Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Hancock.
Hi Kate, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I was born and raised on a small island in the Philippines, where opportunities were limited. After college, I moved to the United States, driven by a desire for a better future. Initially, I worked various jobs, from being a Costco food sampler to a freelance makeup artist, each of which taught me valuable skills and resilience.
While working at Costco, I gained insights into consumer behavior and market trends, sparking my interest in the skincare industry. This led me to explore e-commerce, where I started an online business with just $20 in 2012. By utilizing AI to analyze trends, data, and pricing, I was able to rapidly scale my venture to a $1 million business within just 12 months and eventually grew it to $20 million over the next few years. The use of AI and outsourced employees was crucial in expanding my business efficiently.
My entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop there. I expanded into real estate and hospitality, further diversifying my business interests. As I grew, I also began to share my experiences and insights as a global keynote speaker, focusing on entrepreneurship, the power of leveraging data, and the innovative use of technology.
Today, I lead the Global AI Council, a nonprofit organization based in California. Our mission is to provide free education and promote ‘AI for Good,’ harnessing artificial intelligence to create positive societal impacts. This journey from a small island to global stages exemplifies the power of determination, continuous learning, and adapting to new opportunities.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. Rapid growth, while often seen as a marker of success, brought its own set of challenges. Initially, my team wasn’t large enough to sustain the quick expansion of the business. This lack of sufficient support led to numerous operational challenges and made it difficult to maintain the pace of growth in a sustainable way.
Alongside this, working in a domain influenced heavily by large tech companies posed significant risks. These companies had the power to access and potentially utilize my business data or even alter the market dynamics in ways that could be detrimental to my operations. For example, they could decide to sell similar products directly, cutting into my market share.
The struggles were further compounded during 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The mandatory shutdowns had a severe impact on both the retail and hospitality sectors of my business. Like many others, I had to navigate through unprecedented closures and a stark drop in consumer demand.
These experiences taught me that entrepreneurship is inherently filled with ups and downs—anyone who says otherwise is likely glossing over the realities of business ownership. Each challenge has been a learning opportunity, helping me to build resilience and adaptability, crucial traits for any entrepreneur.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Global AI Council?
The Global AI Council, which I founded, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the principle of “AI for Good” and the provision of free education. We specialize in offering free MasterClasses twice a month, featuring renowned speakers and thought leaders from the AI industry. These sessions are designed to democratize knowledge about artificial intelligence, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their geographical or financial circumstances.
What sets us apart is not just our commitment to free education but also our global footprint. We have successfully built dedicated teams in the Philippines, Africa, the USA, Malta, and Canada. Each team member is deeply committed to our mission and vision, which is to harness AI’s potential for societal benefit.
I am particularly proud of how our organization has resonated with people globally. The dedication of our teams across different continents exemplifies the universal appeal and importance of our mission. They are not just employees but passionate advocates for the positive impact AI can have on the world.
For our readers, I want you to know that the Global AI Council is more than just an educational organization. We are a movement towards a future where AI enhances every aspect of society responsibly and ethically. Whether you’re looking to learn about AI, contribute to our cause, or simply find inspiration in a community that believes in making a meaningful impact, the Global AI Council welcomes you.
How do you think about luck?
Luck, in my experience, has indeed played a role in both my life and business—specifically, the luck of being at the right place at the right time. However, I firmly believe that simply finding oneself in a favorable situation isn’t enough. The crucial part is what you choose to do with the opportunities presented. In my case, it involved recognizing the potential in the resources and information available to me and then taking decisive actions to capitalize on these opportunities.
I don’t subscribe to the notion of “bad luck.” Life, as in business, is full of ups and downs. What some might call bad luck, I see as challenging times or tough days that are inevitable. These moments are not stumbling blocks but steppingstones; they are opportunities to learn, grow, and emerge stronger. By maintaining this mindset, I’ve been able to navigate through difficulties without being hindered by the idea that I’m somehow fated to experience misfortune. Instead, I focus on controlling what I can and adapting to what I can’t, which has been instrumental in my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katehancock.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialkatehancock
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katehancockspeaker/
- Other: www.globalcouncil.ai
