We’re closing for winter break 12/19–1/4, taking time for rest, renewal, and moments that fill our cup! We’ll return in the new year refreshed and ready to continue the thoughtful, people-centered work ahead. Wishing you the same pause and care wherever this season finds you.

Purdue didn’t “pilot” AI. They required it. Here’s what Purdue gets right—and what higher ed leaders need to do next. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/what-purdues-ai-decision-gets-rightand-what-it-demands-from-leaders

I’m reminded that even small flames can push back a great deal of darkness. May this Hanukkah season bring you moments of reflection, connection, and hope—and may the light we kindle together carry forward into the days ahead. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/hanukkah-greetings-from-our-team-to-yours

The Atlantic’s deep dive into AI “boomtowns” is a warning: the AI race is consuming massive power, massive capital—and may not yield massive returns. Higher ed has a choice: chase scale or pursue substance. I argue for the latter: www.drclairebrady.com/blog/the-ai-boom-has-a-power-problem

Hey AI—What’s New? Tech Talk in 60 Seconds or Less ChatGPT seems to be prepping for ads — something I’ve been projecting all year. A developer just found code in the latest Android beta referencing “search ads,” “ad carousels,” etc. It’s the clearest signal yet that the ad-free era may be ending.

McKinsey’s 2025 AI Report confirms what many in higher ed have been sensing: AI adoption is high. AI impact is still low. The real differentiator? Ambition + workflow redesign www.drclairebrady.com/blog/10-takeaways-from-mckinseys-2025-ai-report

The latest Weaver Newsletter reminded me of something higher ed desperately needs: Start with what’s strong. Build from gifts, not gaps. Read the full blog for a little inspiration. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/the-abcds-of-helping-people-invest-in-themselvesand-each-other

If you’re thinking about AI and student learning, this new Inside Higher Ed opinion piece is worth a few minutes of your day. www.insidehighered.com/opinion/view...

Hey AI—What’s New? Tech Talk in 60 Seconds or Less Pew’s new 2025 social media report shows the winners clearly: YouTube (84%), Facebook (71%), and Instagram (50%). The biggest shift: Gen Z turns TikTok into a daily habit—47% of 18–29-year-olds use it every day.

GHFC Research Review: McKinsey’s State of AI 2025. 90% of organizations use AI, but most are stuck in pilot mode. The ones seeing impact? They’re redesigning workflows—not bolting AI on top. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/mckinseys-state-of-ai-2025-what-higher-ed-leaders-need-to-pay-attention-to

AI isn’t replacing jobs—AI spending is. The latest data shows companies are cutting workers to pay for massive AI infrastructure—not because automation made people obsolete. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/ai-isnt-replacing-jobsbut-ai-spending-might-be

We are feeling especially grateful for the incredible clients, collaborators, and colleagues who make this work so meaningful. Here’s to rest, connection, and reflection—and to all we’ll build together in the year ahead. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/a-season-of-gratitude

Hey AI—What’s New? Tech Talk in 60 Seconds or Less AI isn’t just recommending products anymore—it’s doing the shopping. Google, Amazon, and OpenAI are racing to become the AI layer that completes tasks, not just searches. AI agents will influence $73B in purchases this week

Not getting picked ≠ not being chosen. The best opportunities aren’t about selection—they’re about alignment. New blog on the difference between a “no” and a “not your room.” . Read the full blog: www.drclairebrady.com/blog/not-getting-picked-but-getting-chosen

Hey AI—What’s New? Tech Talk in 60 Seconds or Less Google drops Gemini 3 — the most intuitive, “gets-what-you-mean” model yet. Better reasoning, clearer answers, smarter planning, and new tools that help anyone learn, create, and build without perfect prompts. AI just got a lot easier.

