Monaghan Google exec says ‘experiment’ with AI tools

One woman who was very keen to bring AI Works for Ireland to Monaghan last Friday, was Clontibret native Cera Ward, Managing Director of Google Ireland.

In her keynote address, Ms Ward, who travels internationally with her job, noted that the entrepreneurship from Ireland’s border region is the envy of the world.

The central message was that artificial intelligence provides practical tools for businesses to carry out mundane administrative tasks. Ms Ward felt strongly that AI tools would help, not hinder, employees in the execution of their duties.

She noted that SMEs already recognise AI’s potential: 78% believe AI is a force for good, 73% of users see productivity gains, and 68% believe it will drive growth, but only one in three use it regularly.

The two biggest barriers identified are fear of making mistakes and lack of skills/capability.

She advised that people set aside regular time to experiment with AI, as she does herself.

“It’s a clear story of massive ambition, but human hesitation. The call to action is to start small, be intentional, experiment regularly and lean into learning,” Ms Ward advised.

To help SMEs on their journey into navigating new technologies, every participant on the day was given the opportunity to gain a Google AI Professional Certificate, which they can do online in their own time.

The Google Ireland MD concluded that there are things that AI cannot do: “Technology can’t build your business’s reputation. A computer is not going to look your customer in the eye and make a promise, but what AI can help you do is fulfil that promise.

“The future of the border region won’t be shaped by AI. It will be shaped by your grit, your determination, your innovation augmented by AI. You haven’t missed the wave. We’re in the very, very early stages of the AI journey.”