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The AI Breakdown: Daily Artificial Intelligence News and Discussions
A new Anthropic study shows that AI agents are being used far more conservatively than their capabilities suggest, with short sessions, heavy human oversight, and growing use beyond coding into back office, marketing, sales, and finance. The data highlights that autonomy is shaped as much by trust and interaction design as raw model power. In the headlines: Gemini adds music generation, Anthropic clarifies its OAuth policy, Meta revives its AI smartwatch, Grok expands to 16 debating subagents, and more. Want to build with OpenClaw?LEARN MORE ABOUT CLAW CAMP: https://campclaw.ai/Or for enterprises, check out: https://enterpriseclaw.ai/Brought to you by:KPMG – Discover how AI is transforming possibility into reality. Tune into the new KPMG 'You Can with AI' podcast and unlock insights that will inform smarter decisions inside your enterprise. Listen now and start shaping your future with every episode. https://www.kpmg.us/AIpodcastsMercury - modern banking for business and now personal accounts. Learn more at https://mercury.com/personal-bankingRackspace Technology - Build, test and scale intelligent workloads faster with Rackspace AI Launchpad - http://rackspace.com/ailaunchpadBlitzy - Want to accelerate enterprise software development velocity by 5x? https://blitzy.com/Optimizely Agents in Action - Join the virtual event (with me!) free March 4 - https://www.optimizely.com/insights/agents-in-action/AssemblyAI - The best way to build Voice AI apps - https://www.assemblyai.com/briefLandfallIP - AI to Navigate the Patent Process - https://landfallip.com/Robots & Pencils - Cloud-native AI solutions that power results https://robotsandpencils.com/The Agent Readiness Audit from Superintelligent - Go to https://besuper.ai/ to request your company's agent readiness score.The AI Daily Brief helps you understand the most important news and discussions in AI. Subscribe to the podcast version of The AI Daily Brief wherever you listen: https://pod.link/1680633614Interested in sponsoring the show? sponsors@aidailybrief.ai
This episode breaks down the 15 pieces of AI advice that sound smart but will quietly sabotage your success.I'll show you why so many founders fall for bad AI guidance, and the real principles you should build your company on instead.✅ Get Your FREE AI Company Operating System here: https://go.danmartell.com/4ak6OTF
Wandering But Not Lost Podcast | Real Estate Coaching & Wandering Zen
If you're a real estate broker, brokerage owner, or managing broker, this episode is for you. AI is not just a content tool. The real leverage is using AI as an operations assistant to help you document systems, improve recruiting and onboarding, strengthen internal communication, build repeatable training, and reduce risk. In Episode 403, we walk through the top 5 operational areas where AI can create real efficiency and consistency inside your company. We also share practical examples, prompts you can adapt, and key guardrails brokers must keep in mind, including why you should never rely solely on AI for legal or contractual content. We also tie this into what we're building next at WBNL Coaching: AI Powered Customizable Operations Manuals for brokers and team leaders, designed to help you create a living, searchable, digital manual that evolves with your company. You will find the prompt here: https://www.wbnlcoaching.com/blog/4prompts
What if AI didn't replace your creativity—but amplified it?In this episode of Content Amplified, Ben sits down with Mandy Arola, Director of Marketing at Nashville Software School, to unpack a question every marketer is wrestling with: How do you use AI without sacrificing authenticity?Mandy has spent over 15 years in marketing—from the music industry to tech education—and she's learned one simple rule: always start with a real story. AI can help you scale, refine, and repurpose. But connection? That begins with something human.Together, they explore how to build a content engine powered by AI while keeping your brand voice intact, your standards high, and your audience at the center.If you've ever worried that AI might dilute your message, this conversation will reframe how you think about it—and give you a practical path forward.What you'll learn in this episode:Why authentic content always starts with real customer storiesHow to turn one podcast into blogs, social posts, and short-form clips using AIThe practical way to train a custom GPT on your brand voice (without getting technical)How to use AI as a collaborative editor—not a replacement writerWhat to do when AI output misses the markHow to measure connection beyond clicks, shares, and impressionsWhen it's better to delay content than publish something mediocreHow to balance consistency with quality on a content calendarWhy sometimes the smartest marketing move is to stay quietAbout Mandy ArolaMandy Arola is the Director of Marketing at Nashville Software School, where she leads strategy and execution across content marketing, brand messaging, and community engagement.With over 15 years of experience, Mandy began her career in the music industry, spending a decade working alongside marketing teams before transitioning into the technology education space. At Nashville Software School, she has built and executed content strategies both as a team leader and as a solo marketer—proving that strong strategy and thoughtful execution matter more than team size.She specializes in creating story-driven marketing that connects online and resonates offline. Her work bridges AI-powered efficiency with deeply human storytelling.Connect with Mandy:Mandy's LinkedIn ProfileNashville Software SchoolText us what you think about this episode!
What if the reason book marketing feels uncomfortable isn't because you're “bad at selling,” but because you've been taught the wrong approach?This week's guest expert, Susan Trumpler, founder of Unstoppable Women in Business and the SheBoss Café, helps women entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses without riding the revenue roller coaster. In this episode, she tackles one of the biggest blocks authors face: how to market and sell a book without feeling awkward, pushy, or inauthentic.Susan breaks down why so many authors hesitate to talk about their book, what's really behind the discomfort, and how to shift from “selling” to something far more natural and effective. You'll also hear how AI, when used intentionally, can support your voice rather than replace it—making outreach easier, more human, and more aligned with who you are.If you want your book to open conversations rather than create resistance, this episode offers a practical, grounded blueprint.In this episode, you'll learn how to:Reframe selling as sharing something valuable Shift from self-promotion to service so talking about your book feels natural and purposeful.Create buyer-centric connections that resonate Focus on what your readers are already thinking, feeling, and searching for—so your message lands without pressure.Replace rigid scripts with a real process Build an outreach approach that adapts to conversations instead of forcing them.Use AI without losing your voice Train AI tools with your language, stories, and perspective so your marketing sounds like you—not a template.Move past procrastination and perfectionism Learn how co-creating with AI can help you show up consistently without overthinking every word.If you're ready to let go of marketing anxiety and start treating your book like the gift it's meant to be, this conversation will change how you think about visibility, connection, and selling.Here's how to connect with Susan:AI Voice Brand Inventory Guide.WebsiteLinkedIn FaceBook Instagram *************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co *************************************************************************
Service Business Mastery - Business Tips and Strategies for the Service Industry
AI is moving faster than most service businesses can keep up with. Voice agents. Text automation. Follow-up systems. AI sales emails. Predictive messaging. But here's the real question: How do you use AI to convert more leads without losing the human touch? In this episode of Service Business Mastery, Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch sit down with Ryan Fenn, CEO at CHIIRP, to break down what's actually working in AI-driven lead conversion right now. They dive into: Why speed to lead still wins (and why seconds matter) How one word in your follow-up could be killing 90 percent of your conversions Why most contractors misuse AI for sales emails How to "download your brain" into systems using AI Why tools are becoming commodities and experience is becoming king How AI agents are replacing static drip campaigns If you're a service business owner trying to figure out how to adopt AI without sounding robotic, this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and practical application. What You Will Learn in This Episode • Why speed to lead still dramatically impacts booking rates • The difference between static drip campaigns and dynamic AI follow-up • How AI can analyze hundreds of millions of messages to improve conversion • Why empathy in messaging increases response rates • How to use AI as an editor instead of a ghostwriter • How to turn 20 years of experience into systems and training using AI • Why the future of software is outcome-based, not tool-based • How to evaluate tech partners based on deployment experience, not features • Why humans will still matter even if AI becomes indistinguishable Timestamps 00:00 The AI arms race and what's changed 03:00 Why speed to lead still dominates 08:00 The future of AI in sales and follow-up 12:20 Why humans will still matter in the age of AI 21:20 Download your brain using AI 22:11 How to use AI to write better sales emails 27:24 Why experience matters more than software features 33:02 The single word that could be killing your sales 36:00 Is there such thing as responding too fast? 40:57 AI agents replacing static drip campaigns 49:00 What contractors should stop doing immediately Follow the Host and Guest Tersh Blissett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/ Josh Crouch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crouch/ Ryan Fenn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-fenn-76568b165/ CHIIRP: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chiirp/ Connect with Us • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-business-mastery • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@servicebusinessmastery • Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/servicebusinessmasterypodcast • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/servicebusinessmasterypodcast
In this episode, Brittni Schroeder shares real, behind-the-scenes ways she uses AI to run her business more efficiently without sacrificing quality. From podcast workflows powered by Dropbox transcription and content repurposing with OpenAI's ChatGPT, to AI-assisted newsletters, visuals created with Canva, and smarter email marketing through Flodesk, Brittni walks through practical systems you can copy immediately. She explains why AI isn't about cutting corners. it's about building repeatable processes that save time and increase consistency. If AI feels exciting but overwhelming, she also shares how her The Meeting Place Membership helps business owners learn to integrate AI in a way that actually supports growth. This episode is packed with actionable ideas to help you work smarter, not harder. Resources: The Meeting Place Membership Rock The Reels 1:1 Coaching Free Client Welcome Guide Additional Trainings and Resources Connect with Brittni: Follow me on the Gram - @brittni.schroeder Join my Facebook Group Visit my website Subscribe to my Youtube You can find the complete show notes here: https://brittnischroeder.com/podcast/ways-i-use-ai-in-my-business
In this episode of The Dyslexic Entrepreneur, Stephen Martin explores the relevance of email marketing in 2026, addressing common misconceptions and providing insights into effective strategies. He emphasizes that while email marketing is not dead, it has evolved, requiring a focus on quality content and relationship-building with audiences. The discussion covers the pros and cons of email marketing, including ownership of email lists, audience intent, and the challenges posed by spam filters. Martin shares practical tips for creating engaging emails, highlighting the importance of personality, consistency, and clear messaging.TakeawaysEmail marketing is not dead; it has evolved.Quality content is essential for effective email marketing.You own your email list, unlike social media.Spam filters are becoming more sophisticated.Consistency in emailing is crucial for visibility.Short, engaging emails perform better than long ones.Use AI to enhance your writing, not replace it.Focus on one clear idea per email.Selling softly can lead to better engagement.Treat email marketing as a relationship-building tool.Email marketing, 2026, digital marketing, business strategy, audience engagement, email list, marketing tips, content creation, AI in marketing, relationship marketing, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comGet 20% off your first orderaddednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:truthaboutdyslexia.comJoin our Facebook Groupfacebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia
In the first half of their conversation with James Mixon, Managing Attorney at California's Second District Court of Appeal, Tim Kowal and Jeff Lewis ask what is healthy AI use, and unhealthy use? To help organize—yes! To replace judgment—no! Tip: When an attorney does not read AI output before filing a brief, expect sanctions.James draws on his role on the judicial branch AI Task Force and his monthly Daily Journal AI column to provide a practical roadmap for responsible AI use—from crafting effective prompts to avoiding the automation bias that has led to attorney sanctions across the country.Key points:Treat AI as an on-demand legal treatise, not a research tool: Mixon explains how AI excels at providing background information and organizing legal concepts into digestible narratives—making it ideal for learning complex areas quickly—but should never replace verified legal research or case citation.The "Daedalus Doctrine" framework offers a middle path: Drawing from Greek mythology, Mixon warns against flying too high (reckless AI adoption) or too low (ignoring AI entirely), urging lawyers to use AI thoughtfully while maintaining personal judgment and verification responsibilities.Effective prompting is critical: Never use open-ended commands like "enhance this brief"—instead, tell AI exactly what you want and ask it to flag changes in italics or bold so you can review selectively.Hallucinations remain the biggest risk: Recent sanctions cases show attorneys asking ChatGPT to verify its own fabricated cases—a fatal error that demonstrates why every citation must be independently confirmed.Courts aren't using AI for decision-making: Current California court policy prohibits AI use "in any way that would touch a decision" to preserve public confidence over efficiency gains.AI works best for background learning: Mixon describes using AI to create narratives and explanations that make legal concepts stick—transforming dry doctrine into memorable stories, like having a personalized treatise writer available on demand.Tune in to learn how to harness AI's power for legal background and organization without falling into the traps that have cost other attorneys their credibility—and thousands in sanctions.
Evander is the Men's and Women's Associate Head T&F Coach at the University of North Florida primarily coaching sprints, jumps, and hurdles, but also juggling all of the other duties of an NCAA coach. In clear, easy steps, he shares how he uses artificial intelligence (A.I.) to help him be more focused and productive in many tasks, so that he gets to be the best coach he can be for his athletes. Learn more about UNF T&F and follow Coach Wells Instagram and X.If you have a topic you'd like to share, contact David Mitchell to find out how.
Agent Marketer Podcast - Real Estate Marketing for the Modern Agent
Send a textFresh off MortgageCon, Frazier and Michael break down what made this event completely different from the typical mortgage conference experience.From hosting the event inside Universal Studios to AI duels, practitioner-led sessions, and private park access, this wasn't just another sit-in-a-ballroom event. It was immersive, high-energy, and packed with real, usable insights for loan officers who actually want to grow.But beyond the experience, the real value came from the content. The recurring themes were clear: don't lose your humanity in an AI world, stop being a product pusher, and start showing up as a true advisor.This episode covers the biggest takeaways, standout speakers, and the lessons loan officers should actually implement instead of just taking notes and doing nothing.No fluff. No hype recap. Just real insights from a high-impact industry event.What You'll LearnWhy Mortgage Con stood out from traditional mortgage conferencesThe common theme across top speakers: humanity over automationHow storytelling and communication are becoming the new competitive edgeWhy practitioner-led content hits harder than theory and hypeThe role AI should actually play in your mortgage businessHow event environments impact learning, networking, and executionReal Talk Quotes“It's still a mortgage event, but the experience changes everything.”“Don't lose your humanity just because AI is getting louder.”“If you went to MortgageCon and didn't get one takeaway, you chose not to.”“Stop being a rate pusher. Be the advisor.”“You invested the time and money. Now do something with what you learned.”Tactical Takeaways✅ Focus on being a trusted advisor, not just a product or price salesperson✅ Use AI to enhance communication, not replace human connection✅ Create content that answers real client questions you get daily✅ Authenticity attracts the right clients and repels the wrong ones✅ Events only create ROI if you execute on what you learn✅ Community and experience amplify retention of education and networkingWant to Implement What You're Learning?This episode is powered by Empower LO and HL4, where strategy, simplicity, and execution come together to help loan officers grow without unnecessary complexity.
