Happy 70th From Cupcakes to Conversational AI: BODIES & BOTS #6
Reading Time: 3 minutesBirthdays.
Turning 70 taught me something the tech bros haven’t figured out yet: the best AI strategists aren’t the ones who grew up with technology. We’re the ones who remember what problems it’s supposed to solve.
What’s timeless? What’s tech-powered?
The “Happy Birthday Song” has been around since 1893. I asked Beulah (my nickname for my AI agents) how to modernize it. One of “her” suggestions? A voice-cloned duet—my ‘human’ self singing with my AI ‘Beulah’ self.
Same tradition, new twist. Still human, still fun, just… augmented.
That’s the theme of my 70th year. Here’s what I noticed this birthday week:
- Creativity, party planning, and unique food experiences have always been in my DNA. My
life now includes apps, and not just appetizers. Researching venues, capturing and posting digital moments, are all now part of the birthday vibe. - Gifts have evolved. I ran a fundraiser for Yonkers Partners in Education. (It’s not too late to donate!) I have more than enough random “stuff.” But the best present I got this year, beyond the generous donations, was an AI-generated image from my daughters, featuring all the birth-month flowers of my kids and grandkids. Every time I look at it, I smile. They found the concept online…another example of USEFUL and EVOCATIVE technology.
- More than 300 well-wishes came in from friends and family worldwide via social media. This was the first year I couldn’t send individual thank-you notes to each of you, but I hope you’ll see my heartfelt gratitude to all of you here! I have also had fun making (sometimes creepy) graphics and animations to illustrate my birthday content.
- Flesh-and-blood humans are a huge part of my life. I hosted two impromptu mini-parties, including a bagel breakfast fundraiser and a casual pasta dinner during my brother’s visit to Arizona. My brother and I also had two one-on-one dinners (see above), talking about “old times” and the future.
Speaking of the future…
I am celebrating my 70th year by launching a new division of my 22-year-old company, starting a professional women’s group, re-upping my volunteer activities, joining a new local professional organization, and… most important… keeping my tech skills fresh and continuing to lead, not just follow, in my industry.
Because a few powerful things I’ve learned over the past seven decades are:
- Tech (specifically AI) is (like sex and beauty) NOT just for the young. In fact, I’d argue I have more insight into how to use technology than I did 40 years ago. I’ve seen enough marketing trends come and go to know which AI tools are game-changers and which are just shiny objects.
- Women’s role in business and society has evolved, but not nearly enough. Our pursuit and interest in STEM and AI can help level that playing field. Not to get overly political here, but I am SO over the bro thing (only male guests on stages and podcasts, women who think OnlyFans is their only career option, women not supporting other women in the workplace, etc.)
- As much as the world and technology change, human passions often stay the same. Dig deep (with the help of AI if you so choose) to figure out who you are and where you want to go next. But if you want to remain relevant, pay close attention to your competitors, growth areas, and the skills you’ll need. I will.
After all, I have 30+ more birthdays to celebrate. And now I will be blowing out those candles (metaphorically) with the assistance of unlimited AI power, gadgets, and insights!
The future belongs to those who combine wisdom with new tools.
Join Me in Celebrating:
- 🎁 Donate to YPIE. Education never gets old
- 💼 Hire me for AI marketing strategy, content, or speaking
- 📧 Subscribe to my Substack for insights from someone who knows what business looked like before AND after the Internet
- 🎵 Curious about Beulah’s full Happy Birthday AI remix ideas? Check out the conversation here.
I don’t usually recommend any AI I haven’t tried myself. I took a crack at music composition. It resulted in this new (and bizarre) birthday song.