A skills-based approach to AI implementation for SMEs
With AI predicted to generate value and opportunity in ways we can only begin to imagine, Friyay are working with small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Australia to implement generative AI in their businesses.
“At Friyay, our vision is to create a future where AI plays a central role in empowering individuals,” says Gareth Rydon, Co-founder, Friyay — Australia’s first generative AI studio
“A challenge I hear from SMEs is they don’t know where to start with AI in their business. They are flat out running their business, they feel that AI can help them grow but don’t know what the first step is,” says Gareth.
“The impact of generative AI on skills in the workplace is that SMEs now have a much larger talent pool to draw from to complete tasks — they aren't trapped by traditional role descriptions. It empowers them to be more agile and optimises the blend of human and artificial intelligence.”
AI for skills, not jobs
When helping SMEs augment with AI, Friyay takes a skills-first approach.
“We help them look at their businesses from the skills required to deliver their outcomes, not the jobs they currently have.
“This is a shift from traditional approaches, which are more role or job focused. We have found it to be the best way for an SME to be set up to have more strategic conversations about AI integration,” adds Gareth.
Friyay’s skill-centric approach to AI integration
Gareth notes that starting with your goals is key, detailing his simple approach:
1. Take your business goals and break these down into outcomes.
2. Look at what tasks are required to achieve these outcomes.
a. This is the first point of divergence from traditional approaches where you would list out all the jobs in the business.
b. The benefit of this new approach is it helps clarify the exact nature of the work.
c. You can think about how these tasks are assigned and executed (humans or AI).
3. With the tasks defined, identify specific skills needed to perform the tasks effectively — this is the exciting part!
a. AI has opened up a whole new world of where you can get these skills from.
b. You can now strategically choose: automate, augment, or re-skill.
c. This allows you to fill skill gaps without the constraints of conventional role definitions.
AI empowers work freedom
Friyay is passionate about shaping a future where people are liberated from the constraints of routine jobs and rigid schedules, instead advocating for freedom to work more on what brings them joy.
“We had a client recently who used AI to handle initial customer inquiries and routine problems, while their human team members handled tasks related to personal engagement and more complex issues.
“They felt relieved and excited. Relieved that they had started on their AI journey and excited for what they next opportunities are," says Gareth.
"We’re excited about contributing to a future where what matters most is how we spend our time, not how we earn a living.”