Navigating the Intersection of Ethics and Technology: My Path to Ethical AI

Hello! I’m Kelly Trindel, Head of Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Workday. If you’re new to the world of ethical AI, don’t fret! We’ve got you covered. In this blog, I’ll take you on my career journey to AI, the evolving realm of Responsible AI, and how Workday is leading the way to ensure a bright and positive impact on society. So, let’s dive in!

From Social Scientist to Responsible AI Enthusiast

I started my career as a social scientist, an experimental psychologist to be precise. My days were spent in academia and research, exploring the mysteries of human behavior. After completing my PhD, I moved on to work for the U.S. government, where I delved into employment screens and their civil rights implications. As I witnessed the rise of sophisticated AI and machine learning (ML) technology in these screening devices, my interest in ethical AI was piqued. Before joining Workday, I served as the Head of Psychology & Policy at a start-up focused on high-risk AI for hiring purposes. This experience opened my eyes to diverse perspectives on ethical AI, ultimately leading me to Workday.

Ethical AI — Shaping a Bright and Happy Future

Folks often ask, what does ethical AI mean, and why is it essential? To put it simply, ethical AI involves identifying and managing the risks associated with AI systems to unlock their full potential for innovation. Responsible and trustworthy AI systems positively impact society and amplify human potential. These systems exhibit characteristics like validity and reliability, transparency and interpretability, fairness, privacy enhancement, and security and resilience. At Workday, we’re committed to incorporating these principles into every aspect of our AI initiatives.

The Evolution of Responsible AI Conversations

When I first became interested in AI, most people around me thought that it was overhyped. I think most people have since come to see the transformative nature of this technology. AI and ML have become integral to our lives, and discussions around Responsible AI have evolved drastically. The profound impact of this technology has become evident to a wide spectrum of individuals. While some exhibit great enthusiasm in embracing its potential, others harbor apprehensions. I think the trick is to understand both the value and the risk, and work to mitigate risks to amplify value.

Workday’s Leadership in Responsible AI

Workday has been at the forefront of the Responsible AI movement. We don’t just talk about principles; we put them into practice. For example, we have an ethical AI principle about the importance of transparency. We operationalize that principle through the development and use of our ML fact sheets, which describe how our AI and ML products are developed, tested, and monitored. At Workday, we talk about the importance of a risk-based approach to the development of Responsible AI. We recently created a standard risk evaluation for our product managers to utilize in the ideation phase for all new AI product development. AI products categorized as higher risk must be developed in accordance with a set of Responsible AI Guidelines, developed in accordance with existing and developing regulation as well as best practice frameworks. These guidelines are designed in accordance with existing regulations and best practices, ensuring the highest levels of integrity.

Ethical AI in Workday’s Products

Responsible AI doesn’t end with guidelines and principles. It’s ingrained in our products and how we work across teams.We understand that to make a Responsible AI program work, we need experts from across the organization with diverse experience and expertise to contribute to the program. Our team is a blend of cross-disciplinary experts from machine learning engineering, product development, quality assurance, and product management teams. Together, we work to develop different aspects of the Responsible AI program, ensuring that ethical considerations are at the core of our product development and management processes.

A Happy Destination for Ethical AI Enthusiasts

Workday is committed to creating a bright and positive impact on society through our ethical AI practices. Situated within our Integrity team, the separation of responsibilities ensures effective risk management aligned with best practices. Our Responsible AI team is growing. Together, we can unlock the true potential of AI while ensuring integrity and responsibility. Ready for a brighter work day? The next move in your career is on the horizon.

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