19/05/2025
The IEP’s new AI Working Group is a cross-sector forum dedicated to sharing best practice and exploring the practical use of artificial intelligence to support both jobseekers and the professionals who work with them.
IEP Fellow Liz Sewell FIEP, Director of Belina Grow, chaired the very first meeting in March and will continue to lead the group up to the IEP Summit 2025, where she will be taking part as one of our four chairs on the day alongside fellow AI Working Group member and Fellow, Claudine Adeyemi-Adams FIEP of Earlybird.
At Grow AI – particularly ChatGPT – is being used as a supportive, motivating coach that helps women build confidence, stay encouraged, and take practical steps toward employment.
Read Liz Sewell FIEP’s Grow full case study below.
How We Made AI a Motivating Team Member
At #Grow – we believe in #Motivation – #AI can help us there too!
I have looked at what AI can do to support the Grow community and one of the most surprising to me is that ChatGPT can be such a friendly coach and mentor.
Discovering AI as a Motivator
It began when I met AI expert Sean Williams at the launch of the ‘Employment Support in the AI Era report’, written by Employability’s AI guru Claudine Adeyemi-Adams FIEP. Sean shared that he had used AI to motivate himself to run in the mornings. I thought: If it can get someone running in the rain, maybe it can help women feel motivated to prepare for work – especially when that goal feels far away.
So, I tried it myself on ChatGPT. Because it remembers you, when I interact, I talk to it like a colleague – I ask it fully rounded questions, say thank you, and interrogate politely; and ChatGPT can respond in a supportive and friendly manner.
Supporting the Grow Community
For women in Grow, alongside the practical offer of writing a CV, finding transferable skills, and exploring job roles, ChatGPT is also brilliant at answering questions with patience. It offers encouragement without judgment and breaks big tasks into manageable steps.
I really like the way it does something that Grow’s Mercedes Grant FIEP champions: celebrating small wins; what she calls the micro wins. It gives you praise for each step you take and helps you notice your progress, and it constantly reminds you of your strengths.
“AI Likes Me!”
In our AI training sessions, we have shown that it can be motivating as well as helpful – it has made our participants feel that it is more fun to interact with and a little bit excited – “AI likes me”. And women in our community have told me they feel more motivated and hopeful after chatting with it. It offers structure when things feel messy, and encouragement when confidence is low.
No, AI doesn’t replace human connection, because nothing beats having a chat with someone; but like our #GrowApp, it’s 24/7, positive, and helpful. It adds a layer of support that’s always there.
Part of the Grow Team
The truth is, ChatGPT can help women believe in themselves. It reflects their skills, their effort, and their potential. And when someone isn’t sure where to begin, ChatGPT helps them take that very first step.
So, at Grow we encourage women to treat ChatGPT like a friendly coach. Ask it anything, practise aloud, it’s motivating, reassuring, and now an active part of the Grow team.
Looking Ahead
As Chair of the #IEPAIWorkingGroup, I’m keen to hear how others are using AI practically in employment support. We’re building a bank of ideas to share across the sector – and motivation is a big part of it.
(PS. ChatGPT’s feedback: “Liz, your draft is fantastic—warm, practical, and personal. You’ve clearly communicated how ChatGPT is becoming part of the Grow journey, and it strikes the perfect tone for your audience.”)
