AI. We all know what it is, whether through Sci-Fi movies featuring killer space robots from the future or useful platforms like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. AI is a powerful tool that can do many things, like write, research, teach, correct, calculate, and so much more with only a press of a button. But, is it too powerful? Many people speculate that with AI ever evolving, it could one day take over the workforce and leave many people without jobs. This fact scarily remains inside the realm of possibility, but instead of fearing AI, workers should learn how to utilize it.

 
David Perry is an advisor, investor, marketer, entrepreneur, and author of the book Game of Sales. Since he was young, he wanted to find a job with no limits, where you could be your own boss. This was during the internet boom, which opened up many opportunities for business and technology, which Mr. Perry took advantage of. He earned his MBA (master of Business Administration) from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University and has worked to the top ever since. The former Portledge alum has worked for dozens of companies like Google, Amazon, and Adobe, and specializes in marketing world-class organizations through enterprise technology solutions. He also mentors young entrepreneurs and hosts events in New York City. Perry is also Portledge's first alum to go D1 in lacrosse.

Portledge School was fortunate enough to get a meet and greet with Mr. Perry through the business club, where he discussed his journey to where he is, the importance of utilizing AI in business, and finding a job that suits you. He said that in a world with a tool like AI, you have to learn how to use it so you don’t get left behind. Embrace rather than fear, but be a good reader and writer before using AI to elevate your work further. Editor, not Creator. He also stated the importance of finding a job you are truly passionate about, instead of a job with the biggest paycheck. Additionally, he advised that before going into a field, whether it's technology, business, or other, you should gain connections and stand out from your peers. This will help you seem more fit for the job and help your career in the long run. Being great in your sector of work is through constant improvement to make yourself more efficient and marketable. Having an understanding of tools like AI and how to use them for your job will set you up for success. Despite those great pieces of advice, he emphasized what he thinks is the most essential trait in the business world: resilience. In his career, there were many ups and downs, and having to move from company to company, he had to adapt and persevere to become the successful worker he is today. If one wants to copy his success, the person needs to be resilient and build on changes in their profession.

Change, not just in the business world but in life as a whole, is inevitable. AI is an example of that change that can shift the business world to places it has never been before. But with change comes its fair share of speculation, doubters, and calls to go back to older ways. David Perry criticizes these people for fearing change, when instead they should be embracing it. Accepting change is what makes us human, and if AI is the next step to human innovation, we should take it with open arms.

    

Thank you, David Perry