The concept of proactive AI is gaining traction in the technology industry, promising to anticipate user needs and uncover insights that were previously unknown. Imagine working with a data source and having specific questions in mind, but lacking awareness of trends or insights that could guide decisions. This is where proactive AI comes in, acting like a 24/7 detective that uncovers clues you didn't even know existed.

The potential of proactive AI is enormous, as it can open doors to parts of the world we didn't even know existed. However, there are challenges and concerns that need to be addressed. To fully leverage this technology, we need to maintain diversity of perspectives, challenge assumptions, and become comfortable with ambiguity. These skills will help us stay curious and ask a lot of open-ended questions, ultimately making us smarter.

The knowledge matrix is a useful framework for understanding what we don't know that we don't know. It encourages us to be aware of our blind spots and maintain diversity of perspectives. The more diverse our team is, the more likely we are to see new possibilities and hear different perspectives that we personally had never considered. In addition, the more our research includes a diverse sample and individuals on the fringe, the more likely we are to uncover these rich blind spots.

Coming full circle, the lyrics from the song Colours of the Wind from the Disney Pocahontas movie bring together the concepts of diversity and the unknown unknowns. The song reminds us that walking in the footsteps of a stranger can teach us things we never knew, we never knew. These are our blind spots; the things we are not aware of.

Proactive AI has the potential to do the same, but we need to roll up our sleeves and tackle any challenges or concerns that arise. These AI tools are not just about making our lives simpler; they're about making us smarter.