Listen and Subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle. SUMMARY OF THE ALICIA LYTTLE INTERVIEW From “Money Making Conversations Master Class” with Rushion McDonald [ 1. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of this interview was to: Showcase Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co‑founder of Air Innovations, known widely as the “Queen of AI.” [ Educate small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on how to leverage AI for growth. Highlight her mission to empower the African American community to not only keep up with AI—but lead in it. [ Demonstrate how AI tools can transform operations, content creation, finances, and productivity in minutes instead of months. Inspire listeners through her entrepreneurial journey, professional pivots, and personal resilience. 2. High-Level Summary Alicia Lyttle returns to the show two years after her last appearance, now positioned at the forefront of the global AI movement. She explains how her work has shifted from annual summits to monthly AI Business Summits, teaching tens of thousands of entrepreneurs how to use AI hands‑on for content, marketing, operations, and scaling. She breaks down how simple tools—such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Jasper, Gemini, and HeyGen—can turn a single piece of content into newsletters, PowerPoints, videos, study guides, and more. She stresses that AI is now accessible, especially with free versions like ChatGPT. Alicia also shares her origin story in AI, beginning with a 15‑year‑old speaker at Walmart Tech Live describing IBM Watson. This sparked her fascination and ultimately led her to pivot her entire company toward full-time AI training and consulting by 2022—despite skepticism from her peers. She details the massive growth of her brand, including 21,000+ live summit attendees and explosive social media expansion. The interview also addresses AI’s role in finance, healthcare, government, job disruption, and how individuals can future‑proof themselves. Her personal story of overcoming a restrictive ex-husband who told her she would “never speak again” underscores her powerful message: no one should silence your gifts. Now she speaks to thousands, leads major events, and helps others build new careers in AI. 3. Key Takeaways A. AI Is Evolving Fast—and So Must We AI is changing so quickly that entrepreneurs cannot afford to wait for annual updates. This is why Alicia shifted to monthly training summits. People need ongoing education to stay competitive. B. Hands‑On AI Education Is the Key Alicia doesn’t just lecture—she walks participants through real demonstrations: Uploading YouTube links Creating summaries Generating emails, mind maps, PowerPoints, quizzes, videos, and more…all from a single input. Her approach eliminates fear and teaches entrepreneurs how to use AI immediately. C. Accessibility Has Changed the Game The release of ChatGPT, especially the free version, democratized AI. Before that, tools like IBM Watson were too complex and expensive. Now anyone with a laptop and internet connection can build websites, write content, or automate business flows in minutes. [ D. The African American Community Must Lead—Not Follow Alicia emphasizes that historically, Black communities have been “last in line” in tech innovation, but this AI era presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to jump ahead.She sees it as her mission to speak everywhere Black entrepreneurs are to ensure they seize this moment. E. AI Will Replace Tasks—But People Can Future‑Proof Themselves Jobs are already shifting. Companies are laying off non–AI‑literate employees.Alicia urges people to: Become AI‑fluent Join AI committees at work Pursue certification Use AI to become their company’s internal expert “There’s no maybe—you have to learn AI,” she warns. F. AI is Transforming Every Sector: Finance, Healthcare, Government She provides insights on… AI receptionists (“Monica” and “Leslie”) that boost customer interaction to 92% Financial analysis using secure ChatGPT setups AI mental health companions Government calls for national AI leadership G. Alicia Monetizes Through Education, Certification & Consulting Her business model includes: Free monthly summits Paid masterclasses Corporate consulting AI certifications Live Atlanta workshops She teaches others to become AI consultants too. H. Her Personal Triumph Story Inspires Thousands A powerful moment is when she recounts her ex-husband saying: “There’s only one quarterback on a team—and you will never speak again.”Yet today, 1,200+ people attend her live events, and tens of thousands join her virtual trainings. Her success proves resilience and purpose overcome adversity. 4. Key Quotes On AI Opportunity “Never has there been a better time in history to start, build, or scale a business than right now.” On Training Entrepreneurs “Open your laptops… use the same prompt I use. See what results you get.” On the Power of AI Tools “You can take one episode and repurpose it into all these different content ways.” On Pivoting Her Entire Company “In 2022, I said we’re closing this business and going all in on AI.” On Being Black in Tech “My mission is to make sure our community is not left behind—but ahead of the curve.” On Personal Resilience “You will be speaking on the best stages… people will come to see you.”(A friend’s response after she was told she’d “never speak again.”) On Future-Proofing Careers “Those using AI will replace you. You have to learn how to leverage AI.” On AI as a Human-First Technology “AI plus human intelligence—that’s what takes things to the next level.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and Subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle. SUMMARY OF THE ALICIA LYTTLE INTERVIEW From “Money Making Conversations Master Class” with Rushion McDonald [ 1. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of this interview was to: Showcase Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co‑founder of Air Innovations, known widely as the “Queen of AI.” [ Educate small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on how to leverage AI for growth. Highlight her mission to empower the African American community to not only keep up with AI—but lead in it. [ Demonstrate how AI tools can transform operations, content creation, finances, and productivity in minutes instead of months. Inspire listeners through her entrepreneurial journey, professional pivots, and personal resilience. 2. High-Level Summary Alicia Lyttle returns to the show two years after her last appearance, now positioned at the forefront of the global AI movement. She explains how her work has shifted from annual summits to monthly AI Business Summits, teaching tens of thousands of entrepreneurs how to use AI hands‑on for content, marketing, operations, and scaling. She breaks down how simple tools—such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Jasper, Gemini, and HeyGen—can turn a single piece of content into newsletters, PowerPoints, videos, study guides, and more. She stresses that AI is now accessible, especially with free versions like ChatGPT. Alicia also shares her origin story in AI, beginning with a 15‑year‑old speaker at Walmart Tech Live describing IBM Watson. This sparked her fascination and ultimately led her to pivot her entire company toward full-time AI training and consulting by 2022—despite skepticism from her peers. She details the massive growth of her brand, including 21,000+ live summit attendees and explosive social media expansion. The interview also addresses AI’s role in finance, healthcare, government, job disruption, and how individuals can future‑proof themselves. Her personal story of overcoming a restrictive ex-husband who told her she would “never speak again” underscores her powerful message: no one should silence your gifts. Now she speaks to thousands, leads major events, and helps others build new careers in AI. 3. Key Takeaways A. AI Is Evolving Fast—and So Must We AI is changing so quickly that entrepreneurs cannot afford to wait for annual updates. This is why Alicia shifted to monthly training summits. People need ongoing education to stay competitive. B. Hands‑On AI Education Is the Key Alicia doesn’t just lecture—she walks participants through real demonstrations: Uploading YouTube links Creating summaries Generating emails, mind maps, PowerPoints, quizzes, videos, and more…all from a single input. Her approach eliminates fear and teaches entrepreneurs how to use AI immediately. C. Accessibility Has Changed the Game The release of ChatGPT, especially the free version, democratized AI. Before that, tools like IBM Watson were too complex and expensive. Now anyone with a laptop and internet connection can build websites, write content, or automate business flows in minutes. [ D. The African American Community Must Lead—Not Follow Alicia emphasizes that historically, Black communities have been “last in line” in tech innovation, but this AI era presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to jump ahead.She sees it as her mission to speak everywhere Black entrepreneurs are to ensure they seize this moment. E. AI Will Replace Tasks—But People Can Future‑Proof Themselves Jobs are already shifting. Companies are laying off non–AI‑literate employees.Alicia urges people to: Become AI‑fluent Join AI committees at work Pursue certification Use AI to become their company’s internal expert “There’s no maybe—you have to learn AI,” she warns. F. AI is Transforming Every Sector: Finance, Healthcare, Government She provides insights on… AI receptionists (“Monica” and “Leslie”) that boost customer interaction to 92% Financial analysis using secure ChatGPT setups AI mental health companions Government calls for national AI leadership G. Alicia Monetizes Through Education, Certification & Consulting Her business model includes: Free monthly summits Paid masterclasses Corporate consulting AI certifications Live Atlanta workshops She teaches others to become AI consultants too. H. Her Personal Triumph Story Inspires Thousands A powerful moment is when she recounts her ex-husband saying: “There’s only one quarterback on a team—and you will never speak again.”Yet today, 1,200+ people attend her live events, and tens of thousands join her virtual trainings. Her success proves resilience and purpose overcome adversity. 4. Key Quotes On AI Opportunity “Never has there been a better time in history to start, build, or scale a business than right now.” On Training Entrepreneurs “Open your laptops… use the same prompt I use. See what results you get.” On the Power of AI Tools “You can take one episode and repurpose it into all these different content ways.” On Pivoting Her Entire Company “In 2022, I said we’re closing this business and going all in on AI.” On Being Black in Tech “My mission is to make sure our community is not left behind—but ahead of the curve.” On Personal Resilience “You will be speaking on the best stages… people will come to see you.”(A friend’s response after she was told she’d “never speak again.”) On Future-Proofing Careers “Those using AI will replace you. You have to learn how to leverage AI.” On AI as a Human-First Technology “AI plus human intelligence—that’s what takes things to the next level.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your LinkedIn profile isn't a resume. It's a positioning tool.If it's not clear, optimized, and intentional, it's costing you visibility and opportunity.Here's what matters most:• A clear background banner that states who you help• A professional, approachable profile photo• A keyword-optimized headline (no emojis, no fluff)Use AI to identify SEO-friendly keywords your ideal client is searching for.In your About section:- Write in first person.- Share your mission.- Highlight your expertise.- Include a clear call to action.In your Featured section:- Drive traffic somewhere intentional, a lead magnet, newsletter, or booking link.In your Experience section:- Use descriptive, keyword-rich titles.- Show results.Add certifications and recommendations.Remove unnecessary graduation dates.And most importantly, connect with the right people.Your network impacts your visibility.Your profile should evolve as you do.Download our FREE LinkedIn Profile Optimization Guide Here:https://www.thetimetogrow.com/ecsoptimizeyourprofile
In this data-driven episode, Michael Blank is joined by returning guest Neal Bawa, one of the most analytical minds in multifamily real estate. Neal breaks down why the market has failed to rebound as many expected, why 2026 may remain a “muddling” year, and how excess supply, construction costs, and policy decisions are reshaping rents and underwriting assumptions. This conversation offers a clear-eyed, numbers-based outlook on what investors should realistically expect over the next several years.Key TakeawaysThe market is behaving rationally, not emotionally — despite abundant capital, investors remain cautious due to fundamentals, not fear.Three consecutive years of oversupply broke historical patterns, causing Class B and C assets to feel pressure previously thought impossible.Rent growth is slowly returning, with projections around ~1.5% in 2026 and normalization closer to 2.5% beyond that.Many deals will never return to original pro formas, requiring investors to reset expectations and focus on survivability over returns.Rising construction costs from labor shortages and tariffs are likely to suppress new development and benefit existing assets long term.2027–2029 may see meaningful upside, as reduced supply finally meets sustained housing demand.For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session511/
Listen and Subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle. SUMMARY OF THE ALICIA LYTTLE INTERVIEW From “Money Making Conversations Master Class” with Rushion McDonald [ 1. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of this interview was to: Showcase Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co‑founder of Air Innovations, known widely as the “Queen of AI.” [ Educate small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on how to leverage AI for growth. Highlight her mission to empower the African American community to not only keep up with AI—but lead in it. [ Demonstrate how AI tools can transform operations, content creation, finances, and productivity in minutes instead of months. Inspire listeners through her entrepreneurial journey, professional pivots, and personal resilience. 2. High-Level Summary Alicia Lyttle returns to the show two years after her last appearance, now positioned at the forefront of the global AI movement. She explains how her work has shifted from annual summits to monthly AI Business Summits, teaching tens of thousands of entrepreneurs how to use AI hands‑on for content, marketing, operations, and scaling. She breaks down how simple tools—such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Jasper, Gemini, and HeyGen—can turn a single piece of content into newsletters, PowerPoints, videos, study guides, and more. She stresses that AI is now accessible, especially with free versions like ChatGPT. Alicia also shares her origin story in AI, beginning with a 15‑year‑old speaker at Walmart Tech Live describing IBM Watson. This sparked her fascination and ultimately led her to pivot her entire company toward full-time AI training and consulting by 2022—despite skepticism from her peers. She details the massive growth of her brand, including 21,000+ live summit attendees and explosive social media expansion. The interview also addresses AI’s role in finance, healthcare, government, job disruption, and how individuals can future‑proof themselves. Her personal story of overcoming a restrictive ex-husband who told her she would “never speak again” underscores her powerful message: no one should silence your gifts. Now she speaks to thousands, leads major events, and helps others build new careers in AI. 3. Key Takeaways A. AI Is Evolving Fast—and So Must We AI is changing so quickly that entrepreneurs cannot afford to wait for annual updates. This is why Alicia shifted to monthly training summits. People need ongoing education to stay competitive. B. Hands‑On AI Education Is the Key Alicia doesn’t just lecture—she walks participants through real demonstrations: Uploading YouTube links Creating summaries Generating emails, mind maps, PowerPoints, quizzes, videos, and more…all from a single input. Her approach eliminates fear and teaches entrepreneurs how to use AI immediately. C. Accessibility Has Changed the Game The release of ChatGPT, especially the free version, democratized AI. Before that, tools like IBM Watson were too complex and expensive. Now anyone with a laptop and internet connection can build websites, write content, or automate business flows in minutes. [ D. The African American Community Must Lead—Not Follow Alicia emphasizes that historically, Black communities have been “last in line” in tech innovation, but this AI era presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to jump ahead.She sees it as her mission to speak everywhere Black entrepreneurs are to ensure they seize this moment. E. AI Will Replace Tasks—But People Can Future‑Proof Themselves Jobs are already shifting. Companies are laying off non–AI‑literate employees.Alicia urges people to: Become AI‑fluent Join AI committees at work Pursue certification Use AI to become their company’s internal expert “There’s no maybe—you have to learn AI,” she warns. F. AI is Transforming Every Sector: Finance, Healthcare, Government She provides insights on… AI receptionists (“Monica” and “Leslie”) that boost customer interaction to 92% Financial analysis using secure ChatGPT setups AI mental health companions Government calls for national AI leadership G. Alicia Monetizes Through Education, Certification & Consulting Her business model includes: Free monthly summits Paid masterclasses Corporate consulting AI certifications Live Atlanta workshops She teaches others to become AI consultants too. H. Her Personal Triumph Story Inspires Thousands A powerful moment is when she recounts her ex-husband saying: “There’s only one quarterback on a team—and you will never speak again.”Yet today, 1,200+ people attend her live events, and tens of thousands join her virtual trainings. Her success proves resilience and purpose overcome adversity. 