Let’s Learn AI together

Being in the IT sector means there’s always something to learn. I recently participated in a conference where there a presenter who was labeled an AI expert suggested that there are no experts in the AI field as it’s a new emerging technology and it was most transparent thing I’ve heard in a long time. With that being said there are a lot of people earning large amounts of money just because they understand the basics. We’re friends here and I always want my friends to prosper so let’s get this money by exploring our options together. You can keep me focused and I’ll keep the content flowing as I find it. 

First things first, I’d like you to follow me on YouTube as I’ll be posting content there and embedding some here within the blog. 

Now on to the first post about AI and emerging tech being released soon. We all have heard of Chat GPT and if you’re curious, you’ve tried it out to see what the fuss was all about. Chat GPT is a machine learning AI. If you weren’t aware there are different programs that all fall into what we consider AI. I’ve put together a little introductory video describing predictive and generative AI. 

META is releasing some AI merchandise with its collaborative Ray Ban deal. It’s AI glasses that allows you to stream to Meta platforms in real time from your glasses and it also translates words and identifies objects in real time. However, doesn’t your cellphone do the same thing with regards to streaming live videos to your IG or FB? I guess this would be for those individuals that prefer their hands free to engage in the action versus holding their phone??? They also are releasing a revised mixed reality headset that blends digital and physical aspects together for gaming or those who like the VR headsets called the Quest 3.  Xbox is also partnering with Meta being integrated into your VR Quest 3 headset in December of 2023.  Meta is also releasing AI generated simulated characters that are integrated into their social media platforms. If you want more check out the keynote speech. 

https://www.youtube.com/live/e7NFSzSYBU8?si=CKGHTvZ5_9ZOoIhk

Hello New Friends

There’s a loneliness epidemic impacting current society even though we’re constantly surrounded by people. You may be married and have a fully packed schedule but lack meaningful connections. It’s the lack of connection that translates into physical ailments such as stroke, dementia and heart disease. That leads us to wonder “how do I establish real meaningful relationships at this stage” when we’re set in our routines and to be honest, a bit skeptical of ulterior motives? It may be more simple than you think and research shows that you only need 3 to 5 real connections to feel content and fulfilled. How do we start on the path fulfillment within our social circle?

1. Rekindle old friendships. Utilize that social media to spark up conversation with people you’re casual aquatinted with. The foundation is already set so why not initiate a conversation or post a witty response on their page then follow up with a DM. Host a small reunion for a few people who may all know one another at a local bar. Or simply host a gathering such as a paint and sip and ask others if they would like to participate. Once you have the live audience, you’ll be able to determine who you have more commonalities with and build upon those similar interest. You may even want to host a repetitive event on a weekly/monthly basis. You may even be able to build a side hustle out of the it while making new connections which is a win-win.

2. Join a social hobby group that meets regularly. Similar to the first suggest you can join a pre-existing group which interest you such as a niche fitness class, book lab or volunteering in your community. There will be people who attend who would most likely be from your area which makes meeting up more of a convenience then those farther away. 

3. Start a group or social media page. Exhibit A my good peeps! You have a voice, interest and an opinion so broadcast it and find your tribe. We’re all just individuals sharing time on this earth but we share commonalities some. You found your way here and people will find their way to you as well. Interact with the, and me in the comments a d before you know it the bond gets stronger and you’ve made a new friend. Hopefully 🤟🏽

The IT Industry and Women

I'm a woman in an industry dominated by men and at times your voice can get lost so how do you manage to stay relevant and ensure you're heard? Within the tech sector, only 24% of the jobs are currently filled by women and of those 24% over one third  38% to be exact are considering leaving. It's a phenomenon that has been consistent since I've began my career over 15 years ago. Is the job demanding? YES! However it's also extremely rewarding because you are solving problems consistently. In essence as an IT professional, we use the analogy of "fighting fires" quite often. When there is an issue you are the first line of defense and it's time sensitive in most cases but when the tables turn and you're able to solve those issues, you feel a sense of both relief and satisfaction. It's rewarding and the pay is good. 

So what's the driving force behind the mass exodus of women looking to leave if it's so rewarding? There are a multitude of reasons why anyone would leave a profession and the most common is that you feel your voice isn't heard. This is especially true for some women within the male dominated IT industry. If you feel that your contributions are suppressed or worse, not even heard then it can start to wear on your motivation to contribute. You'll start to reprioritize your life and it's only natural to gravitate towards areas within your life where you feel valued and mentally you'll start to reshuffle the deck of priorities in your head and that job can start to look more like a burden. 

IT centric issues are factors as well. Mainly the fact that IT encompasses many different areas which grow at an exponential rate. It's easy to feel lost or overwhelmed when you're trying to balance a personal life that may include family planning or parenting with your professional life that requires constant retraining and endless learning. To stay relevant within IT, you'll definitely need to stay engaged in some form of self-paced learning or courses. It's not an industry where you can coast through with the same skillset that you originally started with. Your career and knowledge will evolve and grow naturally within IT. If it does not and you start to feel stagnant then that is a sign that you're working at the wrong company and not a sign that you're in the wrong industry. 

Deciding where you want to focus your attention too may add pressure and can be a bit overwhelming when trying to juggle multiple things within ones life. Again it requires focus and a clear plan of action that can be tricky to navigate alone. This is where having a mentor can be the most impactful for those who may be wondering about getting out of the industry. A mentor can provide guidance and can be an advocate for you and assist with your growth. It's advised to have multiple mentors to assist with different growth plans. For example a mentor within your current company can be an advocate for you within those meetings where you're not in attendance and a mentor within the industry as a whole can help with awareness of other options and growth potential that you may not be immediately aware of.  

Jeen-yuhs A Kanye Trilogy on Netflix

In true Kanye West fashion, he documented his rise to fame before he even knew he would be famous. Absolutely, he had a buzz in his hometown for making beats but as a rap artist he was non-existent. However if there were any depiction of hard work and dedication to ones dream, it was surely captured in Jeen-yuhs. The first of the three part Netflix series was released on Wednesday February 16 and part 2 and 3 will be released 2/23 and 3/2. 

Part 1 of the documentary starts with him in Chicago where he makes his rounds among the local talent making a name for himself as the beat hit maker. From the intro the series also features the cinematographer Coodiem who cast himself as a second character while he narrates about the ambition of both he and Kanye.  He states that he uprooted his life to make the move with Kanye as he moves to NYC in pursuit of his dream to not only be a producer making beats but also a rapper. As he states Kanye had a spark and from what he saw was destine to make it. From the beginning you witness a brace faced young humbled Kanye as he sits in a Newark apartment playing his songs for anyone who would listen. It also depicts the strong bond he shared with his mother Donda West and she can be seen within docu-series supporting her young son and always smiling. You can physically see the love and support that she poured into him and hindsight, knowing what we all know now it's both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It's actually the most poignant part of the series and left me sympathetic. Regardless of the current popular opinion on Kanye 2022, we can all relate to him during these chronicled early days and to me makes him seem more personable but I believe that's the point.