- Apr 10, 2025
- 4 min read
Hello, AI Enthusiasts.
Almost Friday. Let’s feed your brain one last juicy AI update before it checks out.
Want to bring AI into your org without breaking everything? In part two of Sidecar Sync’s AI-Enhanced Member Services, they’re skipping the buzzwords and getting down to the good stuff: how to actually make it work.
Curious about AI but not ready to mortgage your weekends or your wallet? Microsoft’s 50-day Skills Fest is packed with free courses, chill hackathons, and yes—some pretty cool prizes.
Adobe’s take on AI? Their 'agentic AI' vision is all about creativity that doesn’t micromanage you back.
Catch you on the flip side—preferably caffeinated and AI-ready.
Here's another crazy day in AI:
Associations on navigating change with technology
Microsoft launches free AI training fest
Adobe's strategy to transform creativity with Agentic AI
Some AI tools to try out
TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Future-Proofing Member Services
Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)
What’s really holding your member services team back from AI success—outdated tech, or outdated thinking?
In the latest episode of the Sidecar Sync podcast, hosts Amith Nagarajan and Mallory Mejias continue their insightful exploration into the practical steps associations can take to enhance their member services through artificial intelligence. This special episode marks part two of their discussion on AI-enhanced member services, shifting the focus from theoretical ideas to actionable strategies. With their combined expertise, Amith and Mallory provide valuable insights into the necessary infrastructure, mindset, and change management practices required for successfully implementing AI solutions. This episode is essential listening for association leaders looking to adapt to the evolving landscape of member services.
Essential Building Blocks for Implementation
Integrated Systems Matter: Successful AI deployment requires thoughtful integration with your existing AMS or CRM systems to access and utilize member data effectively.
Embrace Imperfect Data: Rather than waiting for perfect data, bring your existing information into an AI platform where it can start delivering value while being improved.
Knowledge Documentation: Capture your association's institutional knowledge, policies, and procedures in accessible formats for AI to leverage when serving members.
Small Wins First: Begin with automating routine member inquiries before tackling more complex implementations to build momentum and confidence.
Reconsider System Overhauls: Associations in the midst of implementing new systems might benefit from pausing to explore how AI could fundamentally change their requirements.
Cultural Transformation for AI Readiness
Move Beyond the "Accounting Mindset": Accept that unlike financial records, data doesn't need to be perfect to be valuable for AI applications.
Invest in AI Literacy: As Amith starkly notes, future workforces will divide between those who are AI-literate and those struggling to find employment.
Question Established Practices: Foster a culture that regularly asks "why do we do it this way?" and explores "why not try this approach?" to encourage innovation.
Reimagine Staff Roles: Prepare for routine positions to evolve while new roles focused on AI oversight and strategic member engagement emerge.
Have Candid Conversations: Leaders may need to make difficult decisions about team members unwilling (rather than unable) to adapt to new realities.
As the conversation unfolds, Amith and Mallory don’t shy away from the complex realities of organizational change. They emphasize that AI implementation isn’t just about deploying new tools—it’s about building the right conditions for those tools to work effectively. That means leaders must think carefully about how their teams are structured, how decisions are made, and how flexible their systems truly are. The message is clear: incremental, well-informed steps now are better than waiting for the perfect moment that may never come.
This episode doesn’t offer shortcuts or silver bullets, but it does offer clarity. If your association is stuck wondering where to begin, what to prioritize, or how to bring your team along in a fast-changing environment, this conversation offers grounded, experience-based guidance. It's a timely reminder that real progress often starts with reframing your assumptions—and giving yourself permission to take the first step. And through it all, it’s important to remember that technology should complement the human connections that are at the heart of member services.
Watch the podcast on YouTube.
Listen on Apple Podcast.
Listen on Spotify.
OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:
Microsoft Launches Free AI Training Fest
/David Gewirtz, Senior Contributing Editor, on ZDNET
Microsoft is hosting a 50-day AI Skills Fest, providing free AI lessons for everyone, regardless of their experience level. With courses ranging from beginner topics to advanced concepts, participants can engage in hackathons, self-paced learning, and community forums. The event runs through May 28th, and offers exciting prizes and discounts for participants.
Read more here.
Adobe's Strategy to Transform Creativity with Agentic AI
/Ely Greenfield, CTO of Adobe's Digital Media business, on Adobe Blog
In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, Adobe is pioneering the concept of agentic AI, which empowers users by facilitating creative processes and enhancing productivity. The vision includes developing AI tools that help users work efficiently, from Adobe Acrobat's AI Assistant to intelligent features in Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. By integrating these capabilities, Adobe aims to revolutionize how individuals create and interact with digital content.
Read more here.
SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:
Scite – Research assistant that answers questions with citations and explains its reasoning.
Amurex – Smart companion that handles tasks and supports workflow without disruption.
AssemblyAI – Industry-leading speech AI with top-tier accuracy for transcription and conversation intelligence.
That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.
Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉
EXCITING NEWS:
The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is on LinkedIn!!!
Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.
