Blackstone's CTO explains how he uses his 35-minute subway ride to stay sharp and upskill (www.businessinsider.com)

Blackstone CTO John Stecher emphasizes the importance of continuous upskilling to navigate the fast-evolving tech landscape, particularly driven by advancements in artificial intelligence. He takes advantage of his daily 35-minute subway commute to stay updated on technological trends from various industries, which enhances his understanding and application of tech solutions within finance. Stecher believes understanding how other sectors implement technology can provide valuable insights for optimizing Blackstone’s operations. He also engages in discussions with his engineering team to share and refine these learnings. Beyond passive learning, Stecher dedicates time on weekends to hands-on experimentation with new tools and technologies, reflecting his long-standing belief that practical engagement is essential to mastering tech concepts. Whether building software to streamline his work or using AI chatbots for basic home automation, Stecher consistently seeks to blend academic knowledge with real-world application. This proactive approach not only keeps him at the forefront of technology but also underscores the critical role that ongoing learning plays in maintaining competitiveness in the fast-paced AI and ML landscape.