Stanford Graduate School of Business recently welcomed back Dr. Lamia Youseff, PhD, MSM '19, for an inspiring fireside chat on "Mid-Career Pathways in AI" as part of the MSx Career speaker series. The session, moderated by Virginia Mak, MPA, PCC, brought together current students eager to learn from Youseff's extensive experience in AI leadership.
Drawing from her journey across leading tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta, as well as her current role as founder/CEO of Jazz Computing, Youseff shared valuable insights into navigating the AI industry. The discussion proved particularly relevant for professionals considering transitions into AI, regardless of their technical background.
The interactive session covered crucial topics ranging from practical considerations for international students to strategic career development in AI. Students engaged in candid conversations about embracing discomfort for growth, the importance of adaptability in tech leadership, and the critical role of emotional intelligence in building and scaling AI teams.
What set this fireside chat apart was its intimate nature and the practical, actionable advice shared. Dr. Youseff's personal anecdotes, including stories of her early morning meetings with professors during her academic years, resonated deeply with the audience. Her emphasis on looking beyond current challenges to anticipate future opportunities in AI provided valuable strategic perspective for the attendees.
The enthusiastic response from the MSx community highlighted the continuing strength of Stanford GSB's alumni network and its commitment to fostering the next generation of AI leaders. The session exemplified the school's tradition of alumni giving back, sharing experiences and insights to help current students navigate their professional journeys in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.