Tony Fatouros, AI Guru & Author of “AI Ready” on Growing the Next Version of You w/ Mike Rochelle

Education

Introduction

Introduction

Well, greetings everybody! This is Mike Rochelle on Growing the Next Version of You. I'm really excited to have Tony Fatouros today, who's the Director and my customer and colleague at Mattel of IT OCM. Today, we are thrilled to discuss his new book titled "AI Ready." Tony, how are you doing today and where are you coming from?

Hey Mike, calling you today from beautiful Southern Florida, Boca Raton. Very good, very good. I hope the hurricane going south of Puerto Rico does not affect Florida this year. From everything I've heard so far, we’re a-okay.

Background

Here on Growing the Next Version of You, I'd like to get to know people even better. So, let’s dig into your background. Where were you born, and how did you get to where you are today? Additionally, please share some insights related to your spiritual journey.

Absolutely, Mike. I was born in New Jersey, specifically in Jersey City, right across from Manhattan. I lived in New Jersey most of my life up until the age of 42, before making the decision to move west. Notably, Superstorm Sandy played a role in that decision, prompting a move to Los Angeles. I stayed there for about 10 years and have recently relocated to Florida.

From a spiritual perspective, I was born into a Greek Orthodox family but attended Catholic schools my entire life, even going to Seton Hall University. I've attended various churches, including Episcopal and Catholic ones. Each faith experience has enriched my philosophical outlook and fostered empathy in both my personal and professional life.

Cultural Observations

Having lived on both the East and West Coasts of the United States, I noticed some interesting cultural differences. On the East Coast, traditions and expectations seem stronger. The West Coast, on the other hand, has a more relaxed and innovative culture, which could be related to the newer history and frontier spirit of this region. Now, living in Florida, I observe a mix of those influences.

Connecting with Faith

It's amazing to see how diverse faiths can create meaningful connections. I remember visiting a Catholic Church in Flower Mound, Texas, celebrating Pentecost, with a congregation that was ethnically diverse and rich in cultural heritage. Enhancing our understanding of different faith backgrounds adds depth to relationships and provides a broader base for empathy and collaboration.

The Good Life Model

Here at Growing the Next Version of You, we follow a model called the Good Life Model. It starts with foundational character virtues, followed by physical and mental health, knowing oneself, strong relationships, knowing your capabilities, having big dreams and goals, self-actualization, and ultimately achieving self-transcendence. This model aligns with how you’ve approached your book "AI Ready," Tony, focusing on people, processes, and technology to leverage generative AI effectively.

AI Ready: The Book

Tony, can you tell us more about your book, "AI Ready," and what inspired you to write it?

Absolutely, Mike. The book aims to help organizations navigate through the tidal wave of information and technological capabilities brought forth by generative AI. It provides a framework for organizational readiness, focusing on governance, technology, and workplace readiness. The book also emphasizes the importance of Proof of Concepts (PoCs) and offers various project strectypes for better implementing AI solutions.

Organizational Readiness

Organizational readiness is about ensuring that all necessary components—be it people, processes, or technology—are in place and aligned. The book offers detailed steps for this, breaking them down into governance structures, new roles, Sops (standard operating procedures), and other elements critical for the successful adoption of generative AI.

Practical Examples and Recommendations

One interesting aspect of the book, Mike, is the inclusion of practical considerations and real-life examples. These help readers identify potential pitfalls and best practices, making the entire process of AI adoption less intimidating and more manageable. For instance, awareness of generative AI’s limitations such as bias, incomplete information, and ethical concerns is crucial for responsible use.

Conclusion

Tony, it's been a pleasure getting to understand your journey better and diving deep into what "AI Ready" is all about. Your book is a comprehensive guide to help organizations adapt to and leverage generative AI efficiently.

For those interested in connecting with Tony or myself, you can reach us on LinkedIn or through the contact information provided below. Looking forward to our next session on "Growing the Next Version of You," and thank you so much, Tony, for being a part of this conversation.

Keywords

  • AI Ready
  • Generative AI
  • Organizational Readiness
  • Governance Structures
  • Proof of Concepts (PoCs)
  • Change Management
  • Technology Adoption
  • Ethics in AI

FAQ

Q: What inspired Tony Fatouros to write the book "AI Ready"?

A: Tony was inspired by the confusion and challenges he noticed among his peers and professional contacts regarding the rapid rise of generative AI. His goal was to help streamline the organizational readiness process for effectively adopting AI technologies.

Q: Where did Tony Fatouros grow up and how has his diverse background influenced his work?

A: Tony grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey. His background includes experiences in Greek Orthodox, Catholic, and Episcopal faiths, which have enriched his empathy and understanding in working with diverse groups of people.

Q: What are some of the cultural differences Tony noticed between the East and West coasts?

A: Tony noted that the East Coast tends to latch onto traditions and has higher expectations, while the West Coast offers more freedom and diversity in approaches, influencing the innovative spirit often seen there.

Q: What does the Good Life Model entail as explained by Mike Rochelle?

A: The Good Life Model includes foundational character virtues, physical and mental health, self-awareness, strong relationships, understanding one’s capabilities, setting big dreams and goals, achieving self-actualization, and reaching self-transcendence.

Q: What are the focus areas of Tony's book "AI Ready"?

A: The book focuses on governance structures, technological capabilities, and workplace readiness specifically for generative AI. It also provides practical examples and step-by-step guides to streamline AI adoption.

Q: How does "AI Ready" address the limitations and responsible use of generative AI?

A: The book emphasizes the importance of understanding generative AI’s limitations, such as bias and incomplete information, and discusses ethical considerations to ensure responsible use of AI technologies.