Kerushan.com

25/03/2024

Happy to see that "Age of Agency" is now available at its lowest price in South Africa on Loot.co.za—simply search for the title. Growth enthusiasts, seize this chance to acquire a book that prepares you for the greatest era in mankind's history.

This isn't merely a collection of thoughts—it's the spark for your journey of employing AI to unleash your superpower.

For these and other updates, subscribe at https://kerushan.com/ageofagency/. Stay ahead of the curve in this transformative age.

17/03/2024

Had an amazing time at 2024 catching up with old friends.

Funny story - Riedwaan Bassadien and I started at Microsoft on the same day 21 years ago. I remember us shuffling about the reception area in Sunninghill like it was yesterday.

It's great to see Colin Erasmus and Lolo Pearl Schrimpton still flourishing after all these years.

And let's not forget Sameera Mohamed the rockstar of the pack whose ascent up the ranks has been nothing short of spectacular. Here's to the good ol' days!

15/03/2024

Joburg's recent water crisis took me back to the days when I worked with SA municipalities while still at Microsoft. Back then, we faced a specific roadblock in deploying transformative technologies. Today, we can overcome this challenge with AI. I invite you to listen to my interview with Michael Avery on Classic Business, where I discuss how AI can help us.

Link to the interview: https://iono.fm/e/1416252

Kerushan Govender, an independent AI advisor, who previously led a Microsoft division that served South African municipalities Not the Daily news – AI offers solution to SA’s no-revenue water loss

04/03/2024

Ever said "yes" at work, only to later question why you didn't trust your gut's resounding "no"? It's a common tale in the professional world, where the pressure to comply can be overwhelming. But savvy decision-making isn't a mere "yes" or "no" game; it's a balance of personal stakes with the needs of others.

Picture this: You're on the cusp of agreeing to a project that flatters your ego but stretches your team's bandwidth thin. That "yes" might serve your image momentarily, but what about the project's health or your team's morale? Now flip the scenario — a "yes" after thoughtful consideration of all variables, including your team's capacity and the client's true needs, creates a harmony of purpose and potential.

Similarly, a "no" isn't a retreat into comfort or lethargy, unless it is a “no” for personal reasons. When it's a "no" for the right reasons—acknowledging the limits of your resources, the scale of the ask, and the real-world implications—you're not just being honest, you're being strategic. Such a “no” demonstrates care for the client.

Sustainable decision-making means looking beyond today, envisioning the future implications of your "yes" or "no". This kind of wisdom is about playing the long game.

And in an age where artificial intelligence is revolutionising workflows, mastering this nuanced art of decision-making becomes even more crucial. AI can process, predict, and produce with astonishing speed, but it grapples with the subtleties of context, the shades of human emotion, and the subtleties of long-term consequences. Our human insight—our ability to weigh the seen and unseen, to balance the immediate against the eventual—is our strength.

28/02/2024

What she said…

📍🗓️ Join us at EB Sandton City Shopping Centre for a book launch for Age of Agency: Rise with AI by Kerushan Govender.

Jonathan Ball Publishers
Kerushan.com

RSVP to [email protected]

28/02/2024

Sometimes we all need a good rant! Let's challenge the AI hype and delve into real-world strategies for small business owners. We'll grill Axiz's digital manager and an experienced Microsoft senior partner to uncover how AI, like Microsoft Copilot, can drive tangible results, streamline operations, and boost your bottom line. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the true potential of AI! Link in the comments.

19/02/2024

This may sound a bit crazy, but I’ve decided to give away copies of my new book on AI. In fact, I will even cover courier costs!😇

Here’s why. I'm offering a token of appreciation for the forward-thinking IT leaders in South Africa.

In this book, I delve into the power of AI and the continuous pursuit of knowledge that drives today’s tech leaders forward. It's for people like you who are working to create a next-gen IT environment.

Here's your chance to get a signed copy sent to you, free of charge, as a nod to your dedication to IT excellence.

Visit the link below to find out how to claim your copy.

I want to reward IT leaders who are forward-thinking, working to create next-gen IT environments. This requires continuous learning and exploring. All you need to do is attend a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an IT expert in any area of your interest. This consultation will be educational, wh...

15/02/2024

Catch my podcast interview with Ciaran Ryan on Moneyweb

07/02/2024

Agency is the intrinsic ability of humans to act autonomously and decisively. Consider a child born into impoverished circumstances. This child has the potential to choose a new future for herself, one that reflects her preferences, goals, passions, and talents. Importantly, this new future can be entirely independent of her past, thanks to her agency.

