Hi there! My name is

Sarah Gant

AI enthusiast at heart, AI strategist by profession.

I'm all about making Generative AI work for people, not just as a buzzword but as a real game-changer in everyday workflows. My expertise lies in the development of Generative AI products and human-centric adoption strategies that bridge the gap between advanced technology and business needs.

Experience

Sr. AI Strategist · Vizient, Inc. July 2023 - Present

My role involves leading the development and implementation of our enterprise Generative AI strategy, a transformative initiative projected to significantly boost productivity and reduce manual process hours. This role is multifaceted, encompassing not just the integration of AI across various departments but also extending to in-depth persona analysis, thorough opportunity assessment, and hands-on evaluation of off-the-shelf AI tools. I am actively involved in designing and developing custom AI solutions, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring the smooth deployment of these technologies. A significant part of my responsibilities includes educating the workforce and fostering a culture of AI adoption, thereby enhancing user experience and positioning Vizient, Inc. as a leader in AI adoption within our industry. My approach integrates technical expertise with strategic vision, driving innovation and operational efficiency across the organization.

Business Analyst, Generative AI · Vizient, Inc. April 2023 - July 2023

In this capacity, I spearheaded the development of our internal AI-enabled assistant, a project akin to creating our own version of ChatGPT using Azure Open AI APIs. This role evolved from a personal initiative, where I began by crafting AI prompts to automate my tasks, to a broader organizational impact as I developed similar solutions for other departments. My key responsibility was to identify viable Generative AI applications across various business units and turning these insights into clear, actionable proof-of-concepts. Additionally, I led educational workshops on Generative AI, equipping our workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively leverage this emerging technology, thereby fostering an innovative and adaptable work environment.

Business Analyst, API Data Acquisition · Vizient, Inc. May 2022 - April 2023

I directed the development and pilot testing of an innovative method to acquire data from member ERP systems via APIs. This initiative significantly reduced the manual burden associated with data submission, streamlining the data acquisition process. My responsibilities included strategic planning, road mapping, overseeing the technical development, and ensuring the integration of this system seamlessly with existing workflows. This role required a strong focus on product management, ensuring that the project met key deliverables and aligned with the overall business strategy.

Program Director, Startups · Codefi March 2021 - May 2022

I led the selection process for SaaS startup grant funding, significantly contributing to job growth and economic development in rural areas. My approach was grounded in Lean Startup methodologies, guiding SaaS founders in developing Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and conducting customer discovery to ensure a robust product-market fit. My mentorship and strategic guidance enabled several startups to secure additional seed investments, bolstering their growth and success in the competitive tech landscape.

Instructor, Department of Marketing · Southeast Missouri State University November 2020 - May 2021

Balancing my full-time role at Codefi, I undertook a contract position as a marketing instructor at Southeast Missouri State University. There, I taught the introductory undergraduate marketing course and the MBA marketing capstone class. Using the Socratic method, I encouraged active learning and critical thinking among both freshmen and graduating students. My approach included real-life examples and partnerships with startups, fostering practical insights. Additionally, I guided student teams in business competitions, leading to notable successes, showcasing the practical impact of my teaching methodology.

Program Director, Coworking · Codefi July 2020 - March 2021

I managed a thriving entrepreneurial community, significantly enhancing the growth and development of SaaS startups. My role was pivotal in creating an ecosystem where founders thrived through strategic community building, targeted events, and workshops. I excelled in providing tailored resources and support, enabling these startups to overcome early-stage challenges and foster innovation. This position required not just management but visionary leadership, transforming the coworking space into a hub of collaboration and entrepreneurial success.

Project Manager · Cenet  August 2019 - July 2020

In my first role after returning to the U.S. following the completion of a second master's degree in Germany, I led a customer-focused program expansion, which encompassed enhancements in customer support and satisfaction among program participants, particularly those seeking J-1 visa opportunities. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in expanding the internship partner portfolio, ultimately strengthening the reach and influence of the Summer Work and Travel program.

Graduate Assistant, International Business Programs · Southeast Missouri State University May 2018 - July 2019

In this role, I taught business courses and led international student tours to London, Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany, broadening students' global perspectives. Additionally, I took on the responsibility of coaching business case competition teams, guiding them to participate in international competitions in Guatemala, Canada, and Germany. This hands-on approach not only enriched students' problem-solving abilities but also fostered teamwork and prepared them for real-world business challenges on a global scale.

