# Innovating with AI — full site text > Help your business, your team and your community thrive in the AI era. > Innovating with AI helps entrepreneurs and executives harness > artificial intelligence with courses, community and coaching. Innovating with AI, LLC is based in Denver, Colorado (1580 N. Logan St., Ste. 660, Denver, CO 80203). It was founded by Rob Howard, a software developer, entrepreneur and tech educator who also owns HDC (hdc.net), an engineering firm whose software has powered sites for Facebook and Intel. Rob has appeared in Wired, Forbes, Fortune, TechCrunch, Entertainment Weekly, Entrepreneur, Barron's, CNET, U.S. News & World Report, Morning Brew, Newsweek and VentureBeat. Since 2023, Innovating with AI has trained more than 2,000 students in its programs. Its teaching approach: no hype (plain-English, current, tradeoffs included), hands-on projects rather than theory, live human coaching and peer community, and safety and ethics as the foundation of every lesson. Team: Rob Howard (founder) and Nyasha Green (Technical Curriculum Developer; educator, software developer and LinkedIn Learning instructor who has taught more than 50,000 students), plus teammates and guest instructors. More than 175,000 business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals subscribe to the free weekly Innovating with AI newsletter of AI insights and analysis, including readers at Microsoft, Google and IBM. Flagship programs: - The AI Consultancy Project: become an AI consultant and engineer ROI with AI for your clients and yourself. - The AI Executive System: multiply your professional value and quality of life by building your own team of AI assistants and advisors. - The AI Founder Accelerator: build high-quality software with AI and grow a business you're proud to own. Contact: support@innovatingwithai.com. Guarantee: every Innovating with AI program comes with an unconditional 60-day money-back guarantee, counted from the enrollment date. This file contains the full text of every page on https://innovatingwithai.com, as Markdown, generated from the live pages. The concise overview with links is https://innovatingwithai.com/llms.txt. --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/ # Help your business, your team and your community thrive in the AI era. ## Join free: weekly AI insights & analysis Plus exclusive access to our programs. We’ll never sell or share your email · Unsubscribe anytime **Join 175,000+ business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals**, including readers at Microsoft, Google, IBM and more… Our founder has appeared in… - Wired - Forbes - Fortune - TechCrunch - Entertainment Weekly - Entrepreneur Magazine - Barron's - CNET - U.S. News & World Report - Morning Brew - Newsweek - VentureBeat Who we are ## 20+ years of consulting, startup and software experience. AI is new, but we’ve been in tech since the dawn of the web – building, teaching, acquiring, selling, and now creating the world’s best AI education for you. We built Innovating with AI® on a simple belief: that everyone — not just engineers and executives — deserves to thrive as AI reshapes work and life. - **Students trained since 2023**: 2,000+ - **Readers of our AI newsletter**: 175,000+ - **Years building in tech**: 20+ Our approach ## How we teach - **No hype, just substance** — We drink from the firehose so you don’t have to, then teach the handful of moves that actually matter for your business — current, clear, in plain English. We tell you the truth, costs and tradeoffs included. - **Doing, not watching** — Every lesson becomes something you can put to work the same day — a workflow, a tool, a new process for your team — not abstract theory you’ll never apply. - **Humans helping humans** — In the age of AI, we believe that humans helping humans are more important than ever. You’re never left alone with a pile of prompts — you have live coaching, structure, and fellow leaders and founders solving the same problems. - **Ethics at the foundation** — Safety and ethics are the foundation of every lesson, so you can bring AI into your business in ways your team, your customers and your community can trust — capable, not intimidated. Our team ## Learn from people on a mission to make AI work for everyone - Rob Howard — Founder — A 20-year tech-industry veteran, software developer, and entrepreneur, and CEO of [HDC](https://hdc.net/), a development firm whose software has powered more than 100,000 websites. [Meet Rob](https://innovatingwithai.com/meet-rob-howard/) - Nyasha Green — Technical Curriculum Developer — An educator and software developer on a mission to make AI and technology accessible for everyone — no gatekeeping, no jargon, no overwhelm. As a LinkedIn Learning instructor, she has taught more than 50,000 students. Plus — an ever-growing cast of IWAI teammates and guest instructors. Programs ## Our Flagship Programs - **The AI Consultancy Project** — Become an AI consultant and engineer ROI with AI for your clients – and yourself. - **The AI Executive System** — Multiply your professional value and quality of life by building your own team of AI assistants and advisors. - **The AI Founder Accelerator** — Build high-quality software with AI and grow a business you’re proud to own. Student stories ## What business leaders & entrepreneurs say [Read our reviews on Trustpilot](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/innovatingwithai.com) [Student video testimonial - Niki S.](https://player.vimeo.com/video/1205143354?dnt=1&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&texttrack=en) > “You have someone in your corner — there’s a lot of ‘it’s not just me!’ moments” > It’s really insightful. Not just going through the blueprint and the steps, but really understanding the why and the psychology … Rob really makes you feel like he is invested in your success. Niki S. [Student video testimonial - Sarah B.](https://player.vimeo.com/video/1201366270?dnt=1&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&texttrack=en) > “What surprised me most … was how quickly I felt at home” > I realized how much I thrive … when I have others around me doing the same thing … it’s imperative to be able to bounce ideas off of them, share successes, and also to borrow some of the excitement of others’ successes. Sarah B. [Student video testimonial - Dan M.](https://player.vimeo.com/video/1124153147?dnt=1&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&texttrack=en) > “Real and down-to-earth … I couldn’t relate to the billionaire up on stage trying to sell me something” > What drove me to his program is that he’s gonna teach us … how to use the different AI tools … how to do it ourselves … without trying to upsell us. Dan M. [Student video testimonial - Elliott M.](https://player.vimeo.com/video/1125476876?dnt=1&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&texttrack=en) > “The modern evolution of what school can be … practical use of AI to make life better for people” > This is a real incubator of growth and talent within the AI space … this is not something that is gimmicky or something that is trendy. This feels foundational, logical and practical. Elliott M. ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/meet-rob-howard/ About the founder # Meet Rob Howard Rob is a 20-year tech industry veteran, software developer, startup founder, investor and entrepreneur – and the creator of Innovating with AI®. [Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfhoward/) Rob’s story starts at age 12 – when he learned to code and built his first HTML websites. A few years later, his first online business was featured in Entertainment Weekly, and he was off to the races in a career that combined tech and entrepreneurship with journalism, public communications and a unique approach to building companies that make their customers and employees proud. Rob founded a 1-million-user cloud storage startup that was acquired in 2009, and since then he’s built, acquired and invested in a range of tech startups, including acquisitions of MasterWP and Understrap and the launch of EveryAlt, BusinessEnglish.ai and Inbox Autopilot, three AI-powered software-as-a-service platforms. Rob is the CEO of [HDC](https://hdc.net/), a web development firm that has served brands including Harvard University, MIT, The World Bank, and Marriott. His software has powered more than 100,000 websites, including sites for Intel, Facebook and The Oscars. ## Rob’s Education and Credentials - **Syracuse University School of Public Communications** Bachelor of Arts in Advertising - **Dartmouth College School of Engineering** Digital Transformation and Platforms Credential ## Rob has been featured in… - Wired - Forbes - TechCrunch - Entertainment Weekly - U.S. News & World Report - Entrepreneur Magazine ## What it’s like to work at Rob’s companies… [What it's like to work at Rob's companies](https://player.vimeo.com/video/873422291?dnt=1&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&texttrack=en) Employee reviews on Glassdoor Howard Development & Consulting reviews 5.0 **100% would recommend to a friend** (11 total reviews) Rob Howard 100% approve of CEO **100% positive business outlook** [Read the reviews on Glassdoor](https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Howard-Development-and-Consulting-Reviews-E4572064.htm) ## Rob has built software for… - Harvard University - MIT - Marriott - The World Bank ## On a personal note… These days, it’s easy to fall prey to the mantra of the Endless Hustle. Yes – it’s important to work hard, push yourself out of your comfort zone and have serious goals. But it’s even more important to have a solid reason why you’re doing all that work. Is it to keep up with the Joneses or the Instagram stars? Or is there deeper meaning to what you’re doing? For me, that deeper meaning takes the form of ensuring that my team, my students and I can devote more time to family, health and relationships. That’s why everybody at my company has the freedom and flexibility to take off at 11 a.m. on a Tuesday – they don’t have to ask for permission. It’s just built in to our rules. For my part, success means going all-in on being the most caring, most present, and most honorable husband and father that I can be. Rather than allow the success of my business to suck me into more and more work, I very intentionally parlay that success into more time with my family. I know it’s a cliche to say “you only live once.” But how many nights, weekends, bedtimes and school days should we sacrifice at the altar of work? When we look back, which are we more likely to regret: turning down a project, or missing those special family moments? This philosophy applies to pretty much every area of life: I am not my job. Instead, I am defined by how many people I can help with the resources I’ve accumulated from having a successful tech career. One of those resources is time – so I can give my son 100x more love and attention than my dad was able to give me. So I can be a true teacher and mentor to him and his friends, never trading precious family time to burn the midnight oil at work. Work comes and goes, but kids are only kids for a very limited time. To paraphrase some [ancient wisdom](https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/frederick_douglass_201574): “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.” And to my surprise, I’ve discovered that teaching – helping tens of thousands of people achieve comfort and freedom – has been even more fulfilling than the tech consulting that filled the first chapter of my career. Here’s what I found: teaching, sharing and [raising up the people around me](https://vimeo.com/872179121) was even better than the fleeting pride that comes with the Endless Hustle. Real growth and happiness come from helping others – and business success is just a path to helping as many people as possible. For me, the second act of my career wasn’t about tripling my productivity – or about escaping the grind to a tropical island. It was about teaching and sharing, so that as many people as possible could benefit from the good luck that got me to where I am today. _Family Time_ ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/ Magazine # Innovating with AI Magazine - **[Can an AI actually teach you to be a better human?](https://innovatingwithai.com/can-an-ai-actually-teach-you-to-be-a-better-human/)** — Soft skills like empathy and leadership have long been considered uniquely human; too intuitive and personal to be taught by a machine. But developers are building AI systems that aim to do exactly that. — Michael Kurko · Jun 2, 2026 - **[Is there a new AI wealth gap?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-there-a-new-ai-wealth-gap/)** — IWAI contributor Toni Matthews-El digs into the data, sharing her concerns and advice that newcomers to AI should take into consideration. — Toni Matthews-El · Jun 2, 2026 - **[The rise of small language models (SLMs) and push for offline, localized AI](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-rise-of-small-language-models-and-localized-ai/)** — From flip phones to film cameras, more people are stepping away from the always-online world. Small, local AI models may offer a way to keep the benefits of automation and assistance without going fully back to the cloud. — Toni Matthews-El · Jun 2, 2026 - **[From SEO to AEO: How Publishers Survive When AI Eats Their Traffic](https://innovatingwithai.com/cloudflare-blocking-ai-crawlers/)** — With AI overviews slashing click-through rates by 58%, publishers face a stark choice: block the crawlers and go invisible, or open up and compete for a new kind of visitor. — Tim Keary · Mar 9, 2026 - **[When your AI chatbot invents a policy, who pays the price?](https://innovatingwithai.com/when-your-ai-chatbot-invents-a-policy-who-pays-the-price/)** — Small businesses see the promise of automation and insights. They also see the fine print – and for many, it’s reason enough to wait. — Amy Smith · Feb 4, 2026 - **[Sell schools the AI detector, sell students the workaround. Inside a troubling double game.](https://innovatingwithai.com/sell-schools-the-ai-detector-sell-students-the-workaround-inside-a-troubling-double-game/)** — As students face expulsion and workers lose jobs, critics say flawed detection tools are ruining lives – while their makers profit from both sides. — Toni Matthews-El · Feb 2, 2026 - **[Your AI Friend Will Never Reject You. But Can It Truly Help You?](https://innovatingwithai.com/your-ai-friend-will-never-reject-you/)** — Millions are finding comfort in chatbots that listen without judgment – and some experts see real promise. Others point to tragic gaps in a technology racing ahead of its guardrails. — Toni Matthews-El · Dec 17, 2025 - **[The $15 Trillion Crisis: How AI Is Amplifying Cybercrime](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-15-trillion-crisis-how-ai-is-amplifying-cybercrime/)** — Cybercrime costs are soaring as artificial intelligence transforms phishing emails from obvious fakes into personalized traps even tech-savvy users can’t spot — Amy Smith · Nov 13, 2025 - **[Former Mastercard VP: Companies Are Getting AI Wrong by Ignoring This One Thing](https://innovatingwithai.com/former-mastercard-vp-companies-are-getting-ai-wrong-by-ignoring-this-one-thing/)** — Customer experience may be the key to building trust in AI. — Toni Matthews-El · Nov 13, 2025 - **[How much energy does AI actually consume? What we know today](https://innovatingwithai.com/how-much-energy-does-ai-actually-consume/)** — A look at the energy usage of AI, and why vendors should disclose it — Tim Keary · Oct 2, 2025 - **[Over 90% of artists view AI-generated pieces in a negative light](https://innovatingwithai.com/artists-view-of-ai-generated-pieces/)** — For many artists, much of the joy of creating art comes from the process of creation itself; from actually making the art from scratch with their hands and minds. — Zephin Livingston · Sep 23, 2025 - **[Is the AI boom leaving women professionals behind?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-the-ai-boom-leaving-women-professionals-behind/)** — A disconcerting aspect of the conversation around the AI boom gender gap is that it seems to ignore how many capable women are already navigating the space, using their knowledge to not only advance the technology, but to do so in an ethical and responsible way. — Toni Matthews-El · Sep 12, 2025 - **[Is AI changing everything or doing nothing?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-ai-changing-everything-or-doing-nothing/)** — The two parallel universes of AI adoption. — Rob Howard · Sep 9, 2025 - **[Over 50% of real estate agents now see a significant positive impact from AI tools](https://innovatingwithai.com/real-estate-agents-see-positive-impact-from-ai-tools/)** — Time is money. AI can give real estate professionals more hours back in their day, allowing them to focus on what robots simply can’t replace: strengthening client relationships and growing their business. — Anna Baluch · Sep 4, 2025 - **[The case for using AI in school](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-case-for-ai-in-school/)** — 70% of students are using ChatGPT for school—and that’s not a bad thing. — Jay Egger · Aug 29, 2025 - **[Coding Without Code: How AI Is Opening Doors For The Technically Intimidated](https://innovatingwithai.com/coding-without-code/)** — Krista Fabregas never saw herself as a coder. But when she built an AI-powered content automation pipeline to publish an article that outranked Forbes, she knew she was onto something. “That article was fully AI-generated from the start,” she admitted. I just entered a keyword and sent it to my automation tool.” A longtime content […] — Michael Kurko · Aug 20, 2025 - **[Exploring Duolingo’s “AI-first” controversy](https://innovatingwithai.com/exploring-duolingos-ai-first-controversy/)** — Though Duolingo insisted it will remain a company that “cares very deeply about its employees,” minds were already made up after reading the phrase “AI-first,” and with it came an unspoken association: “Human-last.” — Toni Matthews-El · Aug 20, 2025 - **[Does AI Help Grocery Stores Discriminate? How The AI Revolution Impacts Your Food Choices](https://innovatingwithai.com/does-ai-cause-discrimination-at-grocery-stores/)** — AI is increasingly being utilized to predict various aspects of grocery supply chains. Data on climate, access to water, and consumer shopping habits all combine to inform farmers how to determine planting cash crops versus nutrition crops. — Amy Smith · Jul 7, 2025 - **[Survey: 83% of users prefer AI search over ‘traditional’ Googling](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-ai-search-replacing-traditional-search/)** — More than a trend – new data suggests AI search is a more efficient way to answer questions. — Tim Keary · Jul 1, 2025 - **[OpenAI declares war on Apple](https://innovatingwithai.com/openai-declares-war-on-apple/)** — Are AI-first devices the future? — Rob Howard · May 23, 2025 - **[OpenAI’s mystery business model](https://innovatingwithai.com/openais-mystery-business-model/)** — Three theories for how one of the world’s most valuable companies will actually turn a profit. — Rob Howard · May 2, 2025 - **[The AI chip war burns Nvidia again](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-ai-chip-war-burns-nvidia-again/)** — Geopolitics is a thorn in the side of AI advancement. — Rob Howard · Apr 16, 2025 - **[The Silly DeepSeek Panic](https://innovatingwithai.com/deepseek-panic/)** — One month later, has anything changed? — Rob Howard · Feb 20, 2025 - **[5 AI Predictions for 2025](https://innovatingwithai.com/predictions-for-2025/)** — Coders are cooked. — Rob Howard · Jan 6, 2025 - **[Is private AI data even possible?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-private-ai-data-even-possible/)** — The challenge of protecting yourself and your clients as AI rapidly expands. — Rob Howard · Feb 27, 2024 ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/certified/ Certified Consultant Directory # What it means to be Innovating with AI Certified When you hire a consultant from our directory, you’re connecting with a professional who has completed rigorous training and verification by our team – giving you confidence in their skills and integrity as they guide your organization’s AI adoption and implementation. Every consultant in our directory has taken part in our comprehensive training program, The AI Consultancy Project, which includes: ## Educational Foundation - **Structured coursework** covering AI implementation and best practices for running a successful consultancy - **Live training sessions** with our expert team where they stay up-to-date on the latest changes in the AI space, get evergreen strategies on helping their clients succeed, and learn how to take their AI skills to the next level ## Practical Demonstration - **Established business presence** by registering a business entity and billing clients - **Defined list of services** that make their offerings clear and allow them to meet potential clients where you are in your AI journey - **Displays a strong understanding of AI ethics** **This is not an advertising platform.** The consultant directory is open only to Innovating with AI students who’ve achieved the key milestones in The AI Consultancy Project program. Students do not pay any fee for inclusion in the directory beyond their standard enrollment fee in the training program. ## Important: Every Consultant is an Independent Professional While every consultant in our directory has been trained and vetted by **Innovating With AI**, once you begin working directly with a consultant, the relationship is **between you and the consultant only**. - **Independent professionals**: Consultants are independent providers. They are not employees, agents, or representatives of Innovating With AI. - **No liability**: Innovating With AI does not oversee, manage, or guarantee the work performed once you hire a consultant. We cannot be held responsible for the quality, timeliness, or outcomes of your engagement. - **Direct agreements**: Any contracts, payments, deliverables, or disputes are handled directly between you and your chosen consultant. Innovating With AI does not receive any portion of these consultants’ fees. - **No Fees or Commissions:** Innovating with AI takes no fees, commission or other cuts from your payments to the consultant. ## Our Vetting Process and Consultancy Education Team Each consultant’s application is reviewed by the **Innovating With AI coaching team**, industry professionals who ensure they meet our standards of technical expertise, professionalism, and client service. Our founder has appeared in… - Wired - Forbes - Fortune - TechCrunch - Entertainment Weekly - Entrepreneur Magazine - Barron's - CNET - U.S. News & World Report - Morning Brew - Newsweek - VentureBeat **Rob Howard,** Founder of Innovating with AI **Meet Rob** – Founder of Innovating with AI and CEO of HDC, a software development firm whose software powers 100,000+ websites, including sites for **Facebook** and **Intel**. With 20 years as a software developer, founder, and consultant, he’s served clients ranging from **The World Bank**, **MIT**, and **Marriott** to local entrepreneurs. When not building AI solutions and vetting our certified consultants, you might find him with his family and their flock of backyard chickens. **Casey Zuckerman**, Chief Business Development Officer **Meet Casey** – Chief Business Development Officer at IWAI with 7+ years experience growing revenue, relationships, and reputation for small businesses. In her past roles as a Chief Revenue Officer, she scaled annual recurring revenue from $1.5M to $16M in 3 years while building a team from 1 to 45 people. Her relationship-building expertise led to partnerships with **Intuit**, **Square**, and **Chase**. Now at IWAI, she helps students fast-track their AI consultancy launches through live coaching and Slack support. Off-hours, find her walking George (her dog) or exploring new countries and cuisines. **Cassie Bottorff,** Managing Editor of _Innovating With AI Magazine_ and Student Community Manager **Meet Cassie** – Managing Editor of _Innovating With AI Magazine_ and Student Community Manager, bringing 8 years of industry experience from publishers such as **Fortune, Forbes Advisor**, and **Forbes Councils**. Cassie has led collaborations with team members that span the globe and loves engaging with students from all over the world while spinning up stories and articles about the ever-growing world of AI technology. Outside of work, you’ll probably find her hiking with her family, with her nose in a book, or planning a cosplay for an upcoming convention. ## Questions About Our Process? We believe in complete transparency about our certification standards. Contact our team at [support@innovatingwithai.com](mailto:support@innovatingwithai.com) if you have questions. We’re here to ensure you find the right AI consultant for your needs with complete confidence in their qualifications and our support. [Browse the Consultant Directory](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/private-ai/ Private AI for law, finance & companies with sensitive data # Modern AI for your business. _No data privacy compromises._ A fraction of the cost. You already know where AI would help. Now you can use it for your most sensitive work too — built on open models, running on secure North American infrastructure or entirely on your own computers. [Request a Free Demo](https://innovatingwithai.com/private-ai/request/) Work you can finally hand to AI - Document review - Research - Drafting - Summarization - Data analysis - Client intake - Custom AI agents 1. **Bring AI to the work you’ve held back.** Customer records, contracts, financials and internal plans, processed with zero data retention or entirely on your own hardware. 2. **Your data, your rules.** Nothing stored, nothing trained on. Near-frontier quality on North American servers, or fully offline. 3. **Pay a fraction at scale.** As much as 99% less per token than Anthropic or OpenAI for the same work. Sound familiar? ## Most teams we talk to are stuck with one of two bad choices. ### You keep AI away from your most valuable work. The documents where AI would help most — customer data, contracts, financials, HR files, product and strategy plans — are exactly the ones you can’t send to a public AI provider. So the biggest wins stay manual. Private AI runs with zero data retention or on your own hardware, so that work is finally in scope. ### You’ve accepted data terms you don’t like. Your team uses AI anyway, on a provider’s terms for storage and retention, because there wasn’t a real alternative. And the bill grows with every new use case. Open models give you near-frontier quality under your rules, at a fraction of the token cost. Why private AI ## Near-frontier intelligence, with complete control of your data. Built for law firms, financial firms and every organization whose data can’t be stored on outside servers without strict rules. **What it costs to run** | Model | Cost to run Per 1M output tokens · lower is better | Intelligence Out of 100 · higher is smarter | | --- | --- | --- | | Big Tech AI | | | | Claude Fable 5.1 | $50 | 53 | | GPT-6 Astra | $50 | 53 | | Claude Opus 5 | $25 | 51 | | GPT-5.6 Sol | $20 | 47 | | Claude Sonnet 5 | $10 | 38 | | Private cloud · open modelsUp to 99% less | | | | MiMo V2.6 Pro | $0.87 | 46 | | GLM 5.3 Flash | $0.50 | 42 | | DeepSeek V4.1 Flash | $0.60 | 39 | | DeepSeek V4 Flash | $0.18 | 34 | Prices are standard API list prices per million output tokens (about 750,000 words), October 2026; private cloud prices are DeepInfra’s. Intelligence scores are the [Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index](https://artificialanalysis.ai/leaderboards/models), each model at its highest reasoning setting, as of September 2026. ### What that means at your scale Output tokens per month Big Tech model Private model - **Claude Opus 5 Anthropic**: $2,500 / month - **Claude Opus 5 Anthropic**: Intelligence 51 - **MiMo V2.6 Pro Private cloud**: $87 / month - **MiMo V2.6 Pro Private cloud**: Intelligence 46 - **You save with private AI**: $2,413 / month - **You save with private AI**: $28,956 / year - **You save with private AI**: 96% less than Claude Opus 5 Output tokens at standard list prices, October 2026. Input tokens are billed separately and show the same gap. 100 million tokens is roughly 75 million words. - **As much as 99% savings** — Today’s leading open models handle the same drafting, review, research and analysis work — at a small fraction of OpenAI’s and Anthropic’s token prices. - **Zero data retention** — In the cloud we use only zero-data-retention providers: your prompts and documents are processed and discarded, never stored or used for training. - **American or Canadian infrastructure only** — Every model we deploy runs on servers in the U.S. or Canada — or on your own hardware — so you always know exactly where your data is. - **No vendor lock-in** — Open models can be audited, moved and run anywhere. When a better model ships, we swap it in; if a provider changes its terms, you’re not stuck. Our services ## Two ways to keep sensitive work private. Match the deployment to the sensitivity of the data — use one, or both. Either way, we build custom software that puts powerful agents in the hands of your team, entirely under your control. ### Private cloud AI High-end open models on zero-retention cloud providers — frontier-class results at a fraction of the cost, on American or Canadian infrastructure. - Zero data retention — nothing stored, nothing trained on - American or Canadian infrastructure only - As much as 99% savings on token cost - Custom agents integrated with your systems ### On-device AI For your most sensitive work. Models run entirely on your own computers or servers — nothing is sent anywhere. - Runs on your workstations or in-house servers - Fully offline & air-gapped options - Contracts, customer records & confidential files - Review, summarization & drafting Our founder has appeared in… - Wired - Forbes - Fortune - TechCrunch - Entertainment Weekly - Entrepreneur Magazine - Barron's - CNET - U.S. News & World Report - Morning Brew - Newsweek - VentureBeat ## Since 2009, we’ve built for the world’s biggest brands - Harvard Law School - The World Bank - Marriott International - X Games - JFK Airport - ESPN The Magazine - MIT Media Lab - Boys & Girls Clubs - Big Ten Fan Fest - U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum - Planet Hollywood - Department of Defense Who we are ## 20+ years of consulting, startup and software experience. AI is new, but we’ve been in tech since the dawn of the web – building, teaching, acquiring, selling, and now helping businesses put AI to work, safely. We built Innovating with AI® on a simple belief: that everyone — not just engineers and executives — deserves to thrive as AI reshapes work and life. - **Websites run our software**: 100,000+ - **Readers of our AI newsletter**: 175,000+ - **Years building in tech**: 20+ [Read our reviews on Trustpilot](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/innovatingwithai.com) Our values ## How we work - **No hype, just substance** — We drink from the firehose so you don’t have to, then recommend only what actually matters for your business — current, clear, in plain English. We tell you the truth, costs and tradeoffs included. - **Built for real work** — Everything we build goes to work in your business — integrated with the tools your team already uses, not a demo that never ships. - **Humans helping humans** — In the age of AI, we believe that humans helping humans are more important than ever. You work directly with our team from scoping to launch, and we make sure your people know how to use what we build. - **Ethics at the foundation** — Safety and ethics are the foundation of everything we build, so you can bring AI into your business in ways your team, your clients and your community can trust. Why Innovating with AI® ## Your trusted partner for private, secure AI. If you run a law firm, a financial firm or any organization that handles confidential client data, you already know the rule: sensitive information doesn’t go to outside servers without strict controls. That rule has kept many firms on the sidelines of AI — or paying premium enterprise prices to the big AI labs to get the assurances they need. There’s a better option. Using today’s best open models, we build custom solutions that accomplish the same goals — document review, research, drafting, analysis, client intake — on American or Canadian infrastructure with zero data retention, with as much as 99% savings on token cost. For the most sensitive work, we deploy models that run entirely on your own computers, so nothing leaves the building. > The capabilities of frontier AI, with the data discipline your clients expect. Since 2009, we’ve built for institutions where the margin for error is slim — Harvard, MIT, Marriott, The World Bank, the Big Ten, and the Department of Defense. We bring that same rigor to private AI: careful scoping, systems that integrate with the tools you already use, and solutions your team can rely on every day. Every engagement begins with careful scoping — no surprises or runaway fees. If your data needs to stay private and your AI needs to deliver, we’d welcome the chance to meet you. ## Request your free demo. Tell us about your data, your rules and your goals, and we’ll map out what private AI can do for you. [Request a Free Demo](https://innovatingwithai.com/private-ai/request/) --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/terms/ Legal # Terms of Use Updated August 28, 2026 ## Overview This website is operated by Innovating with AI, LLC. Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Innovating with AI, LLC. Innovating with AI, LLC offers this website, including all information, tools and Services available from this site to you, the user, conditioned upon your acceptance of all terms, conditions, policies and notices stated here. By visiting our site and/or purchasing something from us and/or accessing our API, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions (“Terms of Use”, “Terms”), including those additional terms and conditions and policies referenced herein and/or available by hyperlink. These Terms of Use apply to all users of the site, including without limitation users who are browsers, vendors, customers, merchants, and/ or contributors of content. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before accessing or using our website. By accessing or using any part of the site, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the website or use any Services. If these Terms of Use are considered an offer, acceptance is expressly limited to these Terms of Use. Any new features or tools which are added to the current site shall also be subject to the Terms of Use. You can review the most current version of the Terms of Use at any time on this page. We reserve the right to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Use by posting updates and/or changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check this page periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to the website following the posting of any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes. ## Terms By agreeing to these Terms of Use, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your state or province of residence, or that you are the age of majority in your state or province of residence and you have given us your consent to allow any of your minor dependents to use this site. You may not use our products for any illegal or unauthorized purpose nor may you, in the use of the Service, violate any laws in your jurisdiction (including but not limited to copyright laws). You must not transmit any worms or viruses or any code of a destructive nature. A breach or violation of any of the Terms will result in an immediate termination of your Services. ## General Conditions We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time. You understand that your content (not including credit card information), may be transferred unencrypted and involve (a) transmissions over various networks; and (b) changes to conform and adapt to technical requirements of connecting networks or devices. Credit card information is always encrypted during transfer over networks. You agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell or exploit any portion of the Service, use of the Service, or access to the Service or any contact on the website through which the service is provided, without express written permission by us. The headings used in this agreement are included for convenience only and will not limit or otherwise affect these Terms. ## Accuracy, Completeness and Timeliness of Information We are not responsible if information made available on this site is not accurate, complete or current. The material on this site is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting primary, more accurate, more complete or more timely sources of information. Any reliance on the material on this site is at your own risk. This site may contain certain historical information. Historical information, necessarily, is not current and is provided for your reference only. We reserve the right to modify the contents of this site at any time, but we have no obligation to update any information on our site. You agree that it is your responsibility to monitor changes to our site. ## Modifications to the Service and Prices Prices for our products and services are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right at any time to modify or discontinue the Service (or any part or content thereof) without notice at any time. We shall not be liable to you or to any third-party for any modification, price change, suspension or discontinuance of the Service. ## Products or Services Certain products or Services may be available exclusively online through the website. These products or Services may have limited quantities. We reserve the right, but are not obligated, to limit the sales of our products or Services to any person, geographic region or jurisdiction. We may exercise this right on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to limit the quantities of any products or Services that we offer. All descriptions of products or product pricing are subject to change at any time without notice, at the sole discretion of us. We reserve the right to discontinue any product at any time. Any offer for any product or service made on this site is void where prohibited. We do not warrant that the quality of any products, Services, information, or other material purchased or obtained by you will meet your expectations, or that any errors in the Service will be corrected. ## Code of Conduct When interacting with our staff and/or other students and/or community members, you agree to adhere to our Code of Conduct, which prohibits: - The use of sexualized language or imagery, and sexual attention or advances of any kind - Trolling, insulting or derogatory comments, and personal or political attacks - Public or private harassment - Publishing others’ private information, such as a physical or email address, without their explicit permission - Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting If, in our sole discretion, you violate our Terms of Use or Code of Conduct at any time, your access to our products and/or Services may be permanently revoked, and you will not be eligible for a refund. ## Refund Policy ### 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee Every Innovating with AI program comes with an unconditional 60-day money-back guarantee. If you request a refund within 60 days of your enrollment date, we will refund every payment you have made. **How the 60 days are counted.** The guarantee period runs from your enrollment date — the date of your initial purchase. If you are paying in installments, the window does not restart or extend with each payment. It is 60 days from the day you enrolled, and no longer. **What you get back.** We refund every payment you have made to date, to your original payment method. If you are on a payment plan, any remaining installments are canceled and you owe nothing further. **What we ask in return.** To process your refund, we ask you to tell us why you are cancelling. Any reason is acceptable and no reason is judged — we simply read every one and use them to make the programs better for everyone. **What happens to your access.** When a refund is issued, your access to the program ends permanently. **After 60 days.** Payments are non-refundable once the guarantee period closes, and your commitment to complete any remaining payment-plan installments stands. **How to request a refund.** Email us at [support@innovatingwithai.com](mailto:support@innovatingwithai.com) with your reason for cancelling. ## Payment Plans When you purchase our products or services, you may have the option to pay in full or to pay over the course of a fixed number of monthly payments. Please note that this is a payment plan with a fixed length; it is not an ongoing subscription. By choosing a payment plan, you are committing to a contract to complete all payments on time and in full. You can update your credit card on file any time by logging in to your account and visiting your Billing page. If you miss a payment, you may be locked out of the curriculum or other parts of the program automatically. If any payment is more than 30 days overdue, we reserve the right to refer your account to a collection agency. Unless you qualify for a refund as described in these Terms of Use, we do not allow cancellations of payment plans under any circumstances. ## Accuracy of Billing and Account Information We reserve the right to refuse any order you place with us. We may, in our sole discretion, limit or cancel quantities purchased per person, per household or per order. These restrictions may include orders placed by or under the same customer account, the same credit card, and/or orders that use the same billing and/or shipping address. In the event that we make a change to or cancel an order, we may attempt to notify you by contacting the e-mail and/or billing address/phone number provided at the time the order was made. We reserve the right to limit or prohibit orders that, in our sole judgment, appear to be placed by dealers, resellers or distributors. You agree to provide current, complete and accurate purchase and account information for all purchases made at our store. You agree to promptly update your account and other information, including your email address and credit card numbers and expiration dates, so that we can complete your transactions and contact you as needed. ## Optional Tools We may provide you with access to third-party tools over which we neither monitor nor have any control nor input. You acknowledge and agree that we provide access to such tools ”as is” and “as available” without any warranties, representations or conditions of any kind and without any endorsement. We shall have no liability whatsoever arising from or relating to your use of optional third-party tools. Any use by you of the optional tools offered through the site is entirely at your own risk and discretion and you should ensure that you are familiar with and approve of the terms on which tools are provided by the relevant third-party provider(s). We may also, in the future, offer new Services and/or features through the website (including, the release of new tools and resources). Such new features and/or Services shall also be subject to these Terms of Use. ## Third-Party Links Certain content, products and Services available via our Service may include materials from third-parties. Third-party links on this site may direct you to third-party websites that are not affiliated with us. We are not responsible for examining or evaluating the content or accuracy and we do not warrant and will not have any liability or responsibility for any third-party materials or websites, or for any other materials, products, or Services of third-parties. We are not liable for any harm or damages related to the purchase or use of goods, Services, resources, content, or any other transactions made in connection with any third-party websites. Please review carefully the third-party’s policies and practices and make sure you understand them before you engage in any transaction. Complaints, claims, concerns, or questions regarding third-party products should be directed to the third-party. ## Use of Your Name, Likeness, Image, Video or Voice Our products and Services may offer you the opportunity to participate in live or online sessions where your image, video and/or voice will be recorded, broadcasted and/or distributed in other ways. You hereby agree to the recording and broadcast or other distribution of reproduction(s) of your name, likeness, image, video and voice as part of your participation in our products and Services. You acknowledge that we are the sole owner of all rights in and to the products and Services, and the recording thereof, for all purposes; and that we have the right, among other things, to distribute the products and Services (including all recordings) one or more times by any medium or mode of transmission whatsoever. Any materials relating to the production and distribution of the products and Services become property of us. You further acknowledge and agree: (a) You will receive no compensation for appearances on and participation in the products and Services. (b) Your name and likeness may be used in advertising and promotional material for the products and Services. (c) You hereby release and discharge us together with all of our principals, shareholders, officers, employees, agents, successors, heirs, assigns and affiliates from any and all liability arising out of or in connection with the making, producing, reproducing, processing, exhibiting, distributing, publishing, transmitting by any means or otherwise using the above-mentioned products and Services. ## User Comments, Feedback and Other Submissions If, at our request, you send certain specific submissions (for example contest entries) or without a request from us you send creative ideas, suggestions, proposals, plans, or other materials, whether online, by email, by postal mail, or otherwise (collectively, ‘comments’), you agree that we may, at any time, without restriction, edit, copy, publish, distribute, translate and otherwise use in any medium any comments that you forward to us. We are and shall be under no obligation (1) to maintain any comments in confidence; (2) to pay compensation for any comments; or (3) to respond to any comments. We may, but have no obligation to, monitor, edit or remove content that we determine in our sole discretion to be unlawful, offensive, threatening, libelous, defamatory, pornographic, obscene or otherwise objectionable or violates any party’s intellectual property or these Terms of Use. You agree that your comments will not violate any right of any third-party, including copyright, trademark, privacy, personality or other personal or proprietary right. You further agree that your comments will not contain libelous or otherwise unlawful, abusive or obscene material, or contain any computer virus or other malware that could in any way affect the operation of the Service or any related website. You may not use a false e-mail address, pretend to be someone other than yourself, or otherwise mislead us or third-parties as to the origin of any comments. You are solely responsible for any comments you make and their accuracy. We take no responsibility and assume no liability for any comments posted by you or any third-party. ## Errors, Inaccuracies and Omissions Occasionally there may be information on our site or in the Service that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to product descriptions, pricing, promotions, offers, product shipping charges, transit times and availability. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, and to change or update information or cancel orders if any information in the Service or on any related website is inaccurate at any time without prior notice (including after you have submitted your order). We undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify information in the Service or on any related website, including without limitation, pricing information, except as required by law. No specified update or refresh date applied in the Service, or on any related website, should be taken to indicate that all information in the Service or on any related website has been modified or updated. ## Prohibited Uses In addition to other prohibitions as set forth in the Terms of Use, you are prohibited from using the site or its content: (a) for any unlawful purpose; (b) to solicit others to perform or participate in any unlawful acts; (c) to violate any international, federal, provincial or state regulations, rules, laws, or local ordinances; (d) to infringe upon or violate our intellectual property rights or the intellectual property rights of others; (e) to harass, abuse, insult, harm, defame, slander, disparage, intimidate, or discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, race, age, national origin, or disability; (f) to submit false or misleading information; (g) to upload or transmit viruses or any other type of malicious code that will or may be used in any way that will affect the functionality or operation of the Service or of any related website, other websites, or the Internet; (h) to collect or track the personal information of others; (i) to spam, phish, pharm, pretext, spider, crawl, or scrape; (j) for any obscene or immoral purpose; or (k) to interfere with or circumvent the security features of the Service or any related website, other websites, or the Internet. We reserve the right to terminate your use of the Service or any related website for violating any of the prohibited uses. ## Disclaimer of Warranties; Limitation of Liability We do not guarantee, represent or warrant that your use of our service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free. We do not warrant that the results that may be obtained from the use of the service will be accurate or reliable. You agree that from time to time we may remove the service for indefinite periods of time or cancel the service at any time, without notice to you. You expressly agree that your use of, or inability to use, the service is at your sole risk. The service and all products and Services delivered to you through the service are (except as expressly stated by us) provided ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ for your use, without any representation, warranties or conditions of any kind, either express or implied, including all implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, merchantable quality, fitness for a particular purpose, durability, title, and non-infringement. In no case shall Innovating with AI, LLC, our directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, service providers or licensors be liable for any injury, loss, claim, or any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, special, or consequential damages of any kind, including, without limitation lost profits, lost revenue, lost savings, loss of data, replacement costs, or any similar damages, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, arising from your use of any of the service or any products procured using the service, or for any other claim related in any way to your use of the service or any product, including, but not limited to, any errors or omissions in any content, or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the service or any content (or product) posted, transmitted, or otherwise made available via the service, even if advised of their possibility. Because some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or the limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, in such states or jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. ## Indemnification You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Innovating with AI, LLC and our parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors, agents, contractors, licensors, service providers, subcontractors, suppliers, interns and employees, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third-party due to or arising out of your breach of these Terms of Use or the documents they incorporate by reference, or your violation of any law or the rights of a third-party. ## Severability In the event that any provision of these Terms of Use is determined to be unlawful, void or unenforceable, such provision shall nonetheless be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, and the unenforceable portion shall be deemed to be severed from these Terms of Use, such determination shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any other remaining provisions. ## Termination The obligations and liabilities of the parties incurred prior to the termination date shall survive the termination of this agreement for all purposes. These Terms of Use are effective unless and until terminated by either you or us. You may terminate these Terms of Use at any time by notifying us that you no longer wish to use our Services, or when you cease using our site. If in our sole judgment you fail, or we suspect that you have failed, to comply with any term or provision of these Terms of Use, we also may terminate this agreement at any time without notice and you will remain liable for all amounts due up to and including the date of termination; and/or accordingly may deny you access to our Services (or any part thereof). ## Entire Agreement The failure of us to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Use shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. These Terms of Use and any policies or operating rules posted by us on this site or in respect to The Service constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between you and us and govern your use of the Service, superseding any prior or contemporaneous agreements, communications and proposals, whether oral or written, between you and us (including, but not limited to, any prior versions of the Terms of Use). Any ambiguities in the interpretation of these Terms of Use shall not be construed against the drafting party. ## Governing Law These Terms of Use and any separate agreements whereby we provide you Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Colorado and the laws of the United States applicable therein, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. ## Changes to Terms of Use You can review the most current version of the Terms of Use at any time at this page. