Cynthia's 1984: Transforming Students and Organizational Processes for the AI Era with

Cynthia Schauer, Co-Founder of SmartFlow 

This episode marks a bittersweet moment... 

Because today is the final episode of the Native Digital Native Analog Show,

As we welcome a new chapter with the d’Skills in Action!

Strap in for our last ride as we cap off this season with a conversation full of mind-blowing thoughts about the profound impact of artificial intelligence on our world. 

With our special guest, Cynthia Schauer. 

Exploring topics from automating outdated practices to addressing AI-related fears... 

Cynthia Schauer has a brilliant mind with extensive experience as an executive and strategic advisor, including her recent role as Vice President of Creative Services at Rite Aid. Today, she is pioneering a crucial venture in the AI landscape, helping companies automate their onboarding and historical data processes through SmartFlow. 

Her expertise in questioning the fundamental premises of practices, especially in the context of onboarding, offers valuable lessons. 

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The Necessity of Adapting to AI and Automation  

In my conversation with Cynthia, I get to ask her thoughts about the students coming into corporate... 

She noticed the growing gap between how students are exposed to technology and AI in their personal lives and how they are educated within traditional institutions. 

“Students are going to come in and they're not prepared for the way the companies have changed. I would challenge you and flip it. I would say the students are going to be prepared. The companies aren't, especially in some of these more established companies.” --Cynthia Schauer 

She emphasizes the need for educational institutions to catch up and teach students how to harness AI as a tool... 

And the importance of companies and institutions adapting to AI and automation. 

She added..."If companies are going one way and the education systems are going the other, that gap is just widening." 

 She emphasizes that these technologies are here to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. 

AI and Abundance Mindset 

Another pressing topic from our conversation is the common misconceptions and fears surrounding AI, such as job loss or misuse.  

"It's a little of both. Now, when I talk to those in the tech sector, there have been some that have admitted they're seeing their own clients don't understand AI."--Cynthia Schauer 

Along with this is the shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset in the context of AI. 

Rather than fearing job displacement due to AI, people and organizations should embrace the opportunities it presents for increased efficiency and productivity. 

It's crucial to educate individuals about the benefits and opportunities AI can provide while addressing their concerns. 

"There is enough for everybody... We need to bring that happiness back into our teams. Stop making my job so frustrating because when I have to redo something multiple times, I'm not happy." --Cynthia Schauer 

Transformation of Organizations 

As we look ahead 10 years, the conversation we had predicts a transformation in the way organizations operate. 

"You need a chief AI officer to drive this... It is the person that not only understands technology but also understands leadership."-- Cynthia Schauer 

Cynthia emphasizes the need for a CAIO. 

This role is described as a bridge between technology and leadership, responsible for understanding how AI can be strategically integrated into the business to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. 

It is positioned to steer organizations toward a future where AI becomes seamlessly integrated into daily operations. 

"If you're not using AI, you're going to be out of business by the end of the decade... I think mergers and acquisitions are going to continue, and I've talked to some people about how AI can be used because that's all about data transfer."--Cynthia Schauer 

With AI becoming ubiquitous and accepted as a standard tool, it levels the playing field for businesses, regardless of their current technological capabilities. 

Organizations that fail to adapt and embrace AI may struggle to survive, while those that leverage AI effectively will thrive. 

About Cynthia 

Cynthia Schauer saves world class marketing and creative teams millions upon millions as a transformational leader who steers companies away from waste and towards profitability. She dives into data and uncovers redundancies while revitalizing brands, processes, and performance through multi-channel marketing campaigns and technologies, consumer engagement, and relationship management. Cynthia earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Miami University. She trained in lean methodologies through Honsha and LSS at UGA Terry School of Business. Cynthia is a member of Chief, Women in Retail Leadership, and the Network of Executive Women. She serves on the Advisory Council and Women in Leadership Executive Program for Florida University, School of Business and on the board of Boca Raton Triathletes. When she is not saving companies hundreds of millions of dollars, she is out running trails and most recently finished a 24-hour race. 

 Links and Mentions 

Linked In | Cynthia Schauer | IG: cinderellasparklicious (a funny story about this) 

Website | email: schauercynthia@gmail.com