As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, another seismic shift is on the horizon, and it’s bound to be more disruptive than anything we’ve seen before. According to Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera, the culprit responsible for this imminent disruption is generative AI.
To help CEOs and other business leaders navigate this brave new world, Maggioncalda has developed a comprehensive course, “Navigating Generative AI: A CEO Playbook,” available for public access on Coursera starting today. This course serves as a survival guide, equipping leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for the upcoming tidal wave of generative AI.
Maggioncalda emphasizes that businesses must adopt both offensive and defensive strategies when it comes to AI. They must keep a close eye on their competitors, suppliers, and customers while adapting their own business strategies to stay competitive. Failure to do so will result in losing the game.
The CEO Playbook, which Maggioncalda has personally curated, features over 15-20 hours of content, including videos, readings, assignments, and discussion boards. It also includes a unique lab playground environment where business leaders can experiment with Google’s Gemini Pro AI model. This hands-on experience enables participants to witness firsthand how generative AI can impact various aspects of business strategy, such as acquisition channels, customer relationships, and workplace productivity.
Maggioncalda acknowledges that he is not an AI expert but draws on his extensive experience as a CEO to provide practical insights and strategies for tackling challenges head-on. Agility, he asserts, is a survival skill for a growth-oriented company, and generative AI demands a high level of adaptability from CEOs across industries.
The course is not limited to CEOs alone; Maggioncalda emphasizes that a comprehensive understanding of generative AI is essential for everyone in the modern workforce. The course, available in 17 different languages, costs $49 per month and provides participants with a certificate upon completion.
In response to the rapidly evolving nature of the field, Maggioncalda aims to update the course every 90 days to ensure that learners have access to the latest information and insights. He believes that generative AI has the potential to revolutionize the world positively, but it is crucial to approach its ethical implications with care. Through learning, collaboration, and the responsible use of this technology, Maggioncalda hopes to bring out the best in generative AI’s capabilities and shape a brighter future for all.