4. Key Quotes On AI Opportunity “Never has there been a better time in history to start, build, or scale a business than right now.” On Training Entrepreneurs “Open your laptops… use the same prompt I use. See what results you get.” On the Power of AI Tools “You can take one episode and repurpose it into all these different content ways.” On Pivoting Her Entire Company “In 2022, I said we’re closing this business and going all in on AI.” On Being Black in Tech “My mission is to make sure our community is not left behind—but ahead of the curve.” On Personal Resilience “You will be speaking on the best stages… people will come to see you.”(A friend’s response after she was told she’d “never speak again.”) On Future-Proofing Careers “Those using AI will replace you. You have to learn how to leverage AI.” On AI as a Human-First Technology “AI plus human intelligence—that’s what takes things to the next level.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jonathan Mast (the White Beard AI Guy) breaks down how video professionals can use AI to handle the administrative grunt work that's eating up their time—without sacrificing quality or creativity. He shares his proven strategies for creating consistent content, automating client onboarding, and using AI as a creative partner instead of a replacement. If you've been overwhelmed by AI or skeptical about how it fits into your business, this conversation will change your perspective. Key Takeaways Start with operations, not creativity – Use AI to handle scheduling, client communications, and admin tasks before trying to use it for creative work. These "boring" tasks are where you'll see immediate time savings. The Q&A content strategy – Record simple videos answering common client questions. You already know the answers, so there's no need for scripts or elaborate setups. Batch record them in an hour and you've got weeks of content. AI as your creative partner – Think of AI tools as amplifiers of your creativity, not replacements. Let them handle the tedious parts of editing, graphics, and client onboarding so you can focus on what you do best. Don't chase every new tool – Check in every 60-90 days on what's new in AI for video, but don't jump on every shiny object. Focus on tools that integrate with what you're already using. About Jonathan Mast Jonathan Mast stands at the forefront of AI prompting mastery, empowering businesses and entrepreneurs to leverage artificial intelligence for measurable growth. Since 1995, he has blended marketing expertise with cutting-edge technology, and over the past few years has emerged as a leading authority on practical AI implementation. With an engaged audience of nearly 600,000 AI enthusiasts and entrepreneurs (450,000+ in his active Facebook group and 100,000+ email subscribers), Jonathan is a trusted voice making complex AI concepts approachable and immediately applicable. His Perfect Prompting Framework teaches businesses how to effectively communicate with AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to achieve exceptional results. As the founder of White Beard Strategies, Jonathan focuses on helping businesses and their teams leverage AI to save time, increase profits, and deliver more value to their audiences. His philosophy emphasizes AI as a tool that amplifies skill and experience rather than replacing human creativity and judgment. Jonathan's dynamic speaking style breaks down complex AI concepts into actionable steps that audiences can implement immediately. His international speaking engagements across North America, Asia, and Australia are packed with practical takeaways, and his 100+ podcast appearances demonstrate his ability to connect with and educate diverse audiences. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:37] Meet Jonathan Mast [05:42] AI Marketing [17:27] AI Note Taking [21:53] Wispr Flow [26:29] Answering Questions Through AI [29:33] Why Posting Matters [30:57] Video Made Easy [44:22] Saving Time In Your Business [49:21] Connect with Jonathan [51:17] Outro Quotes "AI gives you time. It gives you space. It gives you margin and that margin lets you be the creative that you truly want to be." – Jonathan Mast "We're literally in that stage of technology right now where if you're in a business and you're not using AI, I really believe you're going to find yourself in a very bad spot within 18 months." – Jonathan Mast "If you were going to start using AI, start with your operations, start with the things you just wish somebody else would do." – Jonathan Mast "You could literally take one wasted hour a week and turn it into answering some simple questions that you already know the answers to." – Jonathan Mast "Let AI amplify your creativity. You guys have such amazing creativity but sometimes we get so bogged down in the day-to-day running our business that we can't be the creative we want." – Jonathan Mast Guest Links Connect with Jonathan Mast - https://jonathanmast.com/linktree Search "White Beard AI" to find Jonathan's content across platforms Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter
Click to watch the full episode on YouTube!What if you could offload the busywork that keeps piling up every week and get back hours of focus without hiring a full team? In this episode, I break down how I've been using AI tools as a practical “assistant” for content, real estate, and everyday workflows so tasks stop slipping through the cracks and your systems actually feel manageable.In this episode of the First Sip Podcast, I break down:- Why I started using AI as leverage- How I use tools to capture leads, organize conversations, and reduce the back-and-forth across platforms- Simple automations that handle repeat questions and route people into a CRM without manual work- How AI-powered content workflows turn one episode into multiple short clips and marketing assets- A real example of turning a voice note into a polished presentation using transcription and slide tools- How beginners can start using AI to move past analysis paralysis and build a “virtual assistant” that asks the right questionsHere's the Master Prompt for you to create your own AI Assistant:[Executive Assistant Master prompt ](https://www.notion.so/Executive-Assistant-Master-prompt-2ff557a368e0813e9084c6c76ee132e7?pvs=21) Thank you for listening, and as always…enjoy your first sip! Timestamps:00:00 – Using AI as an assistant for weekly tasks and focuS02:38 – Real estate follow-ups, marketing, and the need for leverage03:31 – Using ChatGPT like a personal assistant and what you'll get by the end04:00 – Turning repeatable weekly tasks into faster workflows04:41 – Using forms, chatbots, and automations to capture info upfront04:58 – Zapier example: sending form responses directly into your CRM05:17 – Instagram DM auto-replies and filtering inbound requests07:00 – Turning long-form episodes into short-form content at scale07:36 – Tools like Opus Clip and CapCut for transcript-based clipping09:32 – Why the future of sales is changing fast10:02 – Real example: building a presentation with AI instead of PowerPoint11:02 – Transcribing audio with Descript11:33 – Using NotebookLM to generate a slide deck from the transcript12:34 – Creating a master prompt with ChatGPT or Gemini 13:32 – Prompting explained: clear instructions lead to better outputs15:50 – Using transcripts to create marketing visuals and infographics16:40 – Starting AI as a beginner and finding your real starting point17:10 – AI for goals: fitness, money, business, and life planning20:32 – The “virtual assistant” master prompt and how it works22:43 – Content recommendation: pair tools with a specific YouTube tutorial23:13 – Practical AI use cases: bloodwork, financial planning, and personal goalsWhat did you think about this episode?--------------------------------
Are you still spending hours brainstorming design templates? In this session, we unlock the secrets of Canva AI and its powerful integration with ChatGPT. We explore how to move from a simple idea to a finished marketing campaign in seconds by leveraging AI-driven brainstorming.Whether you're using the native Canva Magic Studio or connecting Canva directly to GPT, this session demonstrates how to automate the "blank page" problem. We walk through a real-time "Cold Drink Campaign" demo to show how AI doesn't just design; it organizes your strategy.
In this special episode, Jethro Jones defends his doctoral dissertation on how school principals can use AI for innovation rather than just efficiency. The research challenges the common "save time" narrative around AI in education and introduces the concept of "cognitive equity" - using AI to expand capabilities and solve problems that weren't previously possible.Through a full-day workshop with 11 Wyoming principals, Jethro demonstrated that when professional development focuses on authentic problems rather than tools, leaders can create innovative solutions like student mental health check-in apps, digital citizenship games, and curiosity trackers. The study revealed three key barriers (time, training, and resources) and emphasized the importance of sustained, problem-focused professional development that allows for productive struggle. LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments
The Smart 7 is an award winning daily podcast, in association with METRO that gives you everything you need to know in 7 minutes, at 7am, 7 days a week...With over 20 million downloads and consistently charting, including as No. 1 News Podcast on Spotify, we're a trusted source for people every day and the Sunday 7 won a Gold Award as “Best Conversation Starter” in the International Signal Podcast Awards If you're enjoying it, please follow, share, or even post a review, it all helps...Today's episode includes the following guests:Dr Elly Hanson - Clinical Psychologist and Researcher Wesley Lisbie - Assistant Headteacher at the E-ACT Heartland Academy, BirminghamSanjaya Ranasinghe - Vice President for Research and Development, WiredscoreWill Guyatt - The Smart 7's Tech Guru Chris Lockett - Senior Vice President of Castrol Technology Global research and developmentDr Celine Gounder - CBS News medical contributor, Epidemiologist and Infectious Disease specialistNatasa Sarkic - Lead Archaeologist at Racesa, in CroatiaDoctor Alex Woods - NHS Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Founder of start up Newrotex Wilkie - An Orca, who is also a talented mimic Contact us over @TheSmart7pod or visit www.thesmart7.com or find out more at www.metro.co.uk Presented by Ciara Revins, written by Liam Thompson, researched by Lucie Lewis and produced by Daft Doris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Sales POP!, supplement industry veteran John Smiddy (New to Marketers) reveals the strategies behind his $100M+ in client revenue. Key takeaways for 2026: AI-first optimization: Structure your product data for AI recommendation engines, not just search engines. Consumers are buying through ChatGPT conversations now. Amazon launch strategy: Start on Amazon to build instant credibility and reviews. Smiddy's data shows conversion rates of 5%+ for new brands- better than most DTC sites. Differentiation is critical: Generic formulations fail. Partner with experts to create proprietary blends backed by clinical validation and third-party testing. Balance AI with authenticity: Use AI for research and optimization, but keep your creative human. Customers can spot AI-generated content instantly.
S6:E12 Loralyn Mears, PhD, aka "Dr. LL," brings you thoughtful conversations with entrepreneurs and small business leaders navigating visibility, leadership, and growth. Thank you for being here. Overview Sometimes the issue is not your talent. It is that people cannot verify it fast enough to feel safe choosing you. In a world where AI can generate endless output, the quiet problem becomes trust, proof, and what feels "real." This episode sits inside a recurring Season 6 thread: capable people getting overlooked because their credibility is not legible at first glance. If you have ever felt like the work is strong but the market still hesitates, there is more going on here than effort.
On this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray welcomes Ben Winter, co-founder and COO at Stuut. Ben Winter brings a dynamic background in management consulting, design agencies, and executive leadership roles within scaling SaaS companies. He shares the story behind founding Stuut—an AI-powered platform designed to transform the order-to-cash process for businesses where working capital and collection efficiency are essential. Ben Winter reveals how Stuut's AI agents streamline everything from invoice communication to payment collection, targeting verticals like manufacturing, logistics, and medical devices that rely on fast cash cycles. The discussion delves into Stuut's journey—from early customer pain points to rapid fundraising, the importance of founder–investor alignment, and their innovative approach to go-to-market and brand differentiation in the crowded finance technology space. Listen in for actionable insights on SaaS metrics, building AI-driven solutions, and lessons learned in scaling an operationally efficient company—straight from a COO who's at the forefront of fintech innovation. Show Notes: 00:00 "Automating AR with AI" 05:19 "Optimizing Cash Flow for Growth" 07:11 Evolving CFO Strategies for Collections 12:34 "Delivering Value to Customers" 16:25 In-Person Impact and Clear Value 19:14 "Non-Traditional Marketing Strategies" 21:16 "Digital Coworkers for Collections Teams" 24:09 "AP & AR Strategy Insights" 29:57 "Scaling Efficiently with AI" 31:28 "Rethinking Team Structures Efficiently" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/stuut-technologies-raises-29-5m-series-a Ben Winter's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengwinter/ Stuut's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stuut/ Stuut's Website: https://www.stuut.ai/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray
S6:E12 Loralyn Mears, PhD, aka "Dr. LL," brings you thoughtful conversations with entrepreneurs and small business leaders navigating visibility, leadership, and growth. Thank you for being here. Overview Sometimes the issue is not your talent. It is that people cannot verify it fast enough to feel safe choosing you. In a world where AI can generate endless output, the quiet problem becomes trust, proof, and what feels "real." This episode sits inside a recurring Season 6 thread: capable people getting overlooked because their credibility is not legible at first glance. If you have ever felt like the work is strong but the market still hesitates, there is more going on here than effort.
Wes and Scott answer your questions about AI agents, learning to code with AI, pagination patterns, skilling up from outdated tech stacks, balancing side projects with family life, real-world hacking attempts, and more! Show Notes 00:00 Welcome to Syntax! 01:39 Are devs really running multiple AI agents at once? Scott's Tweet 09:41 Brought to you by Sentry.io 12:45 What is pagination and why do websites use it? 18:17 Should beginners use AI while learning to code? 30:24 The real-world skills CS degrees don't teach you 35:59 Someone tried to hack Syntax 38:12 How Wes and Scott became co-hosts 42:00 Moving from junior to mid-level when your skills are outdated 45:42 How do you balance time for side projects, life, and family 52:45 Building a ChatGPT-style RAG search for your resume 56:15 Why Chad Whitacre videos were on the Syntax YouTube channel Chad's YouTube Channel 58:44 Sick Picks + Shameless Plugs Sick Picks Scott: Trmnl Wes: RYOBI Soldering Iron Shameless Plugs Syntax YouTube Channel Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads
Here's a question you may have heard already from a client or prospect when you submit a quote or proposal: "Wait… you use AI now. Shouldn't this cost less?" On the surface, it sounds like a pricing question. But underneath, there's something much more important going on. It's a sign that the client is still thinking in terms of time, keystrokes, and effort—while you're trying to sell judgment, standards, and outcomes. In this short episode, I walk through how to handle that objection without getting defensive, without negotiating against yourself, and without pretending AI doesn't make parts of your work easier or faster. We talk about: · Why this question is natural (and why it doesn't automatically make someone a "bad" client) · The core reframe that moves the conversation away from hours and toward responsibility and value · Simple talk tracks you can use on the spot when a client presses on price · How to reduce the chances of having this conversation in the first place · And why, long-term, the goal isn't to win every pricing debate, but to work with forward-thinking clients who actually get the value you bring to the table If you've ever felt caught off guard by this question, or unsure how to respond without sounding defensive or vague, this episode will give you language you can actually use.
