Celebrating Leadership in Emerging Tech: Stephen Ekstrom Completes Brown University’s “AI Ethics and Governance” Course

Stephen Ekstrom, CEO of Learn Tourism, has achieved yet another milestone in his journey of lifelong learning and leadership by successfully completing Brown University’s highly regarded "AI Ethics and Governance" course. This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph for Stephen but also a significant step forward for Learn Tourism, as the organization continues to harness the power of technology and education to drive the tourism industry forward.

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and economies at an unprecedented rate, the importance of ethical AI governance cannot be overstated. According to McKinsey, AI has the potential to add an astonishing $25.6 trillion to the global economy. Still, the rapid development of AI technology also presents complex challenges related to fairness, transparency, and bias. Stephen's commitment to understanding these nuances through this rigorous course exemplifies his leadership in aligning cutting-edge technology with ethical practices. This approach will undoubtedly benefit Learn Tourism and its partners.

The course, led by esteemed professor Suresh Venkatasubramanian, Director of the Center for Technological Responsibility at Brown University, was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of AI governance and its ethical implications. Over two weeks of intensive learning, Stephen gained insights into key topics such as AI regulation and legislation, ethical concerns like bias and fairness in machine learning, and the role of corporate initiatives in promoting ethical AI. The real-time collaboration and hands-on experiences allowed him to apply these concepts to real-world case studies, further enhancing his ability to lead in a technology-driven landscape.

For Learn Tourism, this achievement signifies more than just the completion of a course—it represents the organization's dedication to remaining at the forefront of responsible innovation. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into business processes, especially within the tourism industry, Stephen’s newfound expertise will play a crucial role in shaping the development and deployment of AI-driven solutions that align with the organization's mission of fostering sustainable economies through education.

Moreover, Stephen’s focus on AI governance aligns perfectly with the nonprofit’s emphasis on ethical leadership and its reinvestment in learning. As a leader, Stephen has always been committed to continuous education, not only for himself but also for the thousands of tourism professionals and students that Learn Tourism serves. By staying ahead of emerging trends and ensuring that new technologies are implemented responsibly, Learn Tourism is well-positioned to offer even more innovative, impactful educational solutions to its partners.

In a time when fewer than 20% of executives believe their applied AI ethics meet their stated values (IBM, 2022), Stephen’s proactive approach to understanding and mastering AI governance sets a standard for leadership in the tourism industry and beyond. Learn Tourism looks forward to integrating these new insights into its programs, ensuring that as AI continues to evolve, so too does the industry’s commitment to ethical, transparent, and equitable practices.

Congratulations to Stephen on this significant achievement! His dedication to learning and leadership continues to inspire all of us at Learn Tourism and the broader tourism community.

About Learn Tourism the nonprofit academy...
Learn Tourism is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the tourism industry through innovative educational practices and professional development initiatives. Our mission is to harness the power of science, business psychology, and adult education to build sustainable economies and enrich the tourism landscape.