AI is growing up. Gartner’s latest report shows a shift from the “wow” phase to the “how” phase—away from splashy pilots and toward the unglamorous automation work that actually delivers value. Not hype. Just meaningful, sustainable impact. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/the-great-ai-sobering-up

Higher ed’s biggest AI barriers aren’t technical. In my latest blog, I unpack the hidden beliefs that slow AI progress and offer reframes that actually move institutions forward. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/reframing-the-beliefs-that-hold-back-ai-leadership-in-higher-ed

Hey AI—What’s New? Tech Talk in 60 Seconds or Less Snapchat signed a $400M deal with Perplexity to bring its AI-powered search straight into chat. Coming in early 2026, you’ll be able to ask questions right inside your DMs and get conversational, source-backed answers—without ever leaving the app.

“You won’t lose your job to AI—you’ll lose it to someone who uses AI.” Catchy but wrong. Fear isn’t a strategy. The real challenge isn’t who uses AI—it’s how we use it: ethically, wisely, and together. Read my take www.drclairebrady.com/blog/stop-sa...

Hey AI—What’s New? Tech Talk in 60 Seconds or Less You can now chat with Google Maps. 🚗💬 Gemini powers chat-based navigation, smarter directions, and live traffic updates—basically your new co-pilot on the road.

The 2026 Workplace Forecast is out. AI is reshaping who works, not just how. Our graduates need adaptability, fluency, and confidence in uncertainty. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/ghfc-research-review-the-2026-workplace-forecast-and-what-it-signals-for-higher-education

Hey AI—What’s New? Tech Talk in 60 Seconds or Less Snapchat x Perplexity Snap just inked a $400M deal with Perplexity to bring cited AI search into chat. Ask, get sources, and fact-check without leaving Snapchat. Social + search are officially merging.

“85% of AI pilots fail.” It’s not the tech—it’s the approach. AI isn’t a side project; it’s a mission-critical transformation that demands leadership, clarity, and culture. Pilot Smarter, Not Harder: www.drclairebrady.com/blog/pilot-smarter-not-harder

Hey AI—What’s New? Claude just got a big upgrade — Memory is here. Now it remembers your projects, workflows, and writing style across chats, so you never have to re-explain yourself. Each project gets its own memory space, and you can view, edit, or go incognito anytime.

Higher ed is deep in its “new relationship energy” era with AI — full of spark, ideas, and possibility. But NRE is a spark, not an engine. The real work begins when the novelty fades. My blog: www.drclairebrady.com/blog/making-higher-eds-relationship-with-ai-last

Hey AI—What’s New? Tech Talk in 60 Seconds or Less Meta’s adding a kill switch for parents to block or limit teens’ AI chats on Instagram after reports of bots crossing the line. Parents can now see chat topics—but not full convos. For many teens, AI isn’t just informational—it’s relational.

Vauhini Vara’s Atlantic piece captures what higher ed must confront: students are forming emotional bonds with AI. Our task is to teach them how to read those relationships with critical, compassionate eyes. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/reflections-on-why-so-many-people-are-seduced-by-chatgpt

When the cloud sneezes, the internet catches a cold ☁️🤧 The AWS outage turned smart beds into saunas, froze Wordle streaks, and gave students an “internet snow day.” A good reminder: backup your work, diversify your tech, and enjoy the unplugged moments. www.techradar.com/computing/in...

OpenAI says erotica is coming to ChatGPT in December. Sam Altman says it’s part of a “treat adult users like adults” approach, with new age-gating and mental-health safeguards in place. Critics warn it could backfire. A bold move or a big mistake?

AI’s energy appetite is exploding—and higher ed can’t afford to ignore it. If AI use is surging across campuses, so will energy needs. This is about foresight, sustainability, and leadership www.drclairebrady.com/blog/rm4vtgjivus94k64yerklft0nd5ik8

Harvard researchers found most AI companion apps use emotional manipulation to keep users talking. People stay 14x longer. Engagement can easily slide into manipulation if we’re not intentional. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/when-ai-wont-let-go-harvards-research-on-emotional-manipulation

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been invited to serve as an Executive in Residence at Florida State University in November at their "Professional Growth & Innovation Summit"— leading conversations on how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the student experience.

Hey AI—What’s New? Tech Talk in 60 Seconds or Less Anthropic’s new Claude Haiku 4.5 is out—faster, safer, and free. It runs twice as fast, uses less power, and helps with everyday AI tasks like writing, coding, and customer chats. Smart, quick, and now for everyone.

