The last two years have been a whirlwind of “something new”: a new trend, a new tool, a new policy. These “something news” didn’t just come and go — they kept coming. And the whole world changed.

Two major forces, in particular, became increasingly hard to ignore: artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability. Both thundered into our lives and quickly became an integral part of our routines. The corporate world rapidly followed suit, adapting to these innovations out of necessity.

Pushing My Family’s Business Forward

I work in my family-owned textile conglomerate, and in this industry, if you’re not thinking sustainably, you’re already behind. From raw material to finished garment, every step of the value chain must prioritize well-being and minimize harm. Fortunately, Fuqua prepared me to navigate and embrace these trends in my professional life.

Through Fuqua, I connected with industry professionals in textiles who shared their insights on sustainability. Those conversations reshaped my perspective and inspired me to guide our operations in a more environmentally conscious direction. We’re now exploring various compliance measures and working to make a positive impact.

Adopting AI in Real Time

AI wasn’t new to me, but tools like ChatGPT gained prominence during my time at Fuqua. Whether it was grasping complex concepts or refining resumes and cover letters, AI proved to be a powerful aid. The R programming class deepened my understanding of systems and coding, and student club discussions around AI were both fascinating and practical. I’m glad that I had that exposure when I did. 

Today, in our workspace, we apply AI to everyday tasks like writing for different audiences and formats, translating content, and consolidating data. These innovations have streamlined our processes significantly.

I’m grateful I had the chance to evolve ahead of the times. Fuqua and my mentors helped shape not only my knowledge but also my readiness to thrive in this ever-changing world of trends.