I sit down with Jonathan Courtney, host of Unscheduled CEO Podcast, to talk about the gap between building AI-powered products and actually making money from them. Jonathan walks through his four-step "Promoter Blueprint" — traffic, holding pattern, selling event, and conversion — and shows exactly how he uses Claude and Claude Code to execute each phase. This one is a wake-up call for any founder spending more time optimizing automations than promoting what they sell. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and Welcome Back 04:13 – The Founder's Real Job: Promotion, Period 09:23 – The Promoter Blueprint (Screen Share) 19:38 – Using AI with Promoter Blueprint 22:52 – Inside Claude: Jonathan's Claude Workflow 28:41 – Moving from Claude to Claude Code for Builds 30:55 – Building a $450K Webinar Campaign with Claude 37:30 – Scale Up, Abundance Over Efficiency 43:57 – Final Advice: Embrace Your Role as Promoter Key Points A CEO's primary job is promoting the business — building is secondary to getting people in the door. AI tools become "procrastination machines" when builders optimize systems that have zero customers. Every revenue engine follows four phases: traffic, holding pattern, selling event, conversion (and a loop back). Claude projects combined with Claude Code create a fast workflow for going from research to a shipped marketing asset in under an hour. The current play is abundance and scale, using AI to run five campaigns instead of one, rather than cutting headcount for efficiency. Off-the-shelf solutions still beat custom builds in many cases — always ask before you spend three days vibe-coding something. The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.com LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: https://www.thevibemarketer.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL Unscheduled CEO Podcast: https://www.unscheduledceo.com/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
In a world of instant output, what makes your insight stand out?Bill Gallagher explores the mindset shift every leader needs to make when using AI tools. While executives are often excited, teams on the ground are nervous--and with good reason. But AI isn't here to replace your thinking; it's here to amplify it. In this episode, Bill breaks down how to stay ahead of the curve without falling into the trap of automation overwhelm.Topics explored in this episode:(00:02) AI Is an Amplifier, Not a Replacement*Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc., are here to scale and amplify you, not replace you.*The biggest mistake is seeing AI as either a threat or a total replacement for human contribution.*Traditional research (library, citations, cross-referencing) was extremely time-consuming.(02:48) Human Wisdom Is the Differentiator*Let AI draft, format, analyze, summarize.*But judgment, insight, and strategic calls remain human responsibilities.*AI output is often a starting point, but it is not the final answer.(06:32) Leaders Are Excited, but Teams Are Nervous*CEOs and execs tend to be excited.*Teams often fear being replaced and falling behind.*Leaders must normalize learning and experimentation.Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshopBill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoachVisit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.Did you enjoy today's episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billgall/Bill on Twitter/X: https://x.com/billgall
Guest Bio: Louise is an award-winning social media strategist, coach, four-time best-selling author, and the founder of SellOnSocial.Media Digital Marketing Agency & Academy. For the past 20 years, I've helped coaches and consultants grow their businesses with fresh perspectives and innovative AI-powered tools. Key Points: Social media is marketing, not a separate skill Louise didn't "get into social media" randomly; her foundation is traditional marketing. Social media is simply a modern channel for applying timeless marketing principles. The problem isn't social media itself; it's treating it as something different from marketing strategy. You don't need to like social media to use it well Many business owners dislike social media or don't want to spend hours online and that's okay. Social media is not about becoming an influencer or going viral. For business owners, it's about using social platforms efficiently and intentionally to generate leads and opportunities. Followers ≠ business growth Having thousands of followers means nothing if you don't know how to convert attention into revenue. A person with zero followers and someone with 15,000 followers can have the same problem: no system to turn visibility into sales. Social media success is not about features, hacks, or trends, it's about strategy. The 5-step framework for using social media effectively 1. Clarify your core offer 2. Nail your messaging 3. Show up with intent. 4. Build a lead generation system 5. Use AI as a co-pilot, not the driver Expectations depend on your starting point Results vary based on size of your existing audience, email list strength and consistency of organic activity. Someone with a warm audience will see faster results than someone starting from scratch. Organic activity makes paid ads dramatically more effective. Organic activity + paid ads = leverage Ads work best when layered on top of consistent organic engagement. Cold ad accounts cost more and convert less. Platforms reward businesses that show up consistently before running ads. What a "lead" really means in social media A lead is someone who opts in; joins your list, attends a session, downloads something. Leads can be cold (just joined), warm (engaging) or hot (ready to buy). Most people don't buy immediately, social media supports direct, indirect, and future sales. Social media doesn't sell high-ticket services, conversations do Low-cost products can sell directly on social platforms. High-ticket services require lead generation, nurturing and sales conversations. You market online, but you sell offline. The real outcome of social media The goal isn't instant sales; it's building a pipeline of qualified prospects. Social media creates visibility, trust, and opportunity over time. Done right, it feeds a steady flow of future business. Bottom line: Social media works when it's treated as a strategic marketing system, not a content treadmill. Clear offers, strong messaging, intentional activity, and lead generation, not virality, drive real business results. Guest Links: AI Powered Online 2026 Social Media Content Planner To help you create impactful content week in, week out! 1. The 2026 content calendar with 950+ searchable dates and holidays 2. An AI post generator for Story, Advice and Testimonial posts in your own voice (2 posts per month, free forever) 3. High-converting post formats powered by smart prompts, so you can create content that works, in your own voice and tone 4. Simple tools to plan and organize your content 5. This smart tool helps you embrace AI as your co-pilot, so you create content easily in your voice and tone. About Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders Download your free gift, The Salesology® Vault. The vault is packed full of free gifts from sales leaders, sales experts, marketing gurus, and revenue generation experts. Download your free gift, 81 Tools to Grow Your Sales & Your Business Faster, More Easily & More Profitably. Save hours of work tracking down the right prospecting and sales resources and/or digital tools that every business owner and salesperson needs. If you are a business owner or sales manager with an underperforming sales team, let's talk. Click here to schedule a time. Please subscribe to Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to https://podcast.gosalesology.com/ and connect on LinkedIn and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our website at https://gosalesology.com/.
In this episode of C.U. On The Show, Doug English speaks with Deedee Myers and JD Myers about how AI is influencing credit union governance and organizational readiness. They discuss how AI can accelerate both strengths and weaknesses in an organization, why workforce literacy and critical thinking matter in an AI-enabled environment, and how boards can responsibly engage with AI in strategic planning. The conversation covers practical entry points—such as “point AI” tools and vendor-embedded AI—along with longer-term concepts like enterprise AI, AI ecosystems, and the importance of security and explainability for regulated decision-making.Watch the video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N3BQnwVMm0ARead the episode summary here: Fiduciary Financial Planning Insights | ACT Advisors BlogEmail doug@act-advisors.com with any inquiries.The guests on today's show are not affiliated with or endorsed by ACT Advisors, LLC and their opinions are their own. ACT Advisors did not provide cash or non-cash compensation for their participation. ACT Advisors, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not investment, legal, or tax advice.
The Ultimate Marketing Safety Net: Why You Don't Own Your AudienceIn the fast-paced world of 2026, many entrepreneurs are making a fatal mistake: they are building their entire business on "rented land". Whether you are a note investor, a realtor, or a fix-and-flipper, the reality is that we are all in the marketing business first. If your primary way of reaching clients is through a free platform like Facebook or LinkedIn, you are one algorithm change or account deletion away from having your business vanish overnight.I've seen it happen to the best of us. From podcasting experts losing 20-year-old accounts to major email services flagging databases, the message is urgent: you must own your data. Success in today's market isn't just about finding deals; it's about "carpet bombing" your message across multiple channels while funneling every lead into a database you actually control.5 Keys to Dominating Your Marketing in 2026Own the "Gold" (Name, Email, and Phone): Social media followers are great for presence, but the only true assets you own are your contacts' names, email addresses, and cell phone numbers. These three pieces of information are the most valuable resources in your business, allowing you to bypass platform gatekeepers and connect directly with your audience.The Power of the Weekly Drip: Consistency is the antidote to being forgotten. You should be sending at least one email per week to your database to stay top-of-mind. Frequent communication leads to lower opt-out rates because you are building a relationship rather than just asking for money when you have a deal.Leverage AI for Content Multiplicity: You don't need to spend hours writing from scratch. Use AI to take a single long-form video or podcast transcript and "chop" it into 30 short-form videos, blogs, and newsletters. This "multi-touch" approach ensures you are seen on every platform—from LinkedIn newsletters to YouTube—without doubling your workload.Implement "Mother Ship" Landing Pages: Every piece of content should lead back to your "mothership"—your website. Use simple one-page landing pages with "opt-ins" like free classes or case studies to capture lead information. Even if they don't buy immediately, you've captured the data necessary for future marketing.The "Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook" Philosophy: Most investors fail at raising capital because they only reach out when they are desperate for a deal. Instead, provide value through "edutainment"—sharing case studies, industry articles, and networking updates. By giving 75% of the time, your "ask" for funding will feel like a natural opportunity for your investors rather than a cold pitch.Conclusion: Take Action Before the "Fade"Don't let your business fade away like a character in a movie. If you aren't growing your database, you aren't growing your income. Start by exporting your contacts from LinkedIn or your calendar service and moving them into a dedicated CRM. Remember, email still provides the highest ROI in marketing—returning roughly $44 for every $1 spent. Stop being a "secret agent" and start sharing your journey consistently.Watch the Original Video of this Episode HERE!Book a Call With Scott HERE!Sign up for the next FREE One-Day Note Class HERE!Sign up for the WCN Membership HERE!Sign up for the next Note Buying For Dummies Workshop HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join the Note Closers Show community today:WeCloseNotes.comThe Note Closers Show FacebookThe Note Closers Show TwitterScott Carson LinkedInThe Note Closers Show YouTubeThe Note Closers Show VimeoThe Note Closers Show InstagramWe Close Notes Pinterest
How CX Leaders Can Navigate the Turbulence of an AI-Transformed World Shep interviews Scott McKain, award-winning speaker and best-selling author. He talks about his latest book, Beyond Distinction: How Leaders Transcend the Turbulence of an AI-Transformed World, and how leaders and organizations can create meaningful, distinctive customer experiences in an AI-transformed world. This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more: Why is consistency important in providing an excellent customer experience? What role does emotional connection play in building customer loyalty? How should companies leverage technology to improve customer service without losing the human touch? What are some effective ways to deliver a proactive customer experience? Why is standing out from competitors not enough to build lasting customer relationships? Top Takeaways: Standing out from competitors is important. However, simply being different is not always good. Distinction is when what we do is unique, compelling, and memorable in a way that is impactful and meaningful to the customers we seek to serve. Consistency wows customers. Amazing customer experiences are built on doing small things right, every time. When every interaction is handled with care and attention, customers learn to trust the brand. Technology, like AI, can make your business faster and more efficient, but loyalty comes from how you make customers feel. Even with simple gestures like remembering someone's name or checking whether the customer got everything they need, it's the human touch that keeps people coming back. Use AI to save money and handle repetitive tasks efficiently, giving your team more time to focus on resolving customer issues and building stronger relationships. Every organization should be very precise about what they aren't, just as clear as they are about what they are. Real competitive advantage does not come from reacting to trends or to what your competitors are doing. If you are constantly in reaction mode, you are already behind. Staying ahead means anticipating your customers' needs before they realize what they want. Artificial Intelligence amplifies the values and habits a business already has, good or bad. If a business is committed to consistently providing excellent service, AI will help them do so even better. If a business is running on broken systems or is only focused on cutting costs, AI could make those problems worse. Plus, Scott shares more insights from his latest book, Beyond Distinction: How Leaders Transcend the Turbulence of an AI-Transformed World. Tune in! Quote: "Tasks go to technology, but emotion and customers go to human beings." About: Scott McKain is a Hall of Fame speaker, business advisor, and the founder/CEO of the Distinction Institute. He is the best-selling author of ALL Business is STILL Show Business, Iconic, Create Distinction, and his latest, Beyond Distinction. Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Tiffany dives into a critical challenge facing today's coaches, consultants, speakers, and authors: the subtle "outsourcing" of leadership and authority. While we live in an era where AI and algorithms can generate content in seconds, Tiffany explores the hidden costs of letting technology and trends replace human discernment.She clarifies that while she is a proponent of technology (integrating AI into her own Brand OS Pro ecosystem), there is a vital distinction between using tools to support your authority versus using them to substitute it. This episode is a call to action for thought leaders to reclaim their "internal compass," protect their intellectual property, and lead with a grounded perspective that no algorithm can replicate.Key TakeawaysSupport vs. Substitution: Technology should amplify your discernment, not replace your thinking. Use AI to expand your leadership capacity, but never as a replacement for your unique perspective.The Subtlety of Giving Away Authority: Outsourcing authority rarely happens overnight. It begins when we prioritize "what's working right now" (trends/optimization) over our own "True North" (truth/alignment).Algorithms vs. Wisdom: Algorithms are designed for engagement, and AI is trained on what already exists. Neither can sense nuance, feel timing, or take responsibility for the consequences of a decision, those are uniquely human traits.The Map and the Compass: Think of AI and external strategies as maps that show you where others have gone. You must remain the compass. If you follow the map without checking your compass, you may move fast, but you won't move toward your true mission.The Hidden Cost of Hollow Messaging: When authority lives outside of you, your brand loses its coherence. Listeners and clients can energetically sense when a leader's confidence is wavering or when their message feels "diluted" by copy-and-paste thinking.Protecting Your IP: True authority involves owning and protecting your Intellectual Property (IP). Within the Brand OS Pro framework, AI is used to house and reinforce your unique voice, ensuring your nuance isn't erased by automation.Reflective Questions for Leaders:Where have I been deferring instead of deciding?What opinions have I been trusting more than my own?Where have I optimized away my intuition?What would leadership look like if I trusted myself more fully?Mentioned ResourcesBrand OS Pro: Tiffany's signature ecosystem for helping leaders integrate systems and AI while protecting their IP and authority.Connect with Tiffany:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyneuman/Email: tiffany@tiffanyneuman.comRate, Review, and Follow on Your Favorite Platform! If you loved this episode, leave us a review. And always make sure you're following the podcast so you never miss an episode. Follow now!
AI can be a valuable tool for organizing your thoughts, creating systems for productivity, and ultimately making more money as a result.In this week's episode, Grace and Erin shared how they use AI in business and life. Everything from managing thoughts and ideas, to creating project roadmaps, to improving content.—If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the podcast. We appreciate your support!
