The Safety & Standards Edition
Just a few weeks ago, most AI conversations centered on productivity and efficiency.
This week, the conversation shifted again.
Some of the largest AI companies in the world are discussing industry standards, safety coordination, governance frameworks, and the role of human oversight in increasingly capable systems.
That theme felt especially relevant this week, as Brianne Academy Program Coordinator Jesica Richie attended the 2026 National Registry Summit hosted by NASBA. Throughout the conference, conversations repeatedly returned to a similar idea: technology is changing rapidly, but human judgment, adaptability, and connection remain essential.
Both Carlos Whittaker and Jay Kiew spoke about AI through a distinctly human lens. While the tools continue to evolve, the ability to navigate change, build relationships, exercise judgment, and create meaningful experiences remains uniquely valuable.
As AI becomes more capable, the firms that benefit most won't simply adopt the latest tools. They'll develop the judgment, processes, and governance needed to use them responsibly.
- Brianne
What Happened This Week
OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google Are Discussing AI Safety Standards
- Why it matters: Three of the world's leading AI companies confirmed they are in discussions about coordinating on AI safety and potential industry standards. Even direct competitiors are recognizing that governance challenges may require industry-wide collaboration.
- What to do: Start thinking about AI governance as a business issue, not just a technology issue. Consider who in your firm is responsible for evaluating new AI tools and managing risk.
- Source/Further Reading: CNBC
Microsoft Publishes New AI Conduct Principles
- Why it matters: Microsoft released a provisional code of conduct designed to ensure future AI systems remain under human control and continue supporting human judgment rather than replacing it.
- What to do: Review whether your current AI workflows reinforce human review and decision-making rather than bypassing it.
- Source/Further Reading: CNBC
AI Leaders COntinue Calling for Greater Oversight
- Why it matters: Industry leaders, including executives from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind, continue to publicly discuss slowing development of the most advanced AI systems until stronger safeguards are in place.
- What to do: Pay as much attention to governance announcements as you do model announcements. The future of AI adoption may be shaped as much by policy as technology.
- Source/Further Reading: TechCrunch Coverage
One Action This Week
Choose one AI tool used in your firm and conduct a simple governance review:
- What information is being shared with it?
- Who has access?
- Is usage documented?
- Are there clear expectations for human review?
Sometimes the biggest AI risk isn't the technology itself. It's assuming someone else is managing it.
Technology will continue to evolve.
New models will be released. New capabilities will emerge. New headlines will compete for our attention.
But after a week filled with conversations about AI safety, governance, and standards, one message stood out.
At the 2026 NASBA National Registry Summit, Carlos Whittaker emphasized the importance of maintaining the human element in an increasingly technology-driven world. Jay Kiew challenged attendees to develop greater change fluency, reminding us that adaptability is becoming one of the most important professional skills we can cultivate.
That message aligns closely with what we're seeing across the AI industry.
The future won't belong to professionals who ignore AI.
It also won't belong to professionals who rely on AI for everything.
The future belongs to professionasl who can combine technology, expertise, adaptability, and human judgment to create meaningful value for the people they serve.
We'll be here each week to help you focus on what matters, what to watch, and what to do next.
- Brianne Smith Hart
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