You’ve heard of data-driven products, data-driven services and data-driven business models, but data.org is pioneering an entirely new field: data for social impact. In the premiere episode of Leading the Shift, guest Perry Hewitt, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at data.org, shares how the organization is taking data and AI and applying it to the world’s most challenging problems. Perry shares the results of the Generative AI Skills Challenge, including initiatives focused on dispelling misconceptions about women’s health in India, upskilling women entrepreneurs in northern Nigeria and creating intensive AI curricula for teachers, students and businesses in rural Mississippi. It’s a rigorous and innovative approach built around trust, respect and co-creation—as applicable to business as it is to the public sector.
Air Date: January 28, 2025
Chapters:
00:00 – 01:49 Introduction
01:49 – 04:20 Data for social impact. Perry Hewitt introduces the emerging field of data for social impact and the importance of an inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to capacity-building.
04:20 – 07:34 Generative AI Skills Challenge. The Generative AI Skills Challenge, its objectives, and highlights of awardees, including an initiative in rural India that focuses on women’s health.
07:34 – 13:27 Last-mile problem. What we can learn about the “last-mile problem” from a social impact perspective.
13:27 – 15:50 Responsible data management. How responsible data management is critical to building trust at a local level.
15:51 – 19:53 Three C’s approach. Discussion on the three C’s –cases, capacity and commons—of working with partners on social impact initiatives.
19:53 – 27:47 Impact and metrics. Measuring the success of social impact initiatives.
27:47-29:46 Closing remarks. Advice for leaders and key takeaways from the conversation.
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About the Leading the Shift podcast:
The AI platform shift brings immense opportunity, but the road to success isn’t always clear. On Leading the Shift, we talk to people doing just that—leading the platform shift in organizations of all kinds to learn with them along the way. Guests share personal experiences and pragmatic advice for navigating first-of-their-kind challenges and delivering meaningful, trustworthy innovation to their teams, customers, and communities. Whether you’re a decision-maker, a developer, or just curious about this new era of tech, join us to hear how real people tackle real innovation, in real life.
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