What I learned from automating everything | Shauna Sprague | TEDxNashville

Summary

The speaker reflects on their journey of embracing technology and automation, from initially resisting smartphones to using AI and robotic process automation (RPA) to simplify life. By automating mundane tasks such as scheduling, birthday emails, and daily routines, they freed up time for what matters most. The speaker encourages others to embrace AI and automation, not as a fear of technology but as a tool to improve productivity and creativity. They emphasize that failure is a part of the process, offering the courage to learn, grow, and take on new challenges with confidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace change: Cell phones were once feared, but today they are essential, showing that change can lead to progress and convenience.
• 😀 Technology can be an ally: Automation, AI, and tools like smartphones can make life more efficient and free up time for what truly matters.
• 😀 Start small with automation: Begin by automating simple tasks and gradually build up to more complex processes, experiencing the benefits along the way.
• 😀 Automation reduces stress: By automating repetitive tasks, you can focus on more important things, reducing stress and enhancing productivity.
• 😀 Failure is part of the process: Don't fear failure; it is an essential step in learning, growth, and creating better systems.
• 😀 Use AI to increase productivity and creativity: AI isn't here to take jobs, but it can enable us to be more efficient and creative in our work.
• 😀 Automation helps balance work and life: Automating tasks like scheduling, emails, and reminders can give you more time for personal life and goals.
• 😀 Never stop learning: Automation tools and AI can teach you valuable lessons about improving your systems and overcoming challenges.
• 😀 Overcome fear with action: The fear of failure should not stop you from trying new technologies or automating tasks in both personal and professional life.
• 😀 RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is a valuable tool: RPA automates mundane tasks, freeing up time for more important work without needing to be a tech expert.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial attitude toward cell phones?

The speaker initially resisted using cell phones, finding them inconvenient and not wanting to be reachable at all times. They were also frugal and didn't want to spend money on one.

How did the speaker's perspective on phones change over time?

The speaker's perspective changed when phones began offering features like email, GPS, and other tools that helped with their work as a traveling salesperson, making their life more efficient.

What was the key to the speaker's success in automation?

The key to the speaker's success was the drive to save time through automation, learning how to identify needs and find the right tools to automate tasks.

What is the speaker's definition of automation?

Automation is the use of AI and technology to simplify and automate both personal and professional tasks, ultimately saving time and improving efficiency.

What does the speaker mean by 'failure' in the context of automation?

Failure in automation is seen as a natural part of the process. The speaker encourages embracing failure, learning from it, and iterating systems to improve them.

How does the speaker use RPA (Robotic Process Automation) in their daily life?

The speaker uses RPA to automate tasks like adding events to their calendar, sending birthday emails, and managing various personal schedules with efficiency and speed.

What is the significance of the speaker's automated birthday emails?

The speaker created an automated system for sending personalized birthday emails based on a spreadsheet, but it required adjustments when a leap year issue caused a mistake. This is an example of how automation systems can fail and be refined.

What is the speaker's view on AI and its potential impact?

The speaker sees AI as a powerful tool to help automate tasks and make life easier. They emphasize that AI will not replace jobs, but those using AI may gain an advantage.

What role does AI play in the speaker's life and work?

AI helps the speaker automate tasks, streamline workflows, and manage their time more effectively, allowing them to focus on more meaningful activities.

What challenge does the speaker pose to the audience regarding automation?

The speaker challenges the audience to embrace automation, start small, and gradually integrate AI tools into their lives, emphasizing the importance of overcoming fear and learning through trial and error.