In contrast, computers and artificial intelligence (AI), despite significant advancements, lack this fundamental capability of agency. They are incapable of imagining or deciding on a new future goal autonomously. AI's capacity is limited to making predictions based on historical data, without the ability to conceive or build a completely new future in the absence of such data. Using the child's example, if her future were determined by AI, it would be predicted based on her past circumstances.

This example illustrates a crucial point: humans have the ability to choose their future based on personal likes and desires. AI, on the other hand, is inherently unable to 'like' anything and makes predictions based on data-driven likelihoods. This distinction has significant implications - think about it for a second.

For individuals or businesses aiming for disproportionate growth, relying solely on AI's predictive capabilities is insufficient. AI tends to project future outcomes based on past patterns, which may not always be conducive to achieving exponential growth. Here, human agency plays a vital role. It is the human capacity to envision and pursue a future beyond the constraints of past data that enables the creation of new growth opportunities.

06/02/2024

Pretty cool seeing "Age of Agency" in a bookstore, let alone at #2 in the bestseller section.

I wrote this book because I felt a strong need to share something important. Everywhere, people are getting swept up in the AI revolution. It's not a bad thing—AI is transforming our world in unimaginable ways. Yet, it's crucial we don't lose sight of what makes us uniquely human.

Now, more than ever, is the time for intentional action. Before AI dictates the future of our lives, careers, and families, we have a window to reimagine the value we bring to the world. We must identify where AI falls short and our human strengths shine—areas like empathy, creativity, and perception are ours to claim. Don't abandon the opportunity to prepare for what's to come.

Interested in exploring how to leverage your human edge in the age of AI? Find out more here: https://kerushan.com/ageofagency/

02/02/2024

Book launch 1 = done ✅

And it was a massive success!

A big thank you to everyone who attended, to our generous event sponsors, and most importantly, to the team at Blacfox.

Your dedication never ceases to amaze me. Love you guys.

01/02/2024

How good are you at committing in the face of the unknown?

Leadership can be defined in many ways, but a crucial aspect is our response to the unknown. A true leader commits, against the odds, to make something happen. Yes, there are numerous unknowns along the way, but they commit because of their drive to achieve the target, no matter the adversity.

Real leaders make things happen. They don't just report what has happened; they determine what will happen, even in the face of uncertainty, and then they make it a reality. When they say it will happen by March, they do everything in their power to ensure it does, despite there being no guarantees.

This ability to commit in the face of uncertainty is what distinguishes a leader. Someone not quite so inclined will easily falter, finding every reason why committing to a target is impossible. They resist whenever asked for their forecast, questioning how they could possibly predict the future.

I'm sharing this to not only recognise the true value of leadership but also to highlight an area where AI simply cannot "compete" with humanity. No AI can pursue a goal with the determination that a strong leader can. AI might predict outcomes based on data, but it cannot manifest those outcomes. Humans, on the other hand, can achieve what seems impossible, creating outcomes against the odds, in ways data could never predict.

This isn't just about comparing man versus AI; it's an opportunity for us to reflect on our journey towards our ideals, especially in an AI era. If we aim to be leaders, we must surpass what AI can achieve. AI relies on past data to predict outcomes, but true leadership—and humanity—is about creating the future, not just predicting it.

27/01/2024

This weekend, as I find myself amidst the beautiful wilderness of the Western Cape, attending a heartwarming wedding, I felt compelled to share a few thoughts.

In our fast-paced, AI-driven world, it’s easy to be swept up in the relentless ‘rat race’. However, today, surrounded by the joyous celebration of love, family, and friendship, I’m reminded of the importance of stepping back to cherish our most intrinsic human impulses.

As we marvel at the rapid advancement of AI, we must remember its true purpose: to enhance our human experience, not replace it. AI holds immense potential to free us from mundane tasks, encouraging us to focus more on what truly makes us human - our ability to love, care, and connect on a profound level.

This wedding, a beautiful testimony to love and human connection, emphasizes the need for moments where we can truly be present with each other. It’s a reminder that amidst our technology-driven lives, we must nurture these human connections that form the very essence of our existence.

As I share this photo from the wedding, I’m celebrating not just the couple’s love, but the beauty of being human, of reconnecting, and of remembering what truly matters. Let’s embrace these moments and let them guide our use of technology, ensuring it enhances, rather than overshadows, our human experience.

22/01/2024

This is a look of surprise, gratitude, anticipation and trepidation, all rolled into one!

It's the first time I watched complete strangers interact with "Age of Agency."

Sure, work colleagues, friends and family are always supportive. But I didn't know what to expect when people I'd never met before picked up the book.

I was genuinely nervous about their reactions. Would they snicker? Would they put it down politely and walk off?

See, a book is not just another product. For me anyway.

It's a compilation of the thoughts and ideas that I hold most dear. And while I certainly don't expect everyone to agree with my ideas, I still wonder whether the book will be welcomed or not.

