We were lucky to catch up with Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jacqueline, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I prioritize dreaming and strategic imagination. Surrounding myself with innovative thinkers keeps me sharp and challenges me to think beyond the usual confines. Rather than dismissing sudden bursts of creativity, I harness them—directing such energies into actionable outputs, be it in writing or business strategies. Staying agile, I believe in diversifying experiences, whether it’s exploring a new book, diving into unfamiliar research, or collaborating with a different industry. This ensures a dynamic flow of fresh insights. And in the midst of a busy schedule, I carve out time for focused reflection, understanding that true innovation often emerges from moments of deep contemplation.
Recently, my zeal for innovation took form in my recent publication “AI Can Feel,” unveiled this August 2023. My journey with poetry spans 23 years, but my inner technologist was truly awakened when I stumbled upon ChatGPT and AI art platforms like Midjourney back in 2022. The potential I saw was immense: to fuse the realms of AI and poetry in a way no one had before. This book became a canvas where each poem—deeply human and personal—met its AI counterpart. These AI renditions were rooted in universally resonant themes: life, love, faith, self-identity. And what added another dimension was the visual—a unique AI-generated image inspired by each poem. The choices the AI made, emphasizing certain facets of my work, sparked an intense, creative back-and-forth between machine and me. By the book’s conclusion, having understood my poetic essence, the AI attempted its own verses in my voice. Some were raw and others refined, but the goal was transparency—to let artists and tech enthusiasts peek into our collaborative process. This dynamic where I would riff off the AI’s creations, infuse my voice, and together we’d craft something wholly original, was exhilarating.
“AI Can Feel” is just my starting point. It’s the marriage of the poet within me and my passion for technology. My mission is to constantly push boundaries, always exploring the enchanting space where human creativity meets AI. Because, at my core, I’m not just confined to the roles of poet or tech enthusiast—I’m a storyteller, stitching narratives of the past, present, and the expansiveness of what lies ahead.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In 2021, I founded Omni Business Intelligence Solutions (OBIS), a boutique consultancy championing AI-powered, data-centric strategies and implementations. In a relatively short span, OBIS has collaborated with over 150 global clients across diverse sectors. Our innovative use of generative AI, particularly with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, garnered attention from prominent platforms such as NASDAQ, Business Insider, and CNBC.
While OBIS represents my dedication to technological innovation, my 23-year poetic journey found a novel voice in “AI Can Feel.” This work, launched in August 2023, marries the nuances of human poetry with the intriguing insights of AI. Alongside traditional poetic musings, the book showcases AI’s interpretations, offering readers a unique exploration of emotion through the lens of machine and human creativity.
Success, to me, isn’t solely measured in revenue. While OBIS has thrived financially, making over $400k in under 3 active years on Upwork and gaining the distinction of being Expert vetted talent, the true reward lies in those “ah-ha” moments with my clients. It’s in the tangible transformation we bring about, using data to enlighten and empower businesses to reach their potential.
My dual aspirations are clear: To expand OBIS into a global business intelligence consulting powerhouse, and to promote “AI Can Feel” as a pioneering voice in the confluence of art and technology. Success for me is growth – not just in numbers but in impact. I’m committed to amplifying OBIS’s reach, tapping into greater potentials, and ensuring “AI Can Feel” finds its rightful place among readers and tech enthusiasts alike.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Embracing Career Pivots: When I reflect upon my journey, one of the standout skills was the courage to pivot my career trajectory. In a world that often prioritizes sticking to the “known” path, recognizing that change is essential for growth was pivotal. While daunting, these changes frequently led to breakthroughs that would have been unimaginable in my previous roles.
Advice: Don’t be tethered to a singular idea of success. If you find yourself at a crossroad, or even a dead end, it might be time to take a different direction. Listen to that internal voice and trust in your ability to adapt and evolve. Change can often be the catalyst that propels you into the next, more fulfilling chapter of your career.
2. Valuing Feedback and Mentorship:
Another essential quality has been my openness to feedback and actively seeking mentorship. Wisdom isn’t just accumulated through personal experiences but also through the shared knowledge of others. Engaging with mentors and being receptive to their insights offered shortcuts to lessons that might have taken years to learn independently.
Advice: Always be a student. No matter where you are in your journey, there’s value in gaining perspective from those who’ve walked before you. Seek out mentors actively and cultivate relationships where honest feedback is encouraged. It might not always be easy to hear, but it often leads to profound growth.
3. Recognizing the Rigors of Independence:
Lastly, the path of independence and carving out one’s trajectory is undeniably fulfilling but comes with its challenges. I’ve come to realize that every journey has its peaks and troughs. Accepting that not every day will be a summit, and allowing myself moments of grace, was vital to maintaining my mental and emotional well-being.
Advice: Your journey is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be days when the challenges seem insurmountable, but remember, it’s okay to pause, reflect, and recharge. Be kind to yourself, understand that it’s okay to seek help or take a breather, and always prioritize your well-being. After all, the journey is as important as the destination.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Our Ideal Client for OBIS (Omni Business Intelligence Solutions)
Position/Role:
C-Suite Executives
Founders or Business Owners
IT Directors
Accounting & Finance Directors
Attributes:
Open-minded to innovation and creativity.
Firm believer in the transformative power of technology.
Upholds values of respect, integrity, and professionalism.
Prioritizes establishing and nurturing long-term business relationships.
Sees the value in outsourcing specialized tasks and services.
Efficiently leverages resources for maximum business impact.
Company Profile:
Financials:
Generates a revenue between $5 million to $500 million.
Employee Size:
Companies with a workforce ranging from 5 to 120 employees.
Growth Potential:
Companies that have the potential for rapid growth.
Industry:
Operates in any industry, with a diverse industry portfolio being especially appealing.
Operational Needs:
Lacks an in-house team dedicated to digital transformation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.omnibisolutions.com
- Instagram: @omnibisolutions
- Facebook: @omnibisolutions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obis
- Twitter: @omnibisolutions
- Youtube: @omnibisolutions
- Other: LinkedIn Business: @omnibisolutions Poetry Instagram: @jacq.ann Poetry FB: @jacqannpoetry
Image Credits
All photo credit for images of Jacqueline will be Tilre Media
