Riding the Generative AI Wave

We’re all just figuring this out as we go…

This last week I found myself attending three separate events that allowed me to connect with over 20 startup founders.

Startup Panel

Throughout the numerous conversations, one of the common themes that kept emerging was that while everyone was diving headfirst into the world of building new things that leveraged generative AI, they were figuring it out as they went. It was exhilarating to hear their ideas and be surrounded by so much passion and creativity. These conversations got me thinking about a recent post I shared about the importance of “being informed” by staying on top of trends in this rapidly evolving space. While that sentiment certainly holds true, some of the feedback highlighted a valid concern: knowing where to even start in this ever-shifting landscape is often intimidating, and searching for the right approach / solution can feel overwhelming. 

Several founders admitted that staying afloat in this sea of new developments felt like a constant uphill battle. One confessed that figuring out where to start was daunting because everything is moving so fast. Another shared, "it's easy to feel like an imposter among so many incredible people!" However, the struggle went beyond just "keeping up" – even identifying the "right approach" to a problem felt incredibly difficult and uncertain. There was a shared acknowledgement that no one seemed to have found the exact right answers, as founders grappled with questions like: when is it best to use RAG vs. Tuning vs. Long Context Prompt Engineering? How can we effectively leverage multimodal models? No one had a definitive answer, highlighting the open-ended nature of this emerging field.

Their honesty resonated deeply with me. It’s a potent reminder that while the generative AI revolution is full of opportunity, it’s also a time of immense learning and experimentation for everyone – even for those of us who live and breathe this stuff every day. The truth is, there’s no silver bullet, no magic formula, no single "right" approach. We're all figuring it out together. As one of my colleagues likes to remind us - we’re building the plane as it’s taking off!

But here's the good news: that's okay. In fact, it's more than okay – it's incredibly exciting! We have the chance to be pioneers, to shape the future of how we create, work, and interact with technology.

So, how do we navigate this exciting but uncharted territory? Here are a few thoughts:

• Don't get discouraged by the sheer volume of information. Focus on the core concepts and build your understanding incrementally.

• Embrace the exploration roller coaster. There will be dead ends and pivots, but each one is a learning opportunity.

• Be a curious and active participant. Experiment, share your ideas, and don't be afraid to try something new.

• Remember, you're not alone. Connect with other builders, share your experiences, and learn from each other's journeys.

The Generative AI Revolution is a wave we’re all riding together. We should be embracing the unknown, supporting each other’s growth, and building the future we want to see. More than anything - please let this be a reminder that right now, we’re all just figuring this out as we go!