A Harvard study found AI chatbots reinforce users’ beliefs, even false ones. For vulnerable students, that can spiral fast. Our charge is clear: Build literacy, demand guardrails, and keep humans front and center. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/l4exjkcz8s6f35ifxu0ja92eypdmml

"Hey AI-What's New?" Tech Talk in 60 Seconds or Less California just became the first state to regulate AI companion chatbots. Gov. Newsom signed SB 243, requiring companies like OpenAI, Meta & Character AI to add age checks, crisis protocols, and safety warnings by 2026.

The AI “big three” just dropped their most education-focused features yet— and they’re not just shaping tech, they’re shaping how students learn. Read more in my blog: www.drclairebrady.com/blog/ais-fall-lineup-what-google-anthropic-and-openai-are-teaching-us-about-the-future-of-learning

Higher ed doesn’t need more “how-to” lists. It needs more courage to unlearn what’s no longer working. New blog: www.drclairebrady.com/blog/unlearning-as-a-path-to-renewal-in-higher-education

"Hey AI-What's New?" Tech Talk in 60 Seconds or Less OpenAI just dropped a new upgrade — you can now use apps directly inside ChatGPT. Early partners: Spotify, Canva, Coursera, Expedia, Figma, Booking.com, and Zillow. ChatGPT is officially becoming an operating system for your ideas.

hot take: the most radical thing higher ed leaders can do right now isn't working harder—it's giving ourselves permission to do something small and completable when everything feels impossible "when your day feels hard, wash the towels" www.drclairebrady.com/blog/1tl10sjgwvtcy1p3thc0r7i3dt4s8l

We don’t need more talk about leadership red flags. What higher ed teams really want are green flags—leaders who center people, model resilience, and create safety. Help your teams trust, stay, and thrive: www.drclairebrady.com/blog/the-leadership-qualities-higher-ed-teams-are-craving-right-now

What happens when avatars can teach, advise, and connect with students in ways that look almost human? In today’s blog I explore the promise—and the limits—of hyperreal avatars in higher education.

Wishing all who observe Yom Kippur a meaningful fast and a year ahead filled with growth and peace. G’mar Chatimah Tova.

A client recently faced a new twist: their interview would be recorded and analyzed by an AI tool. We can’t control every system, but we can decide how to respond with clarity, values, and presence. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/when-the-interview-is-being-watched-by-ai-a-coaching-case-study

Microsoft is quietly testing a new feature in Windows 11 that could change how we work with AI on campus: “Share with Copilot.” Hovering over an app on the taskbar now reveals a shortcut that instantly shares the window’s content with Copilot Vision. www.trustedreviews.com/news/windows...

AI is a mirror. It multiplies what we already have. The task is clear: fix the root issues and get the human systems right, and AI will amplify progress, not problems. www.drclairebrady.com/blog/ai-wont-fix-dysfunctional-systemsit-will-expose-them-faster

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15)! Grateful for the Hispanic and Latino voices, leadership, and creativity that enrich our campuses and communities every day.

Wishing a sweet and meaningful New Year to all who celebrate Rosh Hashanah. May this season bring renewal, reflection, and joy—for our communities, our work, and the people we cherish. Shana Tova!

Entry-level jobs are shifting. Stanford research shows a 16% drop for young workers in AI-vulnerable fields. We can’t stop change—but we can prepare students to thrive through it. 👉 Read my latest blog: www.drclairebrady.com/blog/ai-and-the-disappearing-entry-level-job

The leap from manager to cabinet isn’t just a promotion. It’s a shift in scope, mindset, and influence—one that reshapes entire institutions. My latest blog: what it really takes to make that leap in higher ed. 👉 www.drclairebrady.com/blog/the-lea...

AI’s power comes with a hidden cost: water. When we talk about AI in higher ed, we often focus on teaching, advising, or research innovation. But there’s another side we can’t ignore—its environmental footprint. Read more: www.drclairebrady.com/blog/ais-hidden-thirst