Work. Community. Coffee SIXTH edition

Tracie Sponenberg

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

www.traciesponenberg.com

Welcome!

This is the sixth issue of Work. Community. Coffee. On a Wednesday! (I was traveling -more on that below.)

WORK

This week, I'm thinking a lot about generative AI and new ways I can work it into my daily work.

In November of 2022, ChatGPT was released, and I immediately (because I love shiny new tech) jumped in with both feet. So much so that pretty soon I was getting asked to speak about it often, and teach HR professionals the basics, and why they should use it.

I'm still a huge fan of generative AI (and AI in general), but two years in, I often feel like I'm behind. So when I read this week that OpenAI released Sora, an AI video tool, I wanted to be early on this - along with, apparently, many, many others - since I can't get in yet! Fingers crossed the demand dies down soon, I can't wait to check it out!

We've all been using AI in one form or another for probably decades, without realizing it. But when OpenAI released the ChatGPT, it was a turning point for a lot of us.

I asked Google's Gemini to definite it for me. "ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that uses natural language processing to generate human-like text and code in response to user prompts."

For awhile, ChatGPT was my go-to for all things. Then, I found some new loves - Claude and Perplexity. More about that below. I thought it would be fun this week to share my AI tech stack, and what I use it for:

OpenAI paid subscription - I use this mostly now for DALL-E AI photos, soon to be Sora video

Anthropic's Claude paid subscription - I find this to be the smartest at thought partnership or writing. If I'm having an issue, I'll often turn to Claude to help me solve it. Or rewrite something - I don't generally use AI to write, but it is helpful in refining tone, or coming up with better ideas to phrase things.

Perplexity - My favorite tool. It's researched based (though ChatGPT can now pull in sources), and I research EVERYTHING. I have Perplexity up most of the time, and I pop back and forth often.

Google Gemini/Microsoft CoPilot - I have Gemini as my default when Googling, and I recently added CoPilot. As my most expensive AI tool, I'm not yet sold, but it actually does a great job creating a really basic powerpoint, so it may be worth it for that alone.

Fireflies - This is my AI notetaker, and I LOVE it. So incredibly helpful. I have a paid version so I can have more storage. But whether or not I keep it depends on some of the new tools (I was trying to test a new AI Virtual Assistant, but the connection didn't work - more on that when I can do it!)

I look at AI as a Copilot (though CoPilot is my least favorite copilot!), helping me through my day but streamlining things and making work more efficient. And I'm always looking at new tools.

If you are interested in learning more about AI for HR, follow Amanda Halle and Theresa Fesinstine on LinkedIn - I learn a ton from them!

COMMUNITY

As most of you probably know, I've spent about half of my career in Distribution. It's an industry I love, and is so closely associated with some of my other favorite industries - manufacturing, construction and logistics.

And there are a ton of great communities within them.

One of the associations I have spent the most time working with is the American Supply Association. For the past year and a half, I've had the honor of serving as Chairperson of the ASA's Women in Industry division, the fastest growing division in the ASA! It's been such a joy and honor to serve alongside incredible women who I've admired, and now call friends. It's a truly beautiful community.

If you are in the PHCP and PVF industries and want to learn more, click below. Or check it out to get some inspiration for your industry!

COFFEE

Here's my first newsletter-exclusive coffee pic!

Saturday morning I decided to take off on Sunday morning for a 24 trip to Florida (I needed a few more JetBlue status miles and this seemed way more fun than buying them!) Dave's been sick so it was a solo trip, and 24 hours turned into 48 (I am not complaining!) - it was a wonderful and much-needed escape.

I got to drink lots of great coffee, and read while eating breakfast, something I rarely do but I love when traveling alone. So this pic is of my coffee & kindle, Sunday morning as I had a delicious and leisurely breakfast to kick off my self-care Sunday.

Have a great rest of your week!

I'll be back in your inbox next week with more Work. Community. Coffee.

And next year...... stay tuned for a brand new look and feel, with more content!

Tracie

My Partner Spotlight

HARRIET

Last month I officially became a Strategic Advisor for Harriet, an AI-enabled employee experience company based in the UK. I chose Harriet (and I am glad they chose me!) not just because I love the product - I also love the team.

I found Harriet when I was looking for an AI-enabled tool at The Granite Group. At the time, they weren't positioned for frontline communications - but they are now. So much so that it is a huge focus for them, and I'm thrilled to be helping them.

I work as an advisor to HR Tech companies in various ways, but mostly it's spending an hour or two a month giving advice, helping with brand awareness, and reviewing product changes.

About HARRIET: Harriet is the AI superpower for employee experience, Harriet is at your service 24/7, integrated with your HR systems, company policies, training and procedures and lives wherever your team already hang out – Slack, GChat, Teams or SMS. Access to the company brain at their fingertips. Check them out below!

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Tracie Sponenberg's

Welcome to my brand new newsletter! I'm excited to share this journey with you - whether you are a CEO, HR pro, or anyone interested in my thoughts on the world of work. If you are interested in diving into actionable insights and stories that inspire organizational change and foster a thriving workplace culture, you are in the right place. Oh, and there will be some coffee too!