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Sadie St Lawrence, Founder and CEO, Women in Data and The Human Machine Collaboration Institute

Sadie St Lawrence, Founder and CEO, Women in Data and The Human Machine Collaboration Institute

Describe your career to date

I am a trailblazer in the intersection of AI and human collaboration. As the Founder of the Human Machine Collaboration Institute, I spearhead efforts in research, education, and consulting, enabling seamless integration between humans and machines in the workplace.

My passion for diversity in tech led me to establish Women in Data, an international non-profit boasting a network of over 60,000 data professionals across 55 countries. This initiative has garnered global recognition, including being named the Top 50 Leading Company of the Year and the number one community for women in artificial intelligence (AI) and tech.

My career began in the trenches of data science and AI strategy, where I provided invaluable consulting services across healthcare, high-tech, and government sectors. My dedication to advancing AI and data science has not gone unnoticed; accolades include being named one of the Top 30 Women in AI in 2022, receiving multiple recognitions for my influence in data, and being awarded for my outstanding service by UC Davis in 2019. Recently, I was honored in Dataleum’s 30 Outstanding Women in Data, 2023.

Beyond my entrepreneurial ventures, I contribute to the broader community by serving on various start-up and non-profit boards, hosting the award-winning Data Bytes podcast, and educating over 600,000 individuals in data science and AI. My journey reflects a commitment to pioneering a future where technology enhances human capabilities, fostering an environment where diversity and innovation thrive.

What challenges do you see for data in the year ahead that will have an impact on you and on the industry as a whole? 

In the year ahead, balancing data privacy with utility, combating data bias for fairness in AI, enhancing data literacy, and keeping pace with rapid technological advancements stand as formidable challenges. Additionally, identifying and adopting AI use cases poses a significant hurdle.

These challenges not only affect my work at Women in Data and the Human Machine Collaboration Institute but also the broader industry. Addressing issues like data bias and fostering a culture of continuous learning are critical. Equally important is navigating AI use case identification and adoption, ensuring we harness AI’s potential responsibly and effectively for societal benefit.

How do you see data literacy developing across a) your network and b) the data industry generally?

Within my network and the wider data industry, I see data literacy evolving beyond traditional number crunching to emphasize learning how to work alongside AI. This shift focuses on understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations, fostering skills to design, monitor, and interpret AI systems rather than just analyze data manually.

In my organizations we are promoting this advanced literacy by integrating AI education that prepares individuals for collaborative human-machine environments. Industry-wide, there is a growing recognition that future data professionals need to be adept not only in technical skills but also in strategic AI application, ensuring a seamless partnership between humans and AI technologies.

How do you see the industry preparing for AI adoption and change management?

The industry is gearing up for AI adoption and effective change management through heightened awareness and comprehensive education initiatives. Organizations are increasingly investing in workshops, seminars, and training programs to demystify AI and its potential impacts on various roles and sectors.

By fostering an environment of continuous learning, companies aim to equip their workforce with the necessary skills to adapt to AI-enhanced processes. Moreover, there is a concerted effort to build a culture that embraces change, encouraging open dialogue about AI’s ethical implications and practical applications.

Sadie St Lawrence
has been included in:

100 Influencers 2024 (USA)

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