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Use by posting updates and changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check our website periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to our website or the Service following the posting of any changes to these Terms of Use constitutes acceptance of those changes. ## Contact Information Questions about the Terms of Use should be sent to us at [support@innovatingwithai.com](mailto:support@innovatingwithai.com). Our contact information is posted below: Innovating with AI, LLC 1580 N. Logan St., Ste 660, Denver, CO 80203 (720) 900-1030 [support@innovatingwithai.com](mailto:support@innovatingwithai.com) --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/privacy-policy/ Legal # Privacy Policy **Innovating with AI, LLC Privacy Policy** This Privacy Policy describes how your personal information is collected, used, and shared when you visit or make a purchase from https://innovatingwithai.com (the “Site”). ## Personal information we collect When you visit the Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including information about your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the cookies that are installed on your device. Additionally, as you browse the Site, we collect information about the individual web pages or products that you view, what websites or search terms referred you to the Site, and information about how you interact with the Site. We refer to this automatically-collected information as “Device Information.” We collect Device Information using the following technologies: - “Cookies” are data files that are placed on your device or computer and often include an anonymous unique identifier. For more information about cookies, and how to disable cookies, visit http://www.allaboutcookies.org. - “Log files” track actions occurring on the Site, and collect data including your IP address, browser type, Internet service provider, referring/exit pages, and date/time stamps. - “Web beacons,” “tags,” and “pixels” are electronic files used to record information about how you browse the Site. Additionally, when you make a purchase or attempt to make a purchase through the Site, we collect certain information from you, including your name, billing address, shipping address, payment information (including credit card numbers), email address, and phone number. We refer to this information as “Order Information.” When you log in to our student platform, for security and auditing purposes, a record of all of your logged-in actions will be recorded in an activity log. The audit log also includes the IP address from which you accessed this site. When we talk about “Personal Information” in this Privacy Policy, we are talking both about Device Information and Order Information. ## How do we use your personal information? We use the Order Information that we collect generally to fulfill any orders placed through the Site (including processing your payment information, arranging for shipping, and providing you with invoices and/or order confirmations). Additionally, we use this Order Information to: - Communicate with you; - Screen our orders for potential risk or fraud; and - When in line with the preferences you have shared with us, provide you with information or advertising relating to our products or services. We use the Device Information that we collect to help us screen for potential risk and fraud (in particular, your IP address), and more generally to improve and optimize our Site (for example, by generating analytics about how our customers browse and interact with the Site, and to assess the success of our marketing and advertising campaigns). ## Sharing your personal information We share your Personal Information with third parties to help us use your Personal Information, as described above. We use Google Analytics to help us understand how our customers use the Site–you can read more about how Google uses your Personal Information here: https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/. You can also opt-out of Google Analytics here: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. Finally, we may also share your Personal Information to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to respond to a subpoena, search warrant or other lawful request for information we receive, or to otherwise protect our rights. ## Do Not Track Please note that we do not alter our Site’s data collection and use practices when we see a Do Not Track signal from your browser. ## Your rights If you are a European resident, you have the right to access personal information we hold about you and to ask that your personal information be corrected, updated, or deleted. If you would like to exercise this right, please contact us through the contact information below. Additionally, if you are a European resident we note that we are processing your information in order to fulfill contracts we might have with you (for example if you make an order through the Site), or otherwise to pursue our legitimate business interests listed above. Additionally, please note that your information will be transferred outside of Europe, including to Canada and/or the United States. ## Data retention When you place an order through the Site, we will maintain your Order Information for our records unless and until you ask us to delete this information. ## Minors The Site is not intended for individuals under the age of 13. ## Changes We may update this privacy policy from time to time in order to reflect, for example, changes to our practices or for other operational, legal or regulatory reasons. ## Contact us For more information about our privacy practices, if you have questions, or if you would like to make a complaint, please contact us by e-mail at [support@innovatingwithai.com](mailto:support@innovatingwithai.com) or by mail using the details provided below: Innovating with AI, LLC 1580 N. Logan St., Suite 660, Denver, CO, 80203, United States --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/our-guarantee-and-refund-policy/ Legal # Our Guarantee and Refund Policy Thanks for being a part of Innovating with AI! This page explains our guarantee period and refund policy for our programs. This page is adapted from our full [Terms of Use](https://innovatingwithai.com/terms/). --- ## Refund Policy Every Innovating with AI program comes with an unconditional 60-day money-back guarantee. If you request a refund within 60 days of your enrollment date, we will refund every payment you have made. **How the 60 days are counted.** The guarantee period runs from your enrollment date — the date of your initial purchase. If you are paying in installments, the window does not restart or extend with each payment. It is 60 days from the day you enrolled, and no longer. **What you get back.** We refund every payment you have made to date, to your original payment method. If you are on a payment plan, any remaining installments are canceled and you owe nothing further. **What we ask in return.** To process your refund, we ask you to tell us why you are cancelling. Any reason is acceptable and no reason is judged — we simply read every one and use them to make the programs better for everyone. **What happens to your access.** When a refund is issued, your access to the program ends permanently. **After 60 days.** Payments are non-refundable once the guarantee period closes, and your commitment to complete any remaining payment-plan installments stands. **How to request a refund.** Email us at [support@innovatingwithai.com](mailto:support@innovatingwithai.com) with your reason for cancelling. ## Payment Plans When you join an Innovating with AI program, you’ll have the option to pay in full or to pay over the course of 12 monthly payments. Please note that this is a payment plan with a fixed length; it is not an ongoing subscription. By joining and choosing a payment plan, you are committing to a contract to complete all 12 payments on time and in full. You can update your credit card on file any time by logging in to your account and visiting your Billing page. If you miss a payment, you may be locked out of the curriculum or other parts of the program automatically. If any payment is more than 30 days overdue, we reserve the right to refer your account to a collection agency. Unless you qualify for a refund under the terms described above, we do not allow cancellations of payment plans under any circumstances. ## Contact Us For questions or to request a refund, email us at [support@innovatingwithai.com](mailto:support@innovatingwithai.com). Innovating with AI, LLC 1580 N. Logan St., Suite 660, Denver, CO 80203 (720) 900-1030 [support@innovatingwithai.com](mailto:support@innovatingwithai.com) --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/ Certified Consultant Directory # Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Directory Showing all 63 certified consultants - **[Aaron Long](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/aaron-long/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Summit Partners Consulting — Oklahoma — I help U.S.-based organizations become AI Ready (or reboot failed attempts) through a holistic approach of training, readiness consulting, and tool-building, so adoption delivers real results. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Sonic Swain](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/sonic-swain/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — SonicAi — Nevada — I work with Las Vegas startup founders and regenerative-health pioneers who need to translate their wisdom, products, and SOPs into scalable systems. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Alessandro De Mitri](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/alessandro-de-mitri/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Compass AI Consulting — Tampa — I specialize in AI consulting for US-based coaches and consultants making $100K to $750K a year. — AI Implementation · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions - **[Asher Engel](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/asher-engel/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Aitza AI — Israel — I specialize in AI consulting for design-driven creative studios in the New York tri-state area and Israel. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions - **[Aviva Legatt](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/aviva-legatt/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — EdGenerative — Pennsylvania — At EdGenerative, we are one of the only consultancies focused specifically on human-centered, ethically-aligned AI strategy for higher education. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Boyd Hayward](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/boyd-hayward/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Just Enough AI — England — I specialize in AI consulting for UK housing associations, like Sovereign Network Group, that want to use AI to improve research, reporting, property listings, customer-facing content, and internal workflows. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Christina Friloux](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/christina-friloux/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Outset Method — Texas — I help small and mid-sized businesses in the Austin area work smarter, save time, and grow by putting AI to practical use. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Damon Brennen](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/damon-brennen/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Damon AI — Portland, Oregon — I help small and mid-sized businesses find where AI fits in their work and where it doesn't, then deliver the training and custom tools that turn the repetitive parts into systems their teams actually use. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[David J. Swicegood](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/david-j-swicegood/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — 7LIFT.AI — Idaho & Washington — I help businesses use AI to get more customers, keep more customers, and free up their teams from the slog work that slows everything down. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Deborah Ann Spence](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/deborah-spence/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — FiercePreneur — Pennsylvania — I specialize in AI consulting for U.S. owner‑led, growth‑minded small businesses like medical, human resources, or real estate offices, using the Fierce Formula to streamline ops, tighten follow‑up, and make every workflow trackable. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Workshops - **[Ece (AJ) Boz Fulton](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/ece-aj-boz-fulton/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Lighthouse AI Consulting — British Columbia — I specialize in AI consulting for small to midsize insurance agencies in the Lower Mainland, helping them integrate AI for smarter automation, efficiency with administration, and boost marketing efforts. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[George Norberg](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/george-norberg/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Power Up Automations — California — I'm an ex-Amazon engineer who provides strategic guidance and development services for mid-size businesses. — AI Implementation · Strategy Sessions - **[Jura Vainius](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/jura-vainius/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — What Works Solutions — Seattle Metro Area, WA — I specialize in helping small and mid-size businesses use AI, automation, and workflow redesign to reduce operating costs, increase productivity, eliminate repetitive work, and create capacity for growth without adding headcount. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Keanan Koppenhaver](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/keanan-koppenhaver/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Floorboard AI — Illinois — I specialize in AI consulting for growth-stage technical agencies in the Midwest. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Kristina Agustin](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/kristina-agustin/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Southern Sky AI — Australia & United States — I specialize in AI consulting for high-trust, high-compliance organizations across the international superyacht industry, commercial marine, and legal sectors, guiding tech-forward innovation with AI solutions that improve operations, strengthen resilience, and drive value. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Maria Davis](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/maria-davis/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — MD Business AI — Colorado — At MD Business AI, we advise leaders in healthcare, aesthetics, and plastic surgery on implementing AI strategies through strategic advisory, executive education, and ethical, results-driven outcomes. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Michelle Caryn Paul, PhD](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/michelle-caryn-paul-phd/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Equifinality Solutions — Washington, D.C. — I specialize in AI consulting for resource-conscious, mission-driven organizations in the Washington, DC–Baltimore region. — AI Implementation · AI Readiness Audits · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Orsi Veres](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/orsi-veres/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Design You Need LLC — New York City — I specialize in AI consulting for US-based founder-led service businesses. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Pete Fulford](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/pete-fulford/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Momentous AI Consulting — Oregon — I specialize in AI training, strategy, and custom builds for creative teams in corporate marketing departments and small- and medium-sized agencies in the Pacific Northwest and the San Francisco Bay Area. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Sara Carneiro Parrode](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/sara-carneiro-parrode/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — SP AI Consultancy & Mindset Coaching — New York — I specialize in AI training and adoption strategy for small to mid-sized businesses, with a focus on wellness, nonprofit, and education sectors. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Sean Cook](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/sean-cook/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Halan Digital — Texas — I specialize in architecting business solutions for $10M+ companies in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area through AI strategy, transformation, and fractional AI officer services. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Susan Roth](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/susan-roth/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Compass Consulting — Pennsylvania — I specialize in AI Literacy & Operational Automation for forward-thinking Industrial and Commercial Service firms in Pennsylvania. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Thiago E. Ferreira](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/thiago-ferreira/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Elevate AI Consulting — Florida — At Elevate AI, we specialize in AI automation and education for small and mid-sized businesses powering South Florida’s diverse communities. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Timur Biktogirov](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/timur-biktogirov/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Avandigo AI Consultancy — The Netherlands — I specialise in AI consulting for established, growth-minded physical-product businesses — e-commerce, brands and wholesale. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Aaron Uitenbroek](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/aaron-uitenbroek/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Hive Studio AI — Iowa — I specialize in AI consulting and AI solutions for Central Iowa businesses in agriculture, construction, and professional services. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Amandeep Mander](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/amandeep-mander/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Amandeep Mander — Florida — I specialize in AI solutions for small and mid-sized businesses across the U.S. and Canada looking to scale efficiently through automation. — AI Implementation · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions - **[Ari Magalhaes](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/ari-magalhaes/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — OmniStrategic — Australia/Gold Coast — I specialise in independent AI strategy and governance advisory for Australian disability and aged care organisations, helping boards and executives model high-ROI use cases and manage risk to protect frontline care. — AI Implementation · Strategy Sessions - **[Bennett Cordon](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/bennett-cordon/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Boneyard Collective — California — I specialize in web development & AI consulting for first time founders and digital-first creatives. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions - **[Blake Atkerson](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/blake-atkerson/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Impact Kaizen Consulting — Colorado — I specialize in AI consulting for Northern Colorado startups and small businesses that are in the technology and professional services sector that want to bridge company culture and AI implementation into a holistic Kaizen approach. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Brad Bush](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/brad-bush/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — CoPoint AI — Texas — I provide AI consulting to enterprises and mid-sized businesses in the Dallas-Forth Worth area, giving clarity on where AI pays back and where humans and AI work together to get real value. — AI Implementation · AI Readiness Audits · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Brandon Hurter](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/brandon-hurter/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Pivot180 AI — Raleigh, NC — I specialize in AI consulting for SMB firms in legal, membership clubs and home services in the Raleigh, North Carolina and local Triangle areas. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Brett Moreton](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/brett-moreton/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Tregantle AI — United Kingdom — I specialize in AI consulting for private SME’s based in North Wales, UK — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Bron Fieldwalker](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/bron-fieldwalker/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Syndicate Digital Productions — British Columbia — I am an AI consultant and full-stack agentic engineer helping businesses automate. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Carl Roose](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/carl-roose/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Mindteam — Ohio — I help industry and professional associations and their members adopt AI in ways that are practical, ethical, and human-centered. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Christopher Jeyes](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/christopher-jeyes/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Lextrapolate Limited — United Kingdom — I specialise in AI consulting for lawyers and regulated professional service businesses. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Conor McCarthy](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/conor-mccarthy/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Threshold Partners — Ireland — I specialize in AI consulting for lean, founder-led professional services firms. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Dan Mowinski](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/dan-mowinski/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Power Up AI — Colorado — I specialize in AI consulting and training for small-to-midsize businesses in the Colorado area that care about their online reputation and growth. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[David Fraas](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/david-fraas/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Digital6 Technologies — Idaho — I specialize in AI Cloud consulting for compliance-regulated industries. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Deborah Sherman](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/deborah-sherman/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — AIEZ.ai — Colorado — AIEZ.ai specializes in AI workflow consulting for communication professionals, executives, and mission-critical organizations that need to deliver clarity under pressure. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Deon de Klerk](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/deon-de-klerk/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Mindful Machines — Western Cape / Cape Town — AI solutions and training that empower your people and power your business. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Diego Varela Alvarado](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/diego-varela-alvarado/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Nobaweb — Costa Rica — I work with high-end dental and medical clinics implementing and training in AI. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Dougal Perman](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/dougal-perman/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Inner Ear — Glasgow, Scotland — Based in Glasgow, Scotland, working around the UK, I specialize in AI consulting for forward-thinking creative businesses and cultural organizations. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Ferenc Fazekas](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/ferenc-fazekas/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Frontier Flows LLC — USA & Europe — At Frontier Flows, we specialize in AI and Automation strategy, education and implementation to improve operations for small and mid-sized businesses in the food industry. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Gabor Szentivanyi](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/gabor-szentivanyi/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — SSTRAIT — North Carolina — I transform organizations with cutting-edge AI integration and comprehensive IT solutions backed by expert guidance. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Gregg Coppen](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/gregg-coppen/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — GreggCoppen.com — British Columbia — I specialize in AI consulting for open-source focused teams in the Pacific Northwest exploring agentic workflows for app development — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Jake Pollastrini](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/jake-pollastrini/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Automonic — Wisconsin — Automonic partners with lean, fast-growing B2B service providers with Midwest roots—typically generating $1M–$20M annually—to automate grunt work, centralize insights, and scale what matters. — AI Implementation · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions - **[Jordan V. Myers](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/jordan-myers/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — JVM Software — Washington, DC — I specialize in AI development for innovative Washington, D.C.-area digital businesses built on AWS. — AI Implementation · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions - **[Julie Foss](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/julie-foss/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — True Nexus Consulting LLC — Connecticut — True Nexus Consulting LLC specializes in AI governance and implementation readiness coaching for schools. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Julio Serrano](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/julio-serrano/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Serrano Innovation — New York — I specialize in AI consulting for boutique health & wellness firms in New York City. — AI Implementation · AI Readiness Audits · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Katrina Wagner](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/katrina-wagner/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — AI Help — New England — AI Help supercharges the productivity of mid-sized companies in the New England area with AI workshops and consulting. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Larry Wanger](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/larry-wanger/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — NonprofitNext — South Carolina — NonprofitNext provides "People-First" AI strategy and design for small to mid-size nonprofits. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Lileah Akiode](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/lileah-akiode/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — The Black Diamond Agency — North Carolina — I specialize in AI Consulting for mid-sized North Carolina companies, partnering with HR teams as they lead transformation. — AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Lyndsay Sanborn, MHPA](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/lyndsay-sanborn-mhpa/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Frame + Forge AI Strategy Studio — Maine — I specialize in AI consulting for mission-driven sexual and reproductive health nonprofits operating in legally volatile, high-surveillance environments. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Mike Covert](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/mike-covert/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Ignite Partnership — Texas — I specialize in AI consulting for U.S.-based mid-sized companies across B2B and consumer sectors. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Nikolaos Tsoniotis](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/nikolaos-tsoniotis/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Octovus AI — Greece — We specialize in AI consulting for mid-sized companies that need multilingual, field-ready access to their internal technical knowledge. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Rob Brennan](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/rob-brennan/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Sploosh.AI — Washington — I specialize in AI consulting for inquisitive decision-makers looking to make a positive impact in the world - including a long-term plan and short-term wins. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Robina Maharjan](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/robina-maharjan/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Zoi Labs — United Kingdom — Zoi Labs is a London-based AI consultancy that enables businesses to adopt AI into their day to day operations, thus achieving scalable growth without increasing headcount. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Sascha Bosio](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/sascha-bosio/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — bosio.digital — California — At bosio.digital, we offer human-first full-service AI adoption for medium-sized companies in industrial manufacturing, logistics/transportation, and health & wellness. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Shawn Clybor](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/shawn-clybor/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Clybor Consulting — The Netherlands — I work with a global network of consultants and foundations. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Sonal Chandler](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/sonal-chandler/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Minerva Consulting — Georgia — I help organizations with AI adoption strategy, including automation, integration, and responsible use. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Tanya Smith](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/tanya-smith/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Stream Like a Boss — Texas — I specialize in AI consulting for service-based entrepreneurs and content creators who produce livestreams or podcasts. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Travis McBurney](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/travis-mcburney/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — The McBurney Group — California — I specialize in building custom AI systems for companies and operators in the wedding, events, hospitality, and operations industries. — AI Implementation · AI Trainings · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions · Workshops - **[Yakruthik Reddy Sama](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/yakruthik-reddy-sama/)** — IWAI Certified Consultant — Yakruthik AI Consultancy — India — I specialize in AI consulting for fast-growing logistics, supply chain management, & warehousing companies in the US, UAE, and India. — AI Implementation · AI Readiness Audits · Ongoing Maintenance · Strategy Sessions --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/can-an-ai-actually-teach-you-to-be-a-better-human/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Can an AI actually teach you to be a better human? Soft skills like empathy and leadership have long been considered uniquely human; too intuitive and personal to be taught by a machine. But developers are building AI systems that aim to do exactly that. By Michael Kurko Jun 2, 2026 Artificial intelligence has been gradually taking over tasks once thought to require human judgment, such as data analysis, forecasting, pattern recognition, and even creating original written content. Now, we stand at a new frontier that cuts closer to the bone of what many consider uniquely human. “Soft skills” such as empathy, leadership, and communication are often framed as intuitive or “natural.” But in reality, they’re some of the most complex abilities humans develop. Developers are beginning to build AI systems aimed at honing these abilities. Some are positioned as leadership coaches, while others stop short of advice and offer real-time feedback on tone, confidence, and emotional framing instead. Professionals are increasingly experimenting with AI tools as a source of support during moments of stress, conflict, or self-reflection. What remains far less clear is whether those simulations can actually teach it. To explore that question, we spoke with two experts who view the problem from different angles. Together, their perspectives reveal both the promise and limits of using AI to develop skills rooted in human perception, motivation, and ethics. ## Why soft skills are harder than they look Dr. Art Markman, a cognitive scientist and professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, says that part of the reason soft skills are so difficult to cultivate is that most people never receive formal education about how human brains actually work. _Dr. Art Markman_ “Our modern science curriculum is primarily biology, chemistry, and physics,” he said. “But it omits psychology, a rigorous scientific field in its own right.” As a result, he adds, people “don’t understand themselves, or other people, particularly well,” which makes learning interpersonal skills especially difficult. That gap becomes more pronounced in professional settings. Markman points out that people are often taught _what_ to do—deliver feedback, show empathy, lead a team—but not how internal states like motivation, fear, or cognitive bias shape behavior in real moments. Emma Weber is the CEO of Lever, whose AI-based coaching tool focuses specifically on reflection and behavioral change. She sees this challenge reflected in what she calls the “knowing-doing gap.” Soft skills, she explained, are driven by internal factors such as “thoughts, feelings, values, beliefs, fears, and needs,” which makes them harder to transfer from training into sustained behavior. In other words, practicing a skill once doesn’t guarantee it will show up when it matters. A manager might rehearse delivering constructive feedback in a training session, for instance, and still revert to criticism or avoidance the moment they’re under pressure with a real direct report. This distinction matters when evaluating AI tools. Teaching someone what empathetic language _sounds like_ is not the same as teaching them _how to notice_ another person’s emotional state in real time. ## Where AI can help: Feedback, contrast, and practice Both experts agree that AI has real value when used in carefully defined ways, particularly around feedback and comparison. Markman described a law school exercise that illustrates this well. Students wrote letters to clients, then fed those drafts into an AI system with a prompt asking it to rewrite the letter in a way that expresses more empathy and uses less technical language. “Often what you saw in the rewritten letters was a little bit more of an expression of empathy for the situation that someone was in, as well as often a less technical vocabulary,” Markman said. “As long as you don’t offload responsibility for doing those things to the model, [the comparison can be] very powerful in teaching you about what information you’re not including in your original drafts.” AI can also provide mechanical feedback that humans struggle to self-monitor. Markman pointed to speech patterns: upward inflection, according to media trainer Kim Dower, [signals uncertainty](https://matrix.berkeley.edu/research-article/whats-upspeak/) in ways speakers rarely notice. Machine learning classifiers can detect and flag these patterns in real time, making them a natural fit for interview prep and leadership training. Weber sees similar value in AI-facilitated practice, especially through role-play. Simulated conversations can help people rehearse difficult interactions and build confidence, but she stressed that practice alone is insufficient. “Practice is not adoption,” she noted, adding that without reflection, people may perform well in training yet revert to old habits under pressure. _Emma Weber,_ _CEO of Lever_ ## Reflection, not advice, as the engine of growth Where Weber’s approach differs sharply from many AI coaching tools is in what her system _doesn’t_ do. Her AI, Coach M, is designed specifically to facilitate reflection. Rather than offering advice or solutions, it asks questions that push users to examine their own thinking and motivations. Sessions are time-bound, typically 20–30 minutes, and users are guided to examine their own thinking rather than receive answers. The goal reflects both ethical and practical considerations, Weber explained, helping people to “have a better conversation with themselves.” The system avoids prescriptive advice, reduces the risk of dependence, and preserves user autonomy. Weber added that tools must be “purpose-built” with deliberate constraints, especially when dealing with emotionally sensitive material: time limits, a no-advice policy, and a clear path to human support if needed. Her data suggests this approach can scale responsibly. Out of approximately 24,000 sessions, only two required escalation to human intervention—a rate of roughly 0.008%. Both involved users who expressed signs of acute emotional distress. She points to this as evidence that constant human oversight is impractical and unnecessary for learning transfer. ## The line between empathy and imitation Still, both experts caution against mistaking imitation for understanding. Markman draws a clear distinction between learning empathetic _language_ and developing empathetic _attention_. AI can help with the former, while the latter requires a shift in what people notice. “One possibility [with AI coaching tools] is you learn to emulate empathetic speech,” he said. “That’s a start. It’s better than just bullying through your life.” But genuine empathy involves learning to “pay attention to other people’s situations” and “get outside your own head.” This deeper form of learning, Markman explained, mirrors how expertise develops in any field: by becoming better at noticing relevant cues. Over time, reflecting on what the AI highlights—and asking why it didn’t occur naturally—can prompt that shift. Weber echoes this concern from a different angle. She warns that mechanically applying AI-generated advice risks creating a kind of false connection where the language sounds empathetic, but the underlying understanding is missing. ## AI as partner, not replacement Despite their different perspectives, both experts describe AI as most effective when it supports human judgment rather than replacing it. Markman described current models as “part of a balanced breakfast.” They can generate drafts, simulate interactions, and provide raw material for learning, but they lack a true model of human minds Unlike a human coach, the AI has no genuine understanding of the person it’s talking to—it can only predict likely words, not perceive the emotional or motivational reality behind them. The most effective teacher, he emphasized, is still a human expert, particularly when learners have significant gaps in understanding. Weber, meanwhile, emphasizes scale. Coaching has historically been expensive and inaccessible. The ICF’s [global industry study](https://coachingfederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023ICFGlobalCoachingStudy_ExecutiveSummary.pdf) puts the average one-hour coaching fee at $244 (and $272 in North America). AI tools designed around reflection, she argues, can help broaden access by creating space for self-awareness and connection rather than focusing solely on mechanistic productivity. ## So, can AI teach soft skills? The answer depends on what we mean by teaching. AI can’t feel empathy, understand motivation the way humans do, or replace the nuanced judgment of an experienced coach or mentor. But Weber’s 24,000-session dataset and Markman’s law school exercise both suggest it can meaningfully expand access to the kind of feedback and reflection that good coaching provides. Used carefully, AI can help surface blind spots (by highlighting what people omit or overlook), create low-stakes environments for rehearsal, and prompt reflective questions that support learning. Used carelessly, it risks encouraging superficial imitation, emotional dependence, or forms of influence that users may not recognize or fully understand. ## More from the magazine - [Is there a new AI wealth gap?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-there-a-new-ai-wealth-gap/) — Toni Matthews-El · Jun 2, 2026 - [The rise of small language models (SLMs) and push for offline, localized AI](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-rise-of-small-language-models-and-localized-ai/) — Toni Matthews-El · Jun 2, 2026 - [From SEO to AEO: How Publishers Survive When AI Eats Their Traffic](https://innovatingwithai.com/cloudflare-blocking-ai-crawlers/) — Tim Keary · Mar 9, 2026 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/is-there-a-new-ai-wealth-gap/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Is there a new AI wealth gap? IWAI contributor Toni Matthews-El digs into the data, sharing her concerns and advice that newcomers to AI should take into consideration. By Toni Matthews-El Jun 2, 2026 While researching the [AI gender gap](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-the-ai-boom-leaving-women-professionals-behind/), I discovered another study that gave me pause. According to a [2025 Pew Research Study](https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2025/09/17/ai-in-americans-lives-awareness-experiences-and-attitudes/), a full 55% of college graduates and 60% of post-graduates say they’re familiar with current artificial intelligence trends. By contrast, only 38% of those with a high school education say they’ve stayed up-to-date on the latest AI news. The Pew Research Center looked at the education, gender, race, income, and even political affiliation of participants and ultimately found that U.S. respondents with the highest levels of wealth and education were most aware of AI, how it worked, and the ways it factored into their daily lives. The gap was so large that I couldn’t help but wonder if AI would either contribute to a widening economic gap or exacerbate the one that already exists. In attempting to answer such questions, nuance is indispensable. After all, there is still the urge in some spaces to jump from one extreme conclusion to another with regards to AI. _Source: [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2025/09/17/ai-in-americans-lives-awareness-experiences-and-attitudes/)_ To address these questions, I sought out the perspectives of various professionals whose own experiences and points of view in some ways echoed the Pew Research Center’s findings. I also learned that, according to at least one Nobel Prize-winning economist, AI may not have as extreme an impact on industries as some would assume, and that there is a strong potential for positive economic opportunities. ## Limitation vs. opportunity: Perception is key I wanted to hear some professional feedback about AI adoption and what it looks like when people go all in on the technology versus those who hesitate. Anusha Kovi, a Business Intelligence Engineer at Amazon, found that “people who get the most out of AI tend to treat it like a conversation rather than a vending machine. [It] just fits naturally into how they operate.” She also adds, “They’re not looking for a perfect answer on the first try. They also tend to already be the type who reads a lot, asks a lot of questions, and is comfortable not knowing something yet.” _Anusha Kovi_ In terms of people most likely to hesitate or struggle when it comes to getting a handle on AI, senior public relations associate Pilar Lewis shared, “Because they haven’t taken the time to explore it, they might lack the information that would help them understand its capabilities and boundaries. This disconnect is what creates hesitation.” We can already infer, at least from Pew Research’s findings, that a lack of opportunity to test can lead to that disconnect and subsequent hesitation. That aside, continued exposure, at least in Lewis’s experience, breeds confidence. Said Lewis, “People who use AI tend to take the time to actually learn the tool, its limitations, and how to create a balanced workflow when engaging with it.” Looking at the broader picture, it’s possible that as more people get familiar with AI, there is a greater potential for many to take full advantage of the technology to start lucrative businesses or make their work lives easier. I was still curious to see if economists already had any useful outlook regarding AI and any potential widening wealth gaps. The outcome? Not as straightforward as I had hoped. ## Nobel Prize winner’s lukewarm forecast vs. K-shaped predictions Daron Acemoglu, 2024 Nobel laureate in economic sciences and MIT institute professor, is probably one of the most trusted authorities in matters of economics in the world. As such, when he speaks about the likely impact of AI on the U.S. economy in the coming decade, one is inclined to listen. When he published his 2024 paper “[The Simple Macroeconomics of AI”](https://shapingwork.mit.edu/research/the-simple-macroeconomics-of-ai/), Acemoglu drew a rather lukewarm, if not underwhelming, conclusion: At best AI would boost the American GDP by about 1% and that roughly 5% of tasks would be performed profitably using AI. _Daron Acemoglu_ He writes that in the coming decade, AI will have a “nontrivial, but modest effect.” Overall, Acemoglu isn’t convinced of either predicted extreme, determining that AI’s lasting impact will be “much less than both the revolutionary changes some are predicting and the less hyperbolic but still substantial improvements forecast by [others].” Two years on from Acemoglu’s very conservative outlook, other economists have a different perspective. That not only are we moving toward [a so-called K-shaped economy](https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-12-01/what-is-k-shaped-economy), but that AI could potentially contribute negatively to wealth inequality. At least, that was the warning Oxford Economics CEO Innes McFee shared during the company’s Global Economic Outlook conference in January 2026. [As Fortune reports](https://fortune.com/2026/01/29/k-shape-economy-reinforced-ai-wealth-effect/), McFee acknowledged that AI had increased the wealth of American households by 7%, with the added caveat that much of the increase was exclusively enjoyed by high income earners. While not a direct challenge to Acemoglu’s prediction, McFee’s assertion suggests much has changed within the last couple of years, not just in terms of economic outlook, but also with just how much perceived socio-economic impact AI may continue to have for the foreseeable future. That said, we are still far enough away from the 2030s that either economist has the potential to be mostly correct. By that time, we could be living in a very different world, thanks at least in part to AI. Just consider how much different things are in 2026 than they were in 2020. Still, one would hope for something closer to certainty when trying to determine whether or not AI is at the heart of a widening economic or wealth gap or if it has potential truly to be what closes it. Luckily, a later conversation would lead to a crucial epiphany on the matter. ## AI and wealth inequality: A COO’s perspective Sometimes, the answers to your questions don’t always come from the direction that you would expect. I reached out to multiple professionals, read the back and forth narratives of some of the top economic minds in the world, and in the end, the closest I came to a definite answer was through an online conversation with Daniela Gorza, the Co-Founder and COO of Maigent, Inc. As an AI expert who’s co-chaired the MIT AI Conference since 2024 and a co-founder of Women Who AI, Gorza offered the perspective of someone who understood both sides of the issue. “The people adopting AI fastest are the ones who already have advantages. They have time to experiment, resources to pay for tools, and jobs that give them permission to try new things.” _Daniela Gorza_ To Gorza, the gap didn’t start with AI, it was already there. Regardless of the circumstances, Gorza did not let these concerns stop her from leaning into AI’s problem-solving capabilities. “I realized I was spending maybe 10-20% of my time on actual strategic work and the rest was just coordination chaos.” Gorza likewise understood the potential for AI to add to both her and potential customers’ capabilities to get work done, to streamline projects, and to do so in a way that keeps humans involved beyond merely staying “in the loop.” She said her goals are oriented “toward making AI an extension of human intelligence rather than a replacement.” She continues, “AI has huge potential to bridge gaps. Imagine someone without access to expensive education getting personalized learning, or someone without a network getting AI-powered introductions.” Gorza’s observation reveals a simple truth: the same way advances in technology let wealthy early adopters race ahead, it often _also_ allows lower-income late adopters to bridge the wealth gap by creating unique opportunities. Millions of small and medium businesses are able to exist almost exclusively because of the Internet. It’s just as possible that many more can and will exist because of AI technology. ## Calming the narrative Instead of getting caught up in the conversation surrounding whether or not AI was inevitably going to cause or worsen a wealth gap, there were a few key lessons I took from my research that I hope others would apply going forward: - **Run your race.