AI: A Strategy That's Always Growing, Evolving, and Adapting

Leading the AI and Robotics department for a company with over 1,200 employees requires discipline, patience, and careful observation. Over the last three months, I intentionally stepped back from my regular blogging to spend more time genuinely connecting with my coworkers, refining our AI strategy, engaging closely with our vendors, and immersing myself fully in the company's culture and operations.

It's natural for people to have concerns about AI and robotics. The idea of automation often brings understandable anxiety about potential job loss and uncertainty about the future. I've taken this time to listen closely to my team’s worries, having honest conversations about their fears, and working together to create an environment where they feel supported and secure during this transitional phase.

We all know competition isn't slowing down. Large companies are always looking for ways to reduce redundancy and improve efficiency through automation. However, I'm confident there's a balanced approach where humans can continue to play essential and valuable roles. It’s about finding the right partnership between human creativity and technological innovation, an environment where both people and AI can flourish.

How Did We Create This Balance?

Transparency with my team has been fundamental to our successful integration of AI. Instead of simply imposing new AI tools, I focused on collaboration and inclusive growth, helping my colleagues see AI as a helpful tool rather than a threat. Regular open discussions across departments gave everyone a voice, fostering an atmosphere of mutual learning and shared insights.

Additionally, practical AI tips and guidance shared through group chats encouraged team members to celebrate small successes. By appointing an AI ambassador in each department, knowledge flowed naturally throughout the teams, allowing everyone to feel involved without constant supervision. One-on-one onboarding sessions have also proven to be incredibly valuable, providing personal guidance from colleagues actively working with AI and building stronger confidence across the team.

AI is advancing at an impressive pace each month, and this evolution is undeniable. The reality is, we're not returning to traditional ways of working. The best approach leadership can take is to be open, honest, and proactive, equipping their teams with the resources, confidence, and skills necessary to thrive in this AI-driven world.

Current AI Trends We Use at Just Salad

1. Research & Development (R&D)

Our team uses AI to streamline extensive research tasks, helping us to quickly explore new strategies and innovations across supply chain, marketing, and product development.

2. Large Data Analysis

AI significantly improves our ability to quickly analyze large volumes of data, giving us clear insights to make strategic decisions confidently and efficiently.

3. Writing Assistance & Content Creation

We utilize AI tools to enhance our content creation process, ensuring our communications remain clear, consistent, and aligned with our brand’s voice.

4. Summarization & Extraction

AI-powered summarization helps us quickly extract key points from extensive documents, making critical information more accessible and actionable.

5. Enhanced Information Retrieval (Google Replacement)

We are integrating AI-driven solutions to complement traditional search methods, offering our teams more accurate, personalized, and contextually relevant information swiftly. PS: AI can only be implemented in the workplace if there is a strong, cohesive partnership between employees and leadership.