Bank CIO: We don't need AI whizzes, we need critical thinkers to challenge AI

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the need for critical thinkers who can challenge and provide perspective on the information and results generated by AI, rather than just relying on AI for answers. It highlights the experiences and perspectives of Kyall Mai, the Chief Innovation Officer at Esquire Bank, who believes that while AI is a valuable productivity tool, over-reliance on it can diminish the quality and sharpness of people's thinking.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Bank CIO's Perspective on AI

1. What is the key message of the article regarding hiring for AI-intensive jobs?

• The article suggests that the playing field has been leveled, and anyone can now use AI to get ahead or appear knowledgeable, even with limited skills. The message is that companies need to hire people who can provide perspective and critical thinking to the information and results that AI provides, rather than just relying on AI.

2. What is Esquire Bank's approach to using AI?

• Esquire Bank is embracing both generative and predictive AI, using Salesforce tools. The predictive AI provides insights to personalize services for their customers, while the generative AI is used to deliver content. However, the bank wants people who can provide critical thinking and their own perspectives on the AI-generated recommendations.

3. How does Kyall Mai, the CIO, address the issue of over-reliance on AI?

• Mai has observed that people tend to disregard their own judgment and diligence as they grow dependent on AI systems. To address this, he will "march them into his office" and emphasize that he is paying them for their perspective, not just the AI-generated responses.

4. How is Esquire Bank leveraging AI to free up its coders' time?

• Esquire Bank is encouraging its technology team members to offload mundane development tasks to generative AI tools and platforms, which allows the coders to focus on more value-added work. This is also blurring the line between coders and business analysts, as the coders are no longer spending a significant amount of time on administrative code.

[02] Broader Implications of AI

5. What is the author's view on the broader implications of AI on the job market?

• The article suggests that the use of AI, particularly generative AI, is creating new job roles and blurring the lines between traditional job functions, such as coders and business analysts. It also raises the question of whether AI will ultimately hurt or help workers, indicating that the impact is complex.