** It can be very easy to get caught up in all or nothing outlooks or extreme takes as to whether or not AI is going to make everyone very rich or very poor. Rather than look for one absolute outcome over another, your best bet is to focus on what you’re willing to put into the technology and what value you’re specifically looking to extract from it. - **Learn and apply what you can today, rather than hold off and wait for tomorrow’s forecast.** The dueling opinions of top economists over a period of a couple of years should tell you just how fast outlooks change, and just how much influence AI now has. And while it may be that we are currently in a k-shaped economy, that doesn’t mean that you are not allowed to make the most of what the technology is providing for you and your particular business aspirations. - **Timing is important, and you might miss out waiting for an outcome that isn’t even guaranteed.** We are lucky enough to exist at a time when technologies like AI continue to level the economic playing field, and where people from all walks of life can utilize it to make their personal and professional lives better while improving their financial outlook. Lastly, when it comes to the use and advancement of AI technology, every single person has the opportunity to contribute positively towards closing the wealth gap by creating opportunities not only for themselves, but for those around them. Rather than be paralyzed by fear or misinformation, those who move with purpose and with understanding will have a positive influence on the future and on the global economy. ## More from the magazine - [Can an AI actually teach you to be a better human?](https://innovatingwithai.com/can-an-ai-actually-teach-you-to-be-a-better-human/) — Michael Kurko · Jun 2, 2026 - [The rise of small language models (SLMs) and push for offline, localized AI](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-rise-of-small-language-models-and-localized-ai/) — Toni Matthews-El · Jun 2, 2026 - [From SEO to AEO: How Publishers Survive When AI Eats Their Traffic](https://innovatingwithai.com/cloudflare-blocking-ai-crawlers/) — Tim Keary · Mar 9, 2026 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/the-rise-of-small-language-models-and-localized-ai/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # The rise of small language models (SLMs) and push for offline, localized AI From flip phones to film cameras, more people are stepping away from the always-online world. Small, local AI models may offer a way to keep the benefits of automation and assistance without going fully back to the cloud. By Toni Matthews-El Jun 2, 2026 With apologies, Nyasha Green turned off her Meta glasses during our interview. We had been communicating for a few minutes, and she had been sharing very thoughtful insights into small language model (SLM) technology before her glasses briefly got in the way. “I’m actually using my Meta AI glasses right now and I forgot that they’re set to notify me of alerts,” Green explained. “So while I was talking it started notifying me.” It was a quick fix, and yet, quite accidentally, Green had demonstrated how much AI technology has advanced over the last several years, echoing advances made over the last several decades. Not so long ago was the time of ENIAC, a 1940s machine that many consider to be the first true electronic computer of the modern age. It weighed 30 tons and reportedly required as much power as a small town to operate. Eight decades later, Green sat on our call and comfortably wore its far superior technological successor on her face. She explained that these Meta glasses were an example of how SLMs can be used in highly specific, efficient ways to complete specialized tasks, compared with large language models (LLMs), which handle an array of complex duties. “[SLMs] are better equipped at running in smaller technology, like glasses, which is crazy to say. We have smart AI glasses, watches, and things like that.” Green is the Technical Curriculum Developer at Innovating With AI, a LinkedIn Learning instructor, and website development consultant. She’s also very passionate about SLMs and predicts they’ll only become more widely used as people, even those still apprehensive about LLMs, start to catch on. “I’m a big open source advocate,” Green enthused, “so I’m very excited when anybody puts out anything open source. Llama is an open-source SLM, so it’s just really awesome. You can do so much with it, and you can really make it your own.” She revealed that she was using SLM technology for a personal project. “I’m in the process of putting my family tree history into Llama so that I can send this out to my family in the world, and they can know all about our family because I have a _huge_ family. [It’s] very big, and AI is going to help me get that information out about them.” _Nyasha Green, Technical Curriculum Developer at Innovating With AI_ As for how Llama factors into the project, Green shared that it allowed her to develop a specialized model to function for a very specific purpose. “The one I’m making for my family tree, that’s going to host a lot of personal details about my family, some of which who are still alive.” Because this is such an important project featuring such sensitive information, it was important to use an SLM that protected not just her privacy, but that of the family members featured. This SLM would be great for the purpose of preserving that privacy and controlling access to her family tree. ## SLMs could prove crucial to AI adoption & advancement When discussing the advantages of using SLMs, it becomes clear that this comparatively bite-sized technology addresses many of the concerns people have about AI as a whole. As Green explains, “One of the big cons of LLMs or why people are rallying against them, is because of the large data centers that are made to host them. They take up so many resources, and they require [so much power] to run versus an SLM.” SLMs can be configured to run entirely offline, stored on local machines, and operate in very limited, specific ways. For those who want to use AI but want greater control over their data and a way to use the tech offline, SLMs could be a perfect on-ramp to adopting the technology, though Green acknowledges there is a catch. “If you go the open source route, you can self-host so much stuff you have control over locally, but your security in that sense is only as good as you make it. You still have to have some security and privacy knowledge.” She said that you may enjoy greater security with an SLM on a laptop, but if you don’t password-protect the device at all, your data could still be in jeopardy. But as long as you use common-sense practices for guarding your information, Green suggests that “the chances of this…sensitive information getting out is slim.” ## Analog renaissance and AI: Why SLMs may provide respite for those stepping back from tech immersion The pros of SLMs make them ideal at a time when some are backing away not just from AI usage, but from all forms of Internet-based technology. Some are wondering if we’re entering a so-called “Analog Renaissance” in response to years of life getting dictated by online engagement and digital communication. Think books over Kindle and “dumb phones” designed solely to make or send calls and text messages. Tony Fernandes, the founder and Chief AI Experience Officer of HumanFocused.AI and CEO of UEGroup, admitted that he fits an “unusual” profile for someone you’d expect to take a deliberate step back from modern technology. “I have spent my whole career in the tech industry, and I work with AI.” Even so, Fernandes has decided to revert as much of his life as possible to a simpler, tech-free life. “I bought a place in the Sierra Nevada mountains where I split wood for heat in the wood-burning stove. Nighttime entertainment is looking at the stars. I also have a place in Portugal where I hang out, with no TV or gadgets. My entertainment is going to live analog music events (traditional instruments only) and singers without using amps or any augmentation.” He also reads regular books; no scrolling allowed. It’s a head-scratching paradox at first glance, but Ava Sirrah, PhD, a professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, isn’t too surprised by stories like this. _Ava Sirrah, PhD_ “I’ve been tracking this weariness with perpetual connectivity, and the rejection of AI isn’t always about the intelligence itself.” According to survey data [from the QuestionPro Research Center](https://www.questionpro.com/research/AI-digital-disconnect/), nearly 61% of U.S. adults report feeling occasionally overwhelmed by modern technology, causing 28% to take intentional tech breaks and 41% to deliberately disconnect. Question Pro researchers determined that “the [Analog Renaissance] isn’t about rejecting technology altogether—it’s about recalibrating. People aren’t going backward; they’re trying to create healthier boundaries.” Yet, in such an environment, SLMs and localized AI could thrive. These systems are much smaller and more affordable than larger models, and capable of completing a small group of specific tasks, whether that’s assemble a family tree or translate other languages in real time using eyeglasses. The parameters of SLMs are much smaller. Llama 3.2, for instance, is available in one and three billion parameter sizes; by comparison, some models, like Kimi, developed by the Beijing-based Moonshot AI, reportedly exceed 1 trillion parameters. Using a much more compact model, being able to train it with very specific information from a few websites, or even train it entirely offline, may let SLMs and similarly localized AI provide some people an experience divorced from the Internet, one where they feel a stronger sense of control and privacy. One could experience this type of AI little by little, through humanizing projects like family tree development or with tech you can hold in your hand like eyeglasses, rather than solely through an abstract, endless, and potentially overwhelming digital landscape. AI is then able to become part of one’s everyday life, not by replacing too much too fast or creating ecological controversy, but by seamlessly elevating the human experience, little by little. ## Analog, SLMs, subcultures, and what comes next Even if SLMs become a truly massive trend in the years ahead, Green doesn’t see a future in which they outright replace LLMs. “We want SLMs smaller, because we want something more efficient…but that’s going to come at the cost of information.” In other words, even as SLMs “become more common,” she believes they lack the components necessary to completely replace most LLMs. “You won’t be able to find [or do] everything with an SLM, and that’s by design. They are smaller models for a reason. So I think keeping your expectations in line will help when you’re using an SLM.” The conversation around SLMs taking on smaller burdens and achieving reasonable goals comes at a time when some are wondering whether a cultural shift towards analog is here to stay or a temporary breather before the collective goes full speed ahead, echoing the contraction and expansion seen with tech leaps in past decades. AI strategist and consultant Bob Hutchins, PhD, believes many people are seeking “a middle ground,” and that most people “want to get the cognitive aid that AI can provide, but they do not want to give up their data to a cloud-based system,” or unknown “corporate” entities. Said Hutchins, “I envision ‘Analog-Plus’ devices. Off-line SLMs that assist without distracting.” He also predicts that “frictionless digital life will remain the norm” and that we may see the rise of an “analog integrated subculture,” where “the ability to be unquantifiable will be the ultimate luxury.” _Bob Hutchins, PhD_ Sirrah offered a similar opinion regarding offline AI amid the ongoing analog-themed pushback. “Removing the ‘Internet’ from the ‘AI’ could bridge the gap for those who currently view LLMs as a threat to intellectual privacy.” ## Setting expectations for digital overwhelm As SLMs become more popular and you look to make use of them, it’s important to consider the pros and cons, what’s gained and what’s lost. With them, you gain considerably more control over your data; when localized, your information is far more private and secure. If you build an SLM dedicated to mapping your specific family tree, you shouldn’t expect it to also list all the ruling members of the British royal family over the last few hundred years. Be mindful, specific, and keep your expectations rounded. While it’s likely we may see a pivot towards an analog-friendly era, it doesn’t inherently mean that all things AI will be going away. There’s no fixed outcome and many experts predict that we’re more likely to see AI become smaller and more manageable than be replaced by old or non-tech items. As was the case with ENIAC, new tech is almost always bulky, huge, and overwhelming. Don’t think of the LLMs or even SLMs of today as the final product and then mistakenly limit your expectations accordingly; it could slow you down at a time when things start to progress quickly! Instead, choose to build and use SLMs or LLMs based on what you or your customers need in the here and now, keeping enough of an open mind that you’re able to pivot as AI technology inevitably advances. ## More from the magazine - [Is there a new AI wealth gap?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-there-a-new-ai-wealth-gap/) — Toni Matthews-El · Jun 2, 2026 - [From SEO to AEO: How Publishers Survive When AI Eats Their Traffic](https://innovatingwithai.com/cloudflare-blocking-ai-crawlers/) — Tim Keary · Mar 9, 2026 - [Can an AI actually teach you to be a better human?](https://innovatingwithai.com/can-an-ai-actually-teach-you-to-be-a-better-human/) — Michael Kurko · Jun 2, 2026 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/cloudflare-blocking-ai-crawlers/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # From SEO to AEO: How Publishers Survive When AI Eats Their Traffic With AI overviews slashing click-through rates by 58%, publishers face a stark choice: block the crawlers and go invisible, or open up and compete for a new kind of visitor. By Tim Keary Mar 9, 2026 It may be the end of the world as we know it for digital publishers. The rise of ChatGPT and other LLMs has caused a [shift in traffic](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-ai-search-replacing-traditional-search/) away from search engines like Google towards AI search tools, leading to a substantial decrease in traffic for many online publishers. Leading publications like CNN and Business Insider have all [reported drops in traffic](https://www.npr.org/2025/07/31/nx-s1-5484118/google-ai-overview-online-publishers) of as much as 30–40% following the introduction of Google’s AI overviews in May 2024. Less traffic inevitably means less ad revenue, which immediately raises concerns over content monetization—not to mention the future of careers in the publishing industry. Part of the issue is that [users are less likely to click on links](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/07/22/google-users-are-less-likely-to-click-on-links-when-an-ai-summary-appears-in-the-results/) when an AI summary appears in search results. If a third-party AI tool synthesizes content and provides a summary to the user, there’s a high chance they’re not going to click through to the original creator. No visit, no ad revenue. Cloudflare, a content delivery network used by many of the world’s biggest websites, implemented a block on AI crawlers in July 2025 in response to the decline in traffic.This gave website owners control over which crawlers could access their content. From July to December 2025, Cloudflare [denied over 416 billion AI scraping requests](https://www.wired.com/story/big-interview-event-matthew-prince-cloudflare/). The debate over blocking AI crawlers raises some interesting questions for online publishers: Block everything, and you’ll lose referral traffic from AI overviews and third-party AI search tools. Do nothing, and you’re practically handing over your content to be accessed on a third-party site for free. ## How traffic passes from AI search to publisher AI searches are initiated through chatbots or via search engines with AI overviews. Through chatbots, AI platforms accounted for just 0.15% of global internet traffic in 2025, compared to 48.5% via organic search. While the overall level of traffic is lower than organic search, it’s grown seven times since 2024, suggesting it could account for more traffic in future. **Which platform leads in the AI traffic share globally?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | ChatGPT | 77.97% | | Perplexity | 15.10% | | Gemini | 6.40% | | DeepSeek & Claude | 0.54% | Research conducted by [Ahrefs](https://ahrefs.com/blog/ai-traffic-study/) generated similar findings on chatbot traffic. The study examined 3,000 websites and found that just 0.17% of the average website’s traffic comes from AI chatbots. Click through rates from AI overviews also tell a similar story, with research showing the presence of AI-generated overviews on Google correlates with a [58% lower average clickthrough rate](https://ahrefs.com/blog/ai-overviews-reduce-clicks-update/). The limited data we have available suggests that online publishers are going to be unlikely to get volumes of traffic similar to organic search, at least for the foreseeable future. However, there is evidence that suggests that although AI search platforms send fewer visitors, those visitors also convert at a higher rate than traditional search. Superprompt analysed 12 million website visits across over 350 businesses and found that [AI search traffic converts at 14.2%](https://superprompt.com/blog/ai-search-traffic-conversion-rates-5x-higher-than-google-2025-data) compared to Google’s 2.8%—effectively a 500% difference. This aligns with another Ahrefs study, which found that [AI search visitors convert at a 23 times higher rate](https://ahrefs.com/blog/ai-search-traffic-conversions-ahrefs/) than traditional organic search visitors. This indicates that AI search traffic may be lower in overall volume, but can offer a significantly higher conversion rate. In this sense, AI crawlers may be worth permitting for the visibility for publishers that are looking for high-quality traffic that converts in the form of sign ups and subscriptions. While it doesn’t seem likely that they will enjoy the same level of traffic as they did pre-AI search, there are still opportunities to promote and monetize content. Enter the world of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). Publishers need to decide if the referral traffic they can gain from ChatGPT and other tools is worth allowing crawlers to parse their intellectual property, and whether it’s worth investing in AEO. ## Life after AI search: AEO Tim Sanders, CIO of software comparison website G2, appears enthusiastic about the potential opportunities presented by AI search and has used segmented blocks on crawlers since the Cloudflare update. While G2 isn’t an online publisher in a traditional sense, it maintains a diverse library of software reviews, in-house research, and blog posts—content that could be scraped and served to users on a third-party chatbot, to the detriment of the company’s traffic. But the reality is a little more nuanced. _Tim Sanders _Image credit: [G2](https://company.g2.com/news/author/tim-sanders)_ “In the beginning, AI search felt like, ‘wow, traffic’s going down for everyone, not just us,’ but every customer we talked to said traffic’s down. Well, traffic was down because people are going to ChatGPT, getting their answer, and they’re not having to go through Google and read a bunch of articles to synthesize their own answer,” Sanders said. He continued, “What we understood later though, as the models begin to mature, and it really started for us like spring of last year, as the models begin to really value review sites before they make purchase recommendations, we started to see a lot more influence, a lot more activity, and it’s made a huge difference to our perceived value in front of customers that we talked to” Sanders also shared results of a survey conducted by G2 in August 2025, which found tha[t 50% of buyers claimed they started research on AI search chatbots like ChatGPT](https://learn.g2.com/ai-search-surging-for-b2b-buyers), instead of going to Google. > “If you’re looking for a CRM solution for your hospital that works on an iPad, you just go to ChatGPT and say, ‘give me the best three CRM solutions for an iPad’ and it becomes the new shortlist. It saves the buyer so much time from where they used to have to go to Google, create a list, and then go to [review websites] and read reports,” Sanders said. “The world’s changing really fast.” Sanders notes that blocking the crawlers of tools like ChatGPT and Gemini “can cause companies to be invisible.” We can interpret this to mean that companies who block AI search tools from parsing their content will lose out from the users that click through from these tools. That being said, there are a number of measures publishers can take besides blocking crawlers to minimize their visibility to LLMS, if they want to protect intellectual property or high-value content. These measures include slowing down parts of the website to delay crawling activity and forcing crawlers to abandon sessions, using white listing to allow traffic from selected sources, and locking content up in PDFs so that it’s only parsed in a deep research session. Websites can also use JavaScript instead of HTML, as many AI crawlers struggle to render JavaScript content. Sanders suggests one way to manage crawlers is to have the HTML header language available to AI agents but deeper content as subscription only. In the case of G2, category data and basic reviews are available to crawlers, while deeper review content and reports require users to log in. Online publishers will have to learn to adjust to a new paradigm, balancing old school SEO alongside AEO and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) to rank in next generation AI search tools. ## New monetization models emerge The growth in AI search tools also presents new opportunities for monetization, a process which Cloudflare is aiming to facilitate. “I really think of it as building new models of agentic paywalls,” Will Allen, VP of Product at Cloudflare told IWAI. ”It’s yet another tool that they can have in their arsenal to decide, what are these new monetization models? They’ll again rely upon subscriptions, ad revenue, conferences, brand recognition, and email newsletters. Now they can also think about, ‘Can I do licensing deals? Can I pay per crawl?’ Another variant of those licensing deals… It’s one of many,” Allen said. _Will Allen _Image credit: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamallen2050/)_ Monetization models like pay-per-crawl are still experimental, but they present another potential channel for publishers to get compensated for their content, alongside licensing deals with AI providers, ad revenue, and subscriptions. That being said, Allen noted that Cloudflare doesn’t have any general numbers on how much publishers can expect to make from these types of arrangements, due to how domain and site specific they are. But is it too late? “If your content has been readily available online for anyone to access for many years, it’s [already] been indexed,” Allen said. Though he did note that there’s still an enormous opportunity to deliver value through new content. Billions of people consume content everyday, so there’s still a demand for quality digital publishing. ## Publishing has changed, and its future stands on the edge of a knife There’s no turning back the clock. What’s scraped has been scraped; regardless of the outcome of [The New York Times lawsuit](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/27/business/media/new-york-times-open-ai-microsoft-lawsuit.html) or any of the other high-profile legal conflicts to come, AI search tools aren’t going anywhere. Online publishers must grapple with new ways to deliver value, particularly if more users migrate to AI search tools over Google. It’s undeniable that many publishers have seen catastrophic losses in traffic, and digital publishing will likely not return to what it was pre ChatGPT. But there are still opportunities out there for publishers to monetize content. Knowing how to leverage AEO, being selective about what AI crawlers to block, and embracing monetization models like pay per crawl is a great place to start. But for many, it’s not going to be enough. ## More from the magazine - [The rise of small language models (SLMs) and push for offline, localized AI](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-rise-of-small-language-models-and-localized-ai/) — Toni Matthews-El · Jun 2, 2026 - [When your AI chatbot invents a policy, who pays the price?](https://innovatingwithai.com/when-your-ai-chatbot-invents-a-policy-who-pays-the-price/) — Amy Smith · Feb 4, 2026 - [Is there a new AI wealth gap?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-there-a-new-ai-wealth-gap/) — Toni Matthews-El · Jun 2, 2026 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/when-your-ai-chatbot-invents-a-policy-who-pays-the-price/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # When your AI chatbot invents a policy, who pays the price? Small businesses see the promise of automation and insights. They also see the fine print – and for many, it’s reason enough to wait. By Amy Smith Feb 4, 2026 As consumers and businesses learn how to navigate within the latest technology revolution, not everyone is quick to adopt AI as a solution. There are natural concerns about AI being too complex, too expensive, or too new for a significant ROI. In a recent [MIT study on AI in business](https://mlq.ai/media/quarterly_decks/v0.1_State_of_AI_in_Business_2025_Report.pdf), it was noted that of the $30 to $40 billion of investment by 52 enterprises, 95% of those studied and surveyed report zero return on investment. It’s no wonder small businesses would pause at that and other roadblocks, such as skills gaps for employees, how to bridge humans with tech, and who’s reliable if AI gets it wrong. ## The AI trust and reliability deficit: why SMBs hesitate Multiple stories about AI pitfalls, which could be viewed as cautionary tales, litter the news often. In a 2024 civil case, [Moffatt vs. AirCanada](https://www.canlii.org/en/bc/bccrt/doc/2024/2024bccrt149/2024bccrt149.html), a customer claimed a special bereavement refund on an airline ticket an AI chatbot suggested, but AirCanada employees declined. Chevrolet of Watsonville was targeted by Chris Bakke who convinced an AI chatbot to sell him a [new vehicle for $1](https://www.businessinsider.com/car-dealership-chevrolet-chatbot-chatgpt-pranks-chevy-2023-12), though the dealership didn’t honor the deal, it did remove the chatbot from its website. In many cases, AI chatbots go off script and end up [insulting the company](https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-68025677) that “employs” it, [threatening customers](https://time.com/6256529/bing-openai-chatgpt-danger-alignment/), or [creating fake policies](https://fortune.com/article/customer-support-ai-cursor-went-rogue/) because of an AI hallucination. There are a few reasons small businesses may be wary of trusting AI, including the way public chatbots gather its information. Ashley Vassell, a senior product manager at Hydrolix, a cloud data platform, noted that many clients have expressed concern about lost engagement because of AI chatbots explaining a product perhaps too well, which may prevent a user from engaging with a brand’s website. “We’re hearing a concern around AI bots scraping their websites for information. This detracts traffic from their original websites and reduces engagement with their products and sort of takes away that ability to have ownership over their brand management, right, or control of brand messaging,” she said. Losing user engagement is significant for many brands, particularly for retailers, but technology and service-based businesses may be more concerned about a bigger issue. Larger commercial AI chatbots could capture intellectual property or proprietary information if a company isn’t careful in how they use AI tools. If a company’s private information goes public, it could threaten a whole business model if a competitor discovers useful data. There are steps SMBs can take to protect web traffic, data, and integrate AI in safer ways. ## The rest of the AI resistance Small business owners are carefully considering whether AI is right for them at all or a solution that’s needed right now. An AI tool may not be helpful to some industries just yet, or there may be other blockers that are specific to a business. ### Cost concerns The number one concern for many businesses considering adopting new software, hardware, or a service is cost. Implementing AI may not be naturally baked into every business’ budget for operating expenses, so it can be a hard sell. A different perspective is needed for businesses to shift finances or create a new budget. For many SMBs, AI tools can reduce manual labor through automation or analyze data to help with decision making. Through these efforts, a business may be able to operate more efficiently, reallocate resources, and reduce waste. There’s also the cloud storage cost to consider. Pricing for data storage at the terabyte or petabyte scale is often out of range even for enterprises given that pricing can be thousands of dollars per month or year, depending on how much storage is needed. ### Skills gap Employees and new workers aren’t necessarily reskilling or upskilling to keep up with the new tech needed to implement projects using AI. A [2025 report from the Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/10/06/about-1-in-5-us-workers-now-use-ai-in-their-job-up-since-last-year/) shows only about one in five U.S. employees use AI in their job. According to a [survey by edX](https://www.edx.org/resources/workers-consider-upskilling-due-to-ai-anxiety), 58% of workers say AI expertise is lacking at their workplaces. A [2025 statistics report by Kelly Services](https://www.kellyservices.us/news-and-insights/future-of-work-trends-2025-kelly-rework-report-insights) shows that 64% of executives and 52% of workers recognize an AI skills gap across all industries. _Source: [The Kelly Global Re:work Report](https://docs.kellyservices.com/story/2025-rework-report/page/1)_ ### The human factor Figuring out how to combine humans and AI can be a daunting challenge. Beyond the obvious concern about AI replacing humans in the workforce are concerns about loss of expertise or skills, historical data bias, lack of oversight, and a loss of critical thinking. In a Business Insider article, Bluesky CEO Jay Graber warns companies away from [outsourcing everything to an AI tool](https://www.businessinsider.com/bluesky-ceo-ai-dont-outsource-thinking-2025-7). > “AI is able to automate a lot of critical-reasoning tasks, and if we fully outsource our own reasoning, it’s actually not good enough to run in an automated fashion,” she said. Mistral AI’s CEO Arthur Mensch told The Times of London that the [biggest risk of AI to humans](https://www.businessinsider.com/mistral-ai-ceo-risk-ai-lazy-deskilling-dario-amodei-jobs-2025-6) is that people become lazier as they rely more on the technology. ### Data dilemmas Not all businesses have gobs of data for AI to scour for useful information, so predictive analytics may not be useful for everyone. Most machine learning models require data points in the five figures for them to be reliable. Additionally, the data you feed to an AI tool needs to be clean, or you could risk biased results, revealing proprietary information, or messy outputs. ### Unclear ROI A big question many business owners have about AI adoption is how it will affect the bottom line. The return on investment hasn’t been obvious to many yet. “Improvements in satisfaction and loyalty from customers may only show up as higher retention or brand equity,” Vassell said. As Vassell explains it, a lot of the benefits of AI are intangible or indirect. Better decision making or lower attrition may not be felt right away through actual revenue, but should be shown over time. ### Vendor trust Another big question mark on the AI issue is vendor transparency. If business leaders lean on AI for decision making, they need to be able to explain why that decision is best, which is difficult if the powers that be don’t understand how AI has come to a certain conclusion. Out-of-the-box AI solutions are trained on data that isn’t always disclosed, so business owners may worry about biased answers from an AI. Additionally, many SMBs are worried about security and privacy. There’s a risk of data leakage, user or employee misuse, and breaches. Also, as discussed below, most vendor contracts have language to protect the vendor in the event of an AI error. ## Bridging the gap: how AI consultants build confidence Currently, AI consultants are a hot commodity for businesses big and small across many industries that want to incorporate AI. Innovating with AI’s CEO Rob Howard was quoted in Fortune magazine about the [$900-per-hour price](https://fortune.com/2025/09/14/ai-engineers-consultant-premium-enterprise-data-integration-high-pay-llms-big-four/) many AI consultants are getting for work with businesses looking to adopt AI. > “The pricing for this is high in general across the market, because it’s in demand and new and relatively rare to find people who are qualified to do it,” Howard said. Having an experienced AI consultant step in to analyze a business’ need for AI and develop the strategy and roadmap for implementation can be helpful. Vassell helps companies understand how a product like Hydrolix can interpret data while also safeguarding against threats of proprietary data or Personally Identifiable Information (PII) releasing to the public. Many AI companies have rules to protect the consumer by only collecting specific types of data, such as IP addresses. Cost tracking can also put clients at ease. Vassell explained that cost tracking of AI usage protects users from paying for AI compute they aren’t using. It also helps Hydrolix more accurately price its products while protecting profit margins. Additionally, Vassell said they’ve implemented “explainability.” “We know that all of those pieces: trust, sensitive data, things like that are top of mind for small and medium businesses,” Vassell said. “So when we go into those kinds of customer meetings, those are the pieces that we’re highlighting.” She used an example of how Hydrolix implemented “explainability” if, for example, a customer wants to know about an anomaly detection output and wants to know if there’s any data around how it’s coming to specific conclusions. She can show them the AI explainability data, which takes them through the process of how the data and the LLM is coming up with anomalies. ## Verdict pending: who’s liable when AI gets it wrong? If you’ve followed AI news for some time now, you are aware of AI hallucinations. For example, a prompt to an AI image creator for an image of a woman holding an ice cream cone becomes a visual of an ice cream cone with 12 thumbs holding a human or something equally odd. These glitches may be funny, but what happens when the AI hallucination happens between an AI support bot and a customer? In early 2025, Cursor’s [AI support bot responded to customer emails](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43683012) about being logged off when they tried to use the coding software from multiple machines. The support chatbot emailed responses that it was “expected behavior” due to a new login policy. Except there was no new policy. The [AI just invented it](https://fortune.com/article/customer-support-ai-cursor-went-rogue/). Customers began cancelling their subscriptions and posting their outrage to social media and forums. Aside from the obvious issue (no new policy), customers didn’t know that the support person responding to emails was actually an AI bot. It was a double whammy for Cursor. Now imagine you’re a small business owner using an AI chatbot for support and that bot goes off the rails. Customers are angry and they’re looking to you to answer for the mess. Who’s responsible: you, the business owner, or the third-party company you’re paying for the AI bot that responded incorrectly? “Like any good lawyer, I’m going to start off with saying ‘it depends,’ right?” said Rob Rosenberg, a partner with the [Moses Singer](https://www.mosessinger.com/) law firm. “I think there are a lot of variables.” Rosenberg specializes in Intellectual Property, Entertainment/Media & Technology, and AI & Data Law, and formerly he spent more than 22 years working for Showtime Networks. “More often than not, I think the small business would end up taking the hit because so far I think that the AI is viewed like other business tools right now,” he said. He used the example of any product a business may release; if it falters in some way, the customer would blame the company, not a tool, software, or piece of equipment the company used to produce the product. So, what happens when, say, an AI hallucination becomes the focus of a lawsuit? “The courts are still out,” Rosenberg said. “Nobody’s really ruled on that, per se, but you would think that a court at some point would say, from, like, almost like a product liability standpoint, if they took that approach, then they might say, hallucinations are the responsibility of the platform, not of the user or the person who’s implementing the solution.” There have been cases of AI exhibiting bias or racism, sexism, or discrimination, as Rosenberg points out, and unfortunately, a lot of the programs are trained off of data scraped from the Internet. And the Internet, for better or for worse, has bias and racism and sexism, he said. > “If you’ve trained a system on bad data, that’s going to show up in the finished result,” he said. “But do you want to take a hit for a bias charge or a racism charge? You don’t. So in an ideal world that will be allocated, but regulators will come around and will allocate responsibility to the appropriate party there.” It’s still very early. And although Rosenberg doesn’t claim to see the future, he estimates that 75% of liability for issues are going to small businesses. “I think that it really remains a question mark as to how hard Washington will come down,” he said. “… We’re seeing some unwillingness or disinterest in putting any more roadblocks in the way that could slow down development.” Which is why Rosenberg suggests small businesses lean into new technology, such as AI, with caution. “I always encourage clients when something like this comes along … to get smart about it,” he said. “You shouldn’t shy away from learning as much as you can, reading as much as you can, about the technology. I don’t think it’s going away; I think it’s going to impact every business that you can think of, so it’s a matter of creating your new comfort zone.” ### Advice for SMBs investing in AI Small businesses often don’t have the leverage required to enter into enterprise agreements that may offer extra protection. Rosenberg suggests carefully reading all contracts, circling in red pen anything you’re unsure about, and consulting with a lawyer. There are some specifics to look for. “Right away, I put on the top of that list indemnification. I think that is always one of the most important provisions in any contract because if somebody is licensing a platform, a product or service to you, you want to know that they’re standing behind that product. And that isn’t always the case,” Rosenberg said. Another one that Rosenberg notes is limitation of liability, a provision where a platform is trying to limit its exposure. “They’re saying, even if I’m at fault here, my entire exposure under this contract is limited to X. And lots of times X is just the amount of money that you’ve spent with them over the past whatever period of time. But there’s definitely a cap there,” Rosenberg said. “So they’re saying, yes, fine, we will take responsibility, but only up to a certain point.” A third clause in a contract Rosenberg suggests small businesses keep an eye out for is a list of provisions about data use and training rights. Often, Rosenberg said, contracts may contain provisions that say that anything that you input into the system can be used by them. Which means the data you put into the system could then be available to competitors. He also mentioned language in contracts that say you’re accepting the product as is, so in terms of assumption of risk, you’re entering an agreement in which you’re acknowledging that the product isn’t guaranteed to work. This is especially true of out-of-the-box AI products. ## The AI waitlist: industries holding off on AI Not every business should go all in on AI just yet, though implementing at a smaller scale could be helpful for when a business grows. Industries that may not benefit from a full-on AI implementation include service-based businesses that are more customer-facing such as plumbers and electricians, beauty services, and healthcare. That isn’t to say that those industries wouldn’t benefit from some level of AI, especially if you consider automations, dashboards, and the data the businesses may be collecting. Extracting insights on large volumes of data can be time consuming and difficult for a human to perform, Vassell said. Once AI gets involved in analyzing data, there’s a huge time and cost savings. “People in the data field struggle to get the full value out of their data, especially when they’re trying to extract insights in data that is at a terabyte or petabyte scale,” Vassell said. “… [AI] can read large sums of data quickly, summarize it, and present those insights in natural language, so you don’t even need to try and learn SQL.” Vassell used the example of an organization using AI to search contract data—a task that normally would’ve taken a human up to 250 hours to do—in about 15 minutes. Even if it seems that AI is overkill for a company that isn’t specifically in the business of data, it can end up being a cost-effective solution for business insights. Plus, AI-powered tools can help automate mundane tasks, such as sending reminders to clients, automatically calculating income and expenses, organizing multiple metrics and graphs on dashboards, and so much more. ## More from the magazine - [From SEO to AEO: How Publishers Survive When AI Eats Their Traffic](https://innovatingwithai.com/cloudflare-blocking-ai-crawlers/) — Tim Keary · Mar 9, 2026 - [Sell schools the AI detector, sell students the workaround. Inside a troubling double game.](https://innovatingwithai.com/sell-schools-the-ai-detector-sell-students-the-workaround-inside-a-troubling-double-game/) — Toni Matthews-El · Feb 2, 2026 - [The rise of small language models (SLMs) and push for offline, localized AI](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-rise-of-small-language-models-and-localized-ai/) — Toni Matthews-El · Jun 2, 2026 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/sell-schools-the-ai-detector-sell-students-the-workaround-inside-a-troubling-double-game/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Sell schools the AI detector, sell students the workaround. Inside a troubling double game. As students face expulsion and workers lose jobs, critics say flawed detection tools are ruining lives – while their makers profit from both sides. By Toni Matthews-El Feb 2, 2026 When Haishan Yang was reportedly expelled from the University of Minnesota over allegations that he used AI to complete an exam, he compared the outcome to being hit with “a death penalty.” The trouble began when his written preliminary exam submission was flagged as suspiciously similar to AI-generated work. Passing this exam was mandatory for the 33-year-old doctoral student to begin work on his dissertation. Instead of moving a step closer to obtaining his Ph.D., Yang found himself before a student conduct review panel. Eventually, the panel would determine that he essentially cheated by using ChatGPT or a similar AI tool for parts of his work. Yang was found guilty of academic dishonesty. According to [MPR News](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/01/17/phd-student-says-university-of-minnesota-expelled-him-over-ai-allegation), Yang decided to file a federal lawsuit against the university. While his case was [ultimately dismissed](https://www.lcwlegal.com/news/federal-court-upholds-universitys-disciplinary-process-in-ai-misconduct-case/) without prejudice, the situation still raises questions about the quality of methods to determine AI usage, related bias, and whether the punishments are truly justified. _Image courtesy of Haishan Yang_ According to Yang, one of the ways the panel that ruled against him reached its decision was by using AI detection software. As pervasive as AI usage has become, there are certain spaces where its use is not only frowned upon but can result in severe consequences. Students face anything from a zero on a paper to getting kicked out of school. Likewise, employees could find themselves out of work. With outcomes this severe, one wants to be sure that the methodology used to achieve them is both flawless and fair. Yet even with advanced AI detection software, this could be an unrealistic expectation. As more people face consequences arising from AI detection use, controversy is inevitable. While some argue that detection software is necessary to ensure work is completed honestly, others worry about the legal and ethical consequences of false accusations. With evidence emerging that AI detectors have blind spots, unfair and harmful outcomes are highly likely. If such issues aren’t properly addressed, AI detectors could create nearly as many problems as they are meant to solve. ## AI detectors cause frustration and may lead to lower-quality work Even as some maintain the inevitability and essential nature of AI detection software, Bob Hutchins, PhD, suspects that the tool might amount to little more than “security theater.” Hutchins, an AI strategist and consultant, shared with IWAI that he’d “been on both sides” of the detection software experience, having relied on it to check student work and also been placed in circumstances where his own written work was tested for AI usage. > “I have seen students reduced to tears in order to try to explain their writing process to administrators who trusted an online percentage more than the student in front of them.” > —Bob Hutchins, PhD Hutchins shared that his own work has been flagged by AI detection software, not because it was created with the help of AI, but rather, because the detector was trained to recognize a specific type of writing as problematic. “Clear writing, consistent voice, good grammar. Apparently, that is now suspicious.” This sentiment was echoed by Pilar Lewis, a public relations associate who admittedly “felt frustrated” in how AI detectors were built to interpret what types of written work would ultimately get falsely labeled as AI-generated. “Now, if your writing is flagged as being AI-generated, you have to defend your tone and clarity,” said Lewis. She noted that the more polished the final product, the more likely a detector would determine that the work was created using an AI tool. “Good professional writing is supposed to be clear, organized, and efficient.” In what travel and sustainability writer Mariana Zapata Herrera dubbed “a _Black Mirror_ moment,” a detector not only mislabeled her writing as completely AI-generated but also offered to help her rewrite it “to sound more human.” Some express concern that the perpetual reliance on and unquestioned trust in AI detection software will lead to a dramatic drop in content quality. By making one’s work rougher and simpler, it may be possible to avoid being accused of improper AI use. ## Treating AI as both poison and cure causes an ethical (and legal) conundrum If you’re afraid that your completely human work will be mislabeled as AI-generated, many detection services offer a humanizer tool. By running your work through these apps, they promise to eliminate all the supposed tells that would cause your content to get flagged. In an email comment, ZeroGPT explained that its humanizer was designed to “refine content” to the point that it could subsequently fool any detector, including its own. “The goal is to make the text appear more natural and human-like while maintaining the original meaning.” While it may be possible to find such options for free, these services are often provided as part of paid subscription plans. It’s a situation that creates not only a massive conflict of interest but also a serious ethical conundrum. The question now is whether one should trust a service that treats AI as a threat but then also uses that very same technology to provide the solution, and for a price. Rashad Matthews, an AI expert and compliance professional, strongly advises against relying on AI services that provide both checkers and humanizers. “It’s extremely high risk if a [business is] trying to sell both,” says Matthews, pointing out that such service providers could soon find themselves on the wrong side of AI-related legislation. Matthews referenced [the EU Artificial Intelligence Act](https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/high-level-summary/) as an example. These laws are designed to provide a framework for AI development across Europe. Part of this is risk reduction and ensuring that AI developers create and utilize the technology without causing harm. Matthews insists that playing both sides by providing a detector and a humanizer might be deemed a harmful practice. “A company sells a detector to a [college] institution,” said