If you have a podcast — or you're thinking about starting one — chances are you've already wondered how AI fits into the picture. Can it save time? Can it help you grow faster? And more importantly… can it actually help you build a profitable podcast without watering down your voice or your authority?In this episode of Run Your Damn Business, I'm breaking down when AI helps your podcast grow — and when it quietly works against you. Because while AI can absolutely support podcast monetization and online visibility, using it the wrong way can weaken the very thing that makes podcasts convert: trust, connection, and authority.I use AI every single week in my business. I'm not anti-AI. But I am deeply strategic about where it belongs in a podcasting ecosystem — especially if your goal is monetizing a podcast, attracting aligned clients, and building sustainable passive income instead of another content hamster wheel.Inside this episode, we talk about why AI is incredibly effective for behind-the-scenes podcast strategy — and why relying on it for your actual content can hurt your ability to market online in a way that feels human and believable.You'll hear how AI can help you:Understand your market fasterClarify positioning and messagingStrengthen SEO so your podcast compounds over timeIncrease online visibility without posting moreSupport podcast monetization without replacing your voiceBut we'll also talk honestly about the one area where AI causes podcasters to lose momentum, confidence, and connection — often without realizing it.Podcasting is not just a content channel. It's relationship marketing. And when your goal is to attract more clients, build trust at scale, and create a business asset that works even when you're offline, how you use AI matters just as much as whether you use it.This conversation is especially important if you're trying to:Build a profitable podcast instead of an expensive hobbyMonetize your podcast in a way that feels alignedUse your podcast as a long-term business assetMarket online without burning out on social mediaI also share how I'm teaching this exact framework — including SEO patterning, keyword positioning, and strategic AI use — inside my free live training happening February 24–26, where I walkReady to turn your podcast into a real business asset? If you already have a podcast that isn't making money — or you're thinking about starting one and want to do it right from day one — I'm hosting a FREE, live training that will show you exactly how to build a podcast that actually supports your revenue. Inside the Profitable Podcast Kickstarter, I'll walk you through how to: • connect your podcast to a real offer • stop creating content that goes nowhere • turn listeners into clients — without living on social media
Shopping should be simple. But for most of us, it’s turned into tabs open everywhere, conflicting reviews, and that lingering doubt that you’ve either missed a better option or paid more than you needed to. We walk through how we actually use AI tools when we’re buying something, from working out what problem we’re trying to solve, to comparing products without getting lost in specs and opinions. We also dig into some of the most frustrating parts of shopping, like finding the best price, checking historical lows, tracking price drops, and hunting down discount codes without trawling scammy websites. Neo and I discuss: How AI helps at the very start of the buying journey by clarifying what problem you’re actually trying to solve Using AI to compare products side by side, including features, pricing and versions Why AI is especially useful for complex purchases like electronics and appliances The differences between Perplexity, Google AI mode and ChatGPT when researching products How to use AI to find the best price and check historical price lows Setting up scheduled prompts to monitor prices and alert you when they drop Using AI to search for discount codes without trawling scammy or spammy websites Connect with Neo Aplin on LinkedIn and via inventium.ai, where he leads Inventium’s AI training and upskilling work with organisations and teams. My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S6:E10 Loralyn Mears, PhD, aka "Dr. LL," brings you thoughtful conversations with entrepreneurs and small business leaders navigating visibility, leadership, and growth. Thank you for being here. Overview There is a specific kind of frustration that does not look dramatic from the outside: you are doing the work, you are buying the tools, you are trying to keep up, and somehow things feel harder, not easier. You are not "behind," you are managing a system that is quietly becoming unmanageable. In 2026, the gap between what you know you should do and what you can realistically maintain is where a lot of businesses get misread. And when your backend is messy, your signal gets messy too.
S6:E10 Loralyn Mears, PhD, aka "Dr. LL," brings you thoughtful conversations with entrepreneurs and small business leaders navigating visibility, leadership, and growth. Thank you for being here. Overview There is a specific kind of frustration that does not look dramatic from the outside: you are doing the work, you are buying the tools, you are trying to keep up, and somehow things feel harder, not easier. You are not "behind," you are managing a system that is quietly becoming unmanageable. In 2026, the gap between what you know you should do and what you can realistically maintain is where a lot of businesses get misread. And when your backend is messy, your signal gets messy too.
AI is everywhere, but most business owners are not sure how to actually use it without creating more chaos. In this episode, BOP Coaches Shawn "Dickie" Stinson and Brandon "Donny" Gray break down AI in plain language for business owners who want clarity, not complexity. They explain why AI does not fix broken systems and how it works best when your business has clear processes and direction. You will hear how owners are using AI today to save time on emails, schedules, estimates, and client communication, without overcomplicating their business. They also unpack the three stages of AI adoption and why most owners should start simple before chasing advanced tools. Key takeaways: ✅ AI amplifies what already exists in your business ✅ Start with productivity before automation ✅ Bring your own thinking and context ✅ Do not trust AI without verifying ✅ Use AI to support clear processes, not replace them If AI feels overwhelming or confusing, this episode will help you see how to use it as a practical tool instead of another distraction. Are you working IN your business or ON your business? Do you have all of the foundational elements that will liberate you from the business chaos? Take the assessment to find out which areas you can grow and improve on. Take our Healthy Owner Business Assessment HERE➡️ http://businessonpurpose.com/healthy SIGN UP for our Newsletter HERE ➡️ https://www.boproadmap.com/newsletter For blogs and updates, visit our site HERE ➡️ https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/blog/ LISTEN to The Dickie and Donny Show on Apple Podcast HERE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dickie-and-donny-show/id1849240083 LISTEN to The Dickie and Donny Show on Spotify HERE ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/1gkSeO4QGSAcupPOnon5oS?si=12cf4b4a42a84aa1 SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPR8lTHY0ay4c0iqncOztg?sub_confirmation=1 #AIForBusiness #SmallBusinessAI #BusinessAutomation #EntrepreneurTools
Building HVAC Science - Building Performance, Science, Health & Comfort
Episode quotes: "What you put into this, you get out of this in multiples." "It's not about sales. It's about learning, relationships, and leaving your ego at the door." "Use AI responsibly, but keep the humans involved. The humans are what keep it honest." In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser, Bill, and the TruTech Tools crew (Billy Spohn, Ginny Hebert, and Josh Crawley) recap their trip to the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium in Ocoee, Florida. Josh and Ginny share first-timer impressions: early-morning booth setup, instant attendee engagement, a surprisingly family-friendly outdoor vibe (kids and dogs everywhere), and the general "people are here to learn, not to get sold to" energy. The group talks about how rare it is to see a community where respect and curiosity are the default. They also dig into the most memorable moments and crowd magnets: the GRIT Foundation dunk tank fundraiser, Jim Bergmann's talk on using AI responsibly (in conjunction with real measurements), and hands-on booth favorites like the Shaeco fin straightener demo, the RETROTEC"air tracer," and continued interest in specialized tools like the TrueFlow grid and torque screwdrivers. Billy highlights a renewed surge of questions around combustion analyzers and why the industry seems to cycle back to them, while Eric frames it simply: you cannot fix what you cannot see. To close, everyone answers the question of why the symposium matters, in person or virtually. The consistent theme is relationships, peer learning, and a network that lasts long after the event. Bill caps it with a challenge: what you put into this community, you get back in multiples, and it can genuinely be career-changing. Symposium link: https://www.hvacrschool.com/events/7th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/ ELK's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaiser-323a1563/ Josh's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crawley-20b41550/ Ginny's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-hebert/ Billy's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-spohn-jr-a06201a3/ Bill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/ This episode was recorded in January 2026.
What if the reason you're burned out isn't delegation—but the fact that you're managing other people's approval instead of leading?You don't struggle with delegation—you struggle with giving clear feedback to the people whose approval you think you need. In this Thursday quick-hit, Dawn breaks down why senior hires trigger softened communication, midnight rewrites, and CEO exhaustion—and how learning to hold someone else's disappointment is the real leadership skill that removes bottlenecks. If you're rewriting work at 11 PM to “be nice,” this episode will hit uncomfortably close to home (in the best way).Ready to stop managing approval and start leading with clarity? Join the free AI for Founders Community—a room full of founders learning to delegate, give feedback, and lead without the approval economy running their business.Key TakeawaysYou're not bad at feedback—you're inconsistent. You give crystal-clear direction to people whose approval you don't need…and hedge endlessly with the ones you're afraid to disappoint.You're running two delegation systems. One clear. One softened. That split is what's exhausting you—not your team.Approval is expensive. Rewriting emails, taking work back, and fixing things at midnight is an invisible approval tax on your CEO time.This isn't about their feelings—it's about your story. You're not managing their disappointment. You're managing the fear of what their disappointment might “prove” about you.AI can expose your approval patterns fast. When emotions muddy leadership language, AI can objectively show you where you hedge, soften, and self-protect.Before you give feedback, ask yourself: “Am I softening this because they can't handle clarity—or because I'm afraid of losing their approval?”If it's the second one, that's not kindness. That's self-protection.Leadership requires learning how to hold someone else's disappointment without making it your emergency.Use AI as your approval detector:Prompt:“Analyze my feedback patterns. Below are three emails to junior team members and three to senior team members. Identify where my language shifts from direct to hedging, where I manage reactions instead of stating expectations, and rewrite the senior feedback with the same clarity used for juniors.”You'll see the pattern immediately—and once you see it, you can't unsee it.Resources & LinksJoin the Community: AI for Founders Free GroupFreebie: The Feedback FixRelated Episodes:Ep. 125 | The 3-Text Test: How Female Founders Use AI to Stop Their Team From Treating Them Like Google — communication clarity + boundaries.Send us a textWant to increase revenue and impact? Listen to “She's That Founder” for insights on business strategy and female leadership to scale your business. Each episode offers advice on effective communication, team building, and management. Learn to master routines and systems to boost productivity and prevent burnout. Our delegation tips and business consulting will advance your executive leadership skills and presence.
It’s actually a good thing that some books push you to the edge of your ability to understand. But there’s no doubting the fact that dense, abstract and jargon-filled works can push you so far into the fog of frustration that you cannot blame yourself for giving up. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to walk away frustrated and confused. I’m going to share with you a number of practical strategies that will help you fill in the gaps of your reading process. Because that’s usually the real problem: It’s not your intelligence. Nor is it that the world is filled with books “above your level.” I ultimately don’t believe in “levels” as such. But as someone who taught reading courses at Rutgers and Saarland University, I know from experience that many learners need to pick up a few simple steps that will strengthen how they approach reading difficult books. And in this guide, you’ll learn how to read challenging books and remember what they say. I’m going to go beyond generic advice too. That way, you can readily diagnose: Why certain books feel so hard Use pre-reading tactics that prime your brain to deal with difficulties effectively Apply active reading techniques to lock in understanding faster Leverage accelerated learning tools that are quick to learn Use Artificial Intelligence to help convert tough convent into lasting knowledge without worrying about getting duped by AI hallucinations Whether you’re tacking philosophy, science, dense fiction or anything based primarily in words, the reading system you’ll learn today will help you turn confusion into clarity. By the end, even the most intimidating texts will surrender their treasures to your mind. Ready? Let’s break it all down together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9HLbY4jsFg Why Some Books Feel “Too Hard” (And What That Really Means) You know exactly how it feels and so do I. You sit down with a book that people claim is a classic or super-important. But within a few pages, your brain fogs over and you’re completely lost. More often than not, through glazed eyes, you start to wonder… did this author go out of his or her way to make this difficult? Are they trying to show off with all these literary pyrotechnics? Or is there a deliberate conspiracy to confuse readers like me? Rest assured. These questions are normal and well worth asking. The difficulty you might feel is never arbitrary in my experience. But there’s also no “single origin” explanation for why some books feel easier than others. It’s almost always a combination of factors, from cognitive readiness, lived experience, emotions and your physical condition throughout the day. This means that understanding why individual texts resist your understanding needs to be conducted on a case-by-case basis so you can move towards mastering anything you want to read. Cognitive Load: The Brain’s Processing “Stop Sign” “Cognitive load” probably needs no definition. The words are quite intuitive. You start reading something and it feels like someone is piling heavy bricks directly on top of your brain, squishing everything inside. More specifically, these researchers explain that what’s getting squished is specifically your working memory, which is sometimes called short-term memory. In practical terms, this means that when a book suddenly throws a bunch of unfamiliar terms at you, your working memory has to suddenly deal with abstract concepts, completely new words or non-linear forms of logic. All of this increases your cognitive load, but it’s important to note that there’s no conspiracy. In Just Being Difficult: Academic Writing in the Public Arena, a variety of contributors admit that they often write for other specialists. Although it would be nice to always compose books and articles for general readers, it’s not laziness. They’re following the codes of their discipline, which involves shorthand to save everyone time. Yes, it can also signal group membership and feel like an intellectual wall if you’re new to this style, but it’s simply a “stop sign” for your brain. And wherever there are stop signs, there are also alternative routes. Planning Your Detour “Roadmap” Into Difficult Books Let me share a personal example by way of sharing a powerful technique for making hard books easier to read. A few years ago I decided I was finally going