Editor's note: Technological advancements, specifically those in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, are changing the way people work — and transforming entire professions. What will the jobs of the future look like? On Dec. 13, 2023, the Pittsburgh Business Times will host “Future of AI in the Workplace,” a breakfast event to examine this very topic. The event will be held at Google Pittsburgh's Bakery Square office in Larimer. A panel discussion will be preceded by a keynote address from Bill Moore, creative senior manager at Boston Consulting Group. This event is SOLD OUT. No walk-in registrations will be accepted.
Bill Moore is creative senior manager at global business consulting firm Boston Consulting Group. Moore, based in Pittsburgh, has over 20 years of experience working in advertising, video production and creative projects. At BCG, he works with business leadership teams to find custom solutions to integrating AI in the workplace. Utilizing both his extensive experience in creative industries and research, his perspective on integrating AI involves focusing on where AI can have the greatest impact on inspiring creativity and innovation while ensuring it does not replace unique aspects of human creativity.
What do you see as the most exciting opportunities AI presents for creative professionals and the creative industries?
There are two opportunities that I find most exciting: AI as a creative catalyst and AI as an equalizer for diverse expression. For creative professionals, embracing AI tools can translate creative visions into reality in ways that were previously unimaginable, enhancing their abilities and extending their creative reach. AI can serve as an inexhaustible source of inspiration, sparking the creation of innovative works. AI is also revolutionizing the creative industry by democratizing access to artistic expression, allowing those with innovative ideas but without technical skills to bring their visions to life. Whether it’s in visual arts, music composition, writing, filmmaking or coding, AI serves as an enabler, providing the tools for a wider range of people to create, experiment and produce work that was once gated behind years of specialized training. This shift is not just leveling the playing field, but also enriching the creative landscape with a diversity of voices and perspectives.
How should companies balance the pursuit of automation with the preservation of uniquely human creative aspects in their workforce?
To find the right balance between automation and human creativity, I believe companies should harness the unique strengths that humans possess — qualities such as empathy, judgment and visionary thinking. A recent BCG study demonstrated that AI should only be leveraged where it shines, such as in aiding creative tasks, and not as a substitute for the nuanced decision-making that humans excel at. Training and reskilling workers are vital for those creative roles that will emerge as AI takes over the more routine tasks. It’s about symbiosis: AI should augment human capabilities, not replace them. Businesses must focus on the creative and strategic tasks that only humans can perform and ensure that their push toward AI does not deviate from their core values. Continual evaluation is crucial to confirm that the technology is actually helping people. When properly aligned, AI isn’t a threat, but a valuable tool that enhances the overall effectiveness of the human workforce.
