Does it seem like everyone is doing all amazing things with AI, and you don't even know where to begin and already feel behind? You're not alone. In this refreshingly honest and surprisingly uplifting talk, 30-year tech veteran Brian Madden takes us on a journey through the seasons of technology—and explains why it's perfectly okay if your "AI expertise" is still in its infancy.

Drawing from his experiences riding the waves of virtualization, cloud computing, and now AI, Brian offers a unique perspective on how to approach this latest technological revolution. Spoiler alert: It doesn't involve becoming an overnight AI expert or panic-buying GPUs for your basement.
Instead, Brian will:

• Debunk the myth of the "AI expert" and why chasing that title is like trying to catch the horizon
• Explore why traditional learning methods fall short in the face of AI's rapid evolution
• Share practical strategies for navigating the AI landscape without drowning in information
• Provide a framework for identifying which aspects of AI are relevant to your career and company
• Offer a healthy dose of humor to remind us all that it's okay to feel a bit lost in this brave new world

Whether you're a seasoned IT professional wondering how to adapt, a manager trying to separate AI hype from reality, or just someone who wants to understand what all the fuss is about, this talk will leave you feeling energized and equipped to face the AI future.

Remember: It's springtime for AI. The stakes are low, the potential is high, and now is the perfect time to play. Join Brian as he helps you plant the seeds for your AI journey, no expertise required.

A version of this talk was first delivered as the afternoon keynote talk at the Dutch VMUG UserCon in March 2024 with the title, "The AI train is leaving the station." A video of that talk is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JAEOS7iREw