The Track
A Section Blog

7 hard-won lessons from deploying AI at scale

AI is good enough, the humans need help
Newsflash if you’re waiting for AI to get better before you invest: It’s already pretty good, it’s the people using it that need to get a lot better – and fast. Greg is taking over this week’s newsletter to show you why.

When to use a specialized AI tool vs. an LLM
If you’re hitting the limits of your LLM because you need more data or niche training, you’re likely doing a lot of high-end knowledge work – and that’s where specialized AI tools come into play.

We tested two Deep Research tools. One was unusable.
Two LLMs have released Deep Research features without much of a splash. So if you’ve been wondering about them (and don’t want to pay the $200/month price tag), read on for our Chief of Staff’s take on ChatGPT vs. Gemini.

How an agency is preparing for AI clients
AI has put a big question mark over the future of agencies. So we talked to David Freas, Managing Partner at Supermoon, about how he’s transforming his brand agency with AI agent teammates – and for AI agent clients.

How to know if NFTs are right for your business
Pop quiz. When you hear the word NFT, do you think:
💪 I know exactly what an NFT is and how to use it for my business
🤔 I think I understand what NFTs are, but I have no clue if they’re relevant to me
🤢 Argh! I should know what NFTs are, but thinking about them makes my head hurt
If you answered the latter two options, you’re not alone. Don’t worry – we sat down with NYU Stern Professor Sabrina Howell to simplify it for you.

Self-assessment: Does your team trust you?
I’m sure you’ve had a manager you didn’t trust.
Maybe that manager said she valued your time – but then canceled your 1:1 at the last minute because she just had to run out and get a smoothie.
Maybe he called you out in front of the team for a mistake he made. (Truly an unforgivable offense).
Whatever it was, you know that once trust is lost, it’s hard to get back...

Which skills matter? Employees and L&D leaders don’t always agree [research]
Which skills matter in the modern workplace – to get promoted, to get ahead, to impact the business? It turns out that employees and learning leaders don’t always agree.
We recently surveyed 10,000 students and 250 learning leaders on the skills that are their biggest priority in 2023.

Want to build the next Airbnb? 4 steps to get started
Airbnb changed the way we travel without purchasing any hotels. Uber made it easier to get around without amassing their own fleet. And DoorDash took care of breakfast without cracking a single egg.
The common thread between these companies is that they’re platform businesses. Rather than selling products directly, they’re providing a platform that conveniently connects sellers and buyers.
How do you follow in their footsteps? Here are four steps that can help you build a platform of your own.