909: AI as Your Next Team Member: Shifting from Tool to Talent

Josh Penzell will tackle the major challenge that many organizations face today: shifting from viewing AI merely as a "tool" to embracing it as a "team member." This change addresses the "AI Productivity Paradox," where C-suite leaders often expect increased productivity from AI, while employees report struggling to realize these benefits .

JJosh Penzell advocates for a new approach to AI, urging organizations to "hire" AI in functional roles like a tutor, content reviewer, or developer, instead of using it solely for task automation. This perspective allows employees to leverage AI for smarter, more insightful decision-making, transforming AI into a true strategic partner that enables creativity, adaptability, and innovation.

In his session, Josh demonstrates how AI can align new technologies with daily work, moving beyond basic prompt engineering to create value in real-world applications. By focusing on AI's potential to improve decision-making, boost productivity, and drive innovation, he illustrates AI's role in reshaping team dynamics and enhancing growth. Leaders will also learn how AI can support reskilling initiatives, offering a competitive edge in a shifting workforce.

Josh's vision places AI as a "thinking partner" to foster metacognition, which helps users refine ideas and gain fresh perspectives. Through the 5D Framework for AI adoption—Decide on roles, Dialogue to explore AI's capabilities, Discover applications, Define roles with feedback and Delegate tasks—he provides a structured path for "hiring" AI for specialized responsibilities. Daily AI interaction, he advises, builds familiarity with AI's evolving capabilities and ensures teams apply it ethically, making AI an essential team asset rather than just an operational tool.