Rhyne Armstrong leads the Developer Experience Content team at Pismo/Visa, managing the talented writers who make sure customer-developers are successful on the Pismo platform. During his nearly 30 years in the content world, Rhyne has been everything from a technical writer in software development, to a communications director, product evangelist, and user experience manager. In his spare time, he raises kids, collects cats, and attempts to act on stage and screen.
From Shadow to Servant: Confronting the AI Beast
Artificial Intelligence often feels like a monster hiding in the dark; vast, powerful, and poorly understood. We hear its heavy footsteps in headlines about automation, disruption, and machines that can replace us. We see its snapping jaws in stories about algorithms shaping our choices, predicting our behavior, and transforming entire industries overnight. In the shadows of uncertainty, imagination fills in the gaps, and the creature grows larger, more intimidating, more uncontrollable.
This session explains how Visa/Pismo went through a year-long journey with Artificial Intelligence, starting from a place of fear and confusion to a position of strength and admiration. We now understand that AI is only terrifying when it remains unseen, unnamed, and unexplored. Don’t fear the creature lurking in the dark. Seek it out, tame it, and put it to work for you!
In this session, attendees will learn how to:
- See past AI fear and misunderstanding
- Match your content needs with AI benefits
- Stay competitive in a world driven by AI
- Go beyond what is possible with AI to what is practical
- Put AI to work for you!
Be an Empowering Leader
Stick around after the last general session to attend this fun and interactive post-conference workshop. Designed for leaders and aspiring leaders of all levels, we’ll talk about what works, what doesn’t work, and mistakes I and others have made trying to lead and influence folks around us. This session is interactive, but inclusive. If you just want to sit and observe, that’s fine! If you want to lead us in an interpretive dance…well, okay. If you want to watch watch Netflix in the back of the room and pay half-attention to what’s going on, that’s up to you, but you can’t use my account. Whether you’re leading a small team or managing a large organization, this workshop will equip you with the skills to create an environment where everyone feels valued, motivated, and empowered to succeed and grow. Join us and take the first step towards becoming the leader you aspire to be!
In this workshop, attendees will learn:
- Knowing Yourself: What kind of leader do you want to be? What values do you want to show and try and instill in others?
- Understanding Empowerment: Learn what it means to empower others and the impact it has on team dynamics and organizational success.
- Building Trust and Communication: Discover strategies for fostering open communication and trust within your team, enabling a culture of collaboration and innovation.
- Encouraging Growth and Development: Learn how to identify and nurture the strengths of your team, providing them with the resources and opportunities to thrive.
- Leading by Example: Explore the importance of modeling the behaviors and values you wish to instill in your team, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
- Telling Your Story: Explore ways you can craft your team’s story and how best to make sure others hear it effectively.