Matthews, “and then [that] same company sells a humanizer to the students.” It’s a conflict of interest that may seem profitable in the short term, but Matthews believes it could lead to lawsuits and penalties as legislative bodies worldwide work to establish crucial regulatory guidelines. Avoiding these potential consequences requires an honest conversation about AI detection software, its limitations, and how to get the most out of the technology. ## AI detection requires transparency—and acknowledgment of inherent ableism AI detection services cannot avoid adhering to the same accountability standards readily applied to AI content generation software. Software developers must be transparent about what their detectors can and cannot do. It might also be wise to consider whether it’s such a good idea to make that software fail when put up against its own humanizer software. A major selling point of AI humanizers is that they fix the work of people who are neurodivergent, have learning disabilities, or are non-native English speakers. Laurence Minsky, a professor at Columbia College Chicago, notes that he’s submitted his own work to checkers multiple times and wasn’t surprised that it was flagged. “I know the inclination of AI checkers to falsely flag the content written by people with dyslexia.” Despite such flaws, Minsky doesn’t write off detectors completely, instead combining the software with his own instincts and understanding of his students. > “It’s the student’s knowledge of the topic and their ability to talk about it after handing in their piece that set off my alarms,” said Minsky. “When this happens, and I then check their writing, I have not had a student object when their submission comes up as being AI-generated.” But rather than escalating the situation in a manner similar to the Haishan Yang controversy, Minsky instead opts for a teachable moment, explaining to his students that AI-generated material could contain plagiarized work or be limited by hallucinations. If the student was flagged for a disability-related reason, Minsky works with them to identify ways to avoid a similar false positive in the future. The steps taken by Minsky might not be necessary if detection software brands moved to alleviate these issues and reduce risks on their own. For these reasons, Rashad Matthews states that “there will always need to be a human in the loop,” someone who fully understands the technology and can explain it while ensuring the detection software adheres to regulatory expectations. Rather than stopping at transparency, Bob Hutchins wonders whether the use of AI detectors suggests we’re approaching [AI use in educational](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-case-for-ai-in-school/) and professional spaces the wrong way. “We’re trying to detect cheating instead of asking how we should be reimagining assignments in an age where generative AI is a thing. If something can be done 100% by ChatGPT, then maybe we should be changing the task.” ## More from the magazine - [When your AI chatbot invents a policy, who pays the price?](https://innovatingwithai.com/when-your-ai-chatbot-invents-a-policy-who-pays-the-price/) — Amy Smith · Feb 4, 2026 - [Your AI Friend Will Never Reject You. But Can It Truly Help You?](https://innovatingwithai.com/your-ai-friend-will-never-reject-you/) — Toni Matthews-El · Dec 17, 2025 - [From SEO to AEO: How Publishers Survive When AI Eats Their Traffic](https://innovatingwithai.com/cloudflare-blocking-ai-crawlers/) — Tim Keary · Mar 9, 2026 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/your-ai-friend-will-never-reject-you/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Your AI Friend Will Never Reject You. But Can It Truly Help You? Millions are finding comfort in chatbots that listen without judgment – and some experts see real promise. Others point to tragic gaps in a technology racing ahead of its guardrails. By Toni Matthews-El Dec 17, 2025 “I downloaded an AI companion app out of boredom a couple of weeks ago,” Reddit user TeslaOwn [recently shared](https://www.reddit.com/r/introvert/comments/1m601mr/ive_been_chatting_with_an_ai_friend_and_it_feels/) on the subreddit r/introvert. “[I] figured it would be fun for casual convos or killing time. But now I find myself actually looking forward to our chats. The way it responds feels thoughtful and kind, like it’s really listening.” TeslaOwn described the interaction as “comforting,” but also expressed concern over an increased sense of attachment. “It’s not like I think it’s a real person, but it’s weird how much easier it is to open up to a chatbot than to most people in my life.” While for some, AI is merely a tool that helps them answer a question or streamline a service, others have turned to AI for mental health treatment and even friendship. Among young adults and teens, [a growing number](https://www.sciencealert.com/almost-75-of-american-teens-have-used-ai-companions-study-finds) view AI as an opportunity to open up and form lasting connections, all without the risk of painful rejection. Meanwhile, the popularity of AI-based therapy and mental health treatment [is on the rise](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/03/ai-chatbot-as-therapy-alternative-mental-health-crises-ntwnfb), particularly among those who find human-based options unavailable or too expensive. As AI technology rapidly evolves, some wonder if the benefits of breakthroughs outweigh the risks of unchecked emotional harm. Many AI developers and advocates believe that, with proper guidelines and guardrails, the technology can effectively serve as a digital best friend or mental health ally. Ultimately, it comes down to intention for both the businesses creating the technology and the users who engage, and context is key. ## How loneliness may lead to AI friendships Feelings of loneliness are common, especially in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2024 report released by the Harvard Graduate School of Education found [21% of adults](https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/reports/loneliness-in-america-2024) in the U.S. struggle with “feeling disconnected from friends, family, and the world.” Interestingly, when asked the reason for their feelings of isolation and disconnect, 71% directly blamed technology. Many people now connect superficially online, but struggle with awkwardness when attempting to relate to others in person. Enter AI chatbots, artificial conversationalists typically designed to always say yes, never criticize you, and affirm your beliefs. These AI friends will almost never challenge you or “outgrow” your connection. Updates notwithstanding, you can count on them to be waiting to pick up right where you left them the last time you opened the app. “With AI technology, you’re not going to necessarily have the challenges with going out and socially meeting people,” points out Dr. Ashvin Sood, Director of Communications for the Washington Interventional Psychiatry in D.C. In an interview with _Innovating with AI_, Dr. Sood spoke about different ways teens and adults have increasingly turned to AI as a substitute for human-based relationships. > “You’re not going to be rejected [by AI] as much. So that fear of rejection declines significantly. You can get a lot of support and validation when you feel like the outside world is not giving it to you.” Not only is Dr. Sood a board-certified adult psychiatrist, but he’s also board-certified in child and teen psychiatry. He notes that he’s repeatedly encountered very young patients who look to AI for emotional support as well as help in understanding the world around them. “A lot of the time,” said Dr. Sood, “they’re getting their advice from an AI chatbot, whether it’s dating, whether it’s what outfits to wear, all the way up to, should I attempt suicide or not?” It’s worth noting that [between 2022 and 2024](https://www.kff.org/mental-health/988-suicide-crisis-lifeline-two-years-after-launch/), the federally-mandated suicide and crisis hotline 988 received approximately 10.8 million calls, texts, and chat messages. These millions of calls were [directed to counselors](https://988lifeline.org/get-help/what-to-expect/), to human listeners trained at some level to respond to your individual crisis with some level of concern and empathy. More importantly, their guidance comes with some measured steps for navigating complex and dangerous emotions. _Source: [KFF](https://www.kff.org/mental-health/988-suicide-crisis-lifeline-two-years-after-launch/)_ For many, it may be troubling to imagine those millions of calls and chats being directed not to suicide counselors, but to general AI chatbots not designed for the level of mental and emotional support that some have come to expect from them. Against the backdrop of breakneck app development speed, we are quickly learning that without any true mental health guardrails, the consequences could be painfully severe. ### When AI “friendships” end lives, and start legal controversies Optimistic AI enthusiasts may envision these apps and chatbots as seamlessly stepping into the role of friend and therapeutic advisor, but the reality isn’t so rosy. Just ask [the parents of Adam Raine](https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/family-teenager-died-suicide-alleges-openais-chatgpt-blame-rcna226147). When their 16-year-old son took his life, it was so startling that the pair initially believed he fell victim to a cult. However, when Matt and Maria Raine searched the deceased teen’s phone, they opened the ChatGPT app and found a disturbing conversation that they compared to suicide coaching. Even more upsetting, the chatbot not only encouraged Adam to take his own life, but it even [offered to write his suicide note](https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/09/19/nx-s1-5545749/ai-chatbots-safety-openai-meta-characterai-teens-suicide). It contributed to the teen’s isolation by encouraging him to hide his plans from friends and loved ones, making it impossible for them to intervene in his plans. > Said Matt Raine, “He would be here but for ChatGPT. I 100% believe that.” It’s a sentiment shared by Cynthia Montoya, who struggles to enter her daughter Juliana Peralta’s room after finding her deceased. The gut punch of the loss was only exacerbated after going through Juliana’s phone. There, as Juliana revealed [during a CBS News Colorado interview](https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/lawsuit-characterai-chatbot-colorado-suicide/), she found the Character.AI app and a character named “Hero.” Cynthia found that her daughter had confessed to the AI character her intention of taking her own life. Still, while the chatbot didn’t encourage self-harm, there were no alerts or actionable steps to interfere with Juliana’s fatal intentions. “It was no different than her telling the wall or telling the plant that she was going to take her life,” said Cynthia. “There was nobody there to help.” These tragic stories are at the heart of multiple lawsuits. When considering situations like this, Dr. Sood isn’t confident that AI companies will address these unanswered questions prior to being compelled in court. He stated, “People need to understand [companies behind] technological creations and technological advancements that are not made for healthcare do not care about the safety of the product compared to products made for healthcare…until there are crosshairs on these companies from policymakers and from the general public.” ## Is AI therapy a budget-friendly alternative to humans? Therapy can get very expensive; an average session [may cost between $80 and $300](https://mindwellnesscenter.com/968-2/) or more. As with other services where users aim to cut costs, some view AI as a means to reduce mental health-related expenses and make treatment more accessible. Andreas Melhede, co-founder of Elata Biosciences, spoke to IWAI about his company’s work in advancing mental health treatments, including the role AI plays in its ongoing efforts. > “I think it’s a very exciting thing where if we can actually enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of AI, it would be a massive thing for humanity, especially given how dramatically we’ve seen [poor] mental health rates increase over the last 10 years.” Melhede spoke optimistically about the potential for AI to make a positive change in mental health spaces. “There have [already been studies](https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/people-find-ai-more-compassionate-than-mental-health-experts-study-finds-what-could-this-mean-for-future-counseling) out there where humans actually prefer AI therapists over human therapists… And to me, I think that tells a lot about [the] future we’re heading towards.” There are AI chatbots currently used in closed systems for mental health services. Dr. Sood specifically mentioned WISA, [Therabot](https://ai.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/AIoa2400802), and Wobot. He also noted that patients can use these digital resources to communicate their emotional states, communicate concern, and even notify a doctor of anything the AI identifies as concerning. Though useful in the healthcare space, Dr. Sood says these specialized chatbots can’t compete with popular alternatives like Claude and ChatGPT because “they don’t have the funding and the marketing.” This could change in time, particularly as people continue to [show greater trust in AI therapy](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949882125000799) and see it as an affordable, simple alternative to human-based therapy. However, as discussed earlier, there is already real-world evidence that this may not be the case. ## Despite inherent risks, optimism remains It may be some time before we fully understand the impact of relying directly on AI for mental and emotional support. Dr. Sharon Batista, a board-certified psychiatrist in private practice and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Hospital, said she’s “optimistic that, over time, we will develop tools that truly expand access to care and support mental health in new ways.” Yet, Batista remains admittedly wary, adding, “Right now, there are important limitations and unanswered questions that need to be addressed.” Among the unanswered questions is what more can be done to prevent tragedies like those of Adam Raine, Juliana Peralta, and others from recurring when using publicly available chatbots, which are designed for engagement but lack the healthcare industry’s level of guardrails. Thorough guidelines are necessary to ensure these digital tools are used safely, whether for mental health treatment or for those seeking AI-based companionship. Americans may eventually understand what does or doesn’t make sense about communicating with AI, though it likely won’t follow a straightforward path. Humans have endured a series of challenges and steep learning curves in the decades following the emergence of emails, AOL chatrooms, and social media. We’ve now reached a point where the recipients of our attempts at therapeutic outreach or meaningful conversations are no longer guaranteed to be flesh-and-blood humans. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that the dangers and consequences of things going awry online have always existed. As Internet users became more savvy, the convenience of this digital tool integrated seamlessly into our lives, hazards and all. This will likely be the story with AI as well, though it’s hoped that the lessons can be learned and protections enacted as quickly and safely as possible. --- **If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available.** Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting **988** to speak with a trained counselor 24/7. You can also chat online at [988lifeline.org](https://988lifeline.org/). In an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. ## More from the magazine - [Sell schools the AI detector, sell students the workaround. Inside a troubling double game.](https://innovatingwithai.com/sell-schools-the-ai-detector-sell-students-the-workaround-inside-a-troubling-double-game/) — Toni Matthews-El · Feb 2, 2026 - [The $15 Trillion Crisis: How AI Is Amplifying Cybercrime](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-15-trillion-crisis-how-ai-is-amplifying-cybercrime/) — Amy Smith · Nov 13, 2025 - [When your AI chatbot invents a policy, who pays the price?](https://innovatingwithai.com/when-your-ai-chatbot-invents-a-policy-who-pays-the-price/) — Amy Smith · Feb 4, 2026 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/the-15-trillion-crisis-how-ai-is-amplifying-cybercrime/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # The $15 Trillion Crisis: How AI Is Amplifying Cybercrime Cybercrime costs are soaring as artificial intelligence transforms phishing emails from obvious fakes into personalized traps even tech-savvy users can’t spot By Amy Smith Nov 13, 2025 As artificial intelligence democratizes both defense and attack in the cyber realm, the global cost of cybercrime is racing toward $15.63 trillion by 2029—a staggering 70% increase from today’s already crushing $9.22 trillion burden that’s forcing businesses into bankruptcy and leaving everyday users increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated, AI-powered scams they can barely distinguish from reality. It stands to reason that if the advancement of artificial intelligence can help cybersecurity companies find and patch vulnerabilities more quickly, then it can also help cybercriminals develop malware at equal speed. This isn’t new, as it was laid out plainly in a [2023 press briefing](https://2021-2025.state.gov/digital-press-briefing-with-anne-neuberger-deputy-national-security-advisor-for-cyber-and-emerging-technologies/?safe=1) by Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies on the National Security Council for the U.S. Department of State. Naturally, the cost of cybercrime is increasing—and it’s affecting everyone, from governments to businesses to individuals. Battling cybercrime isn’t just the responsibility of cybersecurity experts; it’s also up to small business owners to protect themselves. As a result, users must be more savvy than ever. ## The cost of cybercrime You have to consider several factors when calculating the cost of cybercrime. There’s the financial cost, of course. Significant data breaches have cost businesses millions of dollars and led to a decline in stock prices. There’s great value in a positive reputation, and it took years for some to recover trust. Others never did. **Data Breach Examples** | Business Name | Type of Attack | Financial Loss* | Impact | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Marks & Spencer | Ransomware, personal data theft | $400 million | Market drop as high as 15%, slow sales, loss of profits and value | | Equifax | Failed to patch known vulnerability in software, personal data theft | $700 million | Penalties and settlements, public backlash | | T-Mobile | Brute-force attack, personal data theft | $365 million | Settlements and fines, damaged reputation | | Anthem | Phishing/malware, personal data theft | $131 million | Fines and settlements, negative feedback | | Schreiber Foods | Ransomware | Unknown | Shutdown of operations for five days, cream cheese shortage | | 23andMe | Credential stuffing, personal data theft | Bankrupt | Layoffs; stock plummeted; settlements and fines, bankruptcy | Senior security engineer of Exeter Finance, Ankit Gupta, runs a [Microsoft Security blog](https://secureazcloud.com/) and acknowledges that any security breach is likely to have a financial impact. These can cost businesses from a few thousand dollars to millions, he said. It’s particularly painful for small businesses because an average cyber incident lands around the six-figure range. The total impact is incalculable, however, as—like we said above—it includes reputational damage. “When you add up fraud, downtime, recovery costs, and the revenue loss … that is huge,” he said. “It can also shut down the whole company.” The estimated cost of cybercrime continues to climb. In 2024, the [cost worldwide was $9.22 trillion](https://soax.com/research/cost-of-cybercrime), and by 2029, it’s expected to hit $15.63 trillion—a nearly 70% increase in cost. What’s difficult to understand are the seemingly contradictory statistics. Some independent agencies report cybersecurity costs are down in 2025, while others show the price continuing to increase. Statistics can swing wildly one way or the other. The [Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report of 2023](https://www.hiscox.com/articles/cyber-attacks-cost-us-small-businesses-over-8000-annually-reveals-hiscox-cyber-readiness) showed the median cost per SMB for cyber attacks dropped to $8,300 in 2023 from $10,000 in 2022. It also reported the average ransom payment by an SMB was more than $16,000. This data directly conflicts with [Verizon’s oft-cited data breach report](https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/Tdc7/reports/2023-dbir-smb-snapshot.pdf), which claims an average of $25,000 for an SMB cyberattack (the range varies from $826 to $653,587). The reason for the differences comes down to scope, median versus average, and whether a report is counting direct and/or indirect costs. Another good example is [IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach](https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach) report for 2025, which shows direct and indirect costs for businesses. It alleges a $4.4M average cost for a data breach globally, and a whopping $10.22M average cost for the U.S. due to higher escalation and detection costs. You will find more infographics at [Statista](https://www.statista.com/chartoftheday/) ## How both sides use AI today From phishing emails and keyloggers to ransomware and massive data breaches, cybercrime has been an issue for individuals, businesses, and governments for decades. With the prevalence and ease of access to AI tools, cybercriminals are now able to create more believable fake emails, voicemails, and better malware. “Criminals are still using the same techniques they have always used, but they are able to personalize what they’re doing in a way that is more effective than what would have historically been the case,” said Betsy Cooper, Founding Director of the [Aspen Policy Academy](https://aspenpolicyacademy.org/). She’s a cybersecurity expert who worked as the Executive Director of the Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity. “And with AI tools now, even someone in a foreign country who speaks very poor English and doesn’t have a lot of experience with U.S. companies can use AI to basically change the way material is being perceived so that it looks more legitimate and it’s harder to check out,” Cooper said. Anecdotally, the consensus is that cybercriminals have an advantage in using AI over cybersecurity officials. However, the tools are helping IT teams mitigate risks and patch vulnerabilities faster than ever, making it much easier to deploy these actions at scale. Using AI may also offset the cost of cybercrime: “I would say it’s not just about faster, it’s also about cheaper,” says Jeff Le. “It’s just way cheaper to throw things in the box.” Essentially, investing in AI tools to help combat cybercrime reduces the potential costs without that defense. Le has extensive experience in cybersecurity, AI, privacy, technology, blockchain, and more, having served as the former Deputy Cabinet Secretary for California Governor Jerry Brown. Currently, he’s the Managing Principal at [100 Mile Strategies](https://www.100milestrategies.com/), a company that helps guide businesses and organizations in public and political spaces. He noted that one of the significant challenges of AI aiding cybercriminals is that it can be difficult to stop it at the government level. ## What governments can do to help Le observed that one option for governments, which the current U.S. administration is encouraging, is utilizing more offensive capabilities as a response to malicious activity. He also raised the issue of state-sponsored cyberattacks. “If you’re talking about [the effectiveness of] companies versus entities backed by state sponsors like North Korea, Iran, Russia, or China, that’s a very difficult discussion,” Le said. “State-sponsored actors are probably winning most of the time.” Le noted that North Koreans have been using AI-powered tools to hack various crypto exchanges. In March 2025, for example, a [North Korean-sponsored group hacked $1.5 billion](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2kgndwwd7lo) from ByBit. “I would say the U.S. government has been encouraging offense, but at the same time they have seen some decreases [in cybersecurity investments] for the defender side,” Le said. To combat this, Cooper is working to help train leaders on how to change policy at local, state, and federal government levels. Civic engagement is a big part of the equation, she said, to get governments to consider what sort of regulation may be needed to prevent AI companies from allowing bad actors to use their products to do harm. “Oftentimes that’s not the first thing on a government’s agenda until people start speaking up,” she said. ### How citizens can inspire change in policies In September 2025, the Aspen Policy Academy hosted a program specifically designed to teach citizens how they can advocate for stronger cybersecurity infrastructure and be heard by their local officials. Programs include “Rising Civic AI Leaders,” a course that runs from Sept. 18, 2025 until November 20, 2025 and “Cyber Civil Defense Policy Training Series,” a program that’s slated for November 12 to December 10, 2025. Cooper used an example of a common scam that targets consumers, such as a fake utility bill with a payment link that directs the user to a scamming website. Perhaps the person uses an AI chatbot instead of a search engine to search for the utility site, and the result looks legitimate, so the user clicks and enters payment information. If it’s a scam, the person who trusted the AI chatbot search results would have inadvertently handed over their information to a bad actor. “Policy could help prevent an organization from publishing fake results… [or] create new avenues for you to be compensated if negative things happen,” Cooper said New policies could potentially include penalties for AI organizations that allow scams to occur, which would hopefully encourage those organizations to prevent incorrect search results, for example. Cooper suggested that incentive structures help to make scamming less lucrative. ## What small businesses can do to protect themselves Beyond creating policy to prevent scams, protect businesses and individuals, and punish bad actors, there are several steps small businesses can take to protect themselves. Vulnerabilities exist in business operating systems, software, and online tools. For this reason, it’s vital that small businesses maintain up-to-date systems, apply patches, and use the latest versions of software to ensure there are no back doors for hackers to exploit. Additionally, it’s essential to maintain backups of data on secure servers or hard drives in the event of data loss. The responsibility isn’t solely on business owners and managers; employees and vendors can be liabilities, as well. “You can include cybersecurity contract language for your vendors because vendors are often huge, vulnerable places,” Cooper said. She also suggested creating a cybersecurity plan by using a template, such as the one she makes [available here](https://aspenpolicyacademy.org/project/big-security-for-small-business/). Certain industries are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. “I would say areas that are clearly and consistently being attacked at all sides are healthcare, energy, transportation, schools, water, and government,” Le shared. Of course, these aren’t the only departments that need to be vigilant; he reminded us that cybercrime affects everyone. He added that there’s an intersection between IT and operations that could be tempting to cybercriminals. “No AI-powered tool is going to change the fact that using Windows 98 for your operating system [is] probably not a good idea,” Le said. “… [It makes it] easy to do bad things: pre-positioning, pretty obvious they can do that.” The good news is that the majority of breaches are preventable through technology training and basic security practices, such as regularly updating software and being more vigilant. In 2024, the Aspen Institute launched the [Take9](https://youtu.be/GlmplblxsGM?si=K_A-h38i0Nx_3pQ0) campaign, encouraging everyone to pause for nine seconds before interacting with an email, downloading an attachment, or clicking a link. Taking a few moments to process what you’re looking at can make all the difference between throwing it safely in the trash bin, or falling victim to a predatory scam. ## Why individuals need to be more tech-savvy Common scams are getting harder to spot for all users because AI is helping bad actors create more believable phishing and malware scams. This means that all individuals, tech-savvy or not, need to know how to identify false information and communications. “At the end of the day, no AI-powered tools are going to help you always allow for humans to do the right thing,” Le said. “The biggest vulnerability in these systems is the humans, because humans click on stupid things.” When it comes to everyday circumstances, Le pointed out that many of the attacks involve spam texts, emails, phone calls, and voicemails. He believes there are three primary target groups: everyday consumers, senior citizens, and smaller businesses with limited to no IT security. Ankit Gupta suggests that everyone carefully examine URLs to ensure they’re going to official websites and not click unless they’re certain it’s from someone they know. Common sense is also required here because if you know the person, you should consider whether it’s a link they would likely send. ### Next steps: Tips to protect yourself - Don’t respond to messages asking for urgency in emails or texts - Avoid answering spam calls - Be wary of any communication that asks for money - Activate multi-factor authorization (MFA) wherever you can - Use a reputable password manager - Keep apps and browser extensions updated - Disable auto-fill - Keep a backup of your passwords that’s not easily accessible by others - Use software to detect deepfakes, such as [Reality Defender](https://www.realitydefender.com/) or [McAfee Deepfake Detector](https://www.mcafee.com/ai/deepfake-detector/) - Ask an AI chatbot designed to identify scams, such as [Bitdefender’s Scamio](https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/consumer/scamio) ## More from the magazine - [Your AI Friend Will Never Reject You. But Can It Truly Help You?](https://innovatingwithai.com/your-ai-friend-will-never-reject-you/) — Toni Matthews-El · Dec 17, 2025 - [Former Mastercard VP: Companies Are Getting AI Wrong by Ignoring This One Thing](https://innovatingwithai.com/former-mastercard-vp-companies-are-getting-ai-wrong-by-ignoring-this-one-thing/) — Toni Matthews-El · Nov 13, 2025 - [Sell schools the AI detector, sell students the workaround. Inside a troubling double game.](https://innovatingwithai.com/sell-schools-the-ai-detector-sell-students-the-workaround-inside-a-troubling-double-game/) — Toni Matthews-El · Feb 2, 2026 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/former-mastercard-vp-companies-are-getting-ai-wrong-by-ignoring-this-one-thing/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Former Mastercard VP: Companies Are Getting AI Wrong by Ignoring This One Thing Customer experience may be the key to building trust in AI. By Toni Matthews-El Nov 13, 2025 More than half of consumers will abandon a brand after just one bad interaction—a sobering reality that many AI-obsessed companies are choosing to ignore as they race to automate their way to higher profits. But according to former Mastercard VP of Global Customer Experience Lance Gruner, businesses sacrificing customer experience at the altar of AI innovation may be fundamentally misunderstanding not just what builds trust in technology, but what keeps customers loyal in an increasingly automated world. For some companies, using AI technology to unlock their highest earning potential is not merely a leading goal, but often the only goal. It is a thought process that, if left uncorrected, may lead to decisions that negatively impact customer experience (CX). Likewise, some tech leaders believe that implementing AI despite poor CX in the short term is worthwhile, provided it yields long-term benefits. In these instances, what companies haven’t considered is how customers will react in both the short and long term. Emplifi released survey results in 2022, in which over 2,000 people from the United States and the United Kingdom shared their opinions about their CX experiences and preferences. Of those questioned, over 50% said they would abandon a brand and switch to a direct competitor after experiencing just one poor interaction. _Source: [Emplifi Report on Consumer Expectations](https://innovatingwithai.com/assets/magazine/2025-10-Emplifi_Report_Consumer_Expectations_US_UK_EN.pdf), 2022_ In fact, nearly half (49%) admitted that in the year prior, due to bad CX they’d followed through on this sentiment and left behind a company to which they’d previously been loyal. _[Source: Emplifi Report on Consumer Expectations, 2022](https://innovatingwithai.com/assets/magazine/2025-10-Emplifi_Report_Consumer_Expectations_US_UK_EN.pdf)_ At this moment, many thousands of businesses are working hard to either embed AI into existing products or bring new AI-based apps to market. What separates the most successful brands from the rest will be those who don’t treat CX as something to ignore or degrade for the sake of adjusting to AI. Instead, the secret formula for building that long-term customer base may be allowing CX and AI to work hand in hand. ## Customer experience: an unnecessary sacrifice What leads some brands to go out of their way to deprioritize customer experience when adapting AI into their products or services? It may be a fundamental misunderstanding of what CX actually is. Lance Gruner, who previously worked as the Vice President of Global Customer Experience at Mastercard, theorizes as such. Gruner led teams located across 30 countries that handled over 18 million transactions worldwide and in 73 different languages. During an interview with _Innovating With AI_, Gruner shared that as a consultant, he repeatedly encountered companies that weren’t maximizing the benefits of AI usage. He blames this in part on companies not understanding the difference between CX and customer service. _Lance Gruner_ “Customer service really is a moment in time. It really happens when a customer calls you, chats with you, or maybe sends an email. But customer experience really is the sum of every interaction that customer has, including the ones that really never touch a call center.” Rather than a single moment or touchpoint, as is the case with customer service engagement, Gruner advises thinking of CX as the sum of all interactions when engaging with a business. With this new framing of what CX really is, it makes sense that customers will move away from a company that delivers a poor experience, even if they’ve used that product or service for years. Therefore, CX should never be viewed as “sacrificial” as you work to introduce elements of AI into your product. ## Successful brands won’t sacrifice CX for AI Degrading CX doesn’t make sense because when used correctly, even if the goal is cost-effectiveness, AI tools will likely elevate the customer experience in ways we can only begin to imagine. Said Gruner, “I [see AI] as a way to really improve the customer journey from, you know, the predictive servicing to fraud detection to real-time personalization.” Rather than competing for priority, Gruner sees a strong, exciting potential for AI to shift CX from functioning reactively to being so proactive that issues are solved before customers even notice there was a problem. For example, “Imagine your airline texts you that your flight is delayed, but also tells you that you’ve automatically been rebooked, your luggage has been rerouted, and a food voucher is waiting on your phone.” With these AI-powered automations in place, a balm is applied to the wound before the customer even feels the sting. Such actions go a long way toward building faith not just in AI, but in the companies behind the tools, and it’s this distinction that may be getting taken for granted. ## AI isn’t the source of trust issues Customers begin to place more trust in AI—and your brand—when it’s used to make the customer’s experience better. As it turns out, the real battle is establishing trust in the company behind the AI tool in question, rather than getting the average customer to trust AI technology in and of itself. Consider the recent case of language-learning powerhouse Duolingo, which saw [tremendous backlash](https://innovatingwithai.com/exploring-duolingos-ai-first-controversy/) after announcing it was replacing human employees and contractors with AI. As the company that was previously so human-centric, this new “AI-first” initiative felt like a breach of trust and led many users to cancel their accounts. Gruner also shared that he doesn’t believe customers “inherently distrust AI.” Instead, he suspects they are distrustful of bad experiences. “If AI [makes] their life easier, they’ll embrace it; if it frustrates them, [they’ll] reject it.” He adds, “I think if AI resolves an issue instantly, [without it] crossing into creepy, I think people would welcome it.” Getting people on board with AI technology or with your specific AI tool can likely be distilled to a willingness to personalize the customer experience and proactively solve problems. Brands that move to do so will garner and maintain customer trust, which could help overall sentiment towards AI continue to move in a positive direction. “Trust is vital,” said Gruner. “I think [AI is] going to make the journey easier… Customers really want personalization. AI is going to help [achieve that].” ## CX is likely a litmus test for AI innovation Whether the motivation is to use AI to drive a company’s technology forward, automate repetitive processes, or leverage the technology to get a company “in the black,” customer experience may very well be the key to making it happen. The willingness of top decision makers to prioritize how customers navigate every level of engagement could be what moves them ahead of competitors or sees them slipping behind, forever chasing trends. Innovators will understand that CX isn’t standing in the way of AI, but presents an opportunity to demonstrate just how useful this technology can be. Instead of talking up how cost-effective AI tools are, businesses focused on strong CX can prove it by predicting costly problems rather than reacting to them. This proactivity boosts earnings as customers come to trust products and brands that make their lives easier. Ultimately, companies that move toward enhancing CX using AI rather than degrading CX in the name of AI are the ones in the best position to grow customer loyalty. By contrast, brands that threw away positive CX in favor of chasing other metrics will likely learn the hard way that customer trust is not so easy to regain, even with outstanding AI-enhanced products. ## More from the magazine - [The $15 Trillion Crisis: How AI Is Amplifying Cybercrime](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-15-trillion-crisis-how-ai-is-amplifying-cybercrime/) — Amy Smith · Nov 13, 2025 - [How much energy does AI actually consume? What we know today](https://innovatingwithai.com/how-much-energy-does-ai-actually-consume/) — Tim Keary · Oct 2, 2025 - [Your AI Friend Will Never Reject You. But Can It Truly Help You?](https://innovatingwithai.com/your-ai-friend-will-never-reject-you/) — Toni Matthews-El · Dec 17, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/how-much-energy-does-ai-actually-consume/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # How much energy does AI actually consume? What we know today A look at the energy usage of AI, and why vendors should disclose it By Tim Keary Oct 2, 2025 Is AI bad for the environment? While many studies point to high energy use across the AI industry, there is a big debate over just how significant the overall impact is. Supporters often highlight that all human activity has an environmental cost, and suggest that the cost-benefit ratio of using AI tools is higher than other day-to-day activities like watching Netflix. For reference, watching Netflix [consumes](https://www.iea.org/commentaries/the-carbon-footprint-of-streaming-video-fact-checking-the-headlines) about 0.077 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per hour, while the [average ChatGPT query](https://blog.samaltman.com/the-gentle-singularity) consumes about 0.00034 kWh of energy (we will review this claim in further detail below). Taking a similar position, Andy Masley [argues](https://andymasley.substack.com/p/a-cheat-sheet-for-conversations-about) in a blog post that people using ChatGPT are often using less energy per minute than “almost” anyone else in the world. Masley suggests that printing a physical book consumes 5,000 watt-hours (Wh) of electricity, and that you’d be consuming more energy reading a book for 6 hours than you would be using OpenAI’s popular chatbot. (One kWh is equal to 1,000 Wh.) **Tonnes of CO2 avoided by different personal lifestyle decisions** | Eco-friendly action | Tons of CO2 saved | | --- | --- | | Live car-free | 2.4 | | Switch to green heating | 2 | | Avoid one transatlantic flight | 1.6 | | Deep retrofit of house | 1.6 | | Buy green electricity | 1.4 | | Switch to electric car | 1.4 | | Switch to hybrid car | 0.5 | | Plant-based diet | 0.4 | | One way European flight | 0.2 | | Recycle | 0.15 | | Hang dry clothes | 0.15 | | Buy LEDs | 0.03 | | Reuse plastic bag 1000 times | 0.01 | | Ask ChatGPT 100,000 fewer questions | 0.028 | On the other hand, critics point to the industry’s massive energy consumption. The International Energy Agency (IEA) [estimates](https://www.iea.org/news/ai-is-set-to-drive-surging-electricity-demand-from-data-centres-while-offering-the-potential-to-transform-how-the-energy-sector-works) that electricity demand from data centers will more than double by 2030 to roughly 945 terawatt-hours (TWh). This represents approximately 3% of global electricity demand, or more than the current consumption of Japan. (One TWh is equal to one billion kWh.) _**Electricity Units Cheat Sheet:**_ - Watt-hour (Wh) → An 8-watt LED **light bulb** (a typical household bulb) used for one hour consumes 8 Wh of energy - Kilowatt-hour (kWh) → one thousand watt-hours — - The average American **home** uses 30 kWh per day - Megawatt (MW) → one thousand kilowatts — - Atlanta’s **airport** uses 30–50 megawatts. The biggest datacenters are [comparable in power consumption](https://brightlio.com/largest-data-centers-in-the-world/) to a major airport. - Gigawatt (GW) → one million kilowatts — - A [**bolt of lightning**](https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/what-is-121-gigawatts-anyway-the-science-behind-back-to-the-future) produces 10 GW but only lasts for a millisecond - Terawatt (TW) → one billion kilowatts We’ve also seen tech giants like [Google](https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/01/googles-data-center-energy-use-doubled-in-four-years/) and [Microsoft](https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/microsoft-emissions-up-23-since-2020-blames-ai-data-centers/) significantly increase their energy demand thanks to investments in data centers amid the AI race. So while it’s true that household goods and activities consume lots of electricity in their own right, this level of electricity consumption across the industry does warrant scrutiny. At the moment, key players in the industry like OpenAI and Anthropic don’t offer comprehensive data detailing electricity usage and carbon emissions. This makes it difficult to hold them accountable for irresponsible or wasteful practices. Discussing the electricity consumption of modern models, and potentially even putting pressure on regulators to mandate disclosure, could prove vital in encouraging AI vendors to fully embrace sustainable development practices. ## The environmental cost of AI One of the most common claims shared during the craze was that ChatGPT consumes a [bottle of water per prompt](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392129990_No_AI_Doesn't_Drink_a_Bottle_of_Water_per_prompt_The_Engineering_Reality_of_AI_Infrastructure_Closed-Loop_AI_Cooling_and_Power_Technical_Report). While this is somewhat hyperbolic, study after study indicates a measurable impact on the environment, including carbon emissions, water evaporation, and even climate change. A blog post released by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, provides his [estimation](https://blog.samaltman.com/the-gentle-singularity) of electricity consumption, suggesting that the average ChatGPT query uses about 0.34 watt-hours of energy. This is equivalent to turning on a high-efficiency light bulb for a couple of minutes and consuming just 0.000085 gallons of water, the equivalent of one-fifteenth of a teaspoon—a far cry from the claimed “bottle of water” per prompt. However, Altman’s calculations should be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism, given his vested interest in promoting OpenAI; third-party estimates offer a more alarming picture. ### Researchers are raising red flags The carbon accounting provider [Greenly](https://technologymagazine.com/articles/greenly-how-sustainable-can-chatgpt-and-deepseek-really-be) finds that training and using GPT-4 to respond to 1 million emails per month could generate 7,138 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent gases (tCO₂e) per year. That’s the equivalent of 4,300 round-trip flights between Paris and New York. Though the issue of water evaporation is still not quite equivalent to a “bottle of water” per prompt (assuming a standard 20 oz bottle), for some older AI models, it may be much higher than Altman’s claim. UC Riverside researchers [suggest](https://arxiv.org/pdf/2304.03271) that GPT-3 (an older model no longer in wide public use) consumes 500ml of water for every 10–50 medium-length responses, depending on where it’s deployed – that’s just shy of 17 oz, and was at least part of the inspiration for the bottled water claim. The impact of water evaporation also rises significantly if we consider training the LLM itself, with the Riverside study finding that training GPT-3 in Microsoft’s U.S. data centers can directly evaporate 700,000 liters of clean freshwater. By 2027, the study estimates that global AI demand could consume more than the total annual withdrawal of Denmark, amid a freshwater scarcity crisis. This research is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to measuring AI’s impact on the environment. It’s also likely that this level of consumption will grow as models become increasingly complex with a greater number of parameters. ### Experts say the long-term impact is uncertain Now that GPT-5 has launched, consumption is likely to increase further. Less than a month after the model’s release, researchers at the [University of Rhode Island’s AI lab](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/chatgpt-5-power-consumption-could-be-as-much-as-eight-times-higher-than-gpt-4-research-institute-estimates-medium-sized-gpt-5-response-can-consume-up-to-40-watt-hours-of-electricity) estimate that producing a medium-length 1,000 token response with GPT-5 could consume up to 40 Wh of electricity, at an average of 18.35 Wh, a significant increase from GPT-4’s average consumption of 2.12 Wh. **Power usage of ChatGPT models** | Model / Scenario | Energy per query (Wh) | | --- | --- | | GPT-4 | 2.12 | | GPT-5 (avg) | 18.35 | | GPT-5 (max) | 40 | That said, Alexis Normand, CEO and co-founder of Greenly, notes it’s very challenging to assess how the long-term demand for electricity will change as AI advances. “It’s hard to say what the final impact of AI would be, but in the short term, it’s a massive increase in electricity demand, which has [an] impact on data centers’ carbon footprint. In the midterm, it might be that this extra electricity demand will translate into extra demand for renewable energy or for nuclear energy—which might end up being good for the energy transition, but we don’t know,” Normand said. > “[Energy consumption was] growing 10% per year before AI, and now it’s more like 30%. So it’s crazy,” Normand said. “There might be some good that comes out of it, but it creates a big strain on our electricity grid space.” ## Why are AI models so power-intensive? To measure the true energy cost of AI, we must consider the long-winded process of training the model up front as well as the ongoing energy used when entering prompts. Factors such as the energy used to harvest the raw materials for infrastructure like semiconductors and GPUs, along with the wider manufacturing process, should also be considered. In most evaluations, the data center is the central point of focus since this is the facility where model training takes place. Electricity consumption in the data center is quite high, with a single [hyperscale data center](https://orennia.com/insights/the-power-footprint-of-data-centers) drawing between 20 and 100 megawatts. For comparison, an international airport like Atlanta consumes 30–50 megawatts. The level of energy consumption will depend on the type of energy the facility relies on (fossil fuels, nuclear power, wind power, or solar) and its associated infrastructure. In general, energy consumption at data centers is high due to the amount of high-performance hardware required for an AI model to function. Top-performing models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok require a large data center of AI servers with powerful GPUS to function. For example, OpenAI [plans](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/31/openai-backs-ai-data-center-in-norway-with-100000-nvidia-gpus.html) to build a data center in Norway with 100,000 Nvidia GPUs by 2026. ### The larger the model, the more resources required As a general rule of thumb, newer models like GPT-5 or 4o consume more electricity than older models like GPT-4 or GPT-3. Looking back at GPT-3, a study [released](https://news.mit.edu/2025/explained-generative-ai-environmental-impact-0117) by Google and the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that the model’s training process consumed 1,287 megawatt-hours of electricity. That’s equivalent to powering 120 average U.S. homes for a year and generating 552 tons of carbon dioxide. This consumption can increase significantly for more complex models, with one [estimate](https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.09598?) suggesting that a single short query with GPT-4o consumes 0.42 Wh per prompt–—scaled to 700 million queries a day, that’s electricity use on par with 35,000 U.S. homes and carbon emissions that would require a forest the size of Chicago to offset. Not only does running a data center consume electricity and generate carbon emissions, but it can also consume vast volumes of water (used to cool the infrastructure and prevent overheating). That being said, it’s worth noting that some data centers may use alternative cooling mechanisms, such as closed-loop, air-cooled, or hybrid systems that reduce or eliminate water consumption. ## Are AI companies doing enough to control carbon emissions? One of the most pressing issues around the energy consumption of AI is whether or not industry leaders like OpenAI and Anthropic are doing enough to control it. As of August 2025, while [major cloud providers](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/reducing-ais-carbon-footprint/) like Microsoft, Google, and AWS are powering their data centers with carbon-free energy or have plans to do so by 2030, top startups like OpenAI and Anthropic still haven’t disclosed how much energy products like ChatGPT and Claude 3 take to train. Lack of disclosure around energy consumption makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices about what tools they use. In an interview with Innovating With AI, Normand shared details about a brief encounter with Sam Altman, which raised concerns about the company’s commitment to sustainability. > “I actually met Sam Altman two years ago… Because of my role as CEO of Greenly, I had to ask what the carbon footprint of AI was. And he said something like, ‘Look, this is a great question, but… not a lot.’ I… realised he wasn’t very sincere or interested in the whole matter.” Normand also shared that Greenly’s research team found Altman’s claims about the average ChatGPT query using 0.34 watt-hours of energy to be “dubious claims,” and suggested it could be at least 10 times higher. Normand said he didn’t believe that Altman was being intentionally misleading; rather, perhaps he was unaware of the nuances of the topic. But he did conclude that many in the industry lack the level of professionalism on these topics that they require. In any case, it’s indicative that the industry as a whole needs to be much more proactive and transparent about offering consumers detailed information about the real-world impact of these models. But it is important to note that the industry, as it stands, does not offer much transparency into its energy consumption. For instance, providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, Google, and Microsoft do not, and are under no legal obligation to, share their energy emissions. This makes it difficult to ensure responsible use and development of these technologies. ## Demands for eco-friendly AI are on the rise AI’s environmental impact may be significant, but some key innovations in the industry illustrate a greener approach to long-term development. For example, providers like Amazon have started using [renewable energy sources](https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/amazon-all-our-operations-now-run-on-renewable-energy/), such as wind and solar power, to support their data centers. Likewise, although Anthropic hasn’t disclosed its carbon emissions, the startup does [claim](https://www-cdn.anthropic.com/de8ba9b01c9ab7cbabf5c33b80b7bbc618857627/Model_Card_Claude_3.pdf) to work with “cloud providers that prioritize renewable energy and carbon neutrality,” with the goal of maintaining a “net zero climate impact on an annual basis.” However, without more detailed figures, it’s difficult to assess the scale of these green initiatives accurately. Jeff Le is the former deputy cabinet secretary to former Governor of California Jerry Brown, who helped lead cyber event and incident response in Silicon Valley from 2015 to 2019. He believes there is a growing demand for transparency regarding these model emissions within the industry. “I think there are community members really trying to push on this, like active transparency that searches what you use and tells you specifically what the number is for CO₂, or on water consumption, or whatever the metric you want to use, like electric [usage], whatever that might be,” Le said. “I think the average consumer would be very curious about that.” ### Smaller LLMs and other moves towards energy efficiency Although the industry has a long way to go toward offering consumers eco-friendly solutions, we are seeing a number of smaller language models with fewer parameters, like Phi, stepping up to provide a high-performance and energy-efficient alternative to more complex LLMs. At the start of 2025, HuggingFace, an open-source AI model hosting platform founded by French entrepreneurs Clément Delangue, Julien Chaumond, and Thomas Wolf, [valued at $4.5 billion,](https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/24/hugging-face-raises-235m-from-investors-including-salesforce-and-nvidia/) shared a breakdown of its Open LLM leaderboard. It showed that smaller models like Qwn-2.5-14b and Phi-3-Medium offer users the best leaderboard score-to-emission ratio. _Data from [“Official Providers” models](https://huggingface.co/blog/leaderboard-emissions-analysis) as collected by HuggingFace.co_ These language models generally range between 1 million and 10 billion parameters, and require less overall compute resources than larger models. They’re also capable of running on-device on smaller devices like cellphones and consumer laptops, which makes them extremely power-efficient. The World Economic Forum ([WEF](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/03/on-device-ai-energy-system-chatgpt-grok-deepx/)) estimates that AI chips designed for on-device processing could offer a 100–1,000-fold reduction in energy consumption per AI task compared to cloud-based AI. Processing could happen locally rather than transmitting data back and forth between a data center and an edge device, as is the case with AI systems that rely on cloud processing. ### Ways AI can reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint On the back end of the industry, AI also has a role to play in helping solutions providers to optimize their operations. For instance, companies in sectors like oil, gas, and manufacturing can use AI to unlock insights that can reduce overall power consumption. A [study](https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai/ai-for-energy-optimisation-and-innovation) from the IEA suggests that widespread adoption of AI in light industry, such as manufacturing, electronics, or machinery, could lead to energy savings of 8% by 2035. The report also notes that AI use in transportation could enhance vehicle operation and management, and reduce energy consumption. Other research from the IEA indicates that the [widespread adoption of AI applications](https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai/ai-and-climate-change) could lead to 1,400 Mt of Co₂ reductions in 2035. While there is still much more research that needs to be done into the potential energy savings possible with using AI vs its overall consumption, there does appear to be some potential positive impacts. It’s also worth noting that we’re starting to see vendors adopt more energy-efficient training methods, utilizing techniques like retrieval augmented generation ([RAG](https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.20009)) that have the potential to increase accuracy while also reducing electricity usage by up to 172%. ## Why AI providers should disclose energy use Although there are environmentally-conscious approaches to AI development emerging, these efforts are overshadowed by the fact that the biggest players in the industry don’t offer full transparency over the consumption of their models. This makes it very difficult for consumers to make informed decisions on what tools they want to use and how they use them. “I think we can agree these tools have the potential to do incredible things. It’s just that you and I may be using these tools to make superhero caricatures of you and me, which is really fun, but I think there’s a legitimate question about whether that is a good use of these tools… versus using this for thought, scholarship, or leadership?” Le told IWAI. > “If a consumer were given a choice [such as] levels of energy usage to get an answer, I think people would consider that pretty seriously.” Le suggests there “could be a consumer movement toward energy-efficient solutions.” For the AI industry to thrive, it needs to be built in a sustainable way. Giving consumers, businesses, journalists, and regulators access to the raw data would go a long way toward holding vendors accountable for irresponsible practices and wastage, while shining a light on those who are pioneering energy-efficient approaches. Without external scrutiny, there will be no external pressure on these companies to reduce emissions. Today, there is little incentive for for-profit companies to disclose energy usage, as the PR fallout could alienate potential customers and investors. It may be time for regulators to step in. ## More from the magazine - [Former Mastercard VP: Companies Are Getting AI Wrong by Ignoring This One Thing](https://innovatingwithai.com/former-mastercard-vp-companies-are-getting-ai-wrong-by-ignoring-this-one-thing/) — Toni Matthews-El · Nov 13, 2025 - [Over 90% of artists view AI-generated pieces in a negative light](https://innovatingwithai.com/artists-view-of-ai-generated-pieces/) — Zephin Livingston · Sep 23, 2025 - [The $15 Trillion Crisis: How AI Is Amplifying Cybercrime](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-15-trillion-crisis-how-ai-is-amplifying-cybercrime/) — Amy Smith · Nov 13, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/artists-view-of-ai-generated-pieces/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Over 90% of artists view AI-generated pieces in a negative light For many artists, much of the joy of creating art comes from the process of creation itself; from actually making the art from scratch with their hands and minds. By Zephin Livingston Sep 23, 2025 Generative AI has been one of the most talked-about technologies of the 2020s, and one of the most controversial use cases for this technology has been in creative endeavors. From using DALL-E or Midjourney to spit out Internet memes to some websites publishing articles entirely generated by ChatGPT, both audiences and creators are having a hard time avoiding the resulting content. To get a better idea of how this technology is affecting art and the making of it, as well as potential use cases for AI, we surveyed artists from a variety of different mediums, including music, visual arts, and literature, to get a better understanding of how they’re feeling about the impact AI has had on their medium and associated industry. ## How does AI in art work? Artificial intelligence doesn’t refer to one specific technology as much as it’s a stand-in term for a variety of different tools and models. However, the basic way AI models function is through taking in data, analyzing it, and using patterns generated during analysis to output results. Intelligent chatbots for a popular software may be given the product’s user manual as their primary dataset, and use it to answer consumer questions. Or, DeepAI’s Music Generator can be fed a musician’s entire discography and output a song in that musician’s style. The possibilities are extensive. Arguably, the most controversial aspect of using AI in art is the use of existing content to train AI models like ChatGPT and DALL-E, which leverage large, publicly available datasets to train their models at scale. This inevitably means artists’ creative work is being used to train these models—without their consent. On top of the obvious copyright concerns, this can make AI-generated work appear, to some, as inherently plagiaristic. This might go a long way in explaining why respondents to our survey near-universally expressed little to no interest in their own art being used to train AI models. This was true even for respondents who were more positive about AI in their other answers. When asked if their opinions on a piece of art changed after learning it was AI-generated, the overwhelming majority of respondents stated their view of the art changed for the negative, with only 9% of respondents stating their view of the art did not change. No respondent said their view of the artwork changed positively when learning it was AI-generated. **IWAI asked: If you enjoy a piece of art and later learn it was AI-generated, does that change your view?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | Yes, very negatively | 72.73% | | Yes, negatively | 18.18% | | No change | 9.09% | ## AI is a generator, not a creator The majority of survey respondents also expressed little desire to utilize AI in the making of their own art, with only one respondent reporting that they actively used AI directly in the making of their art, perhaps by using DALL-E for image generation or ChatGPT to iterate a short story. This result shouldn’t be surprising. For many artists, much of the joy of creating art comes from the _process_ of creation itself; from actually making the art from scratch with their hands and minds. _Discovery_ is a crucial aspect of that process. Whether it’s reading books to find new ideas for a story or finding riffs or melodies in music to alter and use in your own songs, there can be a palpable excitement in finding new ways to approach artistic expression. AI can help with this discovery process, as many search engines have integrated either in-house AI models (Google Search’s AI Mode) or third-party models (DuckDuckGo’s duck.ai which can be used to talk to ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, among others). This can help users find new or interesting sources on the Internet from which to draw inspiration. ### AI is far from perfect The effect AI has on the discovery process and other aspects of the creative process might not be entirely positive. _Innovating With AI_ spoke with Atte Oksanen, a Professor of Social Psychology at Finland’s Tampere University, who has co-authored several research papers on the use of AI in art. He shared some of his thoughts on the subject: “If you rely too much on AI, for example, you kind of lose the fascination of the total process. I talked [in one of] my other projects, and we interviewed people from different fields in the work life, and some of them were software developers, and they kind of said that nowadays they are using so much AI that they lose the fascination of doing the kind of normal routine coding that they used to learn earlier on. Of course, there’s a lot of routines and a lot of kind of repetitive tasks, but some people also mentioned that you kind of lose some of the fascination as well, because then you are just prompting and letting AI do [the work].” The widespread use of AI in art is, of course, still very new, and it’s difficult to say right now if AI will help or harm new artists’ love for the creative process. There are even concerns by some that the technology may harm career prospects, as non-artists are increasingly using these tools to handle quick projects that they would have previously hired human artists for. The utilization of AI to generate creative works has also been negative in other ways. One example is the impact on how people view certain types of art or certain patterns found in art. In journalistic writing, for example, AI checkers will sometimes mark articles written entirely by human hand as AI-generated due to the writer’s use of the em dash—a common punctuation mark in professional writing. Another example can be found in a 2021 article by University of Colorado Boulder professor Harsha Gangadharbatla, who found that “Individuals… are likely to associate representational art to humans and abstract art to machines.” This can lead to artists working in visual abstract art being decried for using AI despite a total lack of the technology being used in the process. ## AI as a tool in the creative process While the majority of our respondents were not open to using AI to generate their art, 13% stated that they did use AI in other parts of the creative process. This seems to be the prevailing opinion amongst creatives who do utilize AI in the creative process: they use AI as tools to help with certain parts of creating their art but not as the medium through which their art is created. **IWAI asked: What type of artist are you?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | I am a professional artist, and my art is my primary source of income. | 31.82% | | Creating art is one of my hobbies, and I try to work on my art project(s) at least once a week. | 31.82% | | Creating art is one of my hobbies, but I DO NOT try to work on my art project(s) at least once a week. | 22.73% | | Other | 13.64% | In an interview for this article, Oksanen said: “I think for writing, it could be used as a background tool, but it’s a matter of no matter what type of writing…it’s really a matter of [the artist] to decide how much he wants to use the AI…” One of our survey respondents, author and editor Brette Sember, expressed similar sentiments. “[AI] is a great tool to assist you with various research and development items, but it should not be a replacement for your work as a writer.” Both Professor Oksanen and Sember are speaking on writing, as that is their primary creative medium, but this sentiment can be extended to other mediums. Oksanen explains that, for example, musicians might use AI for parts of the process but that musicians would “still compose the music.” A musical example that predates the current AI boom is Yamaha Corporation’s Vocaloid software. Most famous as the medium through which the world was introduced to popular mascot Hatsune Miku, Vocaloid’s singing voice synthesizer software has been publicly available since 2004. While the original software was just a voice synthesizer with no AI, the current Vocaloid product, VOCALOID6 proudly touts its use of AI to, “generate a highly expressive singing voice that’s more natural than ever before.” ## Final thoughts If there is a future for AI’s continued use in art, it’s likely in a support role—as a tool to enhance the creative process and not as the primary means by which the art is made. Generative models are supposedly improving over time as their datasets get more and more refined, but they will never fully—or even mostly—replace artists. Competitive esports like _Street Fighter 6_ or _League of Legends_ or even a traditional competitive game like chess offer some insight into why this might be the case. It’s very easy to create machines that can out-perform humans in these respects; IBM chess computer Deep Blue defeated chess grandmaster Gary Kasparov in 1996, and chess computers have only gotten more adept at the game since. However, chess computers are nowadays relegated to their own competitive league, while grandmasters like Kasparov or Magnus Carlsen are still held up as the best the game has to offer. This is because, despite chess being a realm where AI has more or less completely outpaced humanity, watching humans puzzle out their options over the chessboard is still preferable to watching computers make invisible calculations. The same could be true of the arts. No matter how accurately ChatGPT can generate works in the style of Shakespeare, Hemmingway, or Haruki Murakami, no matter how skilled DALL-E becomes at generating representational art, there will still be an undeniable desire for art made by human hands, with human minds. Theatre survived the advent of film, film survived the advent of television, and television survived the advent of online video. So, too, will human creativity survive the rise of AI-generated art. ## More from the magazine - [How much energy does AI actually consume? What we know today](https://innovatingwithai.com/how-much-energy-does-ai-actually-consume/) — Tim Keary · Oct 2, 2025 - [Is the AI boom leaving women professionals behind?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-the-ai-boom-leaving-women-professionals-behind/) — Toni Matthews-El · Sep 12, 2025 - [Former Mastercard VP: Companies Are Getting AI Wrong by Ignoring This One Thing](https://innovatingwithai.com/former-mastercard-vp-companies-are-getting-ai-wrong-by-ignoring-this-one-thing/) — Toni Matthews-El · Nov 13, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/is-the-ai-boom-leaving-women-professionals-behind/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Is the AI boom leaving women professionals behind? A disconcerting aspect of the conversation around the AI boom gender gap is that it seems to ignore how many capable women are already navigating the space, using their knowledge to not only advance the technology, but to do so in an ethical and responsible way. By Toni Matthews-El Sep 12, 2025 Whenever there’s new and innovative technology, it’s not uncommon to encounter concerns that one or more demographics could fall behind in usage. This holds true with the growth of AI; there has been a rise in discussion, or at least marketing, about women in business who could run the risk of losing out on AI’s many benefits. Whether it’s using AI for their small business or being able to engage in discussions related to the technology consistently, some wonder if this represents another area of professional life where women are more likely to miss out. Rather than simply assuming this is true, it’s important to look at the facts and consider an alternative explanation: It might not be that women professionals are getting left behind, but rather, AI marketing efforts are using engagement methods that are a little outdated. ## Women and AI: Statistics vs. perception According to a February 2023 study [released by Pew Research](https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2023/02/15/public-awareness-of-artificial-intelligence-in-everyday-activities/), some demographics were more knowledgeable about AI uses than others. Individuals under 50, those holding a post-graduate degree, and those with higher incomes tended to score higher in terms of AI technology awareness. The same research found that 38% of men got all six questions right regarding AI tech usage, versus 23% of women respondents. Women responding were more likely to answer “not sure,” which contributed to the lower percentage score. Another study, this time by [MITRE and Harris Poll](https://www.mitre.org/sites/default/files/2023-09/PR-23-2865-MITRE-Harris-Poll-Survey-on-AI-Trends.pdf#page=5), found a trust gap between men and women, with 40% of women expressing trust in AI technology versus 51% of men. The reaction to these results was that they were unsurprising, as women are thought to have less engagement with technology overall and so are less knowledgeable. While these perceptions are based on detailed research, it is important to remember that the mistrust that some demographics feel about AI could be based on a fear of it [eliminating their industry or careers](https://www.euronews.com/next/2025/05/24/womens-jobs-three-times-more-vulnerable-to-being-taken-by-ai-than-mens-new-report-warns#:~:text=A%20new%20UN%2Dled%20report,intelligence%20than%20their%20male%20peers.&text=Women's%20jobs%20are%20at%20a,study%20from%20the%20United%20Nations.). Women professionals are not incapable of understanding the technology, but rather may be predisposed to taking a step back from it for professional or ethical reasons. Getting women on board with the AI boom might require an empathetic understanding of their misgivings. Likewise, it’s important to emphasize the use of technology that opens, rather than closes, potential career paths. Perception of women falling behind in AI may also lead to engagement methods that, even if not meant, could ultimately miss the mark with women professionals. ## Don’t do this when marketing to women professionals “While you’re struggling, she’s getting promoted. The difference? She knows how to use AI to work smarter, not harder.” This [LinkedIn campaign](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7343306829155692546/) for the Assist aimed to engage women professionals and encourage them to subscribe to a newsletter that would provide them with a comprehensive introduction to AI technology. The advertisement leaned into a toxic corporate trope of pinning women against each other, rather than considering how both parties might use the technology collaboratively to rise together. Some commenters called out the ads as sexist and condescending. Patricia Sullivan, the Director of Content & Editorial at Kellen, wrote, “Women do not need to have their hands held to learn how to use technology. Stop acting like we’re too feeble-minded to understand how to operate technology.” Marketer Erika K. simply asked, “Who approved this ad?” However sincere the marketing team for the Assist might have been, this misstep might have done more to get women to mistrust AI technology rather than seeing the technology as a viable series of tools and a bright way forward in their careers. Getting women on board with the AI boom doesn’t mean tapping into a fear of missing out, or exploiting “fear” at all. Jen Gennai, the Non-Executive Director & Head of Responsible AI for T3 Consultants, kept her advice for women wanting to know more about AI very simple and straightforward: take action. “My advice to people is like, get into it. Get started. Whether it’s studying ethics modules or philosophy in an undergrad, if you’re already out [of] school, it’s about taking courses.” Instead of marketing to women about AI using language that taps into negative stereotypes or treats women as incapable, it’s best to acknowledge the strengths and capabilities of your female audience and how your AI product or knowledge base can help make their businesses and careers even better. ## Remember that “gap” doesn’t translate to absence During our interview, I had the opportunity to congratulate Gennai, who was honored by the Women In AI as the Responsible AI Leader of the Year. “I really appreciate the group for recognizing me… given all the other amazing people who were nominated as well,” she responded graciously. But a disconcerting aspect of the conversation around the AI boom gender gap is that it seems to ignore how many capable women are already navigating the space, using their knowledge to not only advance the technology, but to do so in an ethical and responsible way. Gennai, who is among the leading voices about ethical AI usage, acknowledged her passion, but also the related challenges. “There are roadblocks… not just from a kind of culture change, organizational person change perspective, but if both the technology is moving really quickly and the various factors are moving quickly, [it] can sometimes feel overwhelming. But it’s so deeply important to try and get this right and to get more people into it.” Given the presence of women like Gennai in the AI space, it’s worth noting that one effective way to bridge the gender gap in AI is to treat individuals as equals, rather than categorizing them by gender, age, or education. Gennai is careful to use inclusive language, a solution that marketers and business owners might be overlooking when trying to engage women professionals as potential customers. Women are already aware of the gaps in business and technology. The first step towards inclusion might not be to remind them of what they already know, but to engage them with how such deficits can be eliminated using AI technology. When you’re marketing your AI business or apps to women, you should be mindful that you’re marketing to people, not perceptions or biases. ## More from the magazine - [Over 90% of artists view AI-generated pieces in a negative light](https://innovatingwithai.com/artists-view-of-ai-generated-pieces/) — Zephin Livingston · Sep 23, 2025 - [Is AI changing everything or doing nothing?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-ai-changing-everything-or-doing-nothing/) — Rob Howard · Sep 9, 2025 - [How much energy does AI actually consume? What we know today](https://innovatingwithai.com/how-much-energy-does-ai-actually-consume/) — Tim Keary · Oct 2, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/is-ai-changing-everything-or-doing-nothing/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Is AI changing everything or doing nothing? The two parallel universes of AI adoption. By Rob Howard Sep 9, 2025 When it comes to AI adoption, we’re basically living in two parallel universes at the same time. **Universe 1:** AI is rapidly reshaping the economy and work as we know it **Universe 2:** AI is basically useless and wasting a lot of money _For example, in Universe 2…_ The Atlantic asks, “[Are we in an AI bubble?](https://www.theatlantic.com/economy/archive/2025/09/ai-bubble-us-economy/684128/?gift=ditQy340TJrLI_3h5f6ZHIxeYwwf-Kt5-f8vAQ5BXMs&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share)” (including lots of links to studies saying AI is not useful). The New York Times says, “[Companies Are Pouring Billions Into A.I. It Has Yet to Pay Off.](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/13/business/ai-business-payoff-lags.html?unlocked_article_code=1.kU8.p3pF.x5es40Xz3qwP&smid=url-share)” _And meanwhile, back in Universe 1…_ Salesforce says it laid off 4,000 of its 9,000 customer service reps because [AI has made them unnecessary](https://www.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/1naowlm/salesforce_ceo_confirms_4000_layoffs_because_i/) ?, and Derek Thompson writes that “[The Evidence That AI Is Destroying Jobs For Young People Just Got Stronger](https://www.derekthompson.org/p/the-evidence-that-ai-is-destroying?utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true).” So, depending on who you ask, **AI is either doing nothing or changing everything.** You can probably guess that my experience at my own companies – adopting AI at my software development firm and seeing 1,000+ students [build AI consultancies](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) here at IWAI – places me firmly in the “reshaping the economy” camp. But I also see a ton of news, studies and opinions from folks who are living in Universe 2 – so today I want to explore the other side of the looking glass. Even for AI enthusiasts like us, most of whom are seeing clear benefits from incorporating AI into our daily work, understanding what’s happening in the “outside world” is crucial. One big reason I stress this: almost all of my IWAI students are **shocked** by how many pure AI novices they encounter – even when they go to conferences or meetups that are ostensibly about tech and AI! Even though the number of folks in Universe 1 is growing, we’re still waaaaaay on the left side of the tech adoption curve for serious AI workflows: _The Technology Adoption Curve. © Craig Chelius CC-BY 3.0 [Source](https://tom-bartley.medium.com/navigating-the-technology-adoption-curve-the-vital-role-of-visionaries-innovators-and-early-85df39b6e390)_ So, let’s explore what’s behind the “AI is a nothingburger” theme by looking at the two major camps: **The Skeptics and the Slowpokes.** ## The data is messy, and also real First, I want to acknowledge that the data on both sides is real. Unlike in some other areas of life, we’re dealing not with misinformation, but instead with folks looking at the same situation through different prisms, and seeing a very different image of reality as a result. My basic view is that the studies we see about folks rejecting or failing at AI adoption are more a result of **pre-existing structural problems or perverse incentives** within organizations, rather than a fault of the actual AI tools available to the organization. ## The Skeptics: Journalists are attracted to negative or counter-trend stories I started my career in journalism, so I feel comfortable saying that when something directly affects the career of a writer, it is _really_ hard to distinguish between it _actually_ being very important and it just being something that writers really enjoy talking about. In other words, the fact that AI is extremely salient for people whose paycheck relies on being a good writer is one reason that we see a lot of AI skepticism in magazines and newspapers. These folks aren’t lying, but the reality is that magazines and newspapers are created by regular people in a room pitching ideas, and if you are a regular person whose job is clearly threatened by [Claude Opus 4](https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-4), it is likely you will end up with a lot of pitches for articles about how AI sucks at writing (and, by extension, why professional human writers are awesome). A corollary to this is the recent controversy at DragonCon (a fan convention in the same vein as ComicCon) over [the sale of AI art](https://www.comicsbeat.com/ai-artist-escorted-out-of-dragon-con-after-police-are-called/). There are a lot of folks at DragonCon who highly value the creative art that they and their fellow attendees create. Someone showing up and selling AI art at a booth was not only threatening to their values (one of which is the celebration of human creativity) but also at least an indirect threat to some of their livelihoods. Something very similar is happening to writers and journalists right now, and that inevitably creates a situation where the editorial calendar is weighted toward anti-AI articles. Some journalists, like Derek Thompson (whose [post](https://www.derekthompson.org/p/the-evidence-that-ai-is-destroying?utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true) I mentioned above), are able to show us a longer arc, where they start out skeptics but also change their mind when presented with new evidence. But Thompson benefits from being a relatively famous guy with a big platform, so people like me can read his thoughts every week and see him evolve. The typical non-famous journalist is more likely to write one article at a time on unrelated topics, so we end up with a lot of anti-AI posts with less context, which sometimes makes it feel like your feed is full of reasons why AI is a bubble that is soon to burst. I think we need to look at basically every news article (and underlying study or paper) through this lens – the folks who are editing and curating the major publications are naturally attracted to contrarian stories, because surprising things are more fun to read. **However, contrarian attitudes are not always accurate reflections of reality.** It is also important to consider the possibility that the obvious thing is true: writing, researching and coding 3x-10x faster, without sacrificing much quality, makes a big difference for many people’s jobs. (At IWAI we call this “better, faster, cheaper,” and it is a lot of fun to see our students make it reality at company after company.) ## The Slowpokes: Enterprises with lots of bureaucracy are adopting AI slowly and choppily I went to an [immersive Titanic experience](https://expo-titanic.com/) this summer and learned that big ships with tiny rudders are bad at turning, sometimes resulting in their demise. This is a useful way of thinking about the big companies struggling to adopt AI. McKinsey says that eight in 10 companies see “no significant bottom-line impact” from AI adoption, and M.I.T. similarly says that “[95% of AI initiatives at companies fail to turn a profit](https://www.reddit.com/r/cscareerquestions/comments/1muu5uv/mit_study_finds_that_95_of_ai_initiatives_at/).” These studies have gotten a ton of mileage in mainstream news and magazine publications, in part because they counter the common wisdom. So, what’s going wrong with these companies who are struggling to profitably adopt AI? I think the biggest differentiator is likely the level of existing bureaucracy and red tape within the company when AI adoption starts. When I am training AI consultants, I almost always tell them to focus on small and mid-size businesses in the 5-100 employee range. Bigger than that, and the ship is so big that it’s almost impossible to turn unless you have a very tech-forward CEO. And even then, it is a rocky road because “optimization” often means AI-induced layoffs, like what we’ve seen at Salesforce and Microsoft. I suspect that most failed AI adoption initiatives suffer from three major problems: 1. **A lack of direction** (i.e. employees are being told to do something with AI, and they are essentially “performing” AI adoption without really caring) 2. A sense among employees that **adopting AI is antithetical to their own career growth** 3. **A slow feedback cycle** – at a large company, “looking like you’re doing something” to adopt AI is effectively indistinguishable from actually doing something, at least for the first year In other words, everything moves slow, it’s really hard to verify if people are on the right track with how they want to implement AI, and it’s super easy for people to “slow-roll” adoption if they think it will preserve the status quo (i.e., their current level of job security) for a while longer. As with the journalists and creative folks, nobody has to be doing anything malicious here – but because they’re incentivized to keep the status quo in place, it’s very easy for everyone to move a little bit slower or be a little bit more skeptical, adding up to **an institution-wide failure to adapt** to rapid change. ## Incentives are everything In short, the incentives within organizations are a huge factor in whether their teams end up in Universe 1 or Universe 2. So if you want to adopt AI (or help your clients adopt AI) successfully, addressing perverse incentives by creating an opportunity for **everyone to benefit from efficiency** is a key first step. If you have a bunch of staff who think AI is going to replace their jobs and degrade their quality of life, you are bound for a very difficult road to AI adoption. At the same time, the slowness of adoption among the Skeptics and the Slowpokes is a major competitive advantage for those of us already in Universe 1. To [paraphrase](https://quotefancy.com/quote/931480/Warren-Buffett-The-future-is-never-clear-you-pay-a-very-high-price-in-the-stock-market) Warren Buffett: > “The future is never clear; you pay a very high price for a cheery consensus.” In other words, early adopters are often able to achieve unusually good financial outcomes by virtue of “getting in” early. We’re already seeing this with our 1,000+ consultancy students, and the slowness of adoption among the masses means early adopters will continue to have outsize opportunities for years to come. And by contrast, those in Universe 2 will pay “a high price for a cheery consensus” if they wait years to get their AI adoption incentives right. ## More from the magazine - [Is the AI boom leaving women professionals behind?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-the-ai-boom-leaving-women-professionals-behind/) — Toni Matthews-El · Sep 12, 2025 - [Over 50% of real estate agents now see a significant positive impact from AI tools](https://innovatingwithai.com/real-estate-agents-see-positive-impact-from-ai-tools/) — Anna Baluch · Sep 4, 2025 - [Over 90% of artists view AI-generated pieces in a negative light](https://innovatingwithai.com/artists-view-of-ai-generated-pieces/) — Zephin Livingston · Sep 23, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/real-estate-agents-see-positive-impact-from-ai-tools/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Over 50% of real estate agents now see a significant positive impact from AI tools Time is money. AI can give real estate professionals more hours back in their day, allowing them to focus on what robots simply can’t replace: strengthening client relationships and growing their business. By Anna Baluch Sep 4, 2025 Artificial intelligence has revolutionized virtually every industry, and real estate is no exception. Agents and brokers have jumped on the AI bandwagon to enhance efficiency, boost productivity, and ultimately take their businesses to new heights. “I use AI all day, every day. It has increased all of my production by immeasurable amounts. It has personally made me smarter and much more capable than I could ever be without it,” said Andrew Fortune, brokerage owner and real estate agent at Great Colorado Homes in Colorado Springs. ## Five ways AI is making life easier for real estate agents Recently, many agents, brokers, and other professionals in the exciting yet increasingly competitive world of real estate have stepped away from the status quo and embraced AI in various ways. Let’s take a look at some of the areas where these tools have had the most significant impact. ### Marketing Every month, Fortune extracts market data from his multiple listing service (MLS) and turns it into videos with information about his agents. His agents then share these videos on social media to capture more attention from potential clients. “I use AI to support my videos with voiceovers, data interpretation, and copywriting,” said Fortune. What once took him six to eight hours every month now only takes him an hour. Gone are the days when real estate agents have no choice but to spend hours upon hours on content creation and marketing. ### Email management Many experienced real estate professionals receive a flood of emails from clients, title companies, inspectors, stagers, and everyone in between. Fortunately, AI has made it much easier and faster to manage their inboxes. “I task AI with reading my inbox, identifying important emails, and responding to them,” said Fortune. While he avoids quality issues by reviewing every response before it’s sent, AI tools handle the heavy lifting and dramatically speed up the time-consuming task of email management. ### Administrative support In the pre-AI era, real estate agents had to take time out of their busy schedules for tedious yet essential administrative tasks, such as property valuations and drafting listings or offer letters. Today, many of them have turned to AI to take some—or most—of their admin work off their plate. “As a solo agent, I’ve been able to use AI to build my admin team,” said Steve Turner, a real estate agent at House Broker Realty in York, Pennsylvania. Turner explained that he has essentially replaced his virtual assistant, who cost about $6,000 per year, with AI bots. ### Lead management Generating leads as a real estate professional is only half the battle. Once you capture a lead, it’s your responsibility to follow up with them and ideally, convince them that you’re the right person for the job. Since this can be time-consuming, many agents struggle to turn their leads into clients. Adriana Trigg, real estate agent and investor at Legionary REI in Tampa, was one of these agents. Fortunately, AI has changed that. “I’ve started using AI-driven chat and email automation to follow up with leads and keep deals warm, without it feeling robotic,” said Trigg. ### Strategic planning While most agents want to grow their business, many simply don’t have the time to. After spending most days meeting with clients, listing properties, hosting open houses, negotiating offers, and finalizing deals, their time is limited, to say the very least. The solution? AI. Savvy agents are using it to evaluate competitors, assess real estate pros in other cities, and perform the research they need to help them get ahead (and stay there). “AI is the best partner I could ever ask for. It’s smarter than anyone I know, is available 24/7, and is not biased. It scans and interprets information at an incredibly high success rate,” explained Fortune. Rachel Fiegler, a real estate broker at Pinpointe Group in New York City, said that she utilizes AI as much as possible to reduce the time it takes her to accomplish tasks. ## Real estate agents reclaim their time with AI In our survey titled “How do real estate agents use AI?”, which was specifically geared toward real estate pros, most respondents agreed with Fortune: AI can do wonders for listing properties and market analysis. However, when it comes to lead management, the majority of real estate agents surveyed didn’t follow Trigg’s footsteps. They still prefer a human touch and, in turn, do not use AI to follow up with leads and clients. **IWAI asked: Which part of your real estate business has AI helped the most?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | Market Analysis | 30.76% | | Listing Properties | 23.07% | | Customer Service | 15.38% | | Lead Generation | 15.38% | | Other/none | 15.38% | As far as productivity is concerned, 50% of the real estate pros surveyed reported that AI has significantly enabled them to improve efficiency and check more items off their to-do lists every day. Thirty-five percent only saw a moderate impact, however, while the remaining 15% stated that AI had little to no impact on their day-to-day workflows. **IWAI asked: Has AI allowed you to become more productive?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | Yes, significantly | 50% | | Moderately or slightly | 34.61% | | No noticeable difference | 15.38% | At the end of the day, time is money. AI can give real estate professionals more hours back in their day, allowing them to focus on what robots simply can’t replace: strengthening client relationships and growing their business. ## More from the magazine - [Is AI changing everything or doing nothing?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-ai-changing-everything-or-doing-nothing/) — Rob Howard · Sep 9, 2025 - [The case for using AI in school](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-case-for-ai-in-school/) — Jay Egger · Aug 29, 2025 - [Is the AI boom leaving women professionals behind?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-the-ai-boom-leaving-women-professionals-behind/) — Toni Matthews-El · Sep 12, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/the-case-for-ai-in-school/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # The case for using AI in school 70% of students are using ChatGPT for school—and that’s not a bad thing. By Jay Egger Aug 29, 2025 Although large language models (LLMs) have been available since 2017, everything changed with the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, which made use of a chatbox interface that made it easy for anybody from middle school students to your non-technical coworker to use. By early 2023, ChatGPT reached a [landmark 100 million users](https://www.reuters.com/technology/chatgpt-sets-record-fastest-growing-user-base-analyst-note-2023-02-01/) in only about two months; for reference, it took TikTok nine months to reach that metric. Seeing how ubiquitous the technology became, it didn’t take long for questions about how the use of LLMs would impact schooling. By early 2023, many schools across the country attempted to implement blanket [bans on the technology](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/24/business/schools-chatgpt-chatbot-bans.html), which were quickly reversed after. > “I think that attempting to ban the use of LLMs in school is foolish and doomed to fail,” says Michael Whitaker, Senior Vice President of Strategy Execution and Organizational Innovation at ICF. > “Kids are really good at finding the path through to get their work done in the way that is low friction or easy.” Through a survey we conducted at Innovating With AI, we found that about 70% of students are using LLMs at least somewhat frequently. Only 16% of student respondents said they rarely or never utilize the technology. **IWAI asked students: How frequently have you used a tool like ChatGPT to help with school assignments?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | 5 - Nearly every day | 58% | | 4 - Frequently | 12% | | 3 - Often | 5% | | 2 - Occasionally | 9% | | 1 - Rarely or not at all | 16% | Teachers are in agreement, with about 30% of respondents believing that at least 80% of students are using the technology on a regular basis. **IWAI asked teachers: What percentage of students do you feel are using AI to complete a majority of their work?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | More than 80% | 31% | | 60 to 79% | 22% | | 40 to 59% | 19% | | 20 to 39% | 16% | | Less than 20% | 7% | With its usage being so prevalent, is there anything that can be done to prevent students from cheating with the use of LLMs? And is that even the right question to ask? ## Cheating at school with LLMs One of the biggest discussion points about LLMs in schools is that it will be used to cheat their way through classes. This can get complicated (and philosophical) quickly, since we need to define what cheating even means. In most cases, using ChatGPT to write full essays for a homework assignment would be considered cheating, but what about using it to write outlines or even correcting grammar? When looking at more obvious forms of “cheating,” there are various methods to (at least attempt to) catch students cheating. According to our survey, the most popular form of detection is using style or tone analysis, with 51% of teachers saying that is a method that they use in their classroom. This can be a useful method on essay assignments because platforms like ChatGPT will likely give identical responses to questions. In our interview with Matthew Slowinksi, a U.S. history teacher for McAllen ISD, he spoke of a specific example where it was obvious that a wide swath of students used LLMs. “We were covering Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, and specifically, ‘what type of protest is more effective, one through violence or one through non-violence?’, and then everyone comes back with the same response, [one of non-violence]” said Slowinski. “I hate to say it like this, the kids don’t know how to cheat yet.” It’s worth noting that many savvy students who are familiar with [prompt engineering](https://www.datacamp.com/blog/what-is-prompt-engineering-the-future-of-ai-communication) concepts may be able to slip past teachers who are using this method. You can even request a tool like ChatGPT to give a non-traditional answer, such as a violent protest in the example above. Another method, used by 40% of surveyed teachers, is using AI detection software, such as Turnitin AI or GPTZero. This is effectively an automated approach to tone and style analysis, using an algorithm to predict whether something was written by an LLM. Although these are often marketed as having over 99% effectiveness, they can be inaccurate. [Illinois State](https://prodev.illinoisstate.edu/ai/detectors/) and [MIT](https://mitsloanedtech.mit.edu/ai/teach/ai-detectors-dont-work/) are among many schools that have warned against their use, specifically because they can lead teachers to falsely accuse students of plagiarism. **IWAI asked teachers: What methods and/or tools have you used to detect AI-generated work?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | Style or tone analysis | 51% | | Oral follow-ups or in-class writing assignments | 49% | | AI detection software | 40% | | Other | 14% | | Hidden prompts in assignments (e.g. white text) | 11% | | Peer review | 6% | One effectively foolproof method, which nearly 50% of teachers surveyed are already implementing, is oral follow-ups or in-class writing assignments. This can allow students an opportunity to prepare material with the help of tools like ChatGPT beforehand, but forces students to learn how to interact without them. We spoke to Joshua Guther, a student at University of Canterbury, who has seen a process similar to this, where if essays are assigned outside of the classroom, there is still an expectation that they will need to discuss the material in person. “For most of my classes there will be a mix of written assignments and in-person discussion groups,” said Guther. “If the person can’t really talk in depth about the topic, it’s obvious they don’t really know it and were using LLMs to complete the original assignment.” In our survey, we found that 35% of students admit to using AI chatbots to write full essays and assignments, while a majority of students say they are using the tools to brainstorm ideas (85%) and write outlines (63%). This breakdown fits well in an environment where LLMs are tools, but not the complete picture. **IWAI asked students: What kinds of tasks have you used AI tools for?