Harnessing AI for Problem-Solving, Storytelling, and Responsible Innovation

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At Grounded With Data, we’re all about exploring how emerging technologies like AI can drive smarter decisions and open up new possibilities. In a recent conversation between our co-founders, Patti Brownsord and Jack Slingluff, they discussed the potential of AI for brainstorming, simplifying complex data, and ensuring ethical use in business. Below is a summary of their engaging exchange.

Patti: One of the big questions I often get is, “How can AI help us solve problems and generate new ideas?” AI is an incredible brainstorming tool—it doesn’t get tired, and it’s full of creativity. While it can get a little weird, its ability to tap into the collective consciousness of the internet is unmatched. Whether it’s generating new ideas, finding innovative solutions, or assisting in problem-solving, AI can search vast amounts of data and pull together imaginative concepts.

I frequently use tools like ChatGPT to work through challenges. Sometimes, I just want to learn something new or approach a problem from a fresh perspective, and having a conversation with AI helps me do that. It’s like a digital brainstorming buddy!

Jack: I agree. AI is a powerful tool that’s changing industries, especially medicine. I was reading an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recently, and it talked about how AI is being integrated into medical practices. A doctor might input information into an AI system, and it can quickly suggest new possibilities or connections that the doctor may not have considered.

But AI isn’t perfect. You still need the human element to interpret results, and as we’ve learned, you have to know when AI starts “acting like a fourth grader making up a book report.” In other words, AI can sometimes get things wrong, so we need to be critical about its outputs.

Patti: Exactly! We also talked about how AI can make complicated data more accessible. People can’t always grasp large numbers—like five billion miles—so breaking things down into relatable analogies, like comparing distances to the size of football fields, makes the data easier to understand. Whether we’re talking about millions, billions, or complex datasets, storytelling and visual aids, like infographics, are key to making data approachable.

Jack: Yes, and it’s something we strive to do with our clients every day—simplify without talking down. AI can help with that too, but you have to set expectations about how it processes information. AI is precise by nature—sometimes too precise—so it’s important to train it in a way that gives you outputs you can work with.

Patti: Another question I get is whether AI can help us predict the future or find new opportunities. AI can definitely assist with that, but it’s not Nostradamus! It’s great at identifying patterns and probabilities, but human expertise is still necessary to interpret those predictions and make strategic decisions.

Jack: Right. AI can give us probabilities, like predicting weather models or trends in finance, but it won’t be 100% accurate. It can be a great asset in forecasting, though, especially when used alongside other models. 

Patti: Finally, how do we make sure AI is used fairly and responsibly in business? First, we need to acknowledge that AI is already being used. Whether your business has policies around it or not, someone on your team is likely using it. The key is to develop guidelines that ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly.

Jack: It comes down to ethics. Companies that embrace strong ethical standards will be the ones who use AI responsibly. That starts by vetting your AI vendors and setting clear policies on how AI should be used in your organization. Ethics need to be your North Star when it comes to integrating AI.

At Grounded With Data, we believe that AI is a tool that can amplify human potential when used correctly. By staying mindful of its strengths and limitations, we can harness AI to solve problems, simplify complex data, and predict future opportunities—all while ensuring we uphold ethical standards.