On that note, I am REALLY looking forward to the official book launch taking place in Cape Town on 2 Feb 2024. Registration is FREE and is still open. If you're up for some power networking and delicious treats, click here: https://lnkd.in/drnMW2wP

Thanks to the folks at Unique Speaker Bureau for the invitation to attend the speaker series. Special thanks to Cathy Johnson, Melecent Tsotetsi and Melisa Tsotetsi for hosting us.

20/01/2024

🥂 Exciting news for our upcoming book launch 📚

With just two weeks to go until the launch of "Age of Agency: Rise with AI," I am thrilled to announce a delightful addition to our event – a big thank you to Durbanville Hills Wine for their generous sponsorship!

Their selection of exquisite wines promises to add an extra layer of sophistication and enjoyment to our afternoon. It's partnerships like these that bring a special touch to our gatherings, and I am immensely grateful for Durbanville Hills Winery's support.

As we count down the days, my excitement only grows. The pieces are falling perfectly into place, and I am confident this event will be a memorable experience for all of us. From insightful discussions to the pleasure of good wine, we have much to look forward to.

To those joining us, prepare for an afternoon of relaxation, engaging conversations, and now, the added delight of Durbanville Hills' finest wines. To those still contemplating, there's still time to be part of this unique experience.

Here's to the start of something beautiful. Can't wait to share this special day with you all!

Register here: https://kerushan.com/register-for-age-of-agency-book-launch/

03/01/2024

I salute the real change-makers. These are the people who are dogged in the pursuit of their goals. Some of them may become known for their accomplishments. Some may even become rich because of it. But this is not WHY they do what they do.

They chase their ideals because of a higher, almost divine motivation. They have an overwhelming purpose to get a job done. This is their north star. They hardly yield to distraction, of any sort. They are resolute.

The best part about these people is that don't seem to care what others think about them. They are not seeking anyone's approval. They are not in need of any praise or admiration. They certainly don't need any "badges" or titles to determine what they can accomplish. They are driven by a strong sense of their own self-belief.

Getting the job done is their only measure of success. They know they have a (self-appointed) job to do and they set about to do it: to build a school, or turn a company around, or change some legislation... These people know that one is successful to the degree that one can make things happen.

Thankfully, our history and our present abound with these people. Their positive effects are far reaching. More and more, I strive to be one of these people. As I chart my course for 2024 and beyond, I want my efforts in this direction to become a lot more pronounced.

01/01/2024

Happy New Year! Are you ready to make 2024 your landmark year? The stage is certainly set for it.

Reflecting on 2023, it's clear that the year flew by, but it left us with an unprecedented gift: the explosion of generative AI. This has fundamentally transformed how we work, signaling a change that's here to stay. Now, 2024 is poised to unveil the next wave of this planetary step-change.

Looking for some guidance as you plan for the new year? Allow me to introduce you to 'Ikigai', a powerful yet simple Japanese framework. Ikigai, meaning 'reason for being', is the intersection of what you love, what the world needs, what you can be paid for, and what you're good at. It's a formula for fulfillment, contentment, and making a meaningful contribution.

Here’s a fun, personal exercise to try:
1. Identify what you love.
2. Consider what the world needs.
3. Determine what you can be paid for.
4. Recognize what you're good at.

In my new book, "Age of Agency: Rise with AI," I delve deep into this concept. I believe it's vital for everyone to plan for their future, especially in our rapidly evolving world. In the book, I even introduce a 5th element to this framework, aimed at helping individuals future-proof their careers in the face of AI.

You can find "Age of Agency: Rise with AI" on Amazon, or sign up here for the best way to get your copy: https://kerushan.com/sign-up-for-age-of-agency-book-updates/

Here's to a transformative 2024!

21/12/2023

Today is a milestone day.

My book is finally available on digital shelves everywhere. It was quite the treat seeing it on my Kindle this morning.

When I wrote Age of Agency, I felt inexplicably compelled to share a specific message. It is a message that has grown with me, as I have grown in my life and career. From the days working school holiday's at my gran's store in apartheid South Africa, to my first business that got me through university. Every step, large and small, sculpted this message and compelled me to share it.

It's more than a topic of interest; it feels like a necessary mission, one that I find myself irresistibly drawn to communicate to friends, family, and beyond.

Why this sense of urgency?

Because the AI tidal wave is upon us. There is factually no turning back. We have the time and opportunity to set up for the biggest step change humanity has seen.

We need to understand AI, it's mechanics and its scope. We have to move beyond being simply "enamoured" to being skilled operators of this new class of technology. Whether we like it or not, AI has stepped on our turf. Some might argue that it has overstepped.

Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of being passive observers anymore. We need to act.

Within these pages lies a clear guide on how we can all master this new era. What actions should we take? How do we best invest our time?

If nothing else, this book will give you a brand new perspective.

Interested? Click to find the most accessible and affordable way to embark on this journey with me (I will share discount codes with this list 💥): https://kerushan.com/age-of-agency-book-updates/


Thank you for sharing this momentous day with me and for being part of a pivotal chapter in our shared history.

Uncover ways to connect with humanity on a deeper level in the age of AI. Join our early release program for the book launch.

12/12/2023

I’m thrilled to get a chance to network at the upcoming UVU Africa event. I haven't had many opportunities to network recently, so I'm eager to connect with others who share my passion for AI.

If you’re keen on networking and learning from AI professionals, sign up with the link below.

https://web.cvent.com/event/83247db3-1023-4f3f-bbac-ad34fbd30f8e/regProcessStep1

28/11/2023

The digital space has undergone an incredible transformation, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. From executives to entrepreneurs, the way we approach work is being revolutionised as we speak.

As someone who has spent their career in the tech industry, trust me, navigating this change is no easy task. That’s why I’ve created a blog – to stay on top of this fast-paced environment and keep you in the loop.

Sign up to be notified when a new blog is published.

As someone who has spent their career in the tech industry, trust me, navigating this change is no easy task. That’s why I’ve created a blog – to stay on top of this fast-paced environment and keep you in the loop. Sign up to be notified when a new blog is published.

18/09/2023

Leaders must contextualise the AI hype. Catch my short Moneyweb interview with Jeremy Maggs here:

A round-up of news updates, including a look at what needs to be done to fix SA's economic growth lag.

17/08/2023

I'm more excited than ever to delve into the conversation about people vs AI. This is a vital subject that needs to be tackled head on. Let's chat more at HR Summit.

20/11/2022

Pretty cool huh?

From 11/20 to 11/29, epic software deals return to AppSumo for Black Friday 2022. Sign up for Black Friday updates and you’ll be entered for a chance to win LIFETIME ACCESS to Zapier, Evernote, Dropbox, and more!

19/10/2022

We're excited to announce the launch of our latest YouTube video and podcast: The Future of Web 3.0. The link to the video is in the Comments section below.

From aspiring radio show rapper to computer software tester, Cory Warfield of Agora World proves that you can do anything and be anyone you want.

In this interview, Cory reminisces on his past and shares his diverse work experience and life-learnings. He also reflects on how the hospitality industry shaped his confidence, as well as his views on service.

Cory discusses the evolution of the internet, from the dot-com era to the expanding collaborative nature of blockchain and the metaverse through the lens of Web 3.0.

Furthermore, he shares tips on how to research the ever-changing complexities of the web to avoid falling behind, along with some revolutionary info on the exciting steps that Agora World is taking.

Finally, Cory concludes with two surprising bits of advice for all viewers to keep in mind.

30/09/2022

What is branding, and how does it differ from mainstream marketing?

28/09/2022

Good performance from employees usually translates to good service on the part of the customer. So there is a deep relationship between performance and service, which concerns marketing because both ultimately deliver on marketing's promise already made to that market.

So, for marketing to influence the organisation towards its promise, it has to be concerned about performance.

26/09/2022

Why brand cannot be entirely divorced from your demand gen campaigns, and why your brand narrative needs to be present, throughout all your messages and content

22/09/2022

4 questions you’ve probably asked yourself at some point in your digital marketing journey:

- What sets you apart from the competition?
- Why should buyers choose your product/service?
- What can you give them that other brands cannot?
- How do you go about communicating this with your target market in a way that resonates with them?

Here are a few solutions to help you elevate your unique selling proposition and transform your positioning and messaging:

- Know your brand and identify your target market.
- Decide to create an appropriate plan of action.

15/08/2022

Join us this week for another Coffee & Goals session.

Remember, this is an opportunity for you to take some time out for you. Just grab some coffee and some scrap paper and we will discuss goals for about an hour. I’ll have some articles ready to share that will give us the dose of inspiration we need. And if you join me in person in Cape Town, coffee is on me.

Remember to register at this link so I know you are attending. Looking forward to seeing you Wednesday.

Take care, KG

RSVP: https://kerushan.com/coffee-and-goals/

12/08/2022

Whether a seasoned business leader or a new entrepreneur, figuring out what a customer wants, or needs can be overwhelming. Quite an open-ended problem statement, right? Oftentimes, it seems as though customers themselves cannot tell you what they want until it becomes available.

There is an element of perception in all this, then. And before we go down the rabbit hole trying to work out exactly what a customer wants, it is easier to start with this question: what would a customer find useful or valuable?