Nik Bales on LinkedIn: Product Manager II - AI Product Delivery | Careers at Boston Scientific (2024)

I’m thrilled to announce that I’m transitioning to a new role as Sr. Product Manager, AI Delivery at Boston Scientific! I’m excited to help lead the next wave of innovation that will make a meaningful impact on our patients, healthcare providers, and the broader business. Looking forward to the journey ahead and what we’ll achieve together!

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In every professional's journey, encountering tough leaders is inevitable. These interactions, while often challenging and sometimes feels like a blocker, are not just obstacles; they are opportunities in disguise.Leaders who push us to our perceive limits often do so because (them knowing it or not) they see potential in us that we haven't yet realized. Their high expectations, demanding nature and changing the bar are not roadblocks but rather steppingstones that compel us to rise above and beyond our current capabilities.So, when faced with a leader who seems tough, remember that this is an invitation to elevate your resilience, expand your problem-solving skills, and enhance your capacity to handle different types of pressure. Embrace these moments as chances to showcase your adaptability and commitment to excellence. Evolve yourself.By transforming our perspective on tough leadership, we can convert each challenging interaction into a pivotal growth moment. Have you ever experienced a "tough" leader and what ways did you overcome it (and quitting is not the right answer ;P)?

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In an era where our interactions are increasingly mediated by screens, the value of empathy has never been more critical. As we navigate through these trying times division and differences, it's essential to remember that everyone around us lives within their own bubble, shaped by unique experiences and perspectives. This diversity in experience is what makes empathy—a deliberate effort to understand and share the feelings of others—not just a nice-to-have, but a cornerstone of personal development and human connection.Empathy goes beyond automatic emotional responses; it requires us to actively consider the lives, feelings, and motivations of those around us. Devin Clark's exploration into empathy (see attached video) reminds us that this isn't just about feeling with others; it's about using those feelings to guide our actions and interactions in a more compassionate, understanding way.From my journey as an artist to an athlete doing team sports to now a technologist, I am still learning that empathy is the backbone of not just personal, but also professional success. It's about listening more than we speak, understanding more than we assert, and caring genuinely about the impact we have on others. Whether in leadership, teamwork, customer service, or personal relationships, empathy enables us to treat others as they wish to be treated, understand unspoken communication, and resolve conflicts with grace.So, let's challenge ourselves to put down our devices and look around. Let's listen intently, ask thoughtful questions, and consider perspectives different from our own. By choosing to practice empathy actively, we can transform our interactions, enhance our relationships, and create a more connected, understanding world.Remember, empathy isn't just for the easy times; it's especially for the hard ones. It's how we can make humanity better, one empathetic interaction at a time. #EmpathyInAction #HumanConnections #MindfulLiving

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Demystifying AI: A Collaborative Tool, Not a Standalone Solution (thoughts from my research - long read)Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a beacon of potential. Yet, it's pivotal to remember: AI is a tool that amplifies human ability, not a standalone solution. It's designed to augment, not overshadow, the human intellect, enhancing our capacity to process data and make decisions swiftly.AI's true essence shines brightest when wielded by knowledgeable individuals. Across sectors like healthcare, finance, and education, professionals use AI to push boundaries and solve problems once deemed impossible. This isn't about machines taking over; it's about leveraging technology to reach new efficiency levels and innovation heights.AI is revolutionizing the concept of citizen development (democratized development) through no-code and low-code platforms. By integrating AI capabilities, these platforms are becoming smarter, offering predictive analytics, natural language processing, and automated code generation. This enables citizen developers to create more sophisticated, personalized, and efficient applications with minimal technical expertise. For instance, an HR manager without any coding background can now develop a custom onboarding application that leverages AI to adapt the process based on the feedback and performance of new hires, enhancing the overall experience and effectiveness of the onboarding program.But with great power comes great responsibility. The integration of AI into our daily lives underscores the need for a solid understanding and ethical application of this technology. It’s vital to ensure that AI’s deployment enhances our quality of life without complicating it further.Key to this is the principle that technology must serve humanity, not the other way around. The ultimate measure of any technological advancement, AI included, is its ability to meet human needs comprehensively and inclusively. This human-centric approach guarantees that technology enriches our lives, making them simpler and more fulfilling.As we embrace this era of rapid technological advancement, let’s also stay vigilant against the allure of fads/cults. Not every new trend warrants our attention or investment. Our focus should remain on solutions with tangible benefits for society, rather than being swayed by the latest buzzwords. The true value of technology lies in its lasting impact, not its momentary hype.As we chart our course through the digital age, let’s remember: the success of AI and any technological tool lies in our hands. It’s our creativity, ethics, and wisdom that will dictate how these tools shape our world. By embracing AI as an ally and focusing on human-centric development, we can unlock a future where technology truly serves humanity, paving the way for innovation that improves lives and addresses the challenges of our time. #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #HumanCentricTech #ArtificialIntelligence

