Can AI and creativity coexist? A Conversation with Jess Hall

Technology

By Matthew Hearfield
September 10, 2024

Updated
September 16, 2024

0 min read

In this episode of AI to Z, Jess Hall, VP of Design at CoStar, explores the powerful intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity. A leader in product design and innovation, Jess breaks down how AI is transforming design and the creative process. This episode is perfect for executives looking to stay ahead in digital transformation, as well as STEM enthusiasts curious about the future of AI in creative industries.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the future of design, creativity, and AI-driven growth. Tune in now to learn how to harness AI's potential without losing the human touch.

Listen to the full episode below:

Leadership in tech

It doesn't matter who you are, if you're one year out of school, if you're 30 years out of school, you are a manager because AI is your team.

Jess discusses how to effectively lead technical teams, particularly in fast-moving industries where innovation is constant. She highlights the importance of understanding both the business and technical sides of operations.

Furthermore, Jess discusses the need for data literacy among leaders. She believes that understanding core concepts in AI, machine learning, and data science is essential for managing modern tech teams. By fostering these skills, leaders can more effectively integrate AI systems into their workflows and leverage them for better decision-making.

The tech transformation

It's not going to happen overnight and it sure as heck is not going to be easy or without awkwardness. We've got to lean into these uncomfortable, weird things in order to figure out what the next thing is.

The episode delves into the role of technology in driving business transformation and how leaders can manage change in large, complex organisations.

A major focus of the discussion is on how technology acts as a catalyst for transformation, but the people implementing and working with the technology determine the overall success. She emphasises that leaders must create environments that foster collaboration between tech and non-tech teams, helping everyone understand how new tools and systems fit into the broader company strategy.

Building a strong team

Jess Hall addresses the crucial topic of building strong teams in a tech-driven environment. She speaks about the importance of combining technical expertise with a strong sense of collaboration and alignment with broader company goals. For Jess, the foundation of any successful team lies not just in individual skills, but in the collective commitment to the organisation's vision.

1. Hire for adaptability and continuous learning: Teams need members who are not only technically skilled but also open to learning and adapting as new technologies emerge.

2. Ensure alignment with organisational goals: It's essential for team members to understand how their work contributes to the company’s broader strategy, which requires clear communication from leadership.

3. Balance technical skills with interpersonal dynamics: Strong teams are built on both technical expertise and soft skills like empathy, communication, and collaboration.

Balancing innovation and stability

Attracting top talent is just the beginning; retaining them requires creating an environment where they feel connected to the company’s mission and valued for their contributions.

While technical expertise is critical in the fast-evolving world of AI and technology, Jess argues that soft skills—like communication, empathy, and collaboration—are just as essential for team success. Without these interpersonal dynamics, even the most technically proficient teams can struggle with cohesion and productivity.

Jess explains that a team’s ability to collaborate effectively is a key determinant of its overall performance. In highly technical environments, it’s common for people to become siloed, focusing purely on their specific tasks or areas of expertise. Jess argues that leaders need to actively break down these silos by fostering open lines of communication and encouraging cross-functional collaboration. This means creating opportunities for different team members to interact, share insights, and solve problems together.

Key takeaways

Leadership in Tech: Jess discusses how to effectively lead technical teams, particularly in fast-moving industries where innovation is constant. She highlights the importance of understanding both the business and technical sides of operations.
Tech Transformation: The episode delves into the role of technology in driving business transformation and how leaders can manage change in large, complex organizations.
Building a Strong Team: Jess offers insights on talent acquisition, mentorship, and ensuring that team members are aligned with the organization's goals while also being empowered to grow professionally.
Balancing Innovation and Stability: Jess addresses the challenge of maintaining a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring operational stability, particularly when managing new tech implementations.

Article and quotes have been edited for brevity and clarity