We live in an era where cutting-edge technologies transform our industries faster than we can imagine. However, what we make of it is still very much in our powerful human hands.
According to a McKinsey Global survey on the State of AI from May 2024 , 65% of organizations that regularly use GenAI are doing so in marketing and sales, product and service development, and IT services. Yet, there is so much to it, and to maximize the potential of AI and promote adoption in the workplace—especially at the enterprise level—greater involvement from all areas of the organization, beyond IT, will be essential.
At Micron, we have successfully incorporated AI in our manufacturing processes for some time, but we’re also pushing to accelerate its use across our business. An early example was the enterprise rollout of an AI-based chatbot in Teams for task automation that not only speeds up processes for our 48,000 team members but also frees up to use their focus and creative energy elsewhere. Now, we are aiming higher.
At Micron, we have found that granting 'permission' to experiment with GenAI is essential for fostering its constructive use. Our Technology & Innovation team is at the core of this effort, collaborating closely with various departments across Micron to ensure a secure and seamless integration of AI technologies. By establishing a robust security framework, thoroughly vetting new technologies, and promoting shared learning across diverse use cases, we are driving innovation within the guardrails of our organization's safety standards.
We encourage teams to pilot various tools while taking a cross-functional approach to capturing learnings and vetting where AI can help. Just this year, I have participated in three different pilots, including trialing a platform that helps reduce bias in performance reviews.
Within our Global Communications team, we also began identifying key areas where AI can boost productivity. For instance, AI helps us reduce the time spent on tasks like media research and fact-checking while preparing briefing materials. This shift allows the team to focus on generating insights and shaping strategy, as well as valuable human-driven skills unique to our industry knowledge and experience. We've also introduced Microsoft Copilot as a tool for brainstorming, recognizing its vast potential to scale content creation. By using core messaging to produce derivative content efficiently, we're unlocking new levels of resourcefulness in our team's communication efforts.
AI has the potential to really transform how we work, but experimentation requires more than permission and access. It must be a priority. As an example, every one of my team members has an individual performance goal tied to AI. This ensures that there’s accountability and discipline in setting KPIs that clearly define what success looks like, in terms of both outputs and outcomes.
Most importantly, we approach AI as a collaborative endeavor. We are navigating this journey collectively, regularly convening to share feedback during the IT-led Copilot test flights. Yet, our collaboration extends beyond our organization. By engaging with consulting partners, industry peers, and broader networks, we gain valuable insights into how other organizations incorporate GenAI into their workflows. Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and with intentional co-creation, we believe we will be able to continuously uncover new opportunities. That is the future we aspire to embrace.
Erica Rodriguez Pompen is the head of global communications at Micron Technology, where she leads all internal and external communications across the 18 countries where Micron operates. She previously held management roles in San Francisco, Hong Kong and Amsterdam, which spanned consulting, business development and operations. Rodriguez Pompen served on the executive boards of local schools and Hong Kong’s Community Business Leadership Team, an organization dedicated to harnessing the power of business to drive social change. She is a member of the USC Center for PR board of advisers.