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Unlocking Innovation with Citizen Development & Smart Governance In an era where digital transformation is not just a buzzword but a necessity, I'm thrilled to delve into the world of Citizen Development. This revolutionary approach empowers non-technical employees to create applications and solutions using low-code or no-code platforms. It's about democratizing technology, unlocking creativity across the board, and accelerating innovation.The value of Citizen Development is immense! By enabling Citizen Developers, companies can significantly enhance agility, drive efficiency, and foster a culture of innovation. It’s a game-changer in speeding up digital solutions deployment, reducing IT backlog, and closely aligning tech development with business needs.Moreover, smart governance is key to unlocking this potential without adding red tape. By establishing governance that enables rather than restricts, organizations can foster a supportive ecosystem. This ecosystem guides citizen developers through standards, shared practices, ensures alignment with strategic objectives, and integrates their solutions into the larger IT landscape, thereby encouraging a culture of innovation where everyone feels empowered to contribute.Studies and industry leaders, including the Project Management Institute (PMI) and Deloitte, have highlighted the immense value that citizen development brings to organizations. It accelerates the deployment of digital solutions, democratizes innovation, and significantly reduces IT backlog. Additionally, it aligns perfectly with business needs, ensuring a swift response to market changes and internal demand (Deloitte). I'm curious and eager to hear from you! Have you created or been part of a Citizen Development program? How has your organization managed to strike the right balance between enabling innovation and ensuring robust governance? Let's share our stories and insights to inspire each other with tales of transformation and success.#CitizenDevelopment #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #GovernanceDisclaimer: I am not looking for services or sales calls based on this post. We have the right people and technologies in place today.Sources:Deloitte, "Accelerate software development utilizing citizen developers" Nov 5, 2023Michael Sheetz, “Technology killing off corporate America: Average life span of companies under 20 years,” CNBC, August 24, 2017.2DXC Technology, “Digital transformation is racing ahead and no industry is immune,” Harvard Business Review (sponsored content), July 19, 2017.Martin deMartini, “3 premium ways to prevent IT project failure,” MSP Insights, November 8, 2016.“12 challenges facing IT professionals,” Global Knowledge, March 5, 2020.5Art Jahnke, “Sound off—Why is business-IT alignment so difficult?,” CIO, June 1, 2004.Jason Wong et al., Magic quadrant for enterprise low-code application platforms, Gartner, September 20, 2023.

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Our daughter turned 15 months a few days ago and she knows how to open doors, walks and even run. Working mostly from home (especially in the morning before she goes to grandma and grandpa’s) I have definitely had this happen a few times and my wife has to grab her. Has this ever happened to you?

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Just wrapped up an insightful experience at the Microsoft Power Platform Conference! Not only did I gain valuable insights, but connecting with our dedicated power platform team and partners was truly the highlight. It's a reminder that while technology brings us tools, it's the people and collaborations that bring real transformation. Let's continue to innovate, inspire each other and make positive outcomes to patients worldwide! #MicrosoftPowerPlatform #MPPC #MPPC2023 #Teamwork #Innovation #copilot #Healthcare #lasvegas

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Resilience is a trait we all possess, and the journey to harness it often lies in our mindset. Lucy Hone brilliantly outlines a three-step approach to challenge our thinking and foster greater resilience. Highly recommend checking out her insights in the video below! Happy Friday everyone :)

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Remember everyone, try to live a good life, be good to others, and though we may be older…. Try not to grow up too fast (no matter your age).

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