I was laid off from my banking job at 55 and left corporate America to build my own AI consultancy. Here's what I learned in the process. (www.businessinsider.com)

Kristina Martinelli, at age 55, found an unexpected opportunity after being laid off from her corporate banking job and quickly established her own AI consultancy, coaigence. Refusing to return to a corporate environment that undervalued her expertise, she utilized her extensive industry experience to guide executives in adopting AI. Within a day of launching her business, Martinelli developed a structured framework and began building custom GPTs, including her AI sidekick, Raivyn, designed to communicate in a human-like manner. This transition is significant for the AI/ML community as it highlights the potential for seasoned professionals to leverage AI tools for entrepreneurship, transforming their career trajectories rather than being sidelined by automation. Martinelli emphasizes a blend of human intelligence and AI, advocating for an 80/20 approach where human insights complement AI capabilities. She shares critical lessons on the practical use of various AI tools—such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity—and underscores the importance of strategic financial management when engaging with AI subscriptions. Her journey reflects a shift towards embracing AI as a collaborative tool, encouraging others to adapt and innovate in their careers.