Peter Cardon, a business communication professor at USC’s Marshall School of Business, discusses the impact of generative AI on business education and the workplace.
Cardon noted that, unlike earlier waves of AI that were confined to developers and specialists, generative AI is now accessible to virtually every business professional. This shift is democratizing communication tools and redefining what it means to be an effective leader. Yet it also introduces new challenges around authenticity, trust, and identity.
At USC, Cardon and his colleagues have taken a proactive stance. Rather than waiting for AI’s impact to “shake out,” they’ve built a cross-disciplinary initiative to integrate AI into their curriculum, encouraging students to use AI responsibly and intentionally. Faculty across marketing, operations, and statistics are sharing best practices, while students are asked not just to use AI, but to reflect critically on its strengths and limitations.
Drawing on global research, Cardon observed striking cultural differences in AI adoption. U.S. and Indian professionals are embracing the technology with enthusiasm, while European counterparts are approaching it more cautiously, influenced by cultural and regulatory factors.
For students and professionals alike, Cardon’s advice is simple but powerful: Practice using AI for a new task every week. Building hands-on experience is crucial not just for skill development, but for staying grounded and intentional as the technology evolves.
In a world where AI is redefining communication norms, Cardon’s message is clear: Stay reflective, stay intentional, and actively shape how you engage with these powerful new tools.