to read Kant. I had the gist of certain aspects of his philosophy, but a few pages in, I encountered so many unfamiliar terms, I knew I had to obey the Cognitive Load Stop Sign and take a step back. To build a roadmap into Kant, I searched Google in a particular way. Rather than a search term like, “Intro to Kant,” I entered this tightened command instead: Filetype:PDF syllabus Kant These days, you can ask an LLM in more open language to simply give you links to the syllabi of the most authoritative professors who teach Kant. I’d still suggest that you cross-reference what you get on Google, however. If you’re hesitant about using either Google or AI, it’s also a great idea to visit a librarian in person to help you. Or, you can read my post about using AI for learning with harming your memory to see if it’s time to update your approach. Narrowing Down Your Options One way or another, the reason to consult the world’s leading professors is that their syllabi will provide you with: Foundational texts Core secondary literature Commentaries from qualified sources Essential historical references Once you’ve looked over a few syllabi, look through the table of contents of a few books on Amazon or Google Books. Then choose: 1-2 foundational texts to read before the challenging target book you want to master 1-2 articles or companion texts to read alongside In this way, you’ve turned difficulty into a path, not an obstacle. Pre-Reading Strategies That Warm Up Your Reading Muscles A lot of the time, the difficulty people feel when reading has nothing to do with the book. It’s just that you’re diving into unfamiliar territory without testing the waters first. Here are some simple ways to make unfamiliar books much easier to get into. Prime Like a Pro To make books easier to read, you can perform what is often called “priming” in the accelerated learning community. It is also sometimes called “pre-reading” and as this research article discusses, its success has been well-demonstrated. The way I typically perform priming is simple. Although some books require a slight change to the pattern, I typically approach each new book by reading: The back cover The index The colophon page The conclusion or afterword The most interesting or relevant chapter The introduction The rest of the book Activate Prior Knowledge Sometimes I will use a skimming and scanning strategy after reading the index to quickly familiarize myself with how an author approaches a topic with which I’m already familiar. This can help raise interest, excitement and tap into the power of context-dependent memory. For example, I recently started reading Doubt: A History by Jennifer Michael Hecht. Since the Renaissance memory master Giordano Bruno comes up multiple times, I was able to draw up a kind of context map of the books themes by quickly going through those passages. Take a Picture Walk Barbara Oakley and Terence Sejnjowski share a fantastic strategy in Learning How to Learn. Before reading, simply go through a book and look at all the illustrations, tables, charts and diagrams. It seems like a small thing. But it gives your brain a “heads up” about upcoming visual information that you may need to process than prose. I used to find visual information like this difficult, but after I started taking picture walks, I’m now excited to read “towards” these elements. If still find them challenging to understand, I apply a tip I learned from Tony Buzan that you might like to try: Rather than struggle to interpret a chart or illustration, reproduce it in your own hand. Here’s an example of how I did this when studying spaced repetition: As a result, I learned the graph and its concepts quickly and have never forgotten it. Build a Pre-Reading Ritual That Fits You There’s no one-sized-fits-all strategy, so you need to experiment with various options. The key is to reduce cognitive load by giving your mind all kinds of ways of understanding what a book contains. If it helps, you can create yourself a checklist that you slip into the challenging books on your list. That way, you’ll have both a bookmark and a protocol as you develop your own pre-reading style. Active Reading Techniques That Boost Comprehension Active reading involves deliberately applying mental activities while reading. These can include writing in the margins of your books, questioning, preparing summaries and even taking well-time breaks between books. Here’s a list of my favorite active reading strategies with ideas on how you can implement them. Using Mnemonics While Reading On the whole, I take notes while reading and then apply a variety of memory techniques after. But to stretch my skills, especially when reading harder books, I start the encoding process earlier. Instead of just taking notes, I’ll start applying mnemonic images. I start early because difficult terms often require a bit more spaced repetition. To do this yourself, the key is to equip yourself with a variety of mnemonic methods, especially: The Memory Palace technique The Pegword Method The Major System The PAO System And in some cases, you may want to develop a symbol system, such as if you’re studying physics or programming. Once you have these mnemonic systems developed, you can apply them in real time. For example, if you come across names and dates, committing them to memory as you read can help you keep track of a book’s historical arc. This approach can be especially helpful when reading difficult books because authors often dump a lot of names and dates. By memorizing them as you go, you reduce the mental load of having to track it all. For even more strategies you can apply while reading, check out my complete Mnemonics Dictionary. Strategic Questioning Whether you take notes or memorize in real-time, asking questions as you go makes a huge difference. Even if you don’t come up with answers, continually interrogating the book will open up your brain. The main kinds of questions are: Evaluative questions (checking that the author uses valid reasoning and address counterarguments) Analytical questions (assessing exactly how the arguments unfold and questioning basic assumptions) Synthetic questions (accessing your previous knowledge and looking for connections with other books and concepts) Intention questions (interrogating the author’s agenda and revealing any manipulative rhetoric) One medieval tool for questioning you can adopt is the memory wheel. Although it’s definitely old-fashioned, you’ll find that it helps you rotate between multiple questions. Even if they are as simple as who, what, where, when, how and why questions, you’ll have a mental mnemonic device that helps ensure you don’t miss any of them. Re-reading Strategies Although these researchers seem to think that re-reading is not an effective strategy, I could not live without it. There are three key kinds of re-reading I recommend. Verbalize Complexity to Tame It The first is to simply go back and read something difficult to understand out loud. You’d be surprised how often it’s not your fault. The author has just worded something in a clunky manner and speaking the phrasing clarifies everything. Verbatim Memorization for Comprehension The second strategy is to memorize the sentence or even an entire passage verbatim. That might seem like a lot of work, but this tutorial on memorizing entire passages will make it easy for you. Even if verbatim memorization takes more work, it allows you to analyze the meaning within your mind. You’re no longer puzzling over it on paper, continuing to stretch your working memory. No, you’ve effectively expanded at least a part of your working memory by bypassing it altogether. You’ve ushered the information into long-term memory. I’m not too shy to admit that I have to do this sometimes to understand everything from the philosophy in Sanskrit phrases to relatively simple passages from Shakespeare. As I shared in my recent discussion of actor Anthony Hopkins’ memory, I couldn’t work out what “them” referred to in a particular Shakespeare play. But after analyzing the passage in memory, it was suddenly quite obvious. Rhythmical Re-reading The third re-reading strategy is something I shared years ago in my post detailing 11 reasons you should re-read at least one book per month. I find this approach incredibly helpful because no matter how good you get at reading and memory methods, even simple books can be vast ecosystems. By revisiting difficult books at regular intervals, you not only get more out of them. You experience them from different perspectives and with the benefit of new contexts you’ve built in your life over time. In other words, treat your reading as an infinite game and never assume that you’ve comprehended everything. There’s always more to be gleaned. Other Benefits of Re-reading You’ll also improve your pattern recognition by re-treading old territory, leading to more rapid recognition of those patterns in new books. Seeing the structures, tropes and other tactics in difficult books opens them up. But without regularly re-reading books, it can be difficult to perceive what these forms are and how authors use them. To give you a simple example of a structure that appears in both fiction and non-fiction, consider in media res, or starting in the middle. When you spot an author using this strategy, it can immediately help you read more patiently. And it places the text in the larger tradition of other authors who use that particular technique. For even more ideas that will keep your mind engaged while tackling tough books, feel free to go through my fuller article on 7 Active Reading Strategies. Category Coloring & Developing Your Own Naming System For Complex Material I don’t know about you, but I do not like opening a book only to find it covered in highlighter marks. I also don’t like highlighting books myself. However, after practicing mind mapping for a few years, I realized that there is a way to combine some of its coloring principles with the general study principles of using Zettelkasten and flashcards. Rather than passively highlighting passages that seem interesting at random, here’s an alternative approach you can take to your next tour through a complicated book. Category Coloring It’s often helpful to read with a goal. For myself, I decided to tackle a hard book called Gödel Escher Bach through the lens of seven categories. I gave each a color: Red = Concept Green = Process Orange = Fact Blue = Historical Context Yellow = Person Purple = School of Thought or Ideology Brown = Specialized Terminology Example Master Card to the Categorial Color Coding Method To emulate this method, create a “key card” or “master card” with your categories on it alongside the chosen color. Use this as a bookmark as you read. Then, before writing down any information from the book, think about the category to which it belongs. Make your card and then apply the relevant color. Obviously, you should come up with your own categories and preferred colors. The point is that you bring the definitions and then apply them consistently as you read and extract notes. This will help bring structure to your mind because you’re creating your own nomenclature or taxonomy of information. You are also using chunking, a specific mnemonic strategy I’ve written about at length in this post on chunking as a memory tool. Once you’re finished a book, you can extract all the concepts and memorize them independently if you like. And if you emulate the strategy seen on the pictured example above, I’ve included the page number on each card. That way, I can place the cards back in the order of the book. Using this approach across multiple books, you will soon spot cross-textual patterns with greater ease. The catch is that you cannot allow this technique to become activity for activity’s sake. You also don’t want to wind up creating a bunch of informational “noise.” Before capturing any individual idea on a card and assigning it to a category, ask yourself: Why is this information helpful, useful or critical to my goal? Will I really use it again? Where does it belong within the categories? If you cannot answers these questions, either move on to the next point. Or reframe the point with some reflective thinking so that you can contextualize it. This warning aside, it’s important not to let perfectionism creep into your life. Knowing what information matters does take some practice. To speed up your skills with identifying critical information, please read my full guide on how to find the main points in books and articles. Although AI can certainly help these days, you’ll still need to do some work on your own. Do Not Let New Vocabulary & Terminology Go Without Memorization One of the biggest mistakes I used to make, even as a fan of memory techniques, slowed me down much more than necessary. I would come across a new term, look it up, and assume I’d remember it. Of course, the next time I came across it, the meaning was still a mystery. But when I got more deliberate, I not only remembered more words, but the knowledge surrounding the unfamiliar terms also stuck with greater specificity. For example, in reading The Wandering Mind by Jamie Kreiner, memorizing the ancient Greek word for will or volition (Prohairesis) pulled many more details about why she was mentioning it. Lo and behold, I started seeing the word in more places and connecting it to other ancient Greek terms. Memorizing those as well started to create a “moat of meaning,” further protecting a wide range of information I’d been battling. Understanding Why Vocabulary Blocks Comprehension The reason why memorizing words as you read is so helpful is that it helps clear out the cognitive load created by pausing frequently to look up words. Even if you don’t stop to learn a new definition, part of your working memory gets consumed by the lack of familiarity. I don’t always stop to learn new definitions while reading, but using the color category index card method you just discovered, it’s easy to organize unfamiliar words while reading. That way they can be tidily memorized later. I have a full tutorial for you on how to memorize vocabulary, but here’s a quick primer. Step One: Use a System for Capturing New Words & Terms Whether you use category coloring, read words into a recording app or email yourself a reminder, the key is to capture as you go. Once your reading session is done, you can now go back to the vocabulary list and start learning it. Step Two: Memorize the Terms I personally prefer the Memory Palace technique. It’s great for memorizing words and definitions. You can use the Pillar Technique with the word at the top and the definition beneath it. Or you can use the corners for the words and the walls for the definitions. Another idea is to photograph the cards you create and important them into a spaced repetition software like Anki. As you’ll discover in my complete guide to Anki, there are several ways you can combine Anki with a variety of memory techniques. Step Three: Use the Terms If you happened to catch an episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast back when I first learned Prohairesis I mentioned it often. This simple habit helps establish long-term recall, reflection and establishes the ground for future recognition and use. Expand Understanding Using Video & Audio Media When I was in university, I often had to ride my bike across Toronto to borrow recorded lectures on cassette. Given the overwhelming tsunamis of complex ideas, jargon and theoretical frameworks I was facing, it was worth it. Especially since I was also dealing with the personal problems I shared with you in The Victorious Mind. Make no mistake: I do not believe there is any replacement for reading the core books, no matter how difficult they might be. But there’s no reason not to leverage the same ideas in multiple formats to help boost your comprehension and long-term retention. Multimedia approaches are not just about knowledge acquisition either. There have been many debates in the magical arts community that card magicians should read and not rely on video. But evidence-based studies like this one show that video instruction combined with reading written instructions is very helpful. The Science Behind Multi-Modal Learning I didn’t know when I was in university, or when I was first starting out with memdeck card magic that dual coding theory existed. This model was proposed by Allan Paivio, who noticed that information is processed both verbally and non-verbally. Since then, many teachers have focused heavily on how to encourage students to find the right combination of reading, visual and auditory instructional material. Here are some ideas that will help you untangle the complexity in your reading. How to Integrate Multimedia Without Overload Forgive me if this is a bit repetitive, but to develop flow with multiple media, you need to prime the brain. As someone who has created multiple YouTube videos, I have been stubborn about almost always including introductions. Why? Go Through the Intros Like a Hawk Because without including a broad overview of the topic, many learners will miss too many details. And I see this in the