I had a journalism student approach me a while back for a story. I asked him, “what kind of a journalist do you want to be when you grow up?”

He said, “A food writer. Because AI won’t take my job.”

Won’t it though? I suppose if they create a neural simulation of what it’s like to eat boudin, they could. But the panic around AI is big; mostly because few people really understand it.

The models making headlines, like ChatGPT, are really only the latest in a long line of advances in technologies designed to assist work – that is make it easier on people. Most companies still rely on people. And they need people to be good at what they do. AI can make work more efficient, but it can also help companies select and train their employees.

That’s the concept behind iCan, a company founded by David DeCuir. David spent years in the oil and gas industry and noticed that workforce development was a big problem. His company employed lots of people, but they struggled to make sure they all knew what they were doing.  So he developed a new training program for his employer and cut $2.5 million off their annual bottom line.

David DeCuir, iCan Technologies uses AI to create training programs for company employees

Saving money is making money in business, so David struck out on his own. And iCan was born. iCan’s cloud-based software helps companies set up custom platforms that use chatbots to train employees on anything from HR guidelines to procedures.

Since launching fulltime in 2022, iCan has expanded from the energy industry to work with utilities and processing facilities.

David grew up in Lafayette and currently lives in the Geismar/Dutchtown area.

Helping companies get better is a massive industry. We generally call them consultants. And their product lines can range from expert assistance to IT.

If you’re in Lafayette, you’ve heard of CGI. And you probably think of it as a tech company.  But it’s better understood as a consulting firm, and it’s one of the largest in the world.

Will LaBar is VP of consulting service for CGI and worked for the company out of Lafayette since 2000.  Will was CGI employee number one in the Lafayette market. CGI employs hundreds in the area.

Will LaBar, CGI, the OG of tech companies in Lafayette, is spending $1B on AI over the next 3 years

Will is in charge of CGI’s onshore delivery program. He leads a team that helps smaller markets get technology jobs, coordinating between local governments, business sectors and universities.

Will grew up in New Jersey and has worked for CGI since 1998.

David DeCuir, Will LaBar, Christiaan Mader, Out to Lunch at Tsunami Sushi

Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette.