On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we unveil what’s really possible for young people when they’re set up to win as modern entrepreneurs, leveraging new AI technology. And who better to showcase it than the Gen Z whisperer for CEOs and executives, Hannah Grady Williams.

Hannah Grady Williams is back, and she’s here to talk about d’Skills. d’Skills is a one-of-a-kind digital training community that teaches young people entrepreneurship, AI skills, and how to create a revenue producing business in 10 weeks. And the superstars of this conversation are teenage AI entrepreneurs, Rory Straight and Anna Mitchell, two recent graduates of the d’Skills Program.

This episode will definitely challenge and inspire you to think about what’s possible for young people in new and different ways.

You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.

The conversation starts off with Hannah introducing d’Skills and what they do.

Simply put, d’Skills is a hub where high schoolers are coming to learn 21^st century skills and technology like ChatGPT and all its uses, and develop their skills further into projects that can make an impact in the market and the business world.

Hannah finds it fascinating how new technology can bridge the gap between young people’s ideas and the business world, and give birth to new products and categories that they can further develop as they learn more skills, or become more adept in their current ones.

Hannah also talks about a thing that she and d’Skills did over the summer called GPT Challengers Cup, in which they invited high schoolers from around the globe. And from this competition emerged Rory and Anna, who are also joining us on this episode.

It was astounding what ideas and end products that high schoolers were able to develop in the span of 30 days, but in the end, it was Rory & Anna’s project that emerged victorious.

What they ended up building was a Chrome extension that functions as an app that helps people study more efficiently by creating a comprehensive studying schedule based on the tasks you have registered in your to-do list.

Christopher then talks to Anna, who was handling the social media aspect of their team. This info was made more impressive by the simple fact that Anna has not handle social media marketing prior to the competition, and had to learn things through a bit of mentorship, but also doing a lot of research by herself.

“It’s actually funny that you asked that question because right now, I’m actually in a marketing class. And it’s super funny, because with all due respect to my teacher, I’ve learnt nothing in that class; It is like busy work, papers, everything. It’s crazy how much that I learned even like before the two weeks before the actual cup was over, and now that I’m doing it like in my free time, that it’s really not as hard to make it seem.

You don’t have to know all the business lingo and the economic terms. All you have to do is continue to push yourself and try new things and see what works and if it doesn’t work, then you know that doesn’t work and you move on from that.”

– Anna Mitchell

To hear more from Hannah, Rory, and Anna and the importance of skill-building with new technology in the business world, download and listen to this episode.

Hannah Grady Williams is the founder/CEO of d’Skills. d’Skills is a one-of-a-kind digital training community that teaches young people entrepreneurship, AI skills and how to create a revenue producing business in 10 weeks.

Aurora Straight

Hi, I’m Aurora, a STEAM enthusiast from Kansas with a deep passion for innovation and a strong presence in both academics and extracurricular activities. I compete in robotics and debate, channel my energy into basketball, and master precision in fencing. My ambition steers me towards aerospace engineering or a career in the Air Force, reflecting my desire to explore and innovate.

I co-founded ‘Acadium,’ a testament to my commitment to enhancing educational experiences through technology. My victory in the GPT Innovators Cup further underscores my ability to leverage AI for creative solutions. With internships at notable organizations under my belt, I’m honing my skills for real-world challenges.

My journey is more than just personal achievement; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and inspiring others to do the same.

Anna Mitchell

Hello, I’m Anna, a high school student and digital art enthusiast turned innovator. My journey is marked by the creation of ‘Acadium,’ a Chrome extension that showcases my flair for digital solutions. Winning the GPT Innovators Cup was a milestone that affirmed my passion for AI-driven creativity. I’ve also contributed to our Community Cafe, enhancing our collective experience in the March sprint.

My hands-on approach to learning is evidenced by internships with leading organizations, including Peachtree Training Group, where I’ve applied my skills to real-world challenges. These experiences have not only honed my technical abilities but also fueled my ambition to innovate within the digital art and technology sphere.

Connect with Hannah and d’Skills!

d’Skills | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!