“HR is now R&D.”
— Ethan Mollick, Author of Co-Intelligence
Generative AI is a paradox. It can solve PhD-level problems but at one point struggled to count the “Rs” in “strawberry.” This evolving capability – what Ethan Mollick calls the “jagged frontier” – is both its challenge and its promise.
Like the wheel, electricity and the internet, Generative AI is a transformative, general-purpose technology. Early on, the true potential is easy to overlook. The internet, for example, began as a static repository of information, like a digital library. Over time it grew into a dynamic ecosystem, enabling social media, streaming and the gig economy. People quickly recognized the internet as transformative, but few could have imagined its many complex use cases. Generative AI is in that same early stage, waiting for us to discover its most impactful uses.
Sounds complicated, doesn’t it? So the question is: What does this mean for the running specialty industry? And who will unlock its potential?
The Answer Isn’t R&D—It’s Us
Unlike past technologies, Generative AI doesn’t require technical expertise to explore. While research and engineering may build the foundation, discovering how AI can truly improve our industry falls to us — those on the front line who see the challenges in our stores every day. So, for us, it’s true to say that HR really is R&D.
At Big Peach, for example, we’ve started to harness AI to partially automate our training curriculum for new team members. The result? A process that’s both more effective and more efficient, freeing up valuable time while improving team readiness.
This is just one way we’re beginning to unlock AI’s potential in run specialty. There are likely countless other examples that could be discovered in the coming months and years where this technology not only makes us more efficient but also more innovative.
This is a unique moment in history: A chance for anyone, regardless of technical background, to shape how AI transforms our work. But we need to ask ourselves, “How can we learn faster as a group to benefit the entire industry?”
Enter Run Tech Connect
Run Tech Connect is a Discord Server created specifically for the running specialty community. It’s a collaborative space where we can share ideas, explore use cases and ask questions about Generative AI and other emerging technologies. Think of it as an accelerator for our collective learning curve. You don’t need to be an expert — just curious and willing to share what you find.
Joining Run Tech Connect is free (it’ll just cost you your email address). Whether you prefer to participate actively or observe quietly, the community will be stronger with you in it. And if you’re ready to take the leap, active participation is the best way to grow your confidence and find your voice with this technology.
Getting started is simple. Send me a note at the [email protected]
and I’ll send you an invitation link. If the link expires before you act, no worries — just let me know, and I’ll send a new one.
I hope to see you there. Let’s explore this wild new frontier together!
Steve DeMoss
Big Peach Running Co. Alpharetta & East Cobb
