(A Women's History Month Reflection) During Women’s History Month, I’ve been reflecting on the story of Dorothy Vaughan from the film Hidden Figures. Dorothy Vaughan worked as a mathematician at what later became NASA. Her job was to perform complex calculations by hand as a “human computer.” But something began to change. Technology was arriving. The large IBM machines were being installed, and many people feared what that might mean for their jobs. Sound familiar? Dorothy Vaughan noticed the shift early. Instead of waiting for someone to tell her what to do. She quietly began teaching herself a new programming language called FORTRAN. She was around 50 years old when she made that decision. And she didn’t just learn it for herself she helped the women around her learn it as well, ensuring that they would not be left behind as technology changed the workplace. Her story reminds me of the moment we are standing in today. Artificial Intelligence is emerging in ways that are already reshaping how our work, how we serve, communicate, and create. For many people, especially those of us with decades of experience, it raises an important question: Where do we fit in this new technological world? Dorothy Vaughan reminds us of something powerful. Technology does not erase experience—it amplifies it when we choose to engage with it. History is filled with women who recognized the moment in front of them and chose to move forward rather than step aside. And perhaps this moment is asking something similar of us. This reflection is one of the reasons I’ve been working on my upcoming book: "AI and Us: Why Baby Boomers and Gen X Can’t Sit This One Out", The release will now be coming in April, and I’m excited to share more soon. If Dorothy Vaughan could recognize the future of technology at 50 years old, perhaps the real question for many of us today is not whether AI is coming. It's how we will choose to engage with it.

There’s a common misconception that you have to be a “tech person” to engage with AI. The truth? You just have to be willing. I didn’t learn AI to compete. I learned it to amplify my voice in this next chapter of my life and leadership. Even after retiring from a title, I didn’t retire from purpose, learning, or influence. Experience doesn’t expire—it evolves. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “too old” or somehow “behind,” consider this your invitation. Not to master technology overnight—but to take your seat at the table with confidence and discernment. The real shift isn’t about the code. It’s about participation. Join the conversation at @AIandUsGlobal #AIandUs #NextChapter #PausePivotShift #LeadershipEvolution #WisdomAtWork #LearningNeverStops

AI is not here to silence your voice...your voice is still needed

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s time for more than reflection — it’s time for clarity. Join me LIVE on Facebook for a free, AI-guided session: The Year-End Business Mirror: What 2025 Revealed December 27 Free | Live | Practical