Building AI from the Ground Up: Industry Pioneers Share Insights
The third installment of the Making it in America series drew a capacity crowd eager to explore how companies are building AI from the ground up. The sold-out event, graciously hosted by the Consulate General of Ireland, brought together leaders from some of the most innovative AI companies to discuss the real-world challenges and opportunities of creating native AI capabilities.
The panel featured Mel Foody, Founder of Ping AI; Jenny O’Leary, Account Director at OpenAI; and Conor Kelly, Product Marketing at Anthropic. Brian Glynn, VP of Revenue & Partnerships at Confirm, moderated the dynamic conversation that ranged from personal career journeys to the future of AI in the workplace.
Beyond the Hype: Real Impact, Real Innovation
One of the evening’s central themes was whether AI represents genuine transformation or just another technology hype cycle. The consensus from the panel was clear: this is a time of genuine and profound change. “The potential impact of AI on the way we all work is extraordinary, and it’s a very exciting time to be working in tech,” noted Brian Glynn, reflecting on the discussion.
The panelists shared their first “aha moments” with AI and how the technology has fundamentally changed their daily routines. For Mel Foody, the journey included a bold move from the security of big tech to launching his own venture—a decision that highlighted the transformative potential he sees in AI.
Navigating Overconfidence and Underestimation
The panelists emphasized the importance of separating genuine breakthroughs from inflated expectations, helping attendees understand where to focus their attention and resources.
A particularly thought-provoking moment came when discussing AI dependency. When asked about the risk of becoming over-reliant on AI—much like our diminished navigation skills in the age of Google Maps—Mel Foody offered a refreshing perspective: “I don’t know how to ride a penny farthing bike, and that’s okay!” Mel’s point resonated with the audience: AI’s true value lies in handling tasks that aren’t the best use of human time, freeing people to focus on higher-value work.
One of the evening’s most unexpected AI applications came from Jenny O’Leary, who shared how her parents have been using AI to generate names for their newborn calves at home on their farm in Cork.
The Irish Advantage in Global AI
In a question inspired by Rhona O’Leary from Genentech during a previous healthcare panel, the discussion explored what unique advantages Irish tech leaders bring to the global AI conversation. The panelists, all products of the Irish education system, also weighed in on how education needs to evolve to prepare the next generation for an AI-driven world.
Practical Advice for Getting Started
For those wondering how to begin their AI journey, the panel offered actionable guidance on what to start tomorrow. Conor Kelly shared insights from his perspective as a recent graduate, discussing how he stays current with AI developments and the role this has played in advancing his career. The panelists also shared strategies for staying ahead of the curve when building or working with AI—critical insights for professionals navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.
Looking Two Years Ahead
As the evening drew to a close, panelists speculated on what might change most if the same group reconvened in two years. While specific predictions varied, the shared sentiment was one of excitement about the extraordinary potential ahead.
