The Track
A Section Blog

7 hard-won lessons from deploying AI at scale

Why shadow AI is probably happening in your company
We surveyed over 5,000 knowledge workers in the second half of 2024 on AI knowledge, skill, and usage. One of the most troubling takeaways: AI use is happening, whether your company sanctions it or not, and the implications are huge.

ChatGPT Canvas: OpenAI's Trojan Horse for Enterprise Domination
If you missed the launch of ChatGPT's Canvas feature, don’t be surprised – its launch didn't generate the usual hype. But Canvas offers an interesting glimpse into the future of OpenAI's strategic direction.

How I use AI to help my boss prepare for board meetings
We’re not shy about sharing our favorite AI use case: Leveraging it as a thought partner. But not all LLMs are created equally – so Section’s Chief of Staff to the COO, Ana, is sharing how they rank as thought partners for one of her most strategic use cases: Preparing the quarterly board deck.

The hidden reasons you’re not using AI every day
We’ve been taught all our lives to value original ideas and hard work, but using AI challenges these principles. But you have to get over this thinking, because your CEO already has.

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.