CCOs as Enablers of AI Integration

By Molly Rauzi, Gagen MacDonald

Molly Rauzi is the Chief Technology Officer & Managing Director at Gagen MacDonald and 2023 Page Up Innovation Award Winner

Page recently hosted a conversation titled "How CCOs are Uniquely Qualified to Add Value with Generative AI." The discussion aimed to shed light on how CCOs and their teams are ideally positioned to spearhead AI integration efforts, particularly in navigating governance and policy challenges.

Below are 5 key takeaways from the conversation.

Key Takeaway 1: CCOs and their teams possess a unique skill set that aligns with leveraging AI effectively. 

Individuals from liberal arts backgrounds can harness their innate curiosity and storytelling abilities to excel in working with AI technologies. The emphasis on asking probing questions, screening for bias, and refining communication skills underscores the pivotal role of CCOs in guiding their organizations through AI transformations. This isn’t the first time communicators’ skill sets have positioned them to enable technological transformation; as a matter of fact, for nearly 8 years, Page has been championing the CCO as Builders of Digital Engagement Systems.

Key Takeaway 2: The integration of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for CCOs. 

While AI can streamline processes such as speechwriting and content generation, ethical considerations loom large. Audience members emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and adhering to core values when utilizing AI, particularly in navigating regulatory landscapes and copyright issues.

Key Takeaway 3: Transparency and authenticity remain paramount in the era of AI. 

Despite advancements in AI-generated content, stakeholders still value human touchpoints. One audience member highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the use of deepfakes and the need for clear guidelines on disclosure. This participant posed a thought-provoking hypothetical, where an organization uses deepfake technology to create videos of their own executives without having to actually record them — and other members speculated what stakeholder responses would be as a result. The main concern — maintaining authenticity in communications and discerning when human input is indispensable are critical considerations for CCOs.

Key Takeaway 4: Governance and collaboration are essential for AI integration success.

CCOs must forge partnerships with cross-functional teams, including responsible AI departments, to navigate emerging challenges effectively. As one attendee noted, collaboration with AI experts is indispensable in crafting informed responses to novel scenarios, underscoring the importance of interdepartmental connectivity, a CCO’s specialty as integrator.

Key Takeaway 5: The evolving regulatory landscape necessitates agility and adaptability from CCOs. 

With varying perspectives on AI governance across regions, CCOs must navigate complex frameworks while upholding organizational values. One participant highlighted the importance of balancing stakeholder perspectives and risk assessments in charting AI strategies. If your organization has an AI Ethics Board, the CCO needs to have a central seat at the table.

This post used Generative AI to aid in its development.