AI-D Global – monthly series exploring the ideas, experiences, and people shaping progress across borders and disciplines.
AI-D Global is a monthly series which is exploring the ideas, experiences, and people shaping progress across borders and disciplines. Created with Petra Kakovič Bizjak, a technology expert, strategic project leader, and member of AI Development Association (Zavod AI-D), the series brings you concise insights from her conversations with international voices in technology, business, and beyond. Published on the last day of each month, every edition offers new perspectives to consider—and ideas to put into practice.
Our second edition, Patterns of Progress, brings together three minds from three fields and three countries: Iain Shippey, expert in applied sports psychology and peak performance coach from South Africa; Sangita Gautam, PhD fellow in Atmospheric Research from Nepal; and Mbemba Kanoute, Head of IT Interconnection Skill Center, born in Kédougou, Senegal, living in Paris, France.
1. LOOKING BACK AT YOUR CHILDHOOD, WHAT HABIT OR TRAIT HINTED THAT YOU’D END UP HERE?
IAIN: A lifelong passion for sport evolved into a fascination with human potential. This led me into Applied Sports Psychology, coaching the South African Men’s Field Hockey team ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and preparing young athletes for university sport in the USA. My driving question has always been: What enables people to unlock their potential and perform at their best?
SANGITA: Growing up with kind and disciplined parents, I learned that integrity, responsibility, and staying true to my values are the foundations of who I am today.
MBEMBA: As a child of about seven, I began as a shepherd. I managed herds of cattle and sheep in my hometown of Kédougou in Senegal. This experience taught me how to lead and collaborate.
2. WHAT SKILLS WILL BE MOST VALUABLE IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
IAIN: The ability to build genuine human connections, foster mental strength and help people thrive in an increasingly complex, technology-driven world.
SANGITA: As AI advances and, at the same time, climate change brings new challenges, I believe the most valuable skill over the next five years will be combining technical knowledge with responsible judgment to develop practical solutions that help us live safely and sustainably.
MBEMBA: Audacity to remain fearless in times of constant change.
3. WHAT CORE PHILOSOPHY OR IDEA GUIDES YOU?
IAIN: I believe people thrive through meaningful relationships, honest conversations and someone willing to walk alongside them.
“You don’t have to walk alone. Together, we can go further.”
SANGITA: My guiding philosophy is to focus on what you can control and make the most of it.
MBEMBA: Finding win-win solutions, because when only one wins, it is domination. When everyone wins, it is collaboration.
AI-D Global – Curated by Petra Kakovič Bizjak & Kaja Kovič