How to Build an AI Assistant for Any Challenge

In this episode of the HBR IdeaCast, Alison Beard interviews tech journalist Alexandra Samuel about building AI assistants to enhance productivity and decision-making. Alexandra argues that custom AI assistants, unlike general AI tools, save time by preloading crucial context and prompts. She explains how to create an AI assistant by teaching the AI from previous sessions and providing background files relevant to the task. Alexandra shares examples of AI assistants she has built, including one for writing marketing copy, a strategy sounding board, and even a coaching AI. She emphasizes that AI assistants can benefit individuals at all levels, from executives seeking diverse perspectives to workers needing help with tedious tasks, and discusses the importance of data privacy and the potential downsides of over-reliance on AI. The conversation includes a live demo of Alexandra's AI coach, Viv, showcasing its ability to provide quick insights and personalized advice.