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AI is transforming industries at an incredible pace—from revolutionizing healthcare diagnostics to reshaping workplace productivity. But while its potential is vast, many misconceptions persist, leaving professionals unsure of how to harness AI effectively.

Meet Anna Solovyova, a global AI strategist with experience scaling AI solutions across eight countries. With a deep technical background in neural networks and reinforcement learning, Anna specializes in turning complex AI concepts into real-world tools. She’s also a teacher at our AI in Action program.

In this interview, we explore the most exciting real-world applications of AI, debunk common myths, and uncover practical ways to integrate AI into your workflow. Plus, we discuss the key mindset shifts needed to stay ahead in an AI-driven job market.

What’s the most exciting real-world application of AI that you’ve seen recently, and why do you think it stands out?

One of the most exciting applications I’ve seen is the integration of AI in healthcare imaging and diagnostics. What stands out to me is how it’s enhancing rather than replacing human expertise – helping medical specialists spot potential issues more quickly while leaving the crucial final interpretation to medical professionals. This partnership between AI and human judgment feels like the right approach.

Many people feel overwhelmed by AI – what’s one misconception about AI that you wish more people understood?

Regarding misconceptions, I think many people picture AI as magical when the reality is more nuanced. AI is ultimately a tool – powerful in specific domains but also limited, biased, and dependent on human input and oversight. It’s neither a silver bullet nor a sentient threat. And don’t forget about the “garbage in, garbage out” rule, so the magic in AI can start only with the correct AI usage, good prompts, and a clear understanding of the outcomes you want to have from the AI model.

What’s a simple yet powerful way professionals can start using AI to boost their productivity?

For professionals looking to boost productivity, I think starting with AI-powered writing assistance is highly effective. Whether drafting emails, reports, or presentations, using AI to generate initial drafts or refine existing content can save significant time while keeping humans in control of the final product. What makes this powerful is that it builds on existing workflows rather than requiring radical changes.

If someone wants to future-proof their career with AI, what’s the one skill or mindset they should focus on developing?

As for future-proofing careers, I believe the key skill is “AI-human collaboration” – understanding how to effectively partner with AI tools while maintaining critical thinking and human judgment. This means knowing both the capabilities and limitations of AI systems and being able to thoughtfully integrate them into your work.

Looking ahead, what’s a trend in AI that you believe will have the biggest impact in the next 1-3 years?

One trend that I believe will have the biggest impact in the next 1-3 years is the rapid integration and evolution of multimodal and domain-specific AI models. These models, which can process and generate text, images, audio, and even video, are set to revolutionize how we interact with technology by offering more holistic and context-aware responses. This shift from single-task systems to more general-purpose, adaptable AI will not only enhance user experience across various platforms but also drive efficiency in critical industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. In parallel, the growing emphasis on AI safety, explainability, and ethical frameworks will further accelerate the responsible deployment of these advanced systems. As organizations harness the power of these integrated models to tackle complex, real-world challenges, we can expect a significant boost in productivity and innovation, transforming both everyday tasks and large-scale industrial operations.

Ready to learn more about AI and how to use it practically in your work and daily life? Enroll in the AI in Action program starting on March 17th and join Anna on this transformative journey.