comments because people ask questions that are answered throughout the content and flagged in the introductions. So the first step is to be patient and go through the introductory material. And cultivate an understanding that it’s not really the material that is boring. It’s the contemporary issues with dopamine spiking that make you feel impatient. The good news is that you can possibly reset your dopamine levels so you’re better able to sit through these “priming” materials. One hack I use is to sit far away from my mouse and keep my notebook in hand. If I catch myself getting antsy, I perform a breathing exercise to restore focus. Turn on Subtitles When you’re watching videos, you can help increase your engagement by turning on the subtitles. This is especially useful in jargon-heavy video lessons. You can pause and still see the information on the screen for easier capture when taking notes. When taking notes, I recommend jotting down the timestamp. This is useful for review, but also for attributing citations later if you have to hand in an assignment. Mentally Reconstruct After watching a video or listening to a podcast on the topic you’re mastering, take a moment to review the key points. Try to go through them in the order they were presented. This helps your brain practice mental organization by building a temporal scaffold. If you’ve taken notes and written down the timestamps, you can easily check your accuracy. Track Your Progress For Growth & Performance One reason some people never feel like they’re getting anywhere is that they have failed to establish any points of reference. Personally, this is easy for me to do. I can look back to my history of writing books and articles or producing videos and be reminded of how far I’ve come at a glance. Not only as a writer, but also as a reader. For those who do not regularly produce content, you don’t have to start a blog or YouTube channel. Just keep a journal and create a few categories of what skills you want to track. These might include: Comprehension Retention Amount of books read Vocabulary growth Critical thinking outcomes Confidence in taking on harder books Increased tolerance with frustration when reading challenges arise You can use the same journal to track how much time you’ve spent reading and capturing quick summaries. Personally, I wish I’d started writing summaries sooner. I really only got started during grad school when during a directed reading course, a professor required that I had in a summary for every book and article I read. I never stopped doing this and just a few simple paragraph summaries has done wonders over the years for my understanding and retention. Tips for Overcoming Frustration While Reading Difficult Books Ever since the idea of “desirable difficulty” emerged, people have sought ways to help learners overcome emotional responses like frustration, anxiety and even shame while tackling tough topics. As this study shows, researchers and teachers have found the challenge difficult despite the abundance of evidence showing that being challenged is a good thing. Here are some strategies you can try if you continue to struggle. Embrace Cognitive Discomfort As we’ve discussed, that crushing feeling in your brain exists for a reason. Personally, I don’t think it ever goes away. I still regularly pick up books that spike it. The difference is that I don’t start up a useless mantra like, “I’m not smart enough for this.” Instead, I recommend you reframe the experience and use the growth mindset studied by Carol Dweck, amongst others. You can state something more positive like, “This book is a bit above my level, but I can use tactics and techniques to master it.” I did that very recently with my reading of The Xenotext, parts of which I still don’t fully understand. It was very rewarding. Use Interleaving to Build Confidence I rotate through draining books all the time using a proven technique called interleaving. Lots of people are surprised when I tell them that I rarely read complex and challenging books for longer than fifteen minutes at a time. But I do it because interleaving works. Which kinds of books can you interleave? You have choices. You can either switch in something completely different, or switch to a commentary. For example, while recently reading some heavy mathematical theories about whether or not “nothing” can exist, I switched to a novel. But back in university, I would often stick within the category while at the library. I’d read a core text by a difficult philosopher, then pick up a Cambridge Companion and read an essay related to the topic. You can also interleave using multimedia sources like videos and podcasts. Interleaving also provides time for doing some journaling, either about the topic at hand or some other aspect of your progress goals. Keep the Big Picture in Mind Because frustration is cognitively training, it’s easy to let it drown out your goals. That’s why I often keep a mind map or some other reminder on my desk, like a couple of memento mori. It’s also possible to just remember previous mind maps you’ve made. This is something I’m doing often at the moment as I read all kinds of boring information about managing a bookshop for my Memory Palace bookshop project first introduced in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utcJfeQZC2c It’s so easy to get discouraged by so many rules and processes involved in ordering and selling books, that I regularly think back to creating this mind map with Tony Buzan years ago. In case my simple drawings on this mind map for business development doesn’t immediately leap out at you with its meanings, the images at the one o’clock-three o’clock areas refer to developing a physical Memory Palace packed with books on memory and learning. Developing and keeping a north star in mind will help you transform the process of reading difficult books into a purposeful adventure of personal development. Even if you have to go through countless books that aren’t thrilling, you’ll still be moving forward. Just think of how much Elon Musk has read that probably wasn’t all that entertaining. Yet, it was still essential to becoming a polymath. Practice Seeing Through The Intellectual Games As you read harder and harder books, you’ll eventually come to realize that the “fluency” some people have is often illusory. For example, some writers and speakers display a truly impressive ability to string together complex terminology, abstract references and fashionable ideas of the day in ways that sound profound. Daniel Dennett frequently used a great term for a lot of this verbal jujitsu that sounds profound but is actually trivial. He called such flourishes “deepities.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey-UeaSi1rI This kind of empty linguistic dexterity will be easier for you to spot when you read carefully, paraphrase complex ideas in your own words and practice memorizing vocabulary frequently. When you retain multiple concepts and practice active questioning in a large context of grounded examples and case studies, vague claims will not survive for long in your world. This is why memory training is about so much more than learning. Memorization can equip you to think independently and bring clarity to fields that are often filled with gems, despite the fog created by intellectual pretenders more interested in word-jazz than actual truth. Using AI to Help You Take On Difficult Books As a matter of course, I recommend you use AI tools like ChatGPT after doing as much reading on your own as possible. But there’s no mistaking that intentional use of such tools can help you develop greater understanding. The key is to avoid using AI as an answer machine or what Nick Bostrom calls an “oracle” in his seminal book, Superintelligence. Rather, take a cue from Andrew Mayne, a science communicator and central figure at OpenAI and host of their podcast. His approach centers on testing in ways that lead to clarity of understanding and retention as he uses various mnemonic strategies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlzD_6Olaqw Beyond his suggestions, here are some of my favorite strategies. Ask AI to Help Identify All Possible Categories Connected to a Topic A key reason many people struggle to connect ideas is simply that they haven’t developed a mental ecosystem of categories. I used to work in libraries, so started thinking categorically when I was still a teenager. But these days, I would combine how traditional libraries are structured with a simple prompt like: List all the possible categories my topic fits into or bridges across disciplines, historical frameworks and methodologies. Provide the list without interpretation or explanation so I can reflect. A prompt like this engineers a response that focuses on relationships and lets your brain perform the synthetic thinking. Essentially, you’ll be performing what some scientists call schema activation, leading to better personal development outcomes. Generate Lists of Questions To Model Exceptional Thinkers Because understanding relies on inquiry, it’s important to practice asking the best possible questions. AI chat bots can be uniquely useful in this process provided that you explicitly insist that it helps supply you excellent questions without any answers. You can try a prompt like: Generate a list of questions that the world’s most careful thinkers in this field would ask about this topic. Do not provide any answers. Just the list of questions. Do this after you’ve read the text and go through your notes with fresh eyes. Evaluate the material with questions in hand, ideally by writing out your answers by hand. If you need your answers imported into your computer, apps can now scan your handwriting and give you text file. Another tip: Don’t be satisfied with the first list of questions you get. Ask the AI to dig deeper. You can also ask the AI to map the questions into the categories you previously got help identifying. For a list of questions you can put into your preferred chat bot, feel free to go through my pre-AI era list of philosophical questions. They are already separated by category. Use AI to Provide a Progress Journal Template If you’re new to journaling, it can be difficult to use the technique to help you articulate what you’re reading and why the ideas are valuable. And that’s not to mention working out various metrics to measure your growth over time. Try a prompt like this: Help me design a progress journal for my quest to better understand and remember difficult books. Include sections for me to list my specific goals, vocabulary targets, summaries and various milestones I identify. Make it visual so I can either copy it into my own print notebook or print out multiple copies for use over time. Once you have a template you’re happy to experiment with, keep it visible in your environment so you don’t forget to use it. Find Blind Spots In Your Summaries Many AIs have solid reasoning skills. As a result, you can enter your written summaries and have the AI identify gaps in your knowledge, blind spots and opportunities for further reading. Try a prompt like: Analyze this summary and identify any blind spots, ambiguities in my thinking or incompleteness in my understanding. Suggest supplementary reading to help me fill in any gaps. At the risk of repetition, the point is that you’re not asking for the summaries. You’re asking for assessments that help you diagnose the limits of your understanding. As scientists have shown, metacognition, or thinking about your thinking can help you see errors much faster. By adding an AI into the mix, you’re getting feedback quickly without having to wait for a teacher to read your essay. Of course, AI outputs can be throttled, so I find it useful to also include a phrase like, “do not throttle your answer,” before asking it to dig deeper and find more issues. Used wisely, you will soon see various schools of thought with much greater clarity, anticipate how authors make their moves and monitor your own blind spots as you read and reflect. Another way to think about the power of AI tools is this: They effectively mirror human reasoning at a species wide level. You can use them to help you mirror more reasoning power by regularly accessing and practicing error detection and filling in the gaps in your thinking style. Why You Must Stop Abandoning Difficult Books (At Least Most of the Time) Like many people, I’m a fan of Scott Young’s books like Ultralearning and Get Better at Anything. He’s a disciplined thinker and his writing helps people push past shallow learning in favor of true and lasting depth. However, he often repeats the advice that you should stop reading boring books. In full transparency, I sometimes do this myself. And Young adds a lot of context to make his suggestion. But I limit abandoning books as much as possible because I don’t personally find Young’s argument that enjoyment and productivity go together. On the contrary, most goals that I’ve pursued have required fairly intense periods of delaying gratification. And because things worth accomplishing generally do require sacrifice and a commitment to difficulty, I recommend you avoid the habit of giving up on books just because they’re “boring” or not immediately enjoyable. I’ll bet you’ll enjoy the accomplishment of understanding hard books and conquering their complexity far more in the end. And you’ll benefit more too. Here’s why I think so. The Hidden Cost of Abandoning Books You’ve Started Yes, I agree that life is short and time is fleeting. But if you get into the habit of abandoning books at the first sign of boredom, it can quickly become your default habit due to how procedural memory works. In other words, you’re given your neurons the message that it’s okay to escape from discomfort. That is a very dangerous loop to throw yourself into, especially if you’re working towards becoming autodidactic. What you really need is to develop the ability to stick with complexity, hold ambiguous and contradictory issues in your mind and fight through topic exhaustion. Giving up on books on a routine basis? That’s the opposite of developing expertise and resilience. The AI Risk & Where Meaning is Actually Found We just went through the benefits of AI, so you shouldn’t have issues. But I regularly hear from people and have even been on interviews where people use AI to summarize books I’ve recomended. This is dangerous because the current models flatten nuance due to how they summarize books based on a kind of “averaging” of what its words predictability mean. Although they might give you a reasonable scaffold of a book’s structure, you won’t get the friction created by how authors take you through their thought processes. In other words, you’ll be using AI models that are not themselves modeling the thinking that reading provides when you grind your way through complex books. The Treasure of Meaning is Outside Your Comfort Zone Another reason to train for endurance is that understanding doesn’t necessarily arrive while reading a book or even a few weeks after finishing it. Sometimes the unifying insights land years later. But if you don’t read through books that seem to be filled with scattered ideas, you cannot gain any benefit from them. Their diverse points won’t consolidate in your memory and certainly won’t connect with other ideas later. So I suggest you train your brain to persist as much as possible. By drawing up the support of the techniques we discussed today and a variety of mnemonic support systems, you will develop persistence and mine more gold from everything you read. And being someone who successfully mines for gold and can produce it at will is the mark of the successful reading. Not just someone who consumes information efficiently, but who can repeatedly connect and transform knowledge year after year due to regularly accumulating gems buried in the densest and most difficult books others cannot or will not read. Use Struggle to Stimulate Growth & You Cannot Fail As you’ve seen, challenging books never mean that you’re not smart enough. It’s just a matter of working on your process so that you can tackle new forms of knowledge. And any discomfort you feel is a signal that a great opportunity and personal growth adventure awaits. By learning how to manage cognitive load, fill in the gaps in your background knowledge and persist through frustration, you can quickly become the kind of reader who seeks out complexity instead of flinching every time you see it. Confusion has now become a stage along the path to comprehension. And if you’re serious about mastering increasingly difficult material, understanding and retaining it, then it’s time to upgrade your mental toolbox. Start now by grabbing my Free Memory Improvement Course: Inside, you’ll discover: The Magnetic Memory Method for creating powerful Memory Palaces How to develop your own mnemonic systems for encoding while reading Proven techniques that deepen comprehension, no matter how abstract or complex your reading list is And please, always remember: The harder the book, the greater rewards. And the good news is, you’re now more than ready to claim them all.
