AI Readiness Explained: Responsible Use, Critical Thinking & Organizational Challenges

What does it truly mean to be AI-ready — for individuals, teams, and entire organizations?

In this WiDS Worldwide Fireside Chat, Lauren Miranda (Director of Community Growth & Impact) and Bryan Muñoz (Director of AI Learning & Datathon) unpack the realities behind AI adoption today. Drawing from community insights and industry trends, this conversation explores:

• How to use AI tools effectively — and when not to
• Why critical thinking, domain expertise, and verification matter more than ever
• Common misconceptions about AI integration in enterprises
• The importance of data governance, security, and responsible decision-making
• The growing gap between AI hype and actual organizational readiness
• What “being responsible for an AI output” really means
• How students and career-changers can meaningfully break into the AI field

Grounded in real examples and thoughtful audience questions, this session is a practical exploration of how to build confidence, safety, and clarity in a quickly evolving AI landscape.