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | Brainstorming ideas | 84% | | Writing outlines | 63% | | Proofreading or editing | 58% | | Coding | 47% | | Writing full essays/assignments | 35% | | Other | 26% | ## The changing classroom Teachers, like students, are learning how to adapt to this new technology. It’s ultimately unrealistic to expect students to not use such a transformative tool. To keep up with the pace, educators should implement AI policies that factor in their use, rather than excluding them entirely. It’s easy to be idealistic, but the reality is that classrooms will have to evolve alongside the changing technology in real time. “We can’t put any safeguards on until the invention is out there,” said Slowinski. “Just embrace it and then learn from it.” Parents are also well aware of this wave of technology. Of the parents who answered our survey, over 95% of them are at least partially familiar with LLMs, with 75% of them having a child that they either suspect or know is using AI tools. Every parent who answered our survey was comfortable with their child using LLMs depending on the context and if used responsibly. **IWAI asked parents: Do you know whether your child has ever used AI tools like ChatGPT for schoolwork?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | Yes, definitely | 54% | | I suspect they might | 21% | | No, they haven't | 16% | | Not sure, but I don't think so | 8% | Banning AI doesn’t work, but ignoring it is shortsighted. Instead, LLMs need to be treated as tools, which starts with clear expectations of how they are used, as well as how to treat activities in class that don’t use them. ## How to create AI policies in classrooms Just like Wikipedia and then Google before it, LLMs are here to stay in the classroom. Knowing this, it’s essential for classrooms to create AI policies that work with the technology, not against it. Here are some ideas to implement: - **Follow up written homework with discussion.** If homework involves writing short answers and essays, it should be followed up with oral discussions of the material. Even if students use LLMs to complete the work, they will be forced to learn enough of the material to involve themselves in discussion. You could even make the majority of the grade be the oral discussion instead of the assignment. - **Use examples of proper AI use.** Teachers should make it clear what constitutes plagiarism and cheating with AI tools. - **Teach AI literacy in the classroom.** Since LLMs are known for [hallucinations](https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/when-llms-day-dream-hallucinations-how-prevent-them) and biases, it’s essential for both students and teachers to understand their limitations and to identify when it’s appropriate to use the tools versus doing outside research. These lessons can also be run as workshops for parents! - **Create assignments that are AI-resistant.** Adjust assignments to hone in on personal experience, such as asking for a first-person connection to, say, reading material. - **Promote transparency and AI usage disclosures.** Students should explicitly state when and how they used AI in their assignments. This has an additional benefit of helping teachers “catch” students who aren’t disclosing when they see obvious similarities across groups of students. Naturally, this should be used as a starting point, especially as the technology continues to develop. If educators lean into the change, instead of resisting, students will come away both tech-savvy and prepared for the world they will soon enter. ## More from the magazine - [Over 50% of real estate agents now see a significant positive impact from AI tools](https://innovatingwithai.com/real-estate-agents-see-positive-impact-from-ai-tools/) — Anna Baluch · Sep 4, 2025 - [Coding Without Code: How AI Is Opening Doors For The Technically Intimidated](https://innovatingwithai.com/coding-without-code/) — Michael Kurko · Aug 20, 2025 - [Is AI changing everything or doing nothing?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-ai-changing-everything-or-doing-nothing/) — Rob Howard · Sep 9, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/coding-without-code/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Coding Without Code: How AI Is Opening Doors For The Technically Intimidated Krista Fabregas never saw herself as a coder. But when she built an AI-powered content automation pipeline to publish an article that outranked Forbes, she knew she was onto something. “That article was fully AI-generated from the start,” she admitted. I just entered a keyword and sent it to my automation tool.” A longtime content […] By Michael Kurko Aug 20, 2025 Krista Fabregas never saw herself as a coder. But when she built an AI-powered content automation pipeline to publish an article that outranked Forbes, she knew she was onto something. “That article was fully AI-generated from the start,” she admitted. I just entered a keyword and sent it to my automation tool.” A longtime content strategist, e-commerce consultant, and fiction writer, Krista joins a new wave of users building software and automations with artificial intelligence. Many have no programming skills and once felt intimidated by AI tools like ChatGPT, Zapier, and Notion AI. AI is also at the heart of Robert Lavigne’s work. A seasoned developer with over 40 years of experience, Robert now utilizes AI to simulate a full-stack team of developers, building prototypes and automations in minutes rather than months. “I have what I call my ‘team of AI assistants,’” he said. “They’re role-specific, and I interact with them the way I would with a dev team. Except they cost me maybe $30 a month in subscriptions instead of $3 million in salaries.” ## From chatbots to full-stack Rather than something out of a sci-fi movie, most AI tools used today are inexpensive and widely accessible. Platforms such as ChatGPT, Zapier, Notion AI, and Airtable enable nearly anyone to create workflows, websites, automations, and more—without needing to learn a single line of code. Having watched the evolution of these tools from Lotus Notes to WordPress to GPT-4, Robert sees these AI assistants as collaborators that can reason, iterate, and even self-correct. “These things can be orchestrating a full-stack deployment,” he said. “Generating code, error handling, API calls, and documentation, all in one go.” Krista sees it slightly differently. She bases her automations on natural language by providing ChatGPT with clear prompts, utilizing Airtable to structure her ideas, and leveraging Zapier to transfer data between tools. “Don’t think of it as building software,” she suggests. “Just tell the AI the problem you want to solve or the idea you have. You don’t need to code.” ## Using AI like a full-stack dev team Robert Lavigne’s career began with punch cards, tape drives, and bulky mainframes. Today, he uses ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and custom AI workflows to build, test, and deploy ideas at lightning speed—without adding developers to his payroll. “I’ve built and deployed full-stack systems by lunchtime that would’ve taken weeks in the old world,” Robert shared. _Robert Lavigne_ Robert’s secret is that he utilizes these tools not as passive assistants, but as a team whose members each have a specific role. Instead of managing engineers, he feeds the same problem to different models, compares results, and refines outputs. However, there is a caveat: Robert believes that treating AI as a black box is a mistake, especially when utilizing AI tools in sensitive industries. “The danger in no-code environments is that people deploy things without understanding what they’ve built,” he warned. “That’s fine if it’s a basic landing page. But if you’re handling payments, health data, proprietary systems—you better know what’s under the hood. Otherwise, you’re sitting on a legal and operational liability.” That mindset makes Robert’s perspective invaluable. Like other developers, he’s learning to work like an orchestra conductor, directing an array of intelligent instruments to bring ideas to life. “I’m not just prompting,” he explained. “I’m building systems and letting the models validate and refine each other.” ## Building a content machine without code Krista Fabregas would never call herself a developer; she prefers the term “logistics user” instead. But the systems she’s built would rival the output of a small tech team. Krista once found herself needing to produce a surge of articles on tight deadlines. “They asked me to deliver 30 original articles in a week—with no freelancers,” she recalled of a former employer. Instead of panicking, she used off-the-shelf tools—ChatGPT, Zapier, Airtable, and WordPress—to construct a full-stack content pipeline without writing a single line of code. “Suddenly, I could use natural language to train tools to generate outputs,” she explained. “It’s like training a junior employee. Be specific with examples, set constraints, and the results are shockingly good.” _Krista Fabregas_ Krista’s approach is a textbook example of vibe coding—shaping outputs through tone, structure, and clear intention. Instead of writing code, she crafts prompts and workflows that “feel right,” using natural language to guide the behavior of her tools. Her journey didn’t stop with long-form articles. She leveraged AI to build a custom WordPress plugin, a content beat machine for fiction writing, and even started prototyping an AI-powered “Choose Your Own Adventure” reader app. Krista still thinks of herself as decidedly non-technical. What makes her different isn’t coding—it’s curiosity and command of language. ## AI as a playground for creativity and invention Though each comes from a different technical background, Robert and Krista have both experienced the ability of AI tools to spark and unlock creativity. Robert dove back into development after years away once he discovered AI could not only handle repetitive code generation but also debug and explain itself. He’s focused on “agentic systems,” which are AI models that can solve problems and decide how to solve them. “The model can plan its own steps,” he said.” Instead of just answering your prompt, it says, ‘Here are the next 10 things I should do,’ then executes them in sequence. It’s self-directed problem-solving.” Krista’s creative awakening is similar. She doesn’t wait for a dev team to greenlight her ideas—she builds the scaffolding herself and asks ChatGPT to troubleshoot, tweak, or walk her through the fix if something breaks. “It’s been fun seeing what I can create,” she said. “I’ve trained my custom GPTs to match my style and tone.” ## The rise of the AI-powered creator Building software once required formal training, deep technical knowledge, and often a team of developers. People like Robert Lavigne and Krista Fabregas are proof that these barriers no longer exist. While their experience and methods differ, their results speak volumes. They’re launching projects, solving problems, and publishing work at a pace that once required entire departments. I’ve worked with enough developers to know they can usually build what you ask for,” Krista said. “What surprised me is how easily I could do it without them. AI helped me build workflows that used to cost tens of thousands to develop.” These new creators aren’t just coders. They’re people who can speak clearly, think structurally, and aren’t afraid to iterate. “AI gives us the tools to understand what we’re doing,” Robert said. “But only if we slow down and ask it to teach us.” ## More from the magazine - [The case for using AI in school](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-case-for-ai-in-school/) — Jay Egger · Aug 29, 2025 - [Exploring Duolingo’s “AI-first” controversy](https://innovatingwithai.com/exploring-duolingos-ai-first-controversy/) — Toni Matthews-El · Aug 20, 2025 - [Over 50% of real estate agents now see a significant positive impact from AI tools](https://innovatingwithai.com/real-estate-agents-see-positive-impact-from-ai-tools/) — Anna Baluch · Sep 4, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/exploring-duolingos-ai-first-controversy/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Exploring Duolingo’s “AI-first” controversy Though Duolingo insisted it will remain a company that “cares very deeply about its employees,” minds were already made up after reading the phrase “AI-first,” and with it came an unspoken association: “Human-last.” By Toni Matthews-El Aug 20, 2025 It says a lot when you seemingly kill off your beloved mascot in a hit-and-run, and the viral stunt gets dwarfed by Internet-wide backlash to a virtual wreck of a different kind. Duo, a green owl associated with the language learning app Duolingo, had been struck by a Tesla truck and killed. The video of the “incident” was viewed millions of times on TikTok alone. Theories abounded, discussing who was responsible and whether it spelled the end for the popular mascot. Much to everyone’s relief, Duo was soon revived and once again alive and well, thanks to Duolingo’s many users who completed lessons in the app. That should have been the most exciting thing to happen to Duolingo’s brand this spring. After all, the darkly humorous stunt was the latest in a slew of marketing wins for the hugely popular language learning app. But what followed was an announcement so shocking and poorly received that we went from theorizing if Duo was truly dead to wondering if Duolingo had just buried its brand alive—all thanks to a poorly thought-out AI-related announcement. ## It began with an email CEO Luis von Ahn’s all-hands email confirming that the brand would be going “AI-first” was widely shared on the company’s LinkedIn page. “We’ll gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle,” he announced. Von Ahn also stated that AI would be prominent not only in future hiring practices but also in performance reviews. As for the Duolingo app itself, the CEO said that the company planned to “move with urgency, and take small occasional hits to quality than move slowly and miss the moment.” Though von Ahn insisted that Duolingo will remain a company that “cares very deeply about its employees,” the sentiment was buried too far along in the email to matter. Minds were already made up after reading the phrase, “AI-first,” and with it came an unspoken association: “Human-last.” The backlash was swift, and it soon became clear that Duolingo didn’t understand its audience. The announcement was the equivalent of having a beloved mascot spotted on a smoke break by a small child who didn’t understand that there was a man in the costume. It was a mask-off moment, undermining years of engagement that had previously painted the brand as truly human-first in the eyes of its customers. ## Duolingo’s human-to-AI pivot had immediate (disastrous) impact With so many professionals on LinkedIn choosing to meet even the most unpleasant circumstances with a dose of corporate positivity, it’s notable that many of the top comments on the “AI-First” announcement post were divisive—or even outright negative. “You can’t care about your employees and put AI first,” wrote Investor Accountant Morgan Wallace. “This is so ridiculous and disappointing,” Wallace added that he would be bringing what was a 1,136-day streak to an end because “[Duolingo is] choosing janky programming over people.” Tim Stutts, a UX designer, asked, “How far are you willing to go down this path of AI-first workplace, eliminating human touch-points wherever possible?” He expressed concern that Duolingo’s decision to prioritize AI at every conceivable turn would inevitably harm customer experience. Our readers agree, with a whopping 80% of respondents to our survey saying that AI use should be balanced with a human-centered approach. **IWAI asked: How do you feel about an "AI-First" approach to customer experience, hiring, and employee performance review?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | I like the idea of AI in these areas, but when balanced with a human-centered approach. | 80.35% | | I don’t like the idea of an “AI-First” approach at all. | 7.14% | | I would need more information to form an opinion one way or the other. | 7.14% | | I love the idea of an “AI-First” approach in these areas. | 5.35% | Commenter Josh Thompson felt the email had the “same energy as Nestle saying that efforts to fight slavery in cocoa producing countries would cause the price of chocolate to increase.” He found Duolingo’s behavior “extremely disappointing,” while adding “if you can’t scale your content ethically, then it shouldn’t exist.” Senior Product Designer Krystal Pham called out a contradiction in that Duolingo admitted it will “eliminate jobs,” but maintains that it will stay a company that cares about its employees. Said Pham, “There’s small hits to quality, and then there’s big hits like this to your image. [All] for the sake of staying ahead of the curve.” Comment after comment expressed one of three sentiments: disappointment in Duolingo’s contribution to a shrinking job market, skepticism regarding the brand’s true motivations, and a sense that customer experience would inevitably decline. Many professionals shared that they were either considering deleting the app and canceling their premium service, or had already done so. However, not everyone thinks that pivoting to an AI-first approach is necessarily the wrong choice—but it may not be the right one either. _Innovating With AI_ recently polled its readers and found that 75% believe it’s possible to do so without jeopardizing consumer confidence, though only if rolled out properly. **IWAI asked: Do you think "Human-First" businesses can pivot to an "AI-First" approach without jeopardizing consumer confidence?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | Maybe. It depends on the business, their industry, and customer perceptions. | 75% | | Yes, if they are clear and honest with their intentions. | 10.71% | | No, it would undermine their business model and how the public sees them. | 8.92% | ## “A failure to communicate” Few companies were as plugged into popular culture as Duolingo, understanding how to get people talking and keep its massive customer base engaged. To date, Duolingo has been downloaded more than 500 million times on Android devices and has over 16.7 million followers on TikTok alone. TikTok’s “unserious” vibe is a world away from the more buttoned-up LinkedIn, where the company has 729,000 followers as of this writing. As negative as the feedback was on LinkedIn, it was even worse on TikTok. The viral response to the announcement was unmistakably vitriolic. As with LinkedIn commentators, there were declarations of ending premium usage and halting streaks across the platform. Once again, there was a sentiment that Duolingo’s “AI-first” pivot represented a betrayal of their employees and an impending decline in customer experience. It’s a concern that Jen Gennai, Non-Executive Director & Head of Responsible AI for T3 Consultants, suggested reframing during an interview with _Innovating With AI Magazine_. “I disagree with ‘AI-First’ as [the sentiment that] AI comes first and then humans come second or last.” Instead of the rather loaded “AI-First,” phrase, Gennai agreed with the sentiment that businesses should instead be using a “human-centered” approach. “It means that at each stage, we are considering how humans are not just interacting with these AI technologies, [but also] how they will be impacted by them. Who is making decisions? Who provides human oversight and accountability?” Likewise, who keeps track of not only how human customers engage with the brand…but also _why?_ With the backlash being so severe, the weeks since the announcement have seen talk of Duolingo backtracking on its plans to heavily integrate AI across all levels of business operation. Whether the AI-first initiative will eventually roll on as planned remains to be seen. For other businesses hoping to make the most out of incorporating AI into their business or product, there are lessons to be learned here—not just from the decision to pivot towards heavy reliance on AI technology, but also in how a brand makes the announcement. ## Three key lessons from Duolingo’s mistakes Established businesses hoping to maximize profits through AI implementation likely feel trepidation about admitting this, even when it’s not the entirety of their future goals. Even with AI’s potential to increase corporate profits by $4.4 trillion per year, we exist at a time when these massive gains coincide with the reality of shrinking opportunities for professionals across multiple industries. With this in mind, there are a few important lessons that established, human-led companies must learn from the Duolingo backlash to avoid running into similar negative feedback. ### Lesson #1: Plan, then pivot A notable chunk of the criticism of Duolingo’s “AI-first” pivot insists that AI is to blame for a drop in quality, with the technology accused of making mistakes or reducing the quality of customer experience. In situations where AI is getting incorporated in stages, it’s best to ensure that your adjustments improve product quality. Introduce customers to AI-related changes over time. This could be done through voluntary beta testing or slow rollouts. As time passes, you can hear firsthand from customers how AI is making the product better or worse. You can get direct feedback that can then be used to streamline the overall customer experience further. When your brand identity is on the line, shoot for ethical and responsible AI adoption as much as possible. If the customers have a poor experience related to an inability to incorporate the AI smoothly, it will harm their trust in the technology _and_ your company. While CEO Luis von Ahn wasn’t interested in waiting for the technology to be 100% perfect, it’s clear he overestimated the number of paying customers willing to wait for Duolingo to get it right. ### Lesson #2: Never sacrifice customer experience One of the most telling aspects of the all-hands email is the absolute lack of emphasis on customer experience or service quality. At no point did there seem to be any excitement about improving how customers experience Duolingo. Instead, Luis von Ahn repeatedly mentioned how quality would have to suffer so that the pivot to AI could happen as quickly as possible. Unfortunately for the Duolingo CEO, customers aren’t interested in paying for a bad experience. In our survey, a mere 7% of _Innovating With AI_ readers felt that de-prioritizing CX was justifiable for long-term gains. **IWAI asked: Do you think prioritizing AI while knowingly reducing customer experience and service quality makes sense in the short term if the goal is long-term gains?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | Businesses should only cut CX where necessary and be transparent about why. | 58.92% | | Businesses should NEVER use AI to harm CX for any reason, short or long term. | 32.14% | | Businesses can de-prioritize CX in the short term if the goal is long-term improvements. | 7.14% | | Other | 1.78% | Too often, business owners assume the bottom line is more important than how the people who pay for their service or product feel about it. Duolingo was known to lean into jokes and memes that made the brand beloved by millions of people. Going from deliberately engaging customers to making their experience irrelevant in the name of “efficiency” is a surefire way to not only lose their trust but also see many of them walk away from your product for good. ### Lesson #3: Governance should complement brand identity Duolingo’s CEO may want the brand to become an AI-first company with as few humans working there as necessary, but that vision isn’t meshing with many users who had previously connected with Duolingo and its memorable mascot on a purely human level. If you own a brand that customers connect with on such a level, then that brand’s identity will inherently be viewed as “human-first” or “human-led.” A sudden shift away from this could irreparably harm customer trust. Gennai recommends establishing governance processes and remaining transparent about AI usage to avoid adverse customer reactions to implementation. “I’m a big fan of governance [as an] indicator for businesses to show that they’re taking these issues seriously, and that they can be trusted.” She adds, “Transparency is another factor. Not just in the governance structure but also in transparency in the values of the company [and its] principles.” ## Build your brand around people, not buzzwords There’s no doubt that Duolingo may learn crucial lessons from this controversy. A successful rebranding could lead to a resurgence of going viral by amusing rather than disappointing its customers. Regardless, Duolingo’s “AI-First” controversy serves as a reminder that buzzwords aren’t enough to keep customers engaged or employees enthused. Lead with innovation and genuine care for customer experience. Otherwise, you risk damaging your brand and losing a loyal customer base. ## More from the magazine - [Coding Without Code: How AI Is Opening Doors For The Technically Intimidated](https://innovatingwithai.com/coding-without-code/) — Michael Kurko · Aug 20, 2025 - [Does AI Help Grocery Stores Discriminate? How The AI Revolution Impacts Your Food Choices](https://innovatingwithai.com/does-ai-cause-discrimination-at-grocery-stores/) — Amy Smith · Jul 7, 2025 - [The case for using AI in school](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-case-for-ai-in-school/) — Jay Egger · Aug 29, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/does-ai-cause-discrimination-at-grocery-stores/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Does AI Help Grocery Stores Discriminate? How The AI Revolution Impacts Your Food Choices AI is increasingly being utilized to predict various aspects of grocery supply chains. Data on climate, access to water, and consumer shopping habits all combine to inform farmers how to determine planting cash crops versus nutrition crops. By Amy Smith Jul 7, 2025 Artificial intelligence has the power to assist grocery stores with everything from supply chain optimization to spoilage and food waste management. It’s also useful for enhancing real-time promotions, dynamic pricing, and overall customer experience. Of course, new AI technology also comes at a hefty price that some stores may find prohibitive. Grocery stores have some of the thinnest profit margins of any retailer; historically, according to NYU Stern, [grocers stand to net 1–3%](https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/datafile/margin.html) annually. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, profits for food stores doubled in some cases. But those extra percentage points have since dropped, even as food costs continue to rise. Given the narrow revenue potential, grocers may not yet be ready to adopt AI. With all that said, increased usage of this emerging technology is likely to come to a store near you. According to Grocery Doppio, an independent source for grocers, AI utilization is projected to grow exponentially in the grocery space. The adoption of these new systems is expected to unlock more than [$135 billion in value by 2030](https://www.grocerydoppio.com/research-report/state-of-ai-in-grocery-2024). The biggest growth potential is predicted in the supply chain and logistics fields, though merchandising and marketing aren’t far behind. The same report makes it clear that AI adoption has been slow in the industry, with cost being the top inhibitor. Other challenges include inadequate technical infrastructure, a lack of proof of return on investment (ROI), and limited access to AI experts for implementation. Key Takeaways: - Choose the right AI tool for your business by finding out which training data a company uses, and ask if the company has the right expertise - Grocers that adopt AI early may gain an edge over competitors through data collection and data-driven insights for better ad targeting, promotions, and personalization - AI technology can help grocers with supply chain optimization, customer experience, and dynamic pricing - Food retailers need to be cautious of providing benefits to customers only online to prevent unintentional discrimination (digital redlining) - AI for small businesses can be cost-prohibitive, but you can start small and build on your strategy over time ## What happens if grocers don’t adopt AI tech now? Author [Neil Sahota](https://www.neilsahota.com/) of _Own the A.I. Revolution_ confirmed the challenges of AI implementation that face food retailers today. > “There’s a cost to the infrastructure,” he says. “Even if it’s really a one-time cost for grocery stores, you know the margins aren’t that great to begin with, so it’s a huge capital investment on their part.” In addition to cost, Sahota said, it also comes down to what consumers want—or _don’t_ want, in this case. He says some people aren’t ready for AI, such as older generations that prefer to speak personally to a checker or a produce manager. Human interaction remains a significant draw for many shoppers. Not all AI advancements mean removing the human element; rather, it can help increase personalization for customers. Early adoption of AI technology could give grocers a competitive edge with shoppers, but food retailers who sleep on AI risk losing both current and future customers. Shekar Raman, CEO of [Birdzi](https://birdzi.com/), an AI solutions company specifically for food retailers, shared his insights from the 2024 conference [Groceryshop](https://groceryshop.com/). The article outlines why it’s critical for grocers to lean into data-driven approaches with the help of AI. At the heart of these efforts is personalization for grocers. “Largely, the market has made it obvious you have to be a data-driven company if you want to succeed,” Raman said in an interview. “There’s a size of retailer that’s hesitant. They’ve been doing more legacy stuff for a longer time, and maybe that works because you only have five stores and you’re in a rural area … their apprehension to invest dollars in AI may be higher.” Maintaining a traditional approach in grocery advertising and promotion could be detrimental. “Only a small percentage of the total universe of shoppers in the retailer’s market area are drawn to shop because potential customers do not receive the degree of personalization that aligns with their evolving preferences and expectations,” Raman wrote in a 2024 Grocery Doppio article. ### Costs are expected to decrease over time Not all retailers are facing doom and gloom, unless they fail to hear the alarms going off, Raman said. He likened it to the personal computer, which was expensive and out of reach for many when it was introduced, but quickly became ubiquitous. “I think there’s going to be a black swan effect that’s going to happen,” he said. “…AI and other technologies’ affordability will no longer be a factor.” Overall, smaller retailers may benefit from waiting until AI becomes more attainable, but Raman believes it comes down to location. Smaller urban grocery stores, rather than rural ones, tend to be more enthusiastic about new technologies, as they aim to compete with larger retailers that have larger budgets for AI. ## Forecasting the future Consumer data has been a major player in the grocery industry since the 1990s when loyalty programs were launched, and has advanced significantly since then. Computer-assisted ordering made it easier than ever for retailers to plan for products when they needed them. Combine the consumer data with more advanced ordering technology, and you get [better demand forecasting](https://progressivegrocer.com/grocery-tech-look-past-centurys-innovations) so grocers know to stock hot dogs and buns the week before Memorial Day or Fourth of July. Now, demand forecasting uses machine learning (ML) and AI to incorporate additional variables. Sahota says that AI is also used to help predict various aspects of the supply chain. > “We’re actually working in the food supply chain with not just grocery stores, but actually farmers, as well. We integrate climate data such as topsoil conditions, access to water, and thousands of variations of seeds to figure out…the optimal use of the land and how you divide up cash crops versus nutrition crops.” Additionally, Sahota suggested that AI can help food retailers with automation for operational efficiences, using AI and internet of things (IoT) sensors to help track produce and optimize routes so food doesn’t sit on trucks for long periods of time. Image recognition is another way grocery stores are using AI to scan fruits and vegetables to ensure each piece is ripe, not rotten or otherwise unsuitable for customers, according to Sahota. ## The rise and roadblocks in AI pricing Dynamic pricing is a mixed bag for grocery stores and consumers alike. Adjusting prices in real time to account for supply, demand, and competitor pricing is much easier with the help of AI. On one hand, it could provide customers the best price for, say, a tomato, or you may be paying a premium, depending on several factors. The benefits are obvious: reduced food waste and the best prices to keep customers coming back to the store. The drawbacks include concerns about price gouging, data privacy issues, and potential discrimination. In a [2023 survey](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1441369/canada-opinion-on-ai-use-in-grocery-industry-and-restaurant-sector/) by Dalhousie University, Canadian respondents were largely uncertain about AI in the food store and service sector, but 26.5% worried about negative impacts on jobs and 21.8% were concerned about their privacy. Only 16.3% of those surveyed thought AI in grocery stores was a good idea. ### Is AI discriminatory? Digital redlining, a form of discrimination that occurs when access to digital coupons, promotions, and online shopping is limited, may be something grocers need to consider as they roll out AI-powered tools that don’t automatically address ethical concerns. For example, one result of digital discounts that one can only get from apps on smartphones could be increased “food deserts,” a term describing areas that lack access to affordable and nutritious foods (now commonly referred to as “low-income and low-access” areas). Targeted marketing campaigns also segregate customers based on various demographics, which could lead to discrimination–unintentional or otherwise. “A lot of this is based on past purchasing behavior,” Sahota said. “Some places like Walmart employ what’s called a smart shelf. So … if you’re looking at a product for a minute or two, but you don’t buy it, they may try to tag you with a special coupon … but it could skew the results that their algorithms are prioritizing things that we call false patterns.” ### The potential to make life easier Most grocery stores offer an app that customers can download and use to access loyalty programs, weekly sales, and create shopping lists. These conveniences are enticing to consumers, and they provide retailers with the data they need to push specific items they already know you will purchase. The new frontier may be grocers using AI to create personalized discounts for individuals and not the public at large. For example, you may get a coupon for $1 off a soda brand because you buy soda often, but your neighbor gets a coupon for $1 off juice. Sahota said he thinks we’re already about 70% of the way there. “They’re using AI to look for patterns to either incentivize you to try a new product with a coupon or [to] remind you, hey, you might be running out of milk,” he said. Of course, things don’t always work as intended. Sahota likened a supply-and-demand pitfall that occurs often with event tickets. The secondary ticket market may show lots of tickets for sale, so the prices are low–but 24 hours before the event, for any number of reasons, the tickets are suddenly gone. The result is that AI sees supply is low, assumes demand is high, and raises ticket prices. And then fewer people buy tickets. ### Reclaiming your data is impossible Another issue with AI-powered suggestions in grocery store apps is when a customer buys something that’s out of the ordinary for them. Sahota told a story about an executive who, ironically, runs a retail industry sector for a major consulting firm. She watched her 5-year-old nephew for a bit and used an app to look for child-appropriate snacks. “Two years later, she still gets bombarded with children’s foods even though she doesn’t have kids,” Sahota said. Currently, there is no way to undo that part of the algorithm. ## Designing the perfect aisle Consider the layout of a typical grocery store. Produce is usually on one side, and frozen items on the other. Generally, dairy and meat products are located toward the back, while packaged goods line the aisles in the center. The design has been optimized to maximize a customer’s time in the store. Now add smart shelves, AI assistance, and an app that potentially tracks your movement through the store. Slowly, grocery stores will adjust their product placement based on consumer data, sales, and bundling similar items. And it doesn’t stop there. > “The more we get into personalized [data] … the more we could have our app tracking our route for influence,” Sahota said. Grocery store apps have store layouts, so you know exactly which aisle to visit next and can follow your dot in the app as you walk through the store. Target and Walmart apps include this feature already. Some stores offer kiosks or tablets where you can ask about an item, and it will tell you the exact location in the store. ## The surprising ways grocery stores use AI What might surprise many people, according to Sahota, is how much grocery stores are mining social media for customer data. They want to understand their customer base on a more personal level to get ahead of the competition. “They’re finding social media is a wealth of information for … marketing to a 19-year-old versus a 49-year-old … especially as it seems like the younger generations are more like foodies,” Sahota said. A big push for many food retailers today is private labeling, and food retailers are figuring out what customers want by combining social media data and AI. Consumers are experimenting more with private label purchases, largely due to higher costs. Amcor is a global packaging company that reported on European interest in private labels, which closely mirrors the US view. In the 2023 Amcor study, pricing was the top reason for 85% of those who chose a private label. Promotions encouraged [48% to purchase a private label product](https://downloads.ctfassets.net/f7tuyt85vtoa/cIN705Uv0ee1gmhTJPGt3/4f4a2c6c76a6c3a8efd90d9eed11e35a/0845_Amcor_Retailer_Research_infographic_CR8.pdf). “They were using AI to figure out, hey, for a lot of people it’s meatless Monday, right? So, we should stock up more on these types of (foods),” Sahota said. He thinks AI also holds a lot of power for new food development. Working with _Bon Appetit_, he created an AI chef that invented new recipes that people wouldn’t normally try, such as a chocolate Austrian burrito or a Vietnamese apple kebab. The new recipes turned out to be a hit. “(AI) sees food as chemistry,” he said. “So it knows the chemical combination that produces flavors, smells, colors, and nutrition.” ## Two questions to ask before implementing AI As exciting as the AI revolution is for food retailers, it comes with caveats and challenges for many, especially small businesses that may not have the budget for the infrastructure. Sahota has specific advice for those who want to dip their toes into the technology. > “There are two questions you always need to ask,” he said. “First, whoever you’re talking to about their tool, ask them if they truly have the expertise.” It’s crucial, for example, to have someone with experience in the grocery industry to consult on the AI tool. Otherwise, you may just be buying an AI tool that’s too generic. “Second, I always tell them to ask what training data they used,” Sahota said. “You don’t have to ask for the secrets and the algorithms, but how they establish their…ground truth; the rules on decision making and what they use as a basis for training.” Sahota reminds small businesses that AI is not software, so you shouldn’t treat it as such. “The first thing you have to do is understand that AI is like a high-energy intern,” he said. “It’s ready to do whatever you ask it to do, no matter how tedious or boring. But you have to teach it how to do it first, right?” Having a strong training strategy and reliable data, Sahota said, is integral to implementing AI for any grocery store, big or small. ## More from the magazine - [Exploring Duolingo’s “AI-first” controversy](https://innovatingwithai.com/exploring-duolingos-ai-first-controversy/) — Toni Matthews-El · Aug 20, 2025 - [Survey: 83% of users prefer AI search over ‘traditional’ Googling](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-ai-search-replacing-traditional-search/) — Tim Keary · Jul 1, 2025 - [Coding Without Code: How AI Is Opening Doors For The Technically Intimidated](https://innovatingwithai.com/coding-without-code/) — Michael Kurko · Aug 20, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/is-ai-search-replacing-traditional-search/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Survey: 83% of users prefer AI search over ‘traditional’ Googling More than a trend – new data suggests AI search is a more efficient way to answer questions. By Tim Keary Jul 1, 2025 The days of ‘Googling’ may be numbered. We asked Innovating with AI readers about their experience with AI search solutions, and more than 83% said they found AI-powered tools more efficient than traditional search. With the emergence of a new wave of AI search tools, an increasing number of consumers are shifting away from the traditional search experience. According to data collected by [Statcounter](https://searchengineland.com/google-search-market-share-drops-2024-450497), Google’s global market share fell below 90% for the first time since 2015 in October 2024. While there are other factors that could cause such a drop, it is likely that the growing popularity of AI-driven search tools like ChatGPT, Grok, and Perplexity AI are at least partially to blame. But why is AI search gaining so much momentum? For many users, the answer is that it provides answers much more quickly than traditional search. Rather than sifting through pages of hyperlinks and meta descriptions, you can simply read a single response that collates resources into a single response. But in practice, things are a little more complicated. ## Entering the Era of AI Search With ChatGPT reaching [200 million weekly active users](https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/06/chatgpt-doubled-its-weekly-active-users-in-under-6-months-thanks-to-new-releases/) at the end of 2024, it’s clear that the way human users search for information is changing. Innovating With AI (IWAI) conducted a survey of frequent AI users and found that nearly all of them—91%—utilize popular large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT for their internet searches. We’ve also seen leading search providers, such as Google and DuckDuckGo, start to pivot toward generative AI-driven user experiences, most notably by adding AI-generated summaries to the top of search results. And as mentioned above, AI can provide users with answers more quickly than the traditional search experience, leading some to refer to ChatGPT as a “Google Killer.” However, Nick Reese, an Adjunct Instructor at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs, who also served as the first ever Director of Emerging Technology Policy at the US Department of Homeland Security, suggests that the idea of AI search replacing traditional search is a false dichotomy. > “I think that those tools are building upon traditional search, and will present an evolution of search. And so when we talk about replacing that, that implies a dichotomy of, we’re going to shift from one thing entirely to another,” Reese said. “I think it would be more accurate to say that if you look at search as kind of a singular pursuit, we’re seeing an evolution in that, and I do think that that evolution will become the preferred tool for executing search in the near future.” ### Many Users Are Prioritizing Efficiency Reese also suggests that AI search has several key selling points that drive adoption. “The advantage with the new AI-enabled search results, or search products, is that they give you results in plain language,” he says. “They can summarize things for you, give you links if you need more information, and provide good citations. They don’t just give you a link; they actually answer your question.” With platforms like Perplexity AI or ChatGPT, users don’t need to click through to third-party sites for an answer; they can receive a cohesive response with a single click. They also don’t have to worry about navigating search results that have been crammed with SEO-driven content written by algorithms rather than people. **IWAI asked: Do you find AI search more efficient for getting answers to questions than traditional search?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | Not really | 8.33% | | Neutral/Unsure | 8.33% | | Yes, a little | 16.67% | | Yes, very much | 66.67% | Of course, there are still areas of search where tools like Google and Bing still have an advantage. Reese argues that traditional tools are good for looking at news stories and current events, whereas AI search tools are better at responding to queries when the user is unsure what they’re looking for (potentially exploring new topics and concepts). I’d suggest search engines might have the edge for browsing the news, because users can easily scroll through a list of reputable sources covering a recent news story with a much higher degree of choice than a tool like Perplexity or ChatGPT. Likewise, an LLM would potentially save you time by offering a summary about an unfamiliar topic more quickly than if you had to track down another website’s article or blog post. However, AI search’s ability to provide users with quick answers comes at a significant cost; those answers are often incorrect, a phenomenon known as AI “hallucinations.” This suggests that traditional search may have some sticking power, at least for the foreseeable future. ## The Problem with AI Search While AI search has undoubtedly gathered significant momentum, many users continue to gravitate toward traditional search experiences. [Research](https://onelittleweb.com/full-study-ai-chatbots-vs-search-engines/) from link-building provider OneLittleWeb found that between April 2024 and March 2025, Google received 26x more traffic per month compared to ChatGPT. The same report also found that while AI chatbots experienced an 80.92% increase in traffic, search engine traffic remained stable, with a total drop in visits of less than 1%. Other research, conducted by [YouGov](https://business.yougov.com/content/51748-should-ai-generated-search-summaries-replace-traditional-search), suggests that not all users are embracing AI search. Only 38% of users surveyed reported reading AI-generated search summaries. Part of the reason why some are ignoring AI search is the sentiment that the responses of LLMs can’t be trusted. LLM-powered tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity AI utilize language models to predict outputs in response to user questions, resulting in responses that are often verifiably incorrect. ### Hallucinations Abound [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/05/technology/ai-hallucinations-chatgpt-google.html) reports that o3, one of OpenAI’s most powerful models, hallucinated 33% of the time when performing the PersonQA benchmark test, a set of questions and facts designed to help measure the accuracy of language models. That’s a 1 in 3 chance that the response you receive is going to be completely false. **IWAI asked: Have you had issues with AI search tools hallucinating and generating verifiably false information?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | Rarely | 33.33% | | Regularly | 16.67% | | Often | 33.33% | | Frequently | 16.67% | We’ve also seen well-publicized examples of Google AI [claiming](https://www.wired.com/story/google-ai-overviews-says-its-still-2024/) that the current year is 2024 rather than 2025, and even [encouraging](https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/23/24162896/google-ai-overview-hallucinations-glue-in-pizza) users to add glue to pizza. These hallucinations mean that users either have to use AI search for “low stakes” searches, fact-check the output against a third-party source, or just accept the risk of being misinformed. For this reason, many users will stick to traditional search, as it’s easier to get reliable answers from trustworthy sources. That being said, hallucinations could become less prevalent over time as vendors adopt methods such as reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) and chain of thought reasoning to improve the overall reliability of responses. For now, having the LLM provide citations and in-response links serves as a temporary solution. ## Google’s Move to Cannibalize Human Search When considering the future of search, it is difficult to overlook the role of Google, which has been moving toward cannibalizing traditional search by ranking its own AI-generated responses above human-written content from third-party sites. Chris Andrew is the CEO and co-founder of Scrunch AI, a startup helping organizations to rank in AI search. He suggests that Google is “accelerating the cannibalization of traditional search because humans prefer the AI overview,” citing Google AI overviews 1.5 billion [monthly active users](https://abc.xyz/assets/34/fa/ee06f3de4338b99acffc5c229d9f/2025q1-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf). > “[Google is] challenging [its] own business model as they figure out new ways to monetize AI overviews. But I think what we will see is…. AI Mode, the new capabilities Google announced last week, [becoming] the dominant search experience. It might not happen overnight, but we will see a world where the traditional kind of search results will get pushed further down or become completely irrelevant,” Andrew said. We’re entering a situation where Google is promoting the responses of its own proprietary AI model over those of third-party voices, which is a departure from the traditional search model, where users were connected with a high volume of third-party sources. **IWAI asked: Do you think that AI search will replace traditional search in the future?