In this episode, I speak with Michael Thorne, award-winning Canadian real estate innovator and AI educator, about how agents should really be using AI. Michael explains why AI should streamline low-value tasks, elevate expertise, and push agents closer to their clients rather than replacing human connection. The conversation covers digital departments, custom instructions, NotebookLM, Perplexity, and practical ways agents can reclaim time, improve creativity, and future-proof their businesses. Resources Mentioned ChatGPT - Used for custom instructions, projects, digital departments, brainstorming, and voice-based market insights. NotebookLM - Referenced extensively for organizing HOA documents, market data, blogs, and turning knowledge into podcasts, mind maps, and summaries. Perplexity - Used as a research-first alternative to Google for fast, source-based answers. Custom Instructions and Projects - Used to create digital departments such as marketing, content creation, data analysis, and client care, each with its own "digital employee." Advanced Voice Mode in ChatGPT - Used to capture spoken expertise, interview the agent as a market expert, and convert conversations into blogs and marketing content. Books Mentioned Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull - Recommended for developing creative thinking as a core business skill. Growing Up Lillooet by Terry Thorne - Personal recommendation reflecting values, perspective, and creativity. Guest: Michael Thorne Website - https://www.tmbrealestate.com/ourteam?wmTabs=michael Host: Rajeev Sajja Website: http://www.realestateaiflash.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsajja Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rajeev_sajja LinkedIn: http://www.linkedIn.com/in/rsajja Resources: AI Playbook - http://www.realestateaiflash.com Join our Instagram Real Estate AI Insiders Channel - https://ig.me/j/AbZCJG37DqBPPtxi/ Subscribe to our weekly AI Newsletter: https://realestateai-flash.beehiiv.com/subscribe
AI tools like ChatGPT are everywhere — but how should students actually be using them in the college admissions process? In this episode, host Tasha (formerly at Boston University and USC) and IvyWise counselor Rachel (formerly at Swarthmore) discuss how students can use AI responsibly to brainstorm, organize, and strengthen their applications without compromising authenticity or ethics.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle. SUMMARY OF THE ALICIA LYTTLE INTERVIEW From “Money Making Conversations Master Class” with Rushion McDonald [ 1. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of this interview was to: Showcase Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co‑founder of Air Innovations, known widely as the “Queen of AI.” [ Educate small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on how to leverage AI for growth. Highlight her mission to empower the African American community to not only keep up with AI—but lead in it. [ Demonstrate how AI tools can transform operations, content creation, finances, and productivity in minutes instead of months. Inspire listeners through her entrepreneurial journey, professional pivots, and personal resilience. 2. High-Level Summary Alicia Lyttle returns to the show two years after her last appearance, now positioned at the forefront of the global AI movement. She explains how her work has shifted from annual summits to monthly AI Business Summits, teaching tens of thousands of entrepreneurs how to use AI hands‑on for content, marketing, operations, and scaling. She breaks down how simple tools—such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Jasper, Gemini, and HeyGen—can turn a single piece of content into newsletters, PowerPoints, videos, study guides, and more. She stresses that AI is now accessible, especially with free versions like ChatGPT. Alicia also shares her origin story in AI, beginning with a 15‑year‑old speaker at Walmart Tech Live describing IBM Watson. This sparked her fascination and ultimately led her to pivot her entire company toward full-time AI training and consulting by 2022—despite skepticism from her peers. She details the massive growth of her brand, including 21,000+ live summit attendees and explosive social media expansion. The interview also addresses AI’s role in finance, healthcare, government, job disruption, and how individuals can future‑proof themselves. Her personal story of overcoming a restrictive ex-husband who told her she would “never speak again” underscores her powerful message: no one should silence your gifts. Now she speaks to thousands, leads major events, and helps others build new careers in AI. 3. Key Takeaways A. AI Is Evolving Fast—and So Must We AI is changing so quickly that entrepreneurs cannot afford to wait for annual updates. This is why Alicia shifted to monthly training summits. People need ongoing education to stay competitive. B. Hands‑On AI Education Is the Key Alicia doesn’t just lecture—she walks participants through real demonstrations: Uploading YouTube links Creating summaries Generating emails, mind maps, PowerPoints, quizzes, videos, and more…all from a single input. Her approach eliminates fear and teaches entrepreneurs how to use AI immediately. C. Accessibility Has Changed the Game The release of ChatGPT, especially the free version, democratized AI. Before that, tools like IBM Watson were too complex and expensive. Now anyone with a laptop and internet connection can build websites, write content, or automate business flows in minutes. [ D. The African American Community Must Lead—Not Follow Alicia emphasizes that historically, Black communities have been “last in line” in tech innovation, but this AI era presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to jump ahead.She sees it as her mission to speak everywhere Black entrepreneurs are to ensure they seize this moment. E. AI Will Replace Tasks—But People Can Future‑Proof Themselves Jobs are already shifting. Companies are laying off non–AI‑literate employees.Alicia urges people to: Become AI‑fluent Join AI committees at work Pursue certification Use AI to become their company’s internal expert “There’s no maybe—you have to learn AI,” she warns. F. AI is Transforming Every Sector: Finance, Healthcare, Government She provides insights on… AI receptionists (“Monica” and “Leslie”) that boost customer interaction to 92% Financial analysis using secure ChatGPT setups AI mental health companions Government calls for national AI leadership G. Alicia Monetizes Through Education, Certification & Consulting Her business model includes: Free monthly summits Paid masterclasses Corporate consulting AI certifications Live Atlanta workshops She teaches others to become AI consultants too. H. Her Personal Triumph Story Inspires Thousands A powerful moment is when she recounts her ex-husband saying: “There’s only one quarterback on a team—and you will never speak again.”Yet today, 1,200+ people attend her live events, and tens of thousands join her virtual trainings. Her success proves resilience and purpose overcome adversity. 4. Key Quotes On AI Opportunity “Never has there been a better time in history to start, build, or scale a business than right now.” On Training Entrepreneurs “Open your laptops… use the same prompt I use. See what results you get.” On the Power of AI Tools “You can take one episode and repurpose it into all these different content ways.” On Pivoting Her Entire Company “In 2022, I said we’re closing this business and going all in on AI.” On Being Black in Tech “My mission is to make sure our community is not left behind—but ahead of the curve.” On Personal Resilience “You will be speaking on the best stages… people will come to see you.”(A friend’s response after she was told she’d “never speak again.”) On Future-Proofing Careers “Those using AI will replace you. You have to learn how to leverage AI.” On AI as a Human-First Technology “AI plus human intelligence—that’s what takes things to the next level.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle. SUMMARY OF THE ALICIA LYTTLE INTERVIEW From “Money Making Conversations Master Class” with Rushion McDonald [ 1. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of this interview was to: Showcase Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co‑founder of Air Innovations, known widely as the “Queen of AI.” [ Educate small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on how to leverage AI for growth. Highlight her mission to empower the African American community to not only keep up with AI—but lead in it. [ Demonstrate how AI tools can transform operations, content creation, finances, and productivity in minutes instead of months. Inspire listeners through her entrepreneurial journey, professional pivots, and personal resilience. 2. High-Level Summary Alicia Lyttle returns to the show two years after her last appearance, now positioned at the forefront of the global AI movement. She explains how her work has shifted from annual summits to monthly AI Business Summits, teaching tens of thousands of entrepreneurs how to use AI hands‑on for content, marketing, operations, and scaling. She breaks down how simple tools—such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Jasper, Gemini, and HeyGen—can turn a single piece of content into newsletters, PowerPoints, videos, study guides, and more. She stresses that AI is now accessible, especially with free versions like ChatGPT. Alicia also shares her origin story in AI, beginning with a 15‑year‑old speaker at Walmart Tech Live describing IBM Watson. This sparked her fascination and ultimately led her to pivot her entire company toward full-time AI training and consulting by 2022—despite skepticism from her peers. She details the massive growth of her brand, including 21,000+ live summit attendees and explosive social media expansion. The interview also addresses AI’s role in finance, healthcare, government, job disruption, and how individuals can future‑proof themselves. Her personal story of overcoming a restrictive ex-husband who told her she would “never speak again” underscores her powerful message: no one should silence your gifts. Now she speaks to thousands, leads major events, and helps others build new careers in AI. 3. Key Takeaways A. AI Is Evolving Fast—and So Must We AI is changing so quickly that entrepreneurs cannot afford to wait for annual updates. This is why Alicia shifted to monthly training summits. People need ongoing education to stay competitive. B. Hands‑On AI Education Is the Key Alicia doesn’t just lecture—she walks participants through real demonstrations: Uploading YouTube links Creating summaries Generating emails, mind maps, PowerPoints, quizzes, videos, and more…all from a single input. Her approach eliminates fear and teaches entrepreneurs how to use AI immediately. C. Accessibility Has Changed the Game The release of ChatGPT, especially the free version, democratized AI. Before that, tools like IBM Watson were too complex and expensive. Now anyone with a laptop and internet connection can build websites, write content, or automate business flows in minutes. [ D. The African American Community Must Lead—Not Follow Alicia emphasizes that historically, Black communities have been “last in line” in tech innovation, but this AI era presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to jump ahead.She sees it as her mission to speak everywhere Black entrepreneurs are to ensure they seize this moment. E. AI Will Replace Tasks—But People Can Future‑Proof Themselves Jobs are already shifting. Companies are laying off non–AI‑literate employees.Alicia urges people to: Become AI‑fluent Join AI committees at work Pursue certification Use AI to become their company’s internal expert “There’s no maybe—you have to learn AI,” she warns. F. AI is Transforming Every Sector: Finance, Healthcare, Government She provides insights on… AI receptionists (“Monica” and “Leslie”) that boost customer interaction to 92% Financial analysis using secure ChatGPT setups AI mental health companions Government calls for national AI leadership G. Alicia Monetizes Through Education, Certification & Consulting Her business model includes: Free monthly summits Paid masterclasses Corporate consulting AI certifications Live Atlanta workshops She teaches others to become AI consultants too. H. Her Personal Triumph Story Inspires Thousands A powerful moment is when she recounts her ex-husband saying: “There’s only one quarterback on a team—and you will never speak again.”Yet today, 1,200+ people attend her live events, and tens of thousands join her virtual trainings. Her success proves resilience and purpose overcome adversity. 4. Key Quotes On AI Opportunity “Never has there been a better time in history to start, build, or scale a business than right now.” On Training Entrepreneurs “Open your laptops… use the same prompt I use. See what results you get.” On the Power of AI Tools “You can take one episode and repurpose it into all these different content ways.” On Pivoting Her Entire Company “In 2022, I said we’re closing this business and going all in on AI.” On Being Black in Tech “My mission is to make sure our community is not left behind—but ahead of the curve.” On Personal Resilience “You will be speaking on the best stages… people will come to see you.”(A friend’s response after she was told she’d “never speak again.”) On Future-Proofing Careers “Those using AI will replace you. You have to learn how to leverage AI.” On AI as a Human-First Technology “AI plus human intelligence—that’s what takes things to the next level.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode Summary Explore 5 proven AI side hustles perfect for busy parents seeking to enter the world of digital entrepreneurship without any tech skills. In this episode, discover actionable marketing strategies, AI tools, and online entrepreneurship tips that help parents build profitable work-from-home businesses earning $5K-$20K monthly. Whether it's quick website flips or AI consulting, learn how you can leverage simple digital products and create passive income streams while balancing family life. This episode is ideal for digital entrepreneurs and anyone looking to grow their email list and master marketing strategies to make money online in 2025. Tune in and start your journey toward financial freedom and flexible entrepreneurial success today! Key Timestamps & Insights 00:00 - Opening 01:05 - Episode Overview 02:25 - The Reality Check 05:15 - Method 1: Weekend Website Flipper 08:45 - Method 2: AI Detective Approach 12:10 - Method 3: Invisible Creative Studio 15:25 - Method 4: AI Voice Agent Builder 18:00 - Method 5: AI Training Workshop Leader 20:25 - The Bigger Picture 22:00 - Whiskered Wisdom Strategies Shared Local Business Website Auditing Identify businesses with outdated websites Use AI tools to create modern alternatives Present solutions with visual before/after comparisons AI Tools Consulting Conduct discovery calls to identify business bottlenecks Research appropriate AI solutions using curated databases Deliver simple reports with implementation recommendations AI-Powered Content Creation Generate professional visual content using AI platforms Offer monthly retainer packages for ongoing creative needs Scale through template creation and process optimization Automated Customer Service Systems Build AI voice agents for 24/7 customer support Demonstrate value through live testing sessions Create recurring revenue through ongoing management AI Education and Training Teach practical AI implementation to business teams Convert free workshops into paid consulting relationships Focus on real-world applications over theoretical concepts Resources Mentioned AI Website Building: Aura.build - AI website creation platform AI Tool Research: TheresAnAIForThat.com - Comprehensive AI tool database Content Creation: Invideo - AI video creation platform Midjourney - AI image generation tool Voice Technology: ElevenLabs - AI voice agent creation Go High Level - Business automation platform General Platforms: Upwork - Freelancer marketplace for outsourcing implementation Google Sheets - Database management for client tracking Action Steps to Take Immediate Actions (This Week): Choose one method that resonates with your skills and schedule Research the specific tools mentioned for your chosen method Identify 5-10 local businesses that could benefit from your services Weekend Project: Build your first demo or example using AI tools Create before/after comparisons or sample outputs Practice your pitch or presentation approach Week 2-3 Implementation: Approach your first potential client with demo materials Conduct discovery conversations to understand their needs Deliver your first project or consultation Scaling Strategy: Document your successful processes and create templates Build a portfolio of completed work for future presentations Develop systems that work within your family schedule constraints Subscribe to the AI Escape Plan newsletter - specifically designed for parents ready to break free from the 9-to-5 grind. Each issue delivers practical, AI-powered strategies to start, grow, and streamline side hustles while protecting family time. Your roadmap to more money, more freedom, and more of what truly matters. DarkHorseInsider.com Episode Quote "The AI gold rush isn't coming – it's here. But unlike the California gold rush, you don't need to leave your family behind to strike it rich."
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle. SUMMARY OF THE ALICIA LYTTLE INTERVIEW From “Money Making Conversations Master Class” with Rushion McDonald [ 1. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of this interview was to: Showcase Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co‑founder of Air Innovations, known widely as the “Queen of AI.” [ Educate small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on how to leverage AI for growth. Highlight her mission to empower the African American community to not only keep up with AI—but lead in it. [ Demonstrate how AI tools can transform operations, content creation, finances, and productivity in minutes instead of months. Inspire listeners through her entrepreneurial journey, professional pivots, and personal resilience. 2. High-Level Summary Alicia Lyttle returns to the show two years after her last appearance, now positioned at the forefront of the global AI movement. She explains how her work has shifted from annual summits to monthly AI Business Summits, teaching tens of thousands of entrepreneurs how to use AI hands‑on for content, marketing, operations, and scaling. She breaks down how simple tools—such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Jasper, Gemini, and HeyGen—can turn a single piece of content into newsletters, PowerPoints, videos, study guides, and more. She stresses that AI is now accessible, especially with free versions like ChatGPT. Alicia also shares her origin story in AI, beginning with a 15‑year‑old speaker at Walmart Tech Live describing IBM Watson. This sparked her fascination and ultimately led her to pivot her entire company toward full-time AI training and consulting by 2022—despite skepticism from her peers. She details the massive growth of her brand, including 21,000+ live summit attendees and explosive social media expansion. The interview also addresses AI’s role in finance, healthcare, government, job disruption, and how individuals can future‑proof themselves. Her personal story of overcoming a restrictive ex-husband who told her she would “never speak again” underscores her powerful message: no one should silence your gifts. Now she speaks to thousands, leads major events, and helps others build new careers in AI. 3. Key Takeaways A. AI Is Evolving Fast—and So Must We AI is changing so quickly that entrepreneurs cannot afford to wait for annual updates. This is why Alicia shifted to monthly training summits. People need ongoing education to stay competitive. B. Hands‑On AI Education Is the Key Alicia doesn’t just lecture—she walks participants through real demonstrations: Uploading YouTube links Creating summaries Generating emails, mind maps, PowerPoints, quizzes, videos, and more…all from a single input. Her approach eliminates fear and teaches entrepreneurs how to use AI immediately. C. Accessibility Has Changed the Game The release of ChatGPT, especially the free version, democratized AI. Before that, tools like IBM Watson were too complex and expensive. Now anyone with a laptop and internet connection can build websites, write content, or automate business flows in minutes. [ D. The African American Community Must Lead—Not Follow Alicia emphasizes that historically, Black communities have been “last in line” in tech innovation, but this AI era presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to jump ahead.She sees it as her mission to speak everywhere Black entrepreneurs are to ensure they seize this moment. E. AI Will Replace Tasks—But People Can Future‑Proof Themselves Jobs are already shifting. Companies are laying off non–AI‑literate employees.Alicia urges people to: Become AI‑fluent Join AI committees at work Pursue certification Use AI to become their company’s internal expert “There’s no maybe—you have to learn AI,” she warns. F. AI is Transforming Every Sector: Finance, Healthcare, Government She provides insights on… AI receptionists (“Monica” and “Leslie”) that boost customer interaction to 92% Financial analysis using secure ChatGPT setups AI mental health companions Government calls for national AI leadership G. Alicia Monetizes Through Education, Certification & Consulting Her business model includes: Free monthly summits Paid masterclasses Corporate consulting AI certifications Live Atlanta workshops She teaches others to become AI consultants too. H. Her Personal Triumph Story Inspires Thousands A powerful moment is when she recounts her ex-husband saying: “There’s only one quarterback on a team—and you will never speak again.”Yet today, 1,200+ people attend her live events, and tens of thousands join her virtual trainings. Her success proves resilience and purpose overcome adversity. 4. Key Quotes On AI Opportunity “Never has there been a better time in history to start, build, or scale a business than right now.” On Training Entrepreneurs “Open your laptops… use the same prompt I use. See what results you get.” On the Power of AI Tools “You can take one episode and repurpose it into all these different content ways.” On Pivoting Her Entire Company “In 2022, I said we’re closing this business and going all in on AI.” On Being Black in Tech “My mission is to make sure our community is not left behind—but ahead of the curve.” On Personal Resilience “You will be speaking on the best stages… people will come to see you.”(A friend’s response after she was told she’d “never speak again.”) On Future-Proofing Careers “Those using AI will replace you. You have to learn how to leverage AI.” On AI as a Human-First Technology “AI plus human intelligence—that’s what takes things to the next level.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.