Melissa Murphy. Photo: Gina Zeidler
In her 15 years at Target, Melissa Murphy built a career helping employees adopt emerging technologies and use them to work more effectively. Now as the co-founder of Itasca Innovation, she helps companies develop artificial intelligence (AI) strategies and train their teams to use AI in practical and responsible ways. She focuses on helping people feel confident in integrating AI into their daily work by specializing in the human side of AI adoption. She guides leadership teams through strategy, training and real-world implementation so AI can streamline routine tasks in order to free up employees to focus on higher-value, creative and client-focused work.
How did you find out about the Business Women’s Circle (BWC)? Through my friend, Jennifer Mahlik of Millie. When I left my corporate job, Jenn said I might want to reach out and get connected. I feel like her thought process was that she herself had gotten out of corporate, and she knew it’s important to be connected to women to balance ideas off and be so supportive. I needed to rely on a community that can help me as I figured out all my firsts as a business owner.
How did the BWC annual forum scholarship ticket help your business? It was a great experience. I went shortly after I left my corporate role. It was my first time representing myself and my small business … Everybody’s willingness to help and also have empathy that I was newer and just getting started was helpful. The vibe was, “We’ve all been there, and whatever we can do to help you, we will.” They’re amazing in offering up support. Nobody sees each other as competition. It’s a community of helpers.
How important is it to have a resource like the BWC/The Circle Community? It’s a fast track to an incredibly resourceful and helpful community without having to do the one on one networking to build that vast network.