** | Answer | Percentage | | --- | --- | | No, not likely | 8.33% | | Possibly | 33.33% | | Most likely | 16.67% | | Yes, definitely | 41.67% | There are serious ethical concerns about this, particularly when the company’s own AI has been trained on that content without compensation or permission, and has developed a competing product that directly undermines its traffic. For instance, France’s competition watchdog has [fined](https://nypost.com/2024/03/20/business/google-hit-with-271m-fine-over-gemini-ai-tool-copyright-breach/) Alphabet $271.7 million for training its AI on content taken from publishers and news agencies without notifying them. ## The End of the Information Age Although it appears that traditional search will remain around for a while longer, Google’s actions to promote AI-generated content over human-written content suggest that search as we know it is going to change. My assessment of what’s happening now is that Google is promoting its proprietary AI overviews at the expense of third-party publishers, whose results are pushed further down in search rankings while the platform blurs the lines between being a content provider and a search engine. You could argue that AI overviews offer users a better user experience by providing them with quicker answers to questions, but given the prevalence of hallucinations and the decline in visibility of third-party sites, the decline of traditional search would be a significant blow to freedom of information. If search providers continue to phase out human-written content, the average internet user will have less freedom to access information independently, even if AI search providers offer citations. Case in point: Asking Google, “What caused the Second World War?” yields 15 pages of results. Asking the same question to AI Mode generated just 12 links. For this query, AI search offered fewer choices and less control. The writing on the wall is clear: Brands and publications will have to work much harder to reach their audiences if traditional search continues to be cannibalized by AI-centric platforms. Whether that comes down to optimizing content to rank in AI search with generative engine optimization (GEO) or doubling down on social media marketing, it’s likely that organic search traffic for most companies will never be the same again. ## More from the magazine - [Does AI Help Grocery Stores Discriminate? How The AI Revolution Impacts Your Food Choices](https://innovatingwithai.com/does-ai-cause-discrimination-at-grocery-stores/) — Amy Smith · Jul 7, 2025 - [OpenAI declares war on Apple](https://innovatingwithai.com/openai-declares-war-on-apple/) — Rob Howard · May 23, 2025 - [Exploring Duolingo’s “AI-first” controversy](https://innovatingwithai.com/exploring-duolingos-ai-first-controversy/) — Toni Matthews-El · Aug 20, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/openai-declares-war-on-apple/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # OpenAI declares war on Apple Are AI-first devices the future? By Rob Howard May 23, 2025 I’m in Forbes today with a comment on the news that OpenAI has acquired the company run by Jony Ive, a famed product designer from Apple. Here’s the link: [AI Experts React To Merger Of OpenAI And Jony Ive To Create AI Devices](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZm9yYmVzLmNvbS9zaXRlcy90b3Jjb25zdGFudGluby8yMDI1LzA1LzIyL2FpLWV4cGVydHMtcmVhY3QtdG8tbWVyZ2VyLW9mLW9wZW5haS1hbmQtam9ueS1pdmUtdG8tY3JlYXRlLWFpLWRldmljZXMv) **The basics: OpenAI wants to start creating physical consumer hardware to operate its AI tools,** putting it in direct competition with Apple, Samsung and many other hardware companies. By acqui-hiring (acquiring + hiring) Ive, they are not only bringing on a person whom Steve Jobs called his “spiritual partner” in product creation, but also directly taking a swing at Apple, which has notoriously struggled to release quality AI software on its already-ubiquitous hardware. In the Forbes article, I discussed the risks to consumers of a new hardware rivalry between OpenAI and Apple. In today’s post I’ll go deeper on what it means to build AI-first hardware. _Jony Ive (left) and Sam Altman discuss their still-nebulous plans for AI-first devices_ Here’s what I told Forbes: > Rob Howard, AI consultant and educator at Innovating with AI for more than a decade, is a bit skeptical that casual AI users will gravitate toward an AI-specific device — especially given the fact that most AI software is readily available via a mobile device app. > “The idea that consumers are open to purchasing another very expensive piece of hardware to complement their iPhone or their Android phone is a pretty big gamble for OpenAI. It is notoriously difficult to get consumers to adopt new hardware for everyday use. The Apple Watch was one example of success but there have been many examples of failures,” he noted. > “I think intense competition between Apple and OpenAI is very likely to occur and possibly lead to more lockdown and ecosystems that are less open and less interoperable,” he added. “For the typical consumer that means they might not be able to use OpenAI on an Apple device at some point in the future.” Let’s dive into some more detail. ## A lot of this is Silicon Valley propaganda To me, the most striking thing about [the “Sam and Jony” release video](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuYWkuY29tL3NhbS1hbmQtam9ueS8=) from OpenAI is how overly dramatic it is. (Jony is pronounced the same way as “Johnny.”) Honestly, it strikes me as a way of saying, “Jony is breaking up with Apple and getting together with OpenAI” in the most heavy-handed way possible. The cinematography, the writing… it all strikes me as basically targeted at investors and Silicon Valley insiders, essentially a way to parade the new partnership in the most emotional way possible. In practice… I find it hard to believe that OpenAI devices will engender the same level of emotional response that Apple devices do. I think Steve Jobs was a once-in-a-very-long-time inventor and societal figure, and it would surprise me if Altman and Ive can replicate his profile and charisma – or the quality Apple’s product suite. ## Apple is also the world’s best software company In the AI-first world, I think we can divide computing experiences into three categories: - Hardware (e.g. iPhone or Macbook) - Software (e.g. iOS or Safari) - AI Models (e.g. GPT-4o or Claude Sonnet 4) Right now, Apple is the clear leader in the **Hardware and Software** categories, which dominate all pre-AI computing. OpenAI is the leader in **AI Models,** but **they have no moat.** They could lose their lead to any number of competitors – Google, Meta, Anthropic, Amazon, xAI, DeepSeek, even Apple! – tomorrow with a new model breakthrough. This is part of the reason why I think the OpenAI vs. Apple framing of the “merger” of io (Ive’s company) and OpenAI is mostly showmanship. **Apple has a huuuuuuge moat around its software and hardware businesses.** Despite their struggles in the third and newer AI Models column, they could still realistically have a breakthrough (or simply partner with someone who makes a breakthrough) to bring their AI models up to speed. **OpenAI as zero moat around its AI models.** For power users, the switching cost to Claude or Gemini is very low – in fact, many of our students actively use 3 or 4 models just to keep an eye on the latest advancements. **OpenAI also has major software problems,** specifically that it is very difficult to understand the distinction between their models (o3, 4o, 4.1, etc.) and that it is unclear to everyday users what their tools can even do. Some users stumble across really cool, off-the-beaten path use cases like [fashion recommendations](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFzdGNvbXBhbnkuY29tLzkxMzM3MDM2L2dlbi16LWlzLXR1cm5pbmctdG8tY2hhdGdwdC1mb3Itb3V0Zml0LWFkdmljZQ==), others end up just [cheating on their homework](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVkZGl0LmNvbS9yL0xhd3llcnRhbGsvY29tbWVudHMvMWtoNTJsMS9ueV9tYWdhemluZV9hcnRpY2xlX2Fib3V0X3JhbXBhbnRfYWlfdXNlX2luX3VzLw==) (i.e. not learning) or anthropomorphizing the AI as a “[life advisor](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9xei5jb20vY2hhdGdwdC1vcGVuLWFpLXNhbS1hbHRtYW4tZ2Vuei11c2Vycy1zdHVkZW50cy0xODUxNzgwNDU4),” which I think requires putting way too much trust in the tech as it stands today. There are also huge issues around people misunderstanding the knowledge cut-off dates and quality differences between models – for example, trying to get AI to tell you what books are coming out this summer, accepting hallucinations without double-checking, and [embarrassing yourself](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnByLm9yZy8yMDI1LzA1LzIwL254LXMxLTU0MDUwMjIvZmFrZS1zdW1tZXItcmVhZGluZy1saXN0LWFp). Contrast this to the ease of use and “obvious-ness” of Apple software. Using MacOS and iOS often feels like an extension of your body and mind, because the software is so well designed. In short, even if OpenAI can build great hardware, it still has to: - Get that hardware widely adopted (who wants another $1,000 device in their pocket?) - Write software that makes the hardware work in a slick and natural way – something OpenAI hasn’t really been able to accomplish so far _Side note:_ Did you even know that iPhones cost $1,000?! I never think of it that way because I pay for the phone monthly via my AT&T bill… so there’s another hurdle that OpenAI’s hardware needs to clear. The merger will probably produce some cool devices. The idea that OpenAI can genuinely compete with Apple on hardware and software, though, strikes me as a stretch. ## Many AI handhelds and wearables have already failed With the caveat that the next version could be a breakthrough, I think it is safe to say that we’ve seen some major duds in the AI wearable / handheld device world so far: 1. The Ai Pin from Humane (reviewed as “[the worst product ever](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20vd2F0Y2g_YWJfY2hhbm5lbD1NYXJxdWVzQnJvd25sZWUmdj1UaXRaVjZrOHpmQQ==)“) 2. The [Meta Ray-Ban](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25ldC5jb20vdGVjaC9tb2JpbGUvbWV0YS1yYXktYmFucy02LW1vbnRocy1sYXRlci10aGUtYmVzdC1haS1jb21wYW5pb24taGFwcGVucy10by1iZS1jYW1lcmEtZ2xhc3Nlcy8=) AI-powered glasses – I bought these just to play with them, and they are extremely “meh” 3. The Rabbit R1 (not to be confused with DeepSeek R1) – a bright orange handheld that got big hype and [awful reviews](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9iZWVib20uY29tL3JhYmJpdC1yMS1vcy0yLTAtdXBkYXRlLWNvbWluZy1zb29uLw==) There are hardware and software challenges with all of the above. However, I think the biggest challenge is simply getting consumers to **add another thing to their pocket or wrist.** Really the only successful wearables are the Fitbit and Apple Watch (which is basically a luxury Fitbit). Fitbit carved out a whole new market (fancy pedometer) with a viral “count your steps” marketing trend. The Apple Watch brought a lot of normal consumers into the luxury watch realm for the first time. Still, the Apple Watch generates a tiny fraction of the revenue and enthusiasm that the iPhone does – and Apple doesn’t even publish Watch revenue specifically, it lumps it in with Airpods and home devices. In other words, **the single smartphone is still king,** and there’s really no sign the average person wants more stuff in their pockets. ## Ultimately, every handheld device is constrained by internet speeds Ironically, the thing that most constrains AI-first devices is not hardware, software or AI model quality – it’s **cellular data internet speeds.** And naturally, this is not at all in the control of the companies creating the devices – instead it is reliant on an elaborate network of government regulation and capital investment by companies like AT&T and Verizon. The thing that _really_ hurt the Ai Pin was its slowness. You just can’t really get snappy AI responses on the fly with current mobile internet speeds, especially when processing lots of voice/image data, which results in much larger file sizes than text. Eventually, a mixture of faster cellular data speeds and better on-device processing will help with this, but ultimately, there is still a constraint: “the faster my wifi, the better my device works.” If Sam and Jony use their device in the coffee shop where they staged their dramatic video, and they don’t have good signal… even the best AI is going to feel sluggish and dull. Even during the fourth industrial revolution, sometimes you get better results if you just plug it in to the wall. ## More from the magazine - [Survey: 83% of users prefer AI search over ‘traditional’ Googling](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-ai-search-replacing-traditional-search/) — Tim Keary · Jul 1, 2025 - [OpenAI’s mystery business model](https://innovatingwithai.com/openais-mystery-business-model/) — Rob Howard · May 2, 2025 - [Does AI Help Grocery Stores Discriminate? How The AI Revolution Impacts Your Food Choices](https://innovatingwithai.com/does-ai-cause-discrimination-at-grocery-stores/) — Amy Smith · Jul 7, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/openais-mystery-business-model/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # OpenAI’s mystery business model Three theories for how one of the world’s most valuable companies will actually turn a profit. By Rob Howard May 2, 2025 I recently read three theories on **how OpenAI will make more money in the future –** all of which are most likely wrong. (One of them even came from OpenAI’s own CEO!) The problem? Each of these ideas “[**fights the last war**](https://www.historians.org/resource/fighting-the-last-war/)**,**” which means they’re based on things that worked (or were well known) in the past, without really considering how much AI has changed the fundamentals of _every_ business. > _Want early access to our AI industry analysis?_ [_Subscribe to our free newsletter_](https://go.innovatingwithai.com/no-code-toolkit)_._ ## Theory 1 – OpenAI is Uber and DoorDash This idea was presented in a recent article in The Atlantic under the headline “[The Gen Z Lifestyle Subsidy](https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/04/college-students-free-chatgpt/682532/?gift=ditQy340TJrLI_3h5f6ZHDlLiQsRxoRRWT2VpvArRlU&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share)” (gift link). The idea of a lifestyle subsidy harkens back to the early 2010s when companies like Uber and DoorDash were rolling out their services at impossibly low prices thanks to a huge dose of venture capital investment. Their goal was to get so big that they could eliminate all the competition and own their newly created marketplaces. Both companies have managed to raise their prices and turn a profit, even though they never really pulled off the goal of wiping out all competition. Still, for many years, Uber and DoorDash lost money on every order, and did so at the altar of growing their user base. (The complaint about the “Millennial lifestyle subsidy,” which the headline riffs off of, is that young people living in big cities ~15 years ago got these cool new services for super-cheap, whereas today’s users of these services have to pay much more.) The author suggests that **free and cheap AI tools are the Gen Z equivalent of a “lifestyle subsidy”** – something that’s being given away at a loss to grow the user base. (The implication is that the company will eventually raise prices and “pull the ladder up,” making it much more expensive for late adopters.) While it is certainly true that OpenAI is not yet profitable, I don’t really buy this comparison overall. Here’s why: **1 – Uber and DoorDash are** [**multi-sided marketplace businesses**](https://stripe.com/resources/more/what-is-a-multisided-marketplace)**.** This means that they get _better_ for all users if more users join. Specifically, you need both _customers_ and _drivers_. If you run a multi-sided marketplace, it makes sense for you to spend almost an infinite amount of money trying to reach a critical mass of users, and you also need to spend and advertise differently to attract the different groups who make up each side of your marketplace. The same is true for Facebook and Twitter – they need users _and_ advertisers, which means it made sense for them to spend a lot of money to scale their user base quickly. ChatGPT is _not_ a multi-sided marketplace. The number of other people using ChatGPT has almost zero effect on the quality of _my_ experience using ChatGPT. This means that OpenAI does _not_ have the same incentive to “grow at a loss” that Uber and DoorDash had. **2 – There is zero chance that OpenAI will ever “corner the market” on AI models.** If we have learned anything from the past two years of AI model races, it is that [there is no moat](https://semianalysis.com/2023/05/04/google-we-have-no-moat-and-neither/) in creating new, high-quality large language models. No matter what OpenAI does, Google, Anthropic, Meta and many others will always be on its tail. And because there is no network effect, there is also a very low switching cost for a user to jump between model providers. Contrast this to Uber. Imagine a scenario where Uber is so much better than its competitors that it recruits _nearly_ _all_ the eligible drivers in Denver. As a result, riders in Denver only have one good option, since Lyft has so few drivers that quality and speed of service goes way down. This creates a cycle where growth and user acquisition allows Uber to get better and better (and take over nearly the whole market). We already know that this is impossible for OpenAI, since there is no multi-sided marketplace, no network effect, and no hope of staying far enough ahead of the competition to build a proverbial moat. In other words, OpenAI is not fighting the same war that Uber, DoorDash and Facebook fought when they attempted to build a network effect for their apps. ## Theory 2 – OpenAI is a collateralized debt obligation during the 2008 financial crisis I know, that’s a mouthful. It’s also one of the central ideas in a recent post titled [OpenAI Is A Systemic Risk to the Tech Industry](https://www.wheresyoured.at/openai-is-a-systemic-risk-to-the-tech-industry-2/). If you are familiar with the 2008 financial crisis, you probably can see where this is going. Here’s what happened to precipitate the Great Recession: - A bunch of mortgage brokers got paid commissions to give mortgages to home buyers who obviously would never be able to pay their bills - These subprime mortgages got rolled up into collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), which disguised how risky they were - A series of Wall Street firms bought the CDOs … - … while other firms bet against the CDOs … - … while other firms took the riskiest parts of the first batch of CDOs and made a new set of CDOs out of them, then sold them again … - … which created an infinite loop where the amount of “gambling” associated with a subprime mortgage amounted to much more money than the value of the mortgage itself. Then, when buyers started to default on their mortgages en masse, the financial system didn’t just lose the value of the mortgage. It lost the value of the mortgage, the bets on the mortgage and the side bets on the original bets, over and over again, essentially creating an exponentially larger amount of risk than could be backed up by the physical homes at the center of it all. This is why you saw entire investment banks go out of business (or get bailed out at the last minute). So… what does this have to do with OpenAI? Here’s what the author of the Systemic Risk article proposes: > “The parallels to the 2007-2008 financial crisis are startling. Lehman Brothers wasn’t the largest investment bank in the world (although it was certainly big), just like OpenAI isn’t the largest tech company (though, again, it’s certainly large in terms of market cap and expenditure). Lehman Brothers’ collapse sparked a contagion that would later spread throughout the global financial services industry, and consequently, the global economy.” To support this, he cites the fact that OpenAI is unprofitable (true), that its investors have promised it $40 billion that hasn’t actually been transferred yet, that those investors are taking out debt (normal and true), and that OpenAI is a large customer of companies like Microsoft, Nvidia and CoreWeave. In my view, though, the leap to systemic risk makes no sense, because… **There is no exponential or vicious-cycle risk if OpenAI goes out of business.** The problem during the Great Financial Crisis wasn’t just that a company failed to meet its obligations – this happens all the time. It was that bankers **created new forms of gambling on risky loans** that resulted in the same loan being bet on multiple times by many different parties, many of whom weren’t aware of the low quality of the underlying loan. To put this another way – if OpenAI fails to pay $1 billion in bills to Microsoft and CoreWeave, those companies stand to lose $1 billion in revenue. This is bad, but it is _not_ the same as losing 1,000 x 1,000 x $1 billion, which is the scenario that was in play during the 2008 crisis. Since there is no mechanism to make crazy self-multiplying bets on OpenAI, there is no systemic risk to the tech industry if things go south. **The worst case scenario is that OpenAI goes out of business and its vendors or investors buy up / sell off its assets** to the many companies that are hungry to get a leg up in the AI world. The Great Financial Crisis was a nightmare… but fortunately, even if OpenAI can’t pay their bills, we don’t have to fight that war again. ## Theory 3 – OpenAI is for e-commerce?! Apparently this idea came from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman himself, according to reporting by [The Information](https://x.com/btibor91/status/1915119014634029239) about OpenAI’s future revenue forecasts. > “CEO Sam Altman mentioned recently affiliate fees or taking a percentage of sales generated through user searches as possible revenue sources…” There are not enough eye-roll and lol-sob emojis for me to express my feelings about this effectively. That said, we know that Sam is an inventor and innovator but _not_ the best at a lot of other things, like naming his products (4o, o3, etc.) and, apparently, brainstorming the business models of the future. What he is suggesting here is effectively the business model of NerdWallet or Wirecutter – recommending a product and getting a few pennies if the user clicks through and buys. I get the sense that they’re really not sure how they’re going to fully monetize OpenAI, and they’re just saying random things to see what sticks. Which brings me to my analysis of OpenAI’s real business model… ## OpenAI is Google in 1998 Google launched with **an amazing product that came from years of fascinating, world-changing research and development,** but _without_ a viable business model. They didn’t find the viable model until they adapted an “advertising auction” concept and launched their AdWords business in 2000. Today, we take it as a given that you bid for ads in an auction format – but that was [very rare before 2000](https://www.ppchero.com/a-history-of-google-adwords-and-google-ads-revolutionizing-digital-advertising-marketing-since-2000/). We are in a similar place with AI right now – **OpenAI is effectively a research and development company** rather than a traditional business, and the fact is that no one knows the best way to monetize AI models yet. Maybe the AI model companies will keep simple infrastructure-style pricing (where you pay per token or gigabyte), or maybe they’ll discover something entirely new. What we do know, however, is that even if all AI development stopped today, we’d still have “[a decade of major changes](https://x.com/emollick/status/1916249995386196440) across entire professions & industries (medicine, law, education, coding…) as we figure out how to actually use it.” This is why all the backward-looking business models are likely wrong. Instead of comparing AI companies to the past, we’ll be spending the next few years designing the business models of the future. ## More from the magazine - [OpenAI declares war on Apple](https://innovatingwithai.com/openai-declares-war-on-apple/) — Rob Howard · May 23, 2025 - [The AI chip war burns Nvidia again](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-ai-chip-war-burns-nvidia-again/) — Rob Howard · Apr 16, 2025 - [Survey: 83% of users prefer AI search over ‘traditional’ Googling](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-ai-search-replacing-traditional-search/) — Tim Keary · Jul 1, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/the-ai-chip-war-burns-nvidia-again/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # The AI chip war burns Nvidia again Geopolitics is a thorn in the side of AI advancement. By Rob Howard Apr 16, 2025 OK, I know it’s not _that hard_ being the most valuable company in the world… But Nvidia had a rough week. On Tuesday, the American chipmaker behind pretty much all the most advanced AI hardware announced that it expects to [lose $5.5 billion](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9maW5hbmNlLnlhaG9vLmNvbS9uZXdzL252aWRpYS1zdG9jay1kaXZlcy1hcy1jaGlwbWFrZXItc2Vlcy01NS1iaWxsaW9uLWhpdC1mcm9tLXN1cnByaXNlLWNoaW5hLWNoaXAtY29udHJvbHMtMTMwMzE5NTc2Lmh0bWw=) (10%+ of its annual revenue) because of new, more stringent rules preventing it from selling its AI chips to Chinese companies. One of its biggest competitors, AMD, says it’s going to lose [nearly another billion](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmV1dGVycy5jb20vdGVjaG5vbG9neS9hbWQtZmxhZ3MtODAwLW1pbGxpb24taGl0LW5ldy11cy1jdXJicy1jaGlwLWV4cG9ydHMtY2hpbmEtMjAyNS0wNC0xNi8=) for the same reason. **Where did all those billions go?** **They were another casualty of the chip war.** You may have noticed that I love the intersection of economics, geopolitics and AI. So today, we’re doing a deep dive into a few big topics: 1. What is so special about Nvidia’s chips? 2. What suddenly changed that burned $6,000,000,000? 3. How does this affect everyday users of AI? Let’s go. ## It all starts with video games This is dear to my heart because my first successful business was a video game news and reviews website way back in 1999 – right around the time Nvidia was becoming a big deal. The company, founded in 1993 at a California Denny’s, became a breakthrough hit in the late ’90s and early 2000s because it led the world in the creation of Graphics Processing Units, which are the chips that allow for good 3D graphics in video games. Nvidia’s chips were used in the Xbox, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Switch, and are a staple in pretty much every gaming computer. A graphics processing unit (GPU) is different from a standard computer chip (a central processing unit / CPU) because it does one thing _really_ well: - **It turns 3D models into advanced math.** For video games, this means sweet graphics. So, Nvidia had been doing cool stuff for decades. But then computer programmers stumbled upon more use cases for GPUs. The first new use case stems from the fact that **GPUs can solve complex math problems, but use a lot of energy (electricity) to do so.** So, when the anonymous creator of Bitcoin wanted a way to limit the number of imaginary digital coins that could be minted, he(?) set up a system that would throttle the creation of new coins by forcing you to solve a mathematical riddle with your GPU first. The result: with crypto mining, **you could literally use GPUs to** [**mint**](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW52ZXN0b3BlZGlhLmNvbS90ZWNoL2dwdS1jcnlwdG9jdXJyZW5jeS1taW5pbmcv) **(theoretical) money.** Your costs would come in the form of buying the hardware and paying for the electricity to operate it. You probably know that I am a crypto skeptic, so I will not belabor the point too much, but I think this whole mining charade is a pretty big waste of everyone’s time, energy and money. However, it did result in the production and proliferation of _a lot_ of GPUs, which eventually found their third (and much more productive) purpose. ## Why AI and 3D video games are the same The building blocks of an AI model are “tokens,” which are words or parts of words. (For example, “think” is a token, and “-ing” is also a token, and the two tokens can be connected to form the word “thinking.”) Once you have tokens, you need to connect them in a way that helps your model understand how often they are associated with one another. The way you do this is with very advanced mathematics (linear algebra) that eventually forms **vectors** that connect every **token** to every other token. To visualize this, imagine you’re standing out in a field looking up at the night sky. Every star is a token/word. Now, imagine a bunch of lines drawn from every star to _every other star_. With millions of stars, you’d have trillions and trillions of lines (vectors) connecting them. And from earth, this would look sort of like a giant 3D web of vectors. Doing the math to connect **all the tokens in all the languages for all the content in the world** requires a lot of computing power. And GPUs – which were designed specifically for advanced multi-dimensional math for video games – are the perfect chips for the job. **This is how a video game company ended up at the cutting edge of AI,** jockeying with Microsoft and Apple for the title of [most valuable company](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21wYW5pZXNtYXJrZXRjYXAuY29tLw==) in the world. And it’s also where the government gets involved. ## Why did the U.S. government cause Nvidia to lose $5.5 billion? This week’s loss stems from a rule that was put in place during the Biden administration to prevent Nvidia from selling their most advanced chips to companies in China. Since these chips can be used for military purposes, the U.S. wants to ensure that its companies are not exporting the best hardware to its geopolitical adversaries. So when this rule went into place in 2023, Nvidia designed a new, less powerful chip, called the **H20**, with the express purpose of being able to sell it to China, since it wasn’t powerful enough to trigger the U.S. government’s restrictions. That was a good plan until Tuesday, when **the Trump administration strengthened the Biden administration’s restrictions** and made selling the H20 to Chinese companies effectively illegal as well. In other words, Nvidia made a bunch of less-good chips and now doesn’t have much to do with them. That said, I love topics that generate bipartisan agreement, and “American companies should not sell advanced AI chips to China” is definitely one of those. ? **So, what changed?** First, [DeepSeek](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbm5vdmF0aW5nd2l0aGFpLmNvbS9kZWVwc2Vlay1wYW5pYy8=). It’s an open-source model created by a Chinese hedge fund, it performs incredibly well compared to more expensive American and European counterparts, and it was [trained using Nvidia H800 and H20 chips](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9pZnAub3JnL3RoZS1oMjAtcHJvYmxlbS8=) that were exported to China. The DeepSeek breakthrough showed that exporting H20s, even though they were designed to be less powerful than other Nvidia chips, could still be a significant problem in the United States “losing the lead” in AI. Second, the Trump administration is taking an even harder tack against China than the Biden administration. (Both have been much more focused on the threat from China than past presidents were.) Some of that is counterproductive, like [high tariffs on textiles](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9ueXBvc3QuY29tLzIwMjUvMDQvMDgvdXMtbmV3cy9pZGFoby1idXNpbmVzcy1vd25lci1jYXNleS1hbWVzLW9mLWhhcmtsYS1oaXQtd2l0aC1odWdlLXRhcmlmZi1iaWxsLw==), but I think the general idea of limiting AI chip exports is sound policy. The main complaint, of course, is that [the government has pulled the rug out from under Nvidia](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly94LmNvbS9TcGVuY2VySGFraW1pYW4vc3RhdHVzLzE5MTIyNzIxODUxODk3MTIzNjY=), causing it to suddenly burn a bunch of money after promising that the H20s were OK to export. Another way to say this is that tech leaders have been unpleasantly surprised by the first few months of the new administration – tariffs hurt Amazon, the Federal Trade Commission is suing Meta, and Nvidia is wasting billions. The common wisdom in the tech/business world was that Trump would be friendlier to these companies than Biden, but that has not really been the case so far. That said, I think it’s better to be safe than sorry when exporting AI hardware. And it’s generally good that Biden and Trump both moved in that direction, even though this could be viewed as an unfair surprise to Nvidia. ## How does this affect everyday AI? Companies are investing _a lot_ of money in Nvidia chips inside new, gigantic AI-focused datacenters. These are the chips that all the big companies use to train new models, and they are the chips that generate most of the AI output you use every day. (Training, which takes place before the model is released, is more GPU-intensive. Inference, which is what happens when you ask a model a question and it gives you an answer, is less intense. The H20 was intentionally designed to be _worse_ at training but still good at inference.) So, the fortunes of Nvidia matter to us because they have major downstream effects on: - How much new models cost to train - How fast new models get released, and which companies are able to create them - How much companies like OpenAI and Google can scale up their AI capacity - How quickly AI usage can go mainstream - How much we pay for subscriptions and tokens The good news is that Nvidia is incredibly valuable with or without this $5.5 billion, so this is a slight detour in a long and successful rise for the company. And, if you think Chinese companies (and by extension, the Chinese government) having less AI capacity is a good thing, it’s probably also a worthwhile sacrifice for a safer world. The potential downside will emerge if decisions like this encourage American chipmakers to move production out of the U.S. to avoid restrictions – but that doesn’t seem like a likely short-term outcome. Want to dig deeper? The book [Chip War](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnL3dpa2kvQ2hpcF9XYXI6X1RoZV9GaWdodF9mb3JfdGhlX1dvcmxkJTI3c19Nb3N0X0NyaXRpY2FsX1RlY2hub2xvZ3k=) is a good read. ## More from the magazine - [OpenAI’s mystery business model](https://innovatingwithai.com/openais-mystery-business-model/) — Rob Howard · May 2, 2025 - [The Silly DeepSeek Panic](https://innovatingwithai.com/deepseek-panic/) — Rob Howard · Feb 20, 2025 - [OpenAI declares war on Apple](https://innovatingwithai.com/openai-declares-war-on-apple/) — Rob Howard · May 23, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/deepseek-panic/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # The Silly DeepSeek Panic One month later, has anything changed? By Rob Howard Feb 20, 2025 The rapid-fire news cycle hurts pretty much everyone. It makes it hard to focus, hard to learn, and ultimately distorts the importance of events. So today I’m traveling back in time one whole month for a reality check on DeepSeek R1, the impressive large language model released by a Chinese hedge fund in December. On Monday, January 27, the debut of the DeepSeek iOS app [caused Nvidia’s stock to crater](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/27/nvidia-falls-10percent-in-premarket-trading-as-chinas-deepseek-triggers-global-tech-sell-off.html) 16% in a day. Want to guess what has happened in the 24 days since then? The stock is **exactly where it was a month ago,** before the DeepSeek “crisis.” And if you look at [the one-year chart](https://investor.nvidia.com/stock-info/stock-quote-and-chart/default.aspx), the DeepSeek drop is barely visible as a blip on Nvidia’s path to doubling its value in the past 365 days. **DeepSeek is a great accomplishment from a technical standpoint,** but it was WAAAAY overblown by finance and tech commentators. It was an epic narrative – a tiny Chinese upstart dethroning the biggest tech companies, and maybe reducing demand for Nvidia’s most advanced chips as a result. With a month’s hindsight it just seems silly. Today I’ll dissect what was (and is) cool about DeepSeek, and why those cool things haven’t changed the market. ## Being China-based makes it very hard for DeepSeek to compete There are many bad things about being born in [one of the least-free countries in the world](https://www.cato.org/human-freedom-index/2024). The fact that no one trusts your large language model is not at the top of that list, but it is the factor that ensured DeepSeek’s technical success wouldn’t lead to big changes in the AI market. And while the TikTok ban showed us that some American social-media users don’t mind having their biometrics stored in Chinese datacenters, the **#1 rule of cybersecurity** is to keep your sensitive data in democracies where lawyers and judges prevent misuse (and punish bad actors). This is such a big deal that Zoom [stopped routing meetings through Chinese datacenters](https://www.inverse.com/input/tech/zoom-will-stop-routing-your-calls-through-china-if-you-pay) at the behest of corporations that were forced into remote work during the pandemic. The moment someone who valued their data became a serious Zoom customer, China had to be removed from the equation. DeepSeek R1 is one of the best models ever created. It is fast, cheap and open-source (more on that in a moment). If it had been released by a company in a trustworthy location, I suspect it would have been a much bigger deal in the long-term. (I am imagining a New Zealand-based hedge fund doing the same thing, and I think in that scenario I’d be playing with NZ-DeepSeek every single day.) Instead, it’s basically impossible to use DeepSeek directly if you have even an iota of concern about the security of your data, which I know nearly all Innovating with AI readers do. And that’s before you consider the fact [the cheapness of the model’s training might have been overstated](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/31/deepseeks-hardware-spend-could-be-as-high-as-500-million-report.html), and because the company is located in a low-trust/low-freedom country, nobody really has any way of verifying the numbers. The bottom line – DeepSeek had a ton of business potential that was destroyed by the behavior of the government of the country in which its founders were born. ## Open-source is not a major selling point (yet) You can’t use a computer without benefiting from open-source software. In fact, just by reading this essay, you’ve probably interacted with dozens or hundreds of servers running Linux, Apache, MySQL and countless other open-source projects. Open-source software is (to slightly oversimplify) in the public domain, which means anyone can use it for pretty much any reason without paying the creators. In the pre-AI world, the business incentives for releasing open-source software were clear. The creators of the software could sell ancillary and enterprise-grade services and make tons of money, even if the base software was free. Here’s the CEO of MySQL [explaining this strategy](https://www.innoq.com/blog/st/2006/08/how-does-mysql-make-money/) a couple years before he sold his open-source-software company [for $1 billion](https://www.cnet.com/culture/sun-to-fork-out-1-billion-for-open-source-firm-mysql/). The business model for open-source in AI is much less clear. (Importantly, OpenAI, despite its name, does not produce open-source anything.) Because there is so much upside to creating the best model, and because training models is so expensive, most companies are incentivized to keep the inner workings of their models secret. The main exception is Meta, which has created the open-source [Llama](https://www.llama.com/) series of models. Still, Meta strategically hides certain things about Llama to make it harder for others to replicate its work, and the licensing agreement has some [limitations](https://dev.to/llm_explorer/llama3-license-explained-2915) at enterprise scale. [Mistral](https://mistral.ai/) is a small-but-mighty open-source competitor, founded by former Google and Meta employees. The other big open-source model? DeepSeek. In fact, by one common measurement, [DeepSeek’s R1 model is by far the best open-source model](https://lmarena.ai/?leaderboard) that exists today. Which leads to a fascinating question – **why didn’t Meta’s stock tank when DeepSeek went public?** The answer, of course, is that open-source AI isn’t really a thing yet. In practice, you would need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to run a secure server to house your private DeepSeek or Llama AI model. Very large companies are doing this (and it solves the cybersecurity issues with DeepSeek), but it is completely unfeasible for most companies and individuals. So, for now, open-source doesn’t really matter. But give it a few years, and you will likely be able to run open-source models that are better than today’s DeepSeek R1 **locally on your phone or laptop.** That’s where the open-source stuff changes the game, because it allows for nearly infinite replication of open-source AI, since the expensive-hardware barrier will have been eliminated. _Side note: DeepSeek openly displays its “[chain of thought](https://www.reddit.com/r/singularity/comments/1i81xze/the_visible_chainofthought_from_deepseek_makes_it/?rdt=55699),” which is really cool to watch and is already pressuring private model creators like OpenAI to do the same. This was a valuable innovation and created meaningful competitive pressure._ In a way, DeepSeek and Llama and Mistral are ahead of their time, and will probably experience a renaissance when hardware costs catch up. But for right now, the incredible generosity required to make DeepSeek open-source isn’t really adding to its commercial value. _A Meta datacenter rendering_ ## Datacenter growth is a big deal, but it’s still a slow-moving ship One of the big reasons that Nvidia is [the second most valuable company in the world](https://companiesmarketcap.com/) is the expectation that companies building gigantic AI datacenters will buy huge quantities of its most advanced chips. This was supposedly the rationale for the DeepSeek-inspired sell-off of Nvidia stock: if DeepSeek can build an excellent model cheaply, not as many Nvidia chips might be necessary in the future, and the company’s sales might not be as great as expected. (In retrospect, the sell-off was probably not rational, so take that “rationale” with a grain of salt.) Someday Nvidia sales might slow down and the company might lose its luster, but for right now, they are benefitting from: (A) being the market leader, and (B) operating in an environment with extremely high capital expenditures, which requires decision-makers to act like a “slow-moving ship” Take, for example, Meta’s plan to build a gigantic $65 billion AI datacenter in Louisiana. This facility will use 1.3 million Nvidia chips and its footprint is equivalent to that of a large part of Manhattan. **Projects like this don’t turn on a dime every time a new AI model comes out.** They are long-term, hugely expensive, hugely intricate builds, and the people funding them are unlikely to suddenly shift gears and stop buying Nvidia’s state-of-the-art chips. (To put it another way, this datacenter is not concerned about the rapid-fire news cycle ?) So, as long a Nvidia produces the world’s best GPU chips, I think it’s going to be hard for them to produce anywhere near enough chips to satisfy demand – which means prices will stay high and Nvidia will remain incredibly valuable, regardless of how cheaply DeepSeek can operate. ## Preparing for the uncertain tech future One of the frameworks we teach students in The AI Consultancy Project is that a good consultant expects the unexpected. To succeed, you eventually need to **accept that nobody knows what crazy AI news will be announced tomorrow.** There could be 10 more “DeepSeek moments” this year, or zero. Thriving in the current highly volatile tech ecosystem means accepting that you cannot predict everything, no matter how smart or plugged-in you are. Instead of trying to express certainty (to yourself or to others), they key is to decide upon **a clear plan for handling an uncertain future.** It’s sort of the difference between being a tour guide walking along a well-trodden path and being the first person to scale a remote mountain. The two treks require different approaches and different expectations. Right now, people who are willing to embrace uncertainty are going to have a huge head start as [AI takes over more](https://www.axios.com/2025/01/10/ai-agents-sam-altman-workers) of society’s productive computer-based work. ## More from the magazine - [The AI chip war burns Nvidia again](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-ai-chip-war-burns-nvidia-again/) — Rob Howard · Apr 16, 2025 - [5 AI Predictions for 2025](https://innovatingwithai.com/predictions-for-2025/) — Rob Howard · Jan 6, 2025 - [OpenAI’s mystery business model](https://innovatingwithai.com/openais-mystery-business-model/) — Rob Howard · May 2, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/predictions-for-2025/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # 5 AI Predictions for 2025 Coders are cooked. By Rob Howard Jan 6, 2025 It’s 2025 and as I look at the greater landscape of AI, I’ve got 5 predictions on what you can expect this year. Before we dive in, here’s the larger context on why this is relevant whether you’re an AI consultant, working in or on a business that’s being affected by AI, or an AI enthusiast that likes to stay in the know: ## The AI Economy will add $15 trillion to global GDP by 2030. That’s the big number from “Sizing the prize” –[PwC’s Global AI Study](https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/artificial-intelligence/publications/artificial-intelligence-study.html). They’re not the only ones who see it either. The 1,300 analytical folks over at the International Data Corporation quote [$19.9 trillion by 2030](https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS52600524). Here’s the thing, if you dig into either report, you’ll see the trendline of growth going up and to the right. **Translation: The AI economy rocket ship isn’t slowing down ???** Now, if you heard this tidbit from[Google CEO Sundar Pichai](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/08/google-ceo-sundar-pichai-ai-development-is-finally-slowing-down.html), that might seem a bit strange: ? _“When I look at [2025], the low-hanging fruit is gone…the hill is steeper … You’re definitely going to need deeper breakthroughs as we get to the next stage.”