In Today’s Email:

• Short Pieces: Opinions

  • AI’s Heart Can’t Be Broken—And That’s Why Taylor Swift Wins: The Irreplaceable Value of Human Connection in Business and Beyond.

  • Bring your Own AI to Work (BYO AI): The Opportunities and Risks

• My favourite podcasts of the year 🎙️:

  1. Three Generations of Wealth (Chris Davis - Board member of Berkshire Hathaway - on The Knowledge Project)

  2. "Strong Thigh Muscles = More friends", This Is Why You Can't Make Friends! (Simon Sinek on The Diary of a CEO)

  3. Secret Service Agent Explains Psychological Tricks To Read Anyone & Spot a Liar (Evy Poumpouras - secret service agent - on The Mel Robbins Podcast)

• ICYMI: Check out all our AI articles HERE

AI’s Heart Can’t Be Broken—And That’s Why Taylor Swift Wins

The Irreplaceable Value of Human Connection in Business and Beyond.

Imagine two songs, both equally good—one by Taylor Swift and one by AI. Now, before you say, “But AI could write a masterpiece too,” ask yourself: would you really choose the AI song? Most of us would instinctively pick Taylor’s, and for good reason. Her songs come with a bonus track: real-life emotions, straight from someone who’s lived through the same chaos, heartbreak, and joy we all have.

When you listen to a Taylor Swift song, you’re not just hearing music; you’re feeling seen. It’s as though she’s written a line straight from your diary—if your diary rhymed better. That’s the magic of shared humanity. AI, while dazzling us with perfection, lacks a backstory. It can’t cry, it can’t rejoice, and, let’s face it, it doesn’t know what it’s like to ugly cry over an ex.

This isn’t just about music—it’s a broader truth. In business, nobody wants to feel like they’re being “managed” by a glorified spreadsheet. People crave leaders who empathize, understand, and bring a little humanity to the table. AI might be efficient, but it won’t make anyone feel valued after a rough day at work.

In a world where machines can do nearly everything, it’s our humanity that makes us irreplaceable. So whether you’re creating art or leading a team, remember: it’s not just what you do—it’s how you make people feel.

Here are some really valuable skills to develop for th AI Age:

• Storytelling: Craft authentic, relatable narratives that connect emotionally, like Taylor Swift’s songwriting.

• Creativity: Generate unique ideas and use AI to enhance, not replace, your originality.

• Critical Thinking: Evaluate AI outputs critically to ensure accuracy and reduce bias.

• Empathy: Build deep human connections by understanding and responding to others' emotions.

• Adaptability: Collaborate effectively with AI, combining its power with your human creativity.

Lead with empathy and a touch of heart—it works better than any algorithm.

Bring Your Own AI (BYO AI): Opportunities and Risks

The rise of “Bring Your Own AI” (BYO AI) is reshaping workplaces as employees independently adopt AI tools to boost productivity. Also known as “shadow AI,” it’s like the office’s tech-savvy ghost—nobody officially invited it, but it’s everywhere. You find it lurking in the background, outside the spotlight of business oversight. The “shadow” part? That’s where it gets spooky.

Employees quietly bring in AI tools they found online, solving problems faster than you can say, "IT policy violation." While this grassroots trend democratises innovation, it also introduces risks that organisations cannot afford to ignore. 

Opportunities

• Enhanced Productivity: Automates mundane tasks, freeing employees for more creative and strategic work.

• Democratised Innovation: Empowers employees at all levels to contribute ideas and solutions.

• Skill Development: Helps employees gain valuable AI skills that benefit both them and the company.

Risks

• System Fragmentation: Unvetted tools can cause compatibility issues and inefficiencies.

• Data Security: Potential exposure of sensitive data through unapproved tools.

• Compliance and Ethics: Risk of algorithmic biases and regulatory non-compliance. 

Solution

• Provide Secure Tools: Offer pre-vetted, trusted AI tools for employees.

• Clear Guidelines: Establish clear usage policies to balance freedom with responsibility.

• Employee Training: Invest in training to ensure responsible AI usage. Think of it as teaching them how to drive AI safely, so they don’t crash the corporate car.

• Foster Collaboration: Encourage open communication between leadership and teams to align innovation with compliance.

So, while BYO AI may be the spark to innovation and productivity, it’s also the guest who might accidentally set off the smoke alarm at the party. The trick is figuring out how to invite it to the table without burning the house down.

BYO AI reflects a pivotal workplace shift. By embracing its potential and addressing its challenges, businesses can thrive in a future where humans and AI collaborate seamlessly.

My Favourite Podcasts of the Year🎙️

These podcasts challenged me and have changed how I do things.