Research is mounting that shows how important it is for organizations to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion from a strategic and financial perspective. When speaking to senior AI and automation executives at a recent panel discussion on “Diverse perspectives in AI,” Joe Edwards, Director of Product Marketing at UiPath, posed a relevant question: is representation just as important for advancements inside AI ecosystems as it is for organizations?
The panelists, who have worked for illustrious tech companies throughout the years, Floyd Newsum III (Managing Director at RPA (HK), Ltd.), Jarel Hawkins (IA & AI Executive / CxO Advisor), and Keena Byrd, PhD (UX Research Leader at UiPath), discussed the ways in which inclusive AI in the workplace can boost creativity and productivity. Also discussed were the factors that CEOs should keep in mind while creating, evaluating, and perfecting the generative AI that is causing a sea change in the corporate world.
A panel discussion featuring experts with contrasting views on AI’s future. To have a strong AI ecosystem, representation is essential.
Because it is driven by natural language, GenAI has the ability to reach a wider audience and be used by more communities and organizations. This is one of its most promising features.
But diversity among AI creators, testers, and users—representative of the communities the technology seeks to improve—is essential if it is to realize its full potential. To begin with, protecting AI that learns from humans from the inherent biases of humans is of the utmost importance. Second, different viewpoints strengthen both products and organizations.
The inclusion of all people, according to Newsum, “is a lightning rod for innovation.” According to Hawkins, “diversity is about everyone,” and it isn’t just a personal view; it’s science. “Do not believe me when I say this. Read up on diversity prediction theory; it states that highly variable problem solvers can beat less variable low-ability solutions.
The bottom line benefits from innovative and high-performing people and processes.
“The conversations around inclusive workplaces need to be more honest,” Newsum stated. “Diversity is smart business strategy,” the author argues, despite the common perception that discussions of diversity and inclusion are primarily altruistic.
Astute, I must say. According to a study conducted by McKinsey in 2023, companies with diverse executive teams have a 39% higher chance of outperforming their competitors financially. Also, compared to organizations with below-average diversity, those with more diverse managerial teams reported 19% greater innovation revenue, according to a survey by Boston Consulting Group.
According to Newsum, “we can argue about the social benefits all day long, but it’s also about the money.”
The Expansion Of The Concept Of “Diversity”
For the most part, when we consider diversity, we see people of different races, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and religions. However, the experts on the panel felt that this description might be overly limited. Giving people a chance is equally important, even if their resumes don’t quite match the employment requirements. Seek out a diverse group of people with different backgrounds as well.
In this respect, Hawkins drew on his own experience, having built his career to gain extensive yet varied expertise spanning the gamut from engineer to executive.
“Especially in the tech industry, there are these unspoken and unspoken roles,” he revealed. ‘Oh, you’re too technical for a product tech role,’ someone has told me. I don’t understand. Could you please explain?
Hawkins urged CEOs to go beyond stereotypical job descriptions when thinking about the impact of diversity on their AI-powered companies. The difference between staying put and making progress might be as simple as soliciting new ideas from individuals with different backgrounds and viewpoints.
The Power Of GenAI To Level The Playing Field
Because GenAI is available to everyone, you don’t need to be a programmer or specialist to tap into AI’s revolutionary power. It has the potential to become a powerful equalizer if it is created and developed by a diverse group of people.
This democratization was the driving force for the creation of UiPath AutopilotTM, an array of innovative AI-powered experiences available throughout the UiPath Business Automation Platform. It boosts productivity for all users, from interns to CEOs.
With autopilot, “non-specialists can use systems to augment their skills,” As Byrd put it. If someone can use Autopilot to level up their talents, it will help them bridge the gap if they haven’t had access to a specific degree of training and education.
These ‘bridged gaps’ have major personal and professional consequences. As new groups gain agency, they will innovate while enriching GenAI’s learning models with their unique perspectives and knowledge.
An facilitator for all communities, but particularly underrepresented populations, Autopilot and other GenAI tools like this are, according to Newsum. “People who may not have previously been interested in this field can start to perceive new possibilities.”
Make inclusive AI a top priority today for future advantages.
Time is crucial in the end. The panelists were unanimous in their assessment that companies run the danger of failing if they do not prioritize diversity in their strategic planning. Best practices must be implemented immediately due to the rapid advancement of AI technology.
What Byrd meant was that people should start investing in inclusivity early on. “Changing the culture and composition of your team becomes more challenging as it grows larger.”
Hawkins concurred and urged leaders to know “why,” why it matters, and how it relates to the bottom line before deciding how to spend money. Market dominance and increased innovation rates will go to companies that use inclusive teams and AI.
Ultimately, “diversity can benefit businesses operationally and financially,” Newsum observed. It’s profitable, and it’s also the moral thing to do. Things that harmonize so beautifully are hard to come by.