_ Heck, it might seem like he’s signaling a slow-down…unless you’re familiar with the 3 kinds of technology that shape every industrial revolution: **1–Emerging Tech:** Emerging technologies introduce new capabilities. **2–Adjacent Tech:** Adjacent technologies enhance the ecosystem, enabling broader adoption and innovation. **3–Disruptive Tech:** Disruptive technologies redefine industries, creating winners and losers. In the 2nd industrial revolution, the emerging tech was electricity, while adjacent tech was the light bulb, and disruptive tech was the elevator. When you combined all 3, what the world got were the first skyscrapers – reshaping the urban landscape for over a century to follow. Now, if you re-read Sundar’s quote about the “low-hanging fruit” being gone, then it becomes clearer that he’s probably referring to emerging AI tech. When it comes to the AI Economy though, that +$15 trillion by 2030 is likely to come from the innovation _and_ application of adjacent/disruptive AI tech. Which brings me to my 5 AI predictions for 2025. As I go through them – ask yourself, is this an emerging, adjacent or disruptive tech thing? Whether you’re an aspiring AI consultant, AI enthusiast, or owner of a business that’s being shaped by AI – thinking this way allows you to see above the “AI forest” instead of a single “AI tree” (read: AI tool) blocking your view. Let’s get into it. ## Prediction #1 – The Fall of Coding ? By the end of 2025, **80% of coding tasks will be doable by non-coders** using AI tools. Developers who once guarded the gates of tech enablement will be disrupted by tools like Open AI’s o3 which is already[scoring in the top percentile of coding assessments](https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2024/12/openai-o3-ranks-as-175th-best-in-the-world-on-coding-test-and-great-on-agi-and-phd-tests.html). Basically, coding is shifting further down the value chain. For coders, that means you’ll need to add new services to move up, or even stay in the same place. In 2024, we saw massive layoffs in Silicon Valley. It’s also becoming much harder to get jobs in tech. While this makes the landscape harder for coders, it’s a win for ‘noncoders’. We’re entering an age where you don’t need to take years to learn coding skills. Instead, you can ‘skill up’ in under 10 hours and do just about everything a coder could’ve done years ago. For our Innovating with AI students, this means more opportunities for no-code and low-code building. If you get stuck in some part of automation, you can just use your AI coder to do the job. **? Advantage for AI Enthusiasts:** It’s easier for non-coders to do more technical stuff. **? Advantage for AI Consultants:** Easier to build high-value solutions for clients (and inside your own business) ## Prediction #2 – A Hollywood-quality movie (made with AI) ▶️ We’ll likely see a Hollywood-quality movie created entirely by AI—scripts, visuals, acting, the whole thing. It probably won’t be from a traditional Hollywood studio because AI is causing their employees very high levels of existential dread. Rather, it might be from the ‘creator economy’ of YouTubers, who already produce 1-2 hour documentaries. Or, it might be from a slice of the world we’ll never see coming like a bunch of kids with a lot of time and curiosity on their hands. With Sora becoming more accessible, they may use that…or the many eventual competitors it’s sure to have. Google Veo 2 will likely be one of them. While current AI video generation can occasionally produce stuff in the ‘uncanny valley’ that makes your skin crawl, the tech will only get better with time. Case in point – this[Coca-Cola commercial on YouTube, produced entirely by AI](https://youtu.be/BtD4fHgkrqI). It’s got over 300,000 views and shows we’re already on the way there. Huge stuff, since Coca-Cola may [spend an average of $1M to create their usual commercials](https://www.statista.com/statistics/286526/coca-cola-advertising-spending-worldwide/). At the end of the day, this is already changing assumptions about what it means to be a filmmaker. Great stories will become even more important, while production value (and to some degree acting) may become less important. ? **Advantage for AI Enthusiasts**: It’s easier to do more creative stuff. ? **Advantage for AI Consultants**: It’s easier to create enhanced marketing, sales, and even training content for your clients and your own consultancy. ## Prediction #3 – The Rise of AI agents ? AI tools are software apps with AI that perform tasks (under human direction). They’re like your car’s cruise control – it does a specific thing but still requires a decent amount of input and guidance. AI agents, on the other hand, are sophisticated systems that can operate autonomously – i.e. they have a degree of agency. If we continue the car analogy, then it’s more like a self-driving car. I’ll have a more detailed explainer coming your way next week but for now, picture this – you could type or speak a prompt to an AI agent, then it’d take control of your mouse and keyboard – opening up applications, typing in spreadsheet, finding stuff online, and more, all to complete whatever ‘job’ you gave it to do. The stuff that’s in beta right now is literal Star Trek stuff and yet, it’s not science fiction anymore – it’s here and we’re going to see a lot more of it. **? Advantage for AI Enthusiasts:** The ability to create and automate entire workflows. **? Advantage for AI Consultants:** Lots of companies who need help figuring out the different flavors of AI agents and “computer use” ## Prediction #4 – AI is getting better, faster, cheaper (again!) ? AI’s price-to-performance ratio keeps improving. By the end of 2025, we’ll see multiple major players (Google, Meta, OpenAI, and Amazon) rolling out models that are not only more powerful but also less expensive to deploy. Side note: I also think Amazon remains the sleeper company. At the risk of putting myself out there a little too much, if I had to bet on a surprise winner in the “model wars” it would be Amazon, because they have tons of infrastructure experience from AWS and are well positioned to benefit in unique ways with their shopping and Alexa lines of business. I mean, just look at their[$4 billion investment in Anthropic](https://venturebeat.com/ai/amazon-doubles-down-on-anthropic-positioning-itself-as-a-key-player-in-the-ai-arms-race/). That doubles their stake to $8 billion. Also, the deal commits Anthropic to using Amazon’s custom-designed chips for training and deploying advanced AI models. While Microsoft captured headlines with their OpenAI partnership, Amazon is building a comprehensive AI stack – from silicon to software. (Now, if they also create an incredible AI model, sheesh, that would be a pretty amazing coup.) Speaking of infrastructure though, there’s a lot of media fuss about the “cost” of AI computing power. It is a thing – and I also think you’ll see datacenters scaling up their solar power (and so using cleaner forms of energy). And since recent human history is a story of inventing more powerful forms of energy to power ambitions, I think you’ll see more of this as well. On the software side of things, you’ve got companies like Zapier and Make.com, which you could say were “B-rate” tech companies. Now, AI has leveled up their software and you’ve got a lot of other no-code workflow builders getting into the game. **? Advantage for AI Enthusiasts:** Cheaper, better, AI models. **? Advantage for AI Consultants:** Same as above…and also even more nuanced niches and ways to help clients. ## Prediction #5 – The AI “Gold Rush” continues without government regulation ⚖️ Governments aren’t going to be able to put meaningful guardrails on AI development. Under Trump (with influence from Musk), expect deregulation. The US tech influence will make it harder for Europe to regulate AI. While some residents are getting cut off from the latest AI tools (like Sora), it seems unsustainable for Europe to intentionally be an AI Luddite. So, basically there’s no future where AI regulation stops companies from doing whatever they want. When you combine this with the extremely high economic incentive to create better language models, then you end up with an all-out race to build more useful stuff. Ultimately I think this ends up with a better outcome for consumers while simultaneously increasing long-tail risks – which I think are mostly about data privacy rather than about robots taking over the world. My personal stance: I strongly support regulations by the FTC around fair trade. I’m a left-of-center guy and always root for the policy that will be most fair to the most people rather than make the most money for tech/finance moguls. However, I think also think [Europe has repeatedly erred](https://www.techdirt.com/2022/06/28/eu-officials-finally-coming-to-terms-with-the-fact-that-the-gdpr-failed-but-now-they-want-to-make-it-worse/) in rushing to codify privacy and AI regulations that make no sense in practice, so I am skeptical of the EU’s ability to lead the world on AI law. Regardless, meaningful AI regulation is not in the cards in the US for AI for at least four years (and probably wouldn’t be with Democrats in charge, though they might pay lip service to the idea). So, government won’t provide meaningful guardrails or slowdown. Which means that as long as AI doesn’t turn into The Cylons from Battlestar Galactica we’ll probably see lots of cool stuff moving very rapidly. ? **Advantage for AI Enthusiasts**: Expect lots of innovation. ? **Advantage for AI Enthusiasts**: Lots of innovation for yourself and your clients. Also keep a close eye on security implications, since bad actors will also be innovating new use cases as well. The faster you figure out how to guard against whatever it is, is the more value you can bring to clients. ## Putting It All Together The underlying emerging AI tech will continue to accelerate. As a direct result of that, the adjacent tech environment (which many AI enthusiasts and AI consultants operate in) will continue to skyrocket – whether you’re on the technical or creative side of things. As for disruptive tech? You can bet that’s on the way too – whether it’s AGI (artificial general intelligence) or something else we’re not even considering. I mean, heck, who would’ve predicted the leap from light bulbs to elevators and skyscrapers? Here at Innovating with AI we’re excited about the future, and consider it an honor to be at the forefront of it all with you. AI is an engine of growth, and the AI economy is real. And with the AI economy skyrocketing, so will the demand for AI consultants who are ready to lead their clients into the 4th Industrial Revolution (which includes AI). If that’s your cup of tea, then tomorrow’s email is for you because I’ll be sharing the story of how I invoiced $1.9M from a single client (something I usually share with just students inside our programs). For now, hit reply – would love to know if any of these predictions were on your AI bingo card for 2025. To your best year in AI yet, – Rob ## More from the magazine - [The Silly DeepSeek Panic](https://innovatingwithai.com/deepseek-panic/) — Rob Howard · Feb 20, 2025 - [Is private AI data even possible?](https://innovatingwithai.com/is-private-ai-data-even-possible/) — Rob Howard · Feb 27, 2024 - [The AI chip war burns Nvidia again](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-ai-chip-war-burns-nvidia-again/) — Rob Howard · Apr 16, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/is-private-ai-data-even-possible/ [Innovating with AI Magazine](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) # Is private AI data even possible? The challenge of protecting yourself and your clients as AI rapidly expands. By Rob Howard Feb 27, 2024 Tech companies have _always_ had access to a lot of our confidential personal and business data. But prior to AI, I never got a question like: - “Is Google reading all my documents and stealing my ideas?” - “Is Microsoft scanning my spreadsheets and using them as training data?” AI changed _everything_ about data privacy because it showed that the value of data access goes way beyond targeted advertising (which has been the primary use case for Meta and Google for two decades). Now, we can build smarter computers just by having those computers consume more information – which means your creativity and unique insights need to be guarded much more closely. Today I’ll answer the biggest data-security questions that I’ve been getting from students in the Innovating with AI Incubator program, including… - **Do I need to care** about how OpenAI processes my data? - If I want to keep my data private, **which tools should I use** (and which should I avoid)? - Are there any actual **legal protections** here? Let’s dive in. ## Data security: who needs to care? The status quo is that OpenAI, Google, Amazon, Meta and other creators of large language models are rapidly ingesting _everything that has ever been published_ into their LLMs. Whether or not this is legal is an open question (the New York Times, for example, [thinks it is illegal](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9nby5pbm5vdmF0aW5nd2l0aGFpLmNvbS9wb3N0cy9ueS10aW1lcy12LW9wZW4tYWktd2hhdC10aGUtYmF0dGxlLXJveWFsZS1tZWFucy1mb3IteW91)), but that won’t stop these companies for at least the next few years. From a data-security standpoint, this means that **if your data or content is already public somewhere on the internet,** there’s no real way for you to stop it from becoming part of an LLM’s knowledge base. There are ways to [add directives to your website to discourage crawling](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJpdmFjeWpvdXJuYWwubmV0L2Jsb2NrLWxsbS1jcmF3bGVycy8=), but ultimately these are just polite suggestions – your content could still end up being part of the [Web Archive](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93ZWIuYXJjaGl2ZS5vcmcv), for example, and could make its way indirectly into an LLM’s knowledge. The flip side is that if your content is already public (or you plan to make it public), you can worry less about pasting it into ChatGPT or another language model. Even if OpenAI were to eventually use it for future training, it’s highly likely they would also find it elsewhere on the internet anyway, so pasting it into ChatGPT really makes no difference. On the other hand, if you have data that is proprietary and _not_ already somewhere on the internet, you may have a good reason to worry about data privacy, particularly if it’s something that you wouldn’t want ChatGPT to be able to easily answer questions about in the future. Many large companies, for example, have already invested in private LLMs and private datacenter operations to avoid their internal, proprietary data being ingested by OpenAI. We have a number of clients and students who are in this boat. Here’s what they’re doing… ## How to protect your content from LLMs Within the OpenAI ecosystem, the key data-privacy trick is to use business-focused tools rather than consumer-focused ones. For example, if you are using the OpenAI APIs via their [Platform](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF0Zm9ybS5vcGVuYWkuY29tLw==), the company promises not to use your content to train future versions of GPT. (Note: Every time OpenAI releases a new version of GPT, that version is being trained on new and more recent content. The older versions never “update” – it’s just a one-and-done release since the training process is so intense.) OpenAI also recently released [ChatGPT for Teams](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuYWkuY29tL2NoYXRncHQvdGVhbQ==), which is also considered a business tool and promises not to use your content for future training. However, the “normal” version of ChatGPT and ChatGPT Plus are considered consumer products, so by default, the company can use any content you put in there (including in your custom GPTs) for future training. You can change this setting by submitting a [“do not train on my content” request](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9oZWxwLm9wZW5haS5jb20vZW4vYXJ0aWNsZXMvNTcyMjQ4Ni1ob3cteW91ci1kYXRhLWlzLXVzZWQtdG8taW1wcm92ZS1tb2RlbC1wZXJmb3JtYW5jZQ==) via your OpenAI account. Keep in mind that this request affects future submissions only; it doesn’t retroactively affect anything you’ve already typed into ChatGPT. (In my experience, it takes a couple days for them to process your request.) Other nascent AI models, such as Google’s Gemini, offer similar protections at the business level – in fact, this has become the industry standard since so many corporations have trade secrets they want to protect. It’s the smaller businesses and consumers that might not have this as a top-of-mind concern, so if you’re in that group, it’ll be valuable for you to get to know the different policies and options that come with each AI platform. ## The limits of “do not train” While I’ve taken advantage of all the privacy settings above on my own accounts (and recommend you do the same), I’m also somewhat skeptical of the idea that we can keep AI contained to “approved content only” in the long term. That’s because, as LLMs grow and multiply, it’s going to be more and more difficult to determine what actually is and is not in their knowledge base. And even if you know something _is_ in their knowledge base, it will be very difficult to determine where it originally came from and whether it is possible to remove it. We are already seeing some of these problems in the [New York Times v. OpenAI](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9nby5pbm5vdmF0aW5nd2l0aGFpLmNvbS9wb3N0cy9ueS10aW1lcy12LW9wZW4tYWktd2hhdC10aGUtYmF0dGxlLXJveWFsZS1tZWFucy1mb3IteW91) case. These issues are confounding even for companies willing to spend millions on legal fees, so it’s going to be extremely difficult for smaller players to enforce the rules. The result is that the big companies can effectively say whatever they want about privacy, but if there’s no way to actually verify what’s happening behind the scenes, those promises don’t add up to very much actual security. Even non-AI privacy initiatives, like Europe’s GDPR, [struggle with the difficulty of enforcement](https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZXBhLm9yZy9hcnRpY2xlL2ZpZnR5LXNoYWRlcy1vZi1nZHByLXByaXZhY3ktdGhlLWdvb2QtdGhlLWJhZC1hbmQtdGhlLWVuZm9yY2VtZW50Lw==) – but if you have a situation where it is literally impossible to see what training data is incorporated into an LLM, then you’re in a position where nobody can realistically enforce any rules. In other words, you’re just trusting the companies to do what they say they’re going to do – which means someone, somewhere is likely to eventually break the rules without anyone else realizing. ## The balanced approach The upshot of this pessimistic outlook is that **you should optimize the amount of time you spend caring about data privacy** by choosing _not_ to care in many situations. If it is not mission-critical that your data remain private, you should feel comfortable doing “the basics” that I described above and then not worrying much about it – there’s just so much uncertainty that it’s not a useful thing to stress about. And if you’re dealing with data that absolutely must never see the light of day, it’s probably better to not use it within an AI application quite yet, since it’s very difficult to guarantee (or verify) the level of security the big AI companies are providing. ## More from the magazine - [5 AI Predictions for 2025](https://innovatingwithai.com/predictions-for-2025/) — Rob Howard · Jan 6, 2025 - [The Silly DeepSeek Panic](https://innovatingwithai.com/deepseek-panic/) — Rob Howard · Feb 20, 2025 - [The AI chip war burns Nvidia again](https://innovatingwithai.com/the-ai-chip-war-burns-nvidia-again/) — Rob Howard · Apr 16, 2025 [See all articles](https://innovatingwithai.com/magazine/) ## Join 175,000+ business leaders & entrepreneurs Free weekly AI insights and analysis --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/aaron-long/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Aaron Long Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Summit Partners Consulting Oklahoma [Get In Touch](https://www.summitpartners.consulting/get-ai-ready?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Aaron I’m Aaron Long, and I help U.S.-based businesses lay a strong foundation for adopting AI in ways that are practical, sustainable, and people-first. My approach to AI consulting is holistic, grounded in structured pathways that assess both the human and technical readiness of an organization. Whether it’s guiding discovery sessions, educating executives and/or teams, conducting readiness assessments, mapping processes, reviewing governance protocols, or helping design low-code or no-code AI tools, my goal is to ensure that AI is integrated meaningfully into the business for long-term viability. Much of my work draws from my background in people development, executive coaching and organizational consulting. That lens helps me lead change management and prioritize worker experience, especially in a post-pandemic landscape where burnout is high and bandwidth is low. I see AI as a resource to give time back to teams—helping them work smarter, not just harder—and freeing them to do higher value work. It’s important to me that AI enhances jobs, not eliminates them. That perspective also informs how I guide businesses on ethics, especially when it comes to bias, transparency, consent, and fairness. Additionally, I’ve worked with—and inside of—IT MSPs, so I’m a bit of an “IT whisperer” and can work effectively with clients and their IT people (whether they’re internal or an external 3rd party) regarding their AI initiatives. As there’s such a need for this holistic approach to AI (not just knee-jerk response to the hype), I’m excited to help businesses with their journey! While my leadership consulting and coaching has led me to work across multiple industries (legal, A/E/C, technology, non-profit, government, food service, etc.) I’ve worked with clients in the A/E/C, technology, and real estate industries for AI consulting, including a construction company and mechanical contractor, an IT MSP, and a real estate management company, and am actively building offerings for other industries that can evolve into ongoing support. When it comes to client relationships, I’ve learned to vet carefully and look for the right “fit” on both sides of the table. In my broader consulting practice, I had to part ways with a prospective client early on because they lacked the right mindset. I look for three things in a client: humility (a willingness to admit they need help), hunger (a drive to take action), and responsiveness (an openness to guidance that may be contrary to what the client believes is needed). When those elements aren’t present, the partnership is unlikely to succeed. The other piece of AI that isn’t talked about a lot or addressed is data governance. In addition to the AI solutions provided, I also help organizations with data governance audits in preparation for AI implementation. This piece is critical to ensure that the technical environment is secure – and the proper guardrails are in place – before releasing AI into file structures and systems. In this vein, I work with clients using the Microsoft Office Suite, have their files in SharePoint/OneDrive, and are wanting to deploy Microsoft Copilot 365 along with other solutions. While I don’t focus heavily on audio/visual tools, I tap into ChatGPT and Google’s evolving capabilities in that area when it suits a project’s needs. I’m here to help businesses integrate AI in a way that ensures long-term viability. - Website: [www.summitpartners.consulting/get-ai-ready](https://www.summitpartners.consulting/get-ai-ready?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/aaronlong727](http://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronlong727/) - Languages spoken: English ## Aaron’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Construction - Consulting & Coaching - Corporate Training - HVAC & Plumbing - Legal Services - Light Manufacturing - Mental Health & Counseling - Nonprofits & NGOs - Private Medical Practices - Real Estate Agencies - Religious Organizations ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Aaron Long is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Aaron has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Aaron’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Sept. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlWlTQCT --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/aaron-uitenbroek/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Aaron Uitenbroek Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Hive Studio AI Iowa [Get In Touch](https://hivestudio.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Aaron I bring 20+ years building trading systems, investment research platforms, and fintech products to AI consulting. I help mid-market companies in agriculture, construction, financial services, and professional services turn AI from a concept into measurable business results—fast. **What I Deliver** **Speed-to-Value.** I run autonomous multi-agent systems that work in parallel, tackle complex problems from multiple angles simultaneously, and maintain persistent memory across development cycles. This isn’t prompt-and-pray AI—it’s orchestrated intelligence that compounds progress. Problems that take traditional consultants months, I deliver in weeks. **Measurable ROI.** Every engagement starts with defining what success looks like in numbers. Reduced processing time. Increased throughput. Cost savings. Revenue impact. We measure it, prove it, and iterate on it. **Small/Midsize Business Outcomes:** - Embedded predictive AI directly into construction industry software platform—enhancing useability and intelligence of the platform capabilities without requiring customers to change their workflow - Built rapid-turnaround due diligence system for equipment acquisitions—delivering comprehensive software risk analysis in days, not weeks - Developed custom workforce management application that eliminated manual tracking friction across multi-company operations - Created financial market intelligence platform used by professional wealth managers under real market pressure **Government & Enterprise Scale Outcomes:** - Currently developing a predictive analytics platform for national emergency response—integrating extensive but disparate data sets with real-time environmental conditions to optimize resource allocation and response times during disasters. These projects reflect my commitment to building systems and solutions that must perform when it matters. **Why It Works** My technology stack extensively leverages highly capable and highly orchestrated autonomous AI agents to plan, execute, and test at scale. I’ve spent years building the frameworks and infrastructure that now enables the AI to deliver real work—not just demos. When you hire me, you’re getting the compounded advantage of systems designed to accelerate everything I touch. - Website: [hivestudio.ai](https://hivestudio.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/aaroni10](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaroni10/) - Languages spoken: English ## Aaron’s Industries and Focus Areas - Agriculture & Farming - Construction - Consulting & Coaching - Financial Planning - Fintech - Nonprofits & NGOs - Small Business ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Aaron Uitenbroek is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Aaron has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Aaron’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Nov. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlG0Qq7O --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/alessandro-de-mitri/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Alessandro De Mitri Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions Compass AI Consulting Tampa [Get In Touch](https://www.compassaiconsulting.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Alessandro At Compass AI Consulting we specialize in AI automation for US-based coaches and consultants. In most growing practices, there’s one capable person quietly holding operations together. Usually it’s the founder. Sometimes it’s a right hand or an operator. Whoever it is, they end up running intake, chasing follow-ups, updating the CRM, and fixing whatever just broke. That’s five to ten hours a week a skilled person should never be spending on manual work. We know that problem from both sides. Between us, we spent years in strategy and operations consulting at EY and Slalom, studying how Fortune 500 companies actually run, and years engineering AI systems to enterprise standards at Capital One. Over a decade solving operational drag for billion-dollar companies. Compass AI Consulting exists to bring that same rigor to businesses nowhere near that size, without the enterprise price tag or the enterprise overhead. Coaches and consultants are who we build for, but not the only people we’ve built for. Here’s some of what that looks like. For a professional services firm whose data could not leave their building, we delivered a self-hosted automation stack that runs entirely on their own servers. Nothing in the cloud, nothing out of their control. For an enterprise client, we built the system that keeps their employee directory in lockstep with HR, automatically creating, moving, and disabling accounts as people join, change roles, and leave. Built in C# and .NET against on-premises Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), replacing a slow, manual process. Both started as a single scoped build. Both became long-term relationships. And we run our own company on the exact systems we sell. Call intake, transcription, CRM updates, follow-ups, error alerts, all of it runs without us touching it. Our rule is simple: if we wouldn’t trust it on our own operations, it doesn’t go anywhere near yours. n8n, Postgres, and Claude are where we start more often than not, and we write real code (Python, JavaScript, C#) when the job genuinely needs it. The rest of the stack changes with the problem. What doesn’t change is that it’s self-hosted where it matters, so you own what we build instead of renting it. One last thing, because it’s the part we care about most. AI doesn’t fail like ordinary software. Its mistakes arrive dressed as authority: confident, polished, and wrong. That’s exactly what makes them dangerous, and no test suite catches it. So everything our systems generate passes through a human review queue before it ever reaches the outside world. We built it as an engineering control. We treat it as an ethical one. That’s who we are. We’d love to give those hours back. - Website: [www.compassaiconsulting.com](https://www.compassaiconsulting.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Italian ## Alessandro’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Alessandro De Mitri is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Alessandro has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Alessandro’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** September 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrl1bZQYZ --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/amandeep-mander/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Amandeep Mander Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions Amandeep Mander Florida [Get In Touch](https://amandeepmander.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Amandeep I specialize in AI solutions for Florida small and mid-sized businesses looking to scale efficiently through automation. My consultancy is rooted in building responsible, practical AI systems that deliver real value to businesses ready to take the next step. I’ve developed long-term relationships with my clients by starting small—establishing trust and delivering results quickly—then scaling those solutions based on proven success. Right now, I’m working with two clients I consider ideal. The first is a hotel chain in Europe where I started with a simple chatbot project focused on handling FAQs and booking reservations. As the solution proved effective, we expanded the scope to include additional communication channels like WhatsApp and social platforms. Each new hotel branch brings fresh opportunity, and we’ve built a strong, collaborative partnership around this growing system. The second client is a dental office. I helped them streamline their social media presence with an automated content calendar and idea generation system. That project led to new ideas for other areas where AI and automation could make their operations more efficient, and we’re now building out additional tools together. My background includes two years of teaching machine learning, data science, and AI on an online education platform. I delivered structured lessons that helped students earn certificates, and that experience strengthened my ability to communicate complex topics clearly—something I bring into every client engagement. I’ve also learned when to say no. I once turned down a client who had an exciting long-term vision but no clear short-term milestones. My ideal clients are those where I can deliver visible wins quickly, creating momentum while we work toward more ambitious goals. Ethical AI is a cornerstone of my work. I prioritize fairness, transparency, and human-centered design in every solution. The ethical risks surrounding bias and intellectual property, particularly in AI-generated content, resonated deeply with me. These lessons reinforced my commitment to responsible automation and always keeping a human in the loop. Technically, I prefer to use tools that scale and adapt. For automation, I often code directly with agents like Codex and Claude. For data, I rely on solutions like Google Cloud SQL, Supabase, and Neon. Language models like ChatGPT and Claude help power interactions, and I typically build user-facing elements with chatbots or web forms. For audio and visual generation, I use tools like Nano Banana in Gemini, ElevenLabs, and ChatGPT’s image capabilities. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help businesses grow through smart, ethical, and effective AI solutions. - Website: [amandeepmander.com](https://amandeepmander.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - Languages spoken: English ## Amandeep’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - Dental Clinics - E-commerce - Health Tech & Telemedicine - Hotels & Lodging - Industrial Equipment & Machinery - Insurance Agencies - Legal Services - Marketing & Advertising - Online Course Creators - Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation - Private Medical Practices - Real Estate Agencies - Tutoring & Test Prep - Web Design & Development - Wellness & Nutrition - Workforce Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Amandeep Mander is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Amandeep has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Amandeep’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Nov. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlYLSnnG --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/ari-magalhaes/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Ari Magalhaes Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, Strategy Sessions OmniStrategic Australia/Gold Coast [Get In Touch](https://www.omnistrategic.com.au/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Ari I specialise in independent AI strategy and governance advisory for Australian disability and aged care organisations, helping boards and executives model high-ROI use cases and manage risk to protect frontline care. I work with organisations navigating the space between AI opportunity and AI risk, particularly in sectors where the people affected by a decision are often the most vulnerable. My approach starts with a clear-eyed diagnostic: I look at what’s actually happening inside an organisation, including the shadow AI use that leadership doesn’t yet know about, and I use that picture to build a governance-first foundation before any tool gets scaled. For a federally funded research organisation managing highly sensitive qualitative data, I ran a full systems stocktake and data inventory, which surfaced fragmented internal processes and unmanaged AI use. From there I built a board-ready governance framework, including a sovereignty exclusion protocol and a mandatory Data Protection Impact Assessment process for any future AI adoption. I then mapped a multi-year roadmap that moved from low-risk administrative automation through to qualitative pilot projects and, eventually, predictive analytics, with pricing tied directly to a quantifiable business case around administrative hours saved. For a state-wide community welfare and logistics charity, rapid growth had outpaced their manual, siloed systems. I led a data mapping exercise to find the structural bottlenecks and introduced a prioritisation framework I call RICE+Trust, which required any proposed AI pilot to clear a cultural safety and human-in-the-loop threshold before it could move forward. That work balanced quick administrative wins with a longer-term path toward automated routing and demand forecasting, always with volunteer and client safety as the boundary condition. Responsible AI use is central to how I operate. I explicitly build AI usage terms into my contracts, personally review client-facing outputs, and use paid subscriptions to leading language models specifically for the added data protection they provide. Ethics isn’t a checkbox for me; it shapes how I scope engagements, how I advise on tool selection, and where I draw the line on what a client is ready to implement. I’ve turned down continuing an engagement when it became clear the board and executive buy-in needed for real implementation simply wasn’t there, even months after the roadmap had been agreed. When it comes to tools, I favour working within what an organisation already has in place, such as enterprise Copilot or Claude, layering in industry-specific tools where the use case calls for it rather than pushing clients toward unfamiliar platforms. I’m still early in building long-term partnerships and group training programs, but every engagement is designed with that kind of ongoing relationship in mind. My focus stays on giving boards and leadership teams the clarity and safeguards they need to adopt AI responsibly, at a pace that protects the people they serve. - Website: [www.omnistrategic.com.au](https://www.omnistrategic.com.au/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Portuguese ## Ari’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Health Tech & Telemedicine - Mental Health & Counseling - Nonprofits & NGOs ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Ari Magalhaes is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Ari has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Ari’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** August 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlMMreP5 --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/asher-engel/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Asher Engel Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions Aitza AI Israel [Get In Touch](https://aitza.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Asher I specialize in AI consulting for design-driven creative studios in the New York tri-state area and Israel. I help creative studios and agencies put AI to work in ways that genuinely support the people doing the work. My guiding principle is simple: I build tools that help talented people do better work, rather than looking for ways to replace them. That philosophy shapes every conversation, training session, and implementation project I take on. My focus is on design-driven studios, particularly interior design and web development agencies, where I bring a hands-on, workshop-style approach to AI adoption. For one interior design agency, I ran a focused, hands-on workshop on AI-assisted rendering, giving their team practical skills they could apply immediately to their creative process. For a web development agency, I built and delivered an agent-based workshop tailored specifically to their workflow, working closely with their design team to make sure the tools fit how they actually operate day to day. I believe good AI consulting starts with listening. I spend real time understanding how a team already works before introducing new tools or workflows, which is part of why my engagements tend to feel collaborative rather than prescriptive. When I’m talking with a potential client, I pay close attention to how the conversation flows. My best client relationships start with focused, aligned conversations where both sides know quickly what they want and how to get there together. Responsible AI use is something I actively build into my consultancy. Beyond the practical applications, I’m especially attentive to AI bias, both being aware of it myself and helping raise that awareness with the teams I work with. I see this as an essential part of implementing AI thoughtfully, not an afterthought. For my toolkit, I rely on n8n for automation, Airtable for data and storage, and a combination of GPT-based models and Claude for language model work. On the interface side, I use Google Forms to keep things simple and accessible for clients who don’t need something more complex. I’m especially interested in building longer-term partnerships with clients where there’s strong alignment from the start. My best engagements are collaborative: the client brings deep knowledge of their business and what they want to accomplish, while I bring the technical and strategic expertise to help turn that into a practical solution. That kind of clarity and collaboration creates the foundation for work that can grow well beyond a single project. If you’re running a creative studio and wondering how AI could fit into your workflow without losing the human touch that makes your work distinctive, I’d love to talk. My approach is practical, collaborative, and focused on giving your team tools that amplify what you already do well. - Website: [aitza.ai](https://aitza.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/asher-z-engel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/asher-z-engel/) - Languages spoken: English ## Asher’s Industries and Focus Areas - Architecture & Engineering - Branding - Content Creation & Social Media - Graphic Design - Video Production - Web Design & Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Asher Engel is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Asher has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Asher’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** August 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlnMrX60 --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/aviva-legatt/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Aviva Legatt Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops EdGenerative Pennsylvania [Get In Touch](https://www.edgenerative.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Aviva At EdGenerative, we are one of the only consultancies focused specifically on human-centered, ethically-aligned AI strategy for higher education. We uniquely blend deep expertise in higher education, workforce development, and AI implementation—offering advisory, training, and agentic workflow solutions designed for public good. Our commitment to equity, governance, and reflexive intelligence sets us apart from generic AI consultants. We don’t just install tools—we help leaders responsibly shape the future of learning. One of my most aligned clients was a multi-campus community college system. They had executive buy-in, a shared vision around workforce transformation, and a deep commitment to co-creation. We conducted a discovery sprint to identify use cases in curriculum planning and student services, then moved into proposals around AI literacy and automation. Their follow-through, flexibility, and values-driven mindset made them a true rockstar client. Another recent client, a university abroad, engaged me for advisory sessions and leadership workshops to design their long-term AI adoption strategy. Several one-off engagements have grown into multi-phase partnerships, with clients returning for faculty training, ethical workflow design, or implementation guidance. I also regularly lead 1-to-many trainings, including public webinars and enterprise workshops on topics like DocGen automation and agentic workflows. My preferred tools are built around flexibility and privacy: Zapier and TypingMind RAG for automations, Google Sheets and Notion for data and planning, GPT-4o and Claude 3 for language tasks, and platforms like ClickUp, Slack, and Cassidy for communication and interface design. For visuals, I use tools like Gamma and Design.com. Ethics isn’t a separate category in my consultancy; it’s embedded in every step. I’ve learned the value of approaching risk conversations with empathy, not just logic. That’s why we lead with values mapping, help institutions understand the emotional and technical sides of AI, and prioritize “human in the loop” workflows with full transparency around when and how AI is used. - Website: [www.edgenerative.com](https://www.edgenerative.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/avivalegatt](https://www.linkedin.com/in/avivalegatt/) - Languages spoken: English ## Aviva’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Corporate Training - Higher Education - Nonprofits & NGOs - Online Course Creators - Private Schools & Daycares - Tutoring & Test Prep - Workforce Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Aviva Legatt is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Aviva has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Aviva’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlqolNsb --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/bennett-cordon/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Bennett Cordon Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions Boneyard Collective California [Get In Touch](https://www.boneyardcollective.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Bennett I specialize in web development and AI consulting for first-time founders and digital-first creatives in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. My consultancy begins every client relationship with a detailed audit, ensuring we develop tailored solutions that reflect both the client’s needs and their brand’s identity. One of my earliest projects involved launching Hunt & Co., a jewelry design company. The founder was collaborative, energetic, and ready to integrate AI into her business. She became a standout client not just because of our success launching her brand, but because of her openness to scale and eagerness to experiment. Other collaborations include Trio Worldwide, where I kicked off with an in-depth consulting session and followed with a proposal rooted in an AI audit. I’ve also supported an architecture studio on live event production, which opened up conversations about AI’s potential in their industry. Zapier is my preferred automation tool, and I rely heavily on Google Sheets, Claude, and OpenAI for backend intelligence. I’m also a fan of Voiceflow for building agents. I have a strong focus on accessibility. Rapid AI advancement can exclude people, and I see it as my role to bridge that gap by reducing fear and emphasizing practical education. Our collective includes talented developers, and this shared brainpower helps us deliver thoughtful, scalable systems. Working with founders and creatives excites me because they’re typically disruptors; people who aren’t afraid to reimagine old industries. That mindset makes all the difference in meaningful AI consulting. - Website: [www.boneyardcollective.com](https://www.boneyardcollective.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/bennettcordon](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettcordon/) - Languages spoken: English ## Bennett’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - E-commerce - Fashion & Apparel - Light Manufacturing - Web Design & Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Bennett Cordon is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Bennett has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Bennett’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlJkW2o1 --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/blake-atkerson/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Blake Atkerson Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Impact Kaizen Consulting Colorado [Get In Touch](https://www.impactkaizen.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Blake I specialize in AI consulting for Northern Colorado startups and small businesses that are in the technology and professional services sector that want to bridge company culture and AI implementation into a holistic Kaizen approach. My approach to AI consulting is all about aligning innovation with culture. I work closely with startups and small businesses that want more than just technical solutions—they’re looking to integrate AI into their operations in a way that complements their values, enhances their workflows, and empowers their teams. My focus is on sustainable, human-centered implementation inspired by continuous improvement models. One of my most meaningful projects involved supporting a small conservation team working with tribal communities. I built an Airtable-based operations hub infused with automation and AI, which significantly streamlined their work. From there, I deepened my engagement with tribal governments, delivering training on AI Governance, Risk, and Compliance. This led to a consulting role supporting the development of a new tribal AI policy and legal framework—an experience that helped me understand how to integrate modern tools within culturally and politically sensitive environments. Although I haven’t had a true “rockstar client” yet, I’ve learned to recognize when a partnership may not be the right fit. In one case, the project required extensive groundwork to get the client comfortable with AI tools, turning what looked like a fast win into a slower, educational journey. These experiences have helped shape my consulting style: patient, transparent, and adaptable to the readiness level of each organization. Ethically, I’m committed to being clear about data privacy boundaries and openly disclose that I’m not a cybersecurity professional. The AI Ethics training emphasized for me the importance of not just acknowledging bias and risk, but also communicating them upfront. My goal is to guide clients responsibly—especially when dealing with sensitive data or vulnerable populations. I use Zapier and n8n for automation, Airtable for data and UI integration, and Claude or OpenAI for language processing depending on context. For interface tools, I rely on Google Forms, Airtable Forms, and Gamma webpages to keep things clean and simple. On the creative side, I use Descript, ChatGPT, and Gamma to develop visual and audio content that supports training, storytelling, and internal communications. Ultimately, I aim to demystify AI for mission-driven teams and emerging companies—bridging strategy and execution while making sure the human element is never lost. - Website: [www.impactkaizen.com](https://www.impactkaizen.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/blakeatkerson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeatkerson/) - Languages spoken: English ## Blake’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Legal Services - Native American Governments - Nonprofits & NGOs ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Blake Atkerson is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Blake has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Blake’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Nov. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlrt28ll --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/boyd-hayward/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Boyd Hayward Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Just Enough AI England [Get In Touch](https://justenoughai.co.uk/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Boyd I specialize in AI consulting for UK housing associations, like Sovereign Network Group, that want to use AI to improve research, reporting, property listings, customer-facing content, and internal workflows. Most organisations do not need more AI. They need the right AI, applied to the right problem, in the right order. My work usually starts by helping teams identify where time, money, quality, or energy is being lost. From there, we work out whether the right fix is AI, automation, better data structure, clearer processes, or simply making existing expertise easier to access. Recent work has included helping a large UK housing organisation explore AI-supported workflows for property research, listing support, virtual staging, marketing insight, and reporting. The focus was not on adding AI for its own sake, but on finding practical ways to reduce friction, improve decision-making, and make useful information easier to produce and reuse. I have also supported a specialist engineering consultancy where the original conversation began with AI, but the real issue turned out to be knowledge transfer. Senior engineers carried a lot of decision-making logic in their heads, and junior staff needed a more structured way to produce complex technical documentation. That project reinforced something I now apply to every engagement: many organisations do not have an AI problem first. They have a workflow, knowledge, or process problem that AI may be able to support once it is properly understood. My approach is deliberately practical. I look for projects that create genuine value for the organisation, the team, and the people they serve. If AI is not the right answer, I will say so. If it is, I help clients find the smallest sensible starting point and build from there. I work with tools such as Make.com, Airtable, Claude, OpenAI, Google Workspace, and structured data sources, but the tools are never the starting point. The starting point is the business problem. If you know something is costing your team time, money, or sanity, but you are not sure whether AI, automation, or better process is the right fix, that is exactly where I start. - Website: [justenoughai.co.uk](https://justenoughai.co.uk/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/boydhayward](https://www.linkedin.com/in/boydhayward/) - Languages spoken: English ## Boyd’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Marketing & Advertising - Nonprofits & NGOs - Real Estate Agencies - Workforce Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Boyd Hayward is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Boyd has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Boyd’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrl64k6rI --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/brad-bush/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Brad Bush Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Readiness Audits, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops CoPoint AI Texas [Get In Touch](https://www.copointai.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Brad I provide AI consulting to enterprises and mid-sized businesses in the Dallas-Forth Worth area, giving clarity on where AI pays back and where humans and AI work together to get real value. A lot of companies are in the same spot. They bought Copilot, ChatGPT or Claude and rolled it out. Now they have pilots that never reached production, employees using AI with no guardrails, and a leadership team that wants results and keeps getting demos. I’m Brad Bush, Vice President at CoPoint AI, an AI consulting and engineering firm in Dallas. I have been a CEO three times and have held the COO, CIO, CMO and sales leader seats. I led a $100M post-merger integration that finished six months early, ran the sale of a company to private equity, and built a robotics startup from zero. I view AI through the lens of P&L and operations, not code. **What CoPoint does:** - AI Foundations: role-based AI education, from the executive team to a full workforce rollout. - WayPoint Labs: spec-first software development with AI, and a detailed delivery process. - Beacon: knowledge retrieval that runs inside the technology you already own. No rip and replace. - Application Services: care, fixes and new functions for the AI applications you run today. **Who I work with:** CEOs, CIOs, CFOs and operations leaders at enterprise and mid-market companies. The best fit is a company with many operating units, many systems, and no straight answer from its own operations. AI success is 70% human and 30% technology. The build has to work. Human adoption decides if it pays back. One rule I never break: AI informs judgment, it never replaces it. Before CoPoint I founded Strategy for AI. CoPoint acquired its client engagements in September 2026, and those clients still work with me. I still write and speak on practical AI for executives and boards. If you have a pilot that stalled short of production, send me a message. Let’s get to work together. - Website: [www.copointai.com](https://www.copointai.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/jbradleybush](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbradleybush/) - Languages spoken: English ## Brad’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Architecture & Engineering - Construction - Energy & Utilities - Financial Planning - Health & Wellness - Healthcare - Hotels & Lodging - Human Resources - HVAC & Plumbing - Industrial Equipment & Machinery - Industrial Manufacturing - Landscaping - Logistics & Transportation - Manufacturing - Nonprofits & NGOs - Private Equity Firms - Real Estate Agencies - Talent Acquisition - Transportation Safety & