AI Partners: From Smart Chat to Strategic Collaborator
Next class is from Sep 24, 2025 - Oct 7, 2025 via Maven.
3 weeks, 60 mins each session | Live Workshop via Maven
AI is everywhere—but most people still don’t know what it is, how it works, or how to tell the difference between a good output and a dangerous one. This workshop demystifies the core mechanics of AI systems and helps participants build confidence using AI tools intentionally and critically.
We’ll explore how to separate hype from reality, how to evaluate AI-generated content, and how to stay in control—without needing a technical background.
This is not a lecture—this is active learning through exercises, analysis, role-play, and tool exploration.
Participants will explore how to collaborate with three types of AI tools:
A persistent AI partner
A task-specific custom GPT
A workflow-based AI agent
Rather than chasing productivity hacks, this workshop focuses on building intentional, sustainable AI support systems tailored to your work and values.
Who is this for?
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ready to move beyond basic prompting
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who are adopting AI to accelerate their work
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seeking sustainable AI collaboration methods
What you’ll learn
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Week 1: Meet Your AI Partner
Learn to set up and train a persistent AI assistant using a tool like ChatGPT's memory and custom instructions. Establish effective co-working dynamics and practice hands-on delegation.
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Week 2: Building Your Custom GPT
Create task-specific GPTs for repeatable work. Design system instructions, test functionality, and document use cases for scaling your AI toolkit.
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Week 3: Week 3: Exploring AI Agents & Workflows
Build simple automation agents using no-code tools. Set up workflow automation and understand permissions and guardrails for responsible AI deployment.
Meet your Facilitators
These experts are industry practitioners in the topic they’re teaching, and will be with you every step of the way to give you hands-on practice.
Next class is from Sep 10, 2025 - Oct 1, 2025 via Maven.
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Chrys Li is a seasoned UX and Service Design consultant with deep experience across complex systems, enterprise platforms, and AI-integrated solutions. With a sharp focus on strategy, structure, and scalable documentation, she helps teams move from ambiguity to clarity—faster. Whether leading end-to-end product work or collaborating as a strategic partner, Chrys brings insight, rigor, and just the right amount of creative rebellion.
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Steph is a Product Designer and former public librarian specializing in complex system design and internal tools. She has a deep love for research, and brings clarity, structure, and curiosity to everything she touches. She believes great design is grounded in research, shaped by collaboration, and driven by user and operational impact.
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Vu is a curious, creative UX designer who loves making sense of complex problems and turning them into clear, thoughtful experiences. He’s big on strategy, driven by research, and always thinking a few steps ahead. When he’s not deep in design, you’ll find him out in nature, chasing live music, cracking up at stand-up comedy, or sharing what he’s learned to help others grow.