Hello from Jen: Bringing the Human to the Center of AI
written by Jennifer Jones-Patulli
As AI transforms every industry, a critical question emerges: How do we ensure humans remain at the center of the equation?
This question guided my journey from casual observer to active participant in the AI conversation. When the Kuleana AI Lab emerged from discussions at our Kuleana coworking space, I found myself drawn not to the technical, but to something far more complex: how humans navigate change, power, and conflict in an AI-driven world.
My background isn't in technology—it's in helping humans interact productively through conflict, power dynamics, and organizational change. I never imagined I'd be part of tech conversations, but AI has changed the landscape for all of us. The skills that help teams navigate complex transitions, manage competing interests, and maintain trust during uncertainty are needed more than ever as businesses integrate AI into their operations.
The turning point came when I discovered Fei-Fei Li's work on human-centred AI (thanks to a recommendation from Anne Coyle, Kuleana Cowork Board member and fellow AI Lab creator alongside Pete Simon, Kim Theisen, and myself). Reading "The Worlds I See" alongside Karen Hao's "Empire of AI" and Cathy O'Neil's "Weapons of Math Destruction" clarified my role in this conversation: ensuring that as we leap into the AI age, we don't lose sight of what makes us fundamentally human.
In AI implementation, businesses face challenges that go beyond the technical:
How do we maintain authentic human connection when AI handles more interactions?
What happens to decision-making processes when algorithms provide recommendations?
How do we address employee concerns about job displacement while embracing efficiency gains?
When should we choose human judgment over AI convenience?
These aren't technical problems—they're human problems that require the same careful attention we bring to any significant organizational change.
In the fall, the Kuleana AI Lab is launching a 10-week intensive program for five Kauaʻi business leaders who want to implement AI responsibly and effectively. In this cohort, I will be working in collaboration with Pete (our UX expert and lead instructor) and Kim (our program manager). I have the honour of facilitating the human-centred discussions. My goal is to ensure our cohort participants can use AI to serve their businesses without compromising their core values. Specifically, I'll explore when to engage with AI, when to step back, and how to create systems that enhance rather than replace human judgment.
Like Fei-Fei Li's vision for human-centred AI, my focus is on AI implementations that consider human needs, values, and capabilities. For Kauaʻi businesses, this means AI that respects our island's values.
Want to explore what AI means for your business? Follow our journey and join the conversation.
Keep following us on our website and Instagram for program updates, insights from our cohort, and ongoing discussions about AI implementation on Kaua'i.