Elizabeth (Liz) Ngonzi
As we stand on the cusp of a new technological era, generative AI is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace. Drawing from my journey from mainframe computers to today's AI landscape, I've gained unique insights into how we can harness generative AI's potential while mitigating its risks.
Generative AI, more than other forms of artificial intelligence, has the transformative power to elevate individuals from mere users of technology to AI-powered professionals, leaders, and innovators. This shift presents both immense opportunities and significant challenges that we must navigate responsibly.
My tech journey began in the early 90s as an intern at the United Nations Development Programme in New York. It continued with marketing roles at Digital Equipment Corporation and sales roles at MICROS Systems. These experiences laid the foundation for my later work at Andersen, where I led strategic projects such as post-merger IT integrations and global digital transformations for multinational organizations. These experiences taught me valuable lessons about managing technological change:
These principles remain as relevant today as they were decades ago. As generative AI democratizes access to powerful tools, reshaping how we work, create, and solve problems, it is essential to anchor its deployment in these foundational lessons.
As a board member of the American Society for Artificial Intelligence (ASFAI) and chair of its newly-formed Ethics & Responsible AI committee, I am committed to ensuring that generative AI is developed and used responsibly. ASFAI's mission to create a better world with AI through American leadership and values is rooted in fostering collaboration among thought leaders to address the societal impact of AI.
To that end, our committee is focused on four key areas:
Through dialogue and engagement with diverse stakeholders, we aim to build a foundation for AI systems that drive innovation while preserving societal values.
Concerns about AI replacing jobs are valid, but history has shown that technological revolutions often create new opportunities. As Thomas L. Friedman noted in The World Is Flat, the Internet revolutionized global competition, enabling anyone with a connection to participate in the economy. Similarly, AI is compelling us to adapt and embrace new roles that focus on higher-value tasks.
AI should augment, not replace, human capabilities. For example, in training nearly 7,000 professionals across industries, I have seen firsthand how AI can serve as a "Super co-pilot," enabling individuals to automate routine tasks and focus on creativity, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills. By rethinking the division of labor between humans and machines, we can push the boundaries of innovation while enhancing the quality of our work.
AI holds immense potential to create opportunities worldwide, yet its adoption remains uneven. Having trained professionals on all inhabited continents—including the U.S., where I’m based in New York City—I’ve witnessed firsthand how disparities in access to AI technologies can potentially hinder local economies and societies. While some regions leverage AI to drive innovation, others, particularly those with young populations and high unemployment, face significant barriers to accessing these tools and education.
Without addressing these gaps, the consequences can be profound. A lack of opportunities leaves youth vulnerable to recruitment by extremist organizations, destabilizing communities and perpetuating cycles of poverty. In underserved rural and urban areas of the United States, similar dynamics fuel gang activity, economic inequality, and even domestic terrorism. These risks highlight the urgency of equipping young people with the skills and tools they need to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
At the same time, upskilling youth with AI knowledge presents a unique opportunity to drive innovation and growth. It is more than a moral imperative—it’s a strategic investment in future markets. Young people represent not only the workforce of tomorrow but also emerging consumer bases for AI-powered products and services. By empowering them as AI-powered professionals, innovators, and problem-solvers, we can unlock their potential to tackle pressing global challenges such as climate change, healthcare access, and food security. AI also offers pathways to economic mobility, fostering economic growth and creating new opportunities for communities often left behind by technological advancements.
Organizations adopting AI face a range of challenges, including:
These challenges highlight the complexity of AI adoption. To address them, I have developed practical frameworks through my work at The International Social Impact Institute® (The ISII), which equip organizations with the tools needed to adopt AI responsibly. These frameworks, showcased during workshops such as during the Compliance Week AI & Compliance Summit, prioritize:
By sharing practical tools and strategies, like those demonstrated at the Compliance Week AI & Compliance Summit, we help organizations adopt AI responsibly. Companies that prioritize these principles are better positioned to harness AI's potential while upholding their core values.
The AI revolution presents a pivotal opportunity to address global challenges and drive societal progress. However, this potential will only be realized if we implement AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and collaboratively. At ASFAI, we are committed to fostering the dialogue and partnerships needed to ensure AI serves as a catalyst for meaningful innovation.
As someone who has witnessed decades of technological evolution, I believe that AI is not just a tool—it is a mirror reflecting our aspirations and values. By channeling its capabilities toward amplifying human creativity, solving critical problems, and promoting economic opportunity, we can shape a future that benefits everyone.