My 4-Year-Old Made This – With AI (And It's Hanging in Our Living Room)

We're doing something a little different with TomTalks🎤 this week. Instead of our usual executive interviews, I'm sharing a personal story that I believe captures the essence of why AI is so transformative.

In my roles as a product manager and executive communicator, I've often found myself at the intersection of business and emerging technologies. Recently, I wrote an op-ed for Harvard Business Review exploring how our mindset about Generative AI can impact our professional growth. But today, I want to share a more personal story – one that not only touched me as a father but also reinforced my belief that AI may be the most profound technological advancement of our lifetime.

It all started on a typical Saturday evening, about an hour before my daughter's bedtime. As we settled in for our daddy-daughter time, she expressed interest in seeing some AI-generated pictures. Little did I know that this simple request would lead to a moment I'll cherish forever.

As I explained the process, I used the term "artificial intelligence." Seeing her eyes glaze over, I quickly simplified it to "AI." Her eyes lit up with acknowledgment, and she repeated, "AI." In that moment, I realized I was introducing her to a generational tool that could potentially change her life.

Unleashing Creativity with Words

Our AI image generation sessions became a regular part of our routine. I'd ask her, "What do you want to make?" and she'd enthusiastically string together words to create fantastical scenes. "A dog jumping on the beach!" she'd exclaim, and within seconds, we'd be marveling at the AI's interpretation of her imagination.

The process became a dance of creativity. We'd brainstorm ideas, input them into ChatGPT, and then wait with bated breath for 8-10 seconds, doing a little dance of anticipation. When the image appeared, we'd crack up for a good 10 seconds, amazed at how we were able to make "magic" together using just our minds and this incredible technology.

These AI sessions have become more than just a fun activity; they've transformed into a bonding experience that my daughter looks forward to ... almost every night. It's a time where we can let our imaginations run wild, free from the constraints of reality.

One particular evening, she requested to see:

"a horse with a pig on its back, a bunny behind it, and a really fast chicky riding alongside."

The resulting image – the header photo to this newsletter – was so delightful that I've decided to print and frame it, giving it a prominent place in our home.

The Power of AI in Fostering Connections

As much as these experiences have been about fun and bonding, they've also reinforced my professional views on AI. As a product manager and executive communicator, I truly believe this is the most transformative technology I would ever have expected to see in my lifetime. Experiencing its impact through my daughter's eyes has only deepened this conviction.

I don't see AI as merely a 'tool' ... it's a gateway to unleashing human creativity and potential. It's democratizing the ability to create, innovate, and problem-solve in ways we've never seen before. As professionals, we need to approach AI with the same wonder and openness that children naturally possess.

My daughter's journey with AI has taught me valuable lessons about adaptability, creativity, and the importance of maintaining a childlike curiosity in the face of new technologies. As we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape, let's remember to approach it with open minds and playful hearts.

Embracing the Future, One Image at a Time

Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your career, I encourage you to explore AI with the same enthusiasm and creativity that my daughter brings to our nightly sessions. You might be surprised at the magic you can create.

AI is undoubtedly a transformative technology, perhaps the most significant I expected to see in my lifetime. As a product manager and executive communicator, I'm excited about its potential to revolutionize industries and workflows. But more than that, I'm inspired by its ability to spark imagination, foster connections, and bring a sense of wonder to our daily lives.

As we move forward in this AI-driven world, let's not forget the lessons we can learn from the unbridled creativity and curiosity of children. Their approach to new technologies – free from preconceptions and full of possibilities – might just be the key to unlocking AI's full potential in both our personal and professional lives.

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Tom Popomaronis is Co-Founder and Chief GenAI Officer at Phantom IQ. In addition to serving as a fractional GenAI consultant, Tom is a prolific writer and thought leadership strategist, having published over 1,000 op-eds across mainstream platforms including Entrepreneur Magazine, CNBC, Inc., and Forbes, while also enabling the publication of an additional 3,000+ op-eds for executive clients.