AI on the Profession

Discussion on the changing landscape of the communications profession due to the rise of artificial intelligence and the need for professionals to adapt.

[00:35:17 ] The Personal Relationship with Technology

Exploring the personal impact of technology and the process of finding "killer apps" that create a personal connection with technology.

[00:38:23 ] Projection into the Future

Contemplation on the profound changes brought about by new technology and the challenges of projecting forward in a rapidly changing industry.

[00:39:16 ] The complexity of AI

Discussion about the evolving security measures and the need to adapt to changing technological threats.

[00:40:04 ] Understanding the "black box" of AI

Exploring the mystery and complexity of AI's decision-making processes and the work being done to uncover its inner workings.

[00:41:04 ] Learning a new way of speaking to AI

Adapting communication styles to interact effectively with AI, emphasizing the need for a different approach compared to traditional search engines.

[00:42:07 ] Refining questions for AI interaction

Emphasizing the need for iterative and refined questioning when engaging with AI to extract the desired information.

[00:44:14 ] Adapting to conversational AI

Drawing parallels between the evolution of search engines and the need to adapt to conversational AI, highlighting the shift in interaction styles.

[00:45:55 ] Challenges and opportunities with AI adoption

Discussing the learning curve, mindset shift, and the potential for leveraging AI to work smarter and add value.

[00:53:19 ] AI's impact on communication professionals

Exploring the unique skill set of communication professionals and their potential to excel in leveraging AI for business and client needs.

[00:55:42 ] Evolving roles and skill sets in the AI era

Emphasizing the elite nature of communication profession and the need to recognize, practice, and adapt to the skill sets required in the AI era.

[00:59:02 ] The role of a communicator

Understanding the depth of knowledge needed about a business and its stakeholders.

[01:01:00 ] Enhancing communication through AI

Using AI to enhance communication by connecting dots and providing additional insights.

[01:05:01 ] Challenges and hopes for the future

Concerns about disinformation and divisiveness, along with hopes for a better future and the role of AI.

[01:06:55 ] Looking ahead with optimism

Expressing hope for positive changes through human creativity and invention, and the potential of AI.