5.9.24 | Risky Business: Navigating the Artificial Intelligence Landscape

Companies of all shapes and sizes are racing to implement artificial intelligence into their marketing, HR, and business processes to stay competitive. But at what cost?

According to a 2023 Forbes Advisor survey, over half of businesses turned to AI to “improve and perfect operations.” From customer relations management tools to cybersecurity and from content creation to recruitment and talent sourcing, businesses have eagerly filled gaps left open by staffing shortages and supply chain challenges.

The benefits of AI seem endless; but like Pandora’s box, once powerful aspects of AI technology ― like artificial general intelligence (AGI) ― are let loose, the chance for abuse increases, and our freedoms may be diminished.

Our guest speaker for this month, Mr. Pete Marra, Chief Operating Officer for the Colson Center, and former tech strategist, urges Christian businesses to recognize the potential benefits as well as potential risks before concretizing AI-related applications into their business processes.

BIO

Pete Marra, COO, The Colson Center

Pete Marra is recognized as a highly strategic executive who now serves as Chief Strategy Officer at the Colson Center. He has over 20 years of experience in organizational strategy, leadership development, and technology integration. He has worked as a consultant for Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies, helping shape them into thriving, cutting-edge organizations that are well-prepared for the world’s uncertainties.

Pete has founded several companies and works extensively in the startup and incubation space. He has a passion for developing leaders and working with individuals who are not averse to unconventional strategies.

Additionally, Pete has a heart for international ministry, serving short-term in more than 15 countries and living in China for three years. He has been a pastor, church planter, and mission mobilizer who continues working to spread God’s truth and story of redemptive love around the world.

Pete has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The Citadel in South Carolina and a master’s degree in Christian leadership from Asbury Seminary. He has been married for 17 years to his wife, Heather, and they are proud parents of three children. Pete enjoys serving as a guest lecturer and speaker for universities and organizations. He offers guidance and inspiration in the areas of technological innovation, leadership development, and organizational risk assessment and mitigation.