Co-founder and CEO · BugWT Scripts January 2011 - May 2018

During my student days, I faced a common challenge: how to excel academically while remaining productive in my favorite MMORPG. To bridge this gap, I ventured into online courses, acquiring the skills that led to the development of a software tool automating in-game actions. What started as a personal solution soon evolved into a profitable SaaS startup with over 5,000 subscribers. Beyond product development, I managed all aspects of business operations, including strategic planning, customer service, and marketing. This experience not only fostered significant user engagement but also drove substantial business growth, marking a defining moment in my entrepreneurial journey.

Education

MA, Economics · Hochschule Schmalkalden Schmalkalden, Germany

MBA, Business Administration · Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MO

BSBA, International Business · Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MO

JD, International Law (Incomplete) · University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil

Skills + Certifications

Technical Skills

Generative AI

  • Generative AI

  • Large Language Models (LLM)

  • ChatGPT

  • Retrieval-Augmented Generation

  • Knowledge Graphs

  • Azure Open AI

  • Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF)

  • Vector Databases

  • MS Copilot

Product Management

  • SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle)

  • Agile Methodologies

  • Product Development

  • Product Management

  • Backlog Management

  • Product Road Mapping

  • End to End Delivery

  • Project Management

  • Requirements Gathering

  • User Story Development

  • User Acceptance Testing

  • Azure DevOps

  • Data Analysis

  • Google Analytics

  • Key Performance Indicators

  • Management Consulting

  • Strategic Planning

Soft Skills

Leadership and Strategy

  • Team Leadership

  • Cross-functional Collaboration

  • Strategic Leadership

  • Analytical Skills

  • Critical Thinking

  • Problem Solving

  • Teamwork

  • Instructional Design

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

  • Communication

  • Intercultural Skills

  • International Business

  • Stakeholder Management

Languages

  • Portuguese (Native/Bilingual)

  • English (Native/Bilingual)

  • Spanish (Professional Working)

Certifications

Personality Assessments

  • MBTI

    Entrepreneur (ESTP-A)

    Entrepreneurs always have an impact on their immediate surroundings – the best way to spot them at a party is to look for the whirling eddy of people flitting about them as they move from group to group. Laughing and entertaining with a blunt and earthy humor, Entrepreneur personalities love to be the center of attention. If an audience member is asked to come on stage, Entrepreneurs volunteer – or volunteer a shy friend.

    Theory, abstract concepts and plodding discussions about global issues and their implications don’t keep Entrepreneurs interested for long. Entrepreneurs keep their conversation energetic, with a good dose of intelligence, but they like to talk about what is – or better yet, to just go out and do it. Entrepreneurs leap before they look, fixing their mistakes as they go, rather than sitting idle, preparing contingencies and escape clauses.

    91% Extraverted · 87% Observant · 80% Thinking · 63% Prospecting · 57% Assertive

  • CliftonStrengths

    Main theme: Influencing

    Those who lead by Influencing help their team reach a much broader audience. People with strength in this domain are always selling the team's ideas inside and outside the organization. When you need someone to take charge, speak up, and make sure your group is heard, look to someone with the strength to influence.

    Competition: I measure my progress by comparing it to the performance of others. I strive to achieve first place and thrive in competitive environments.

    Command: I possess a strong presence. I'm capable of taking control of situations and making decisive decisions.

    Significance: I aim to make a significant impact. I operate independently and prioritize projects based on their potential influence on my organization or the people around me.

    Futuristic: I am inspired by the future and its possibilities. I energize others with my visions of what could be.

    Activator: I am action-oriented, turning thoughts into actions. I prefer to act now, rather than just talk about plans.

  • Personalysis

    Preferred: I thrive in roles that involve people interaction and organizational challenges. I am adept at coordinating diverse activities and lead with a friendly, team-oriented approach. My leadership style is organized, educational, and action-focused, employing various strategies to encourage cooperation and task completion. I am impatient with inflexibility and resistance to change.

    Social: I value open communication and collaboration, expecting others to seek and value my input. I prefer being kept informed and actively involved in decision-making processes. Creatively tackling problems, I prefer inclusive planning and dislike autocratic or exclusionary approaches.

    Instinctive: I am driven by active engagement and balanced action. I am motivated by clear goals and practical achievements, relying on my experience to guide decisions. Under stress, I strive to maintain balance and appreciate progress and closure. Frustrations arise from inaction, loss of control, and lack of positive reinforcement.

Work Samples