Golub Lecture Focuses on Responsible Use of AI

"AI won't steal your job, but someone who knows how to use AI will."

That was the key takeaway for Aidan O'Brien '26 from the 2025 Lewis Golub Executive Lecture. The marketing major, who is exploring AI usage in two of his classes this semester, listened to Pamela Lirio, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of Montreal, speak on "Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Keeping Humanity in the Loop" on April 3 in the SSU. The fireside chat featured last year's Golub lecturer Jay Moore '87, senior advisor, ICEO and former chief learning officer at General Electric.

"There tends to be a theme of fear regarding AI usage, and Dr. Lirio had a deep understanding of these fears regarding its extremely fast-paced growth," said O'Brien. "She helped her audience more fully understand the potential implications of how AI can affect society in the future, as well as in our professions every day."

In his Marketing Research Methods class this semester, O'Brien is studying the impacts of AI usage in academia as it relates to confidence and GPA performance. In his entrepreneurship class, he is developing a hypothetical app powered by an AI algorithm that delivers short form content beneficial to the user, unlike apps like TikTok or Instagram reels.

Lirio and Moore promoted the value of AI proficiency in the workforce, which O'Brien said contrasted with a more generally held view that using AI is a fallback for those not willing to commit themselves fully to a project.

"There seemed to be a disconnect between these views," he explained. "On one hand, I could be considered a cheater or lazy for using AI, and on the other hand I would be considered resourceful and technically advanced."

During the question-and-answer session he asked Lirio to comment on this disconnect and said her response "represents what the Golub Lecture Series is all about.

"It's about having conversations about topics that are not yet fully understood, and it is in having these discussions that we grow as an academic community."

Lirio spoke about the possibilities - and potential pitfalls - of AI, with both she and Moore noting how far the field has developed since last year's Golub lecture.

"AI is not going to replace what humans do, but it will take over the more basic and time-consuming tasks," she explained. "It will free people up to concentrate on the creative and strategic aspects of their fields."

She noted that of course AI usage is not free of major ethical challenges. She said we must recognize that AI is here to stay and must think critically of the best ways to harness its opportunities. Ethical guidelines are needed, as well as business, legal and environmental regulations.

"At the very minimum you are going to need a basic framework of ethics to do no harm."

Lirio and Moore agreed that AI is a revolution and that people from all walks of life need to be invited into the conversation about the best ways to leverage its power.

"We have to keep humanity in the loop, and not just let the algorithms run the show," said Lirio. "AI impacts society and we are all part of society. It does create an ethical dilemma, as it could deepen the chasm between the haves and have-nots. Democratization is an important consideration here."

She encouraged Saints to "just jump in" and explore what AI can do, and to be open minded about its possibilities.

"Being part of this conversation is important," she said. "You don't need to know everything and you don't need to shift your entire field of vision, but understand that ethical use of AI is a must-have skill."

The Lewis Golub Executive Lecture Series brings business executives to Siena College to speak on business principles and practices including but not limited to business ethics. The guest lecturers provide insights into socially responsible behavior by businesses and those who lead them.

"I am deeply grateful to the Golub family for their vision and support to the School of Business in advancing the School of Business mission and strategic plan to 'develop versatile and socially responsible citizens with the skills to compassionately lead, serve, and succeed,'" said Business Dean Rashmi Assudani, Ph.D. "I would like to extend the invitation to other alumni and friends of Siena College to join us in advancing our ability to offer business education integrated with the liberal arts and rooted in the Franciscan values."