Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem has disclosed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming reputation and communication in the nation’s marketing communication ecosystem.

Speaking at the 12th edition of the Women in Marketing Communications Conference and Awards (WIMCA) held in Lagos recently, she however cautioned, ‘do not compete with AI: Understand it, question it, use it. In fact, ask silly questions. In my view, there is no such thing as silly questions.’

Saying the technology must be properly understood, she stressed the place of judgement, empathy, intuition, imagination and emotional intelligence.

To her, marketing communications professionals must blend career growth with personal growth.

She further cautioned, ‘you shape perception, protect corporate reputation. But influence comes responsibility. You must remain teachable.’

Themed, ‘Grow, give, glow: Building resilience for distinction,’ WIMCA convener, Joshua Ajayi in his welcome remarks said, ‘we are not just hosting an event, we are helping write what the marketing and communications industry looks like for the women coming up behind us.’

Speaking on the theme, he noted, ‘growing means you are still always willing to learn new things, even after you’ve mastered ten other things. Giving is the part people underrate: Showing up for another woman’s success the same way you would want someone to show up for yours.

‘Resilience, in this context isn’t really about grinding your teeth and surviving another hard year, it’s somewhat like architecture; building something that can take pressure without collapsing; that bends instead of snapping; and that leaves enough room for the next woman to build on top of it.’ He stated.

There were panel sessions on various topics such as, Managing disruption, burn out and bias; Artificial Intelligence and the new realities of marketing to women; Grow, give, glow: Emotional Intelligence for peak performance  and distinction; Career excellence: Growing beyond briefs and targets; Wealth, financial security, and your career journey.

The event brought together leading female professionals and stakeholders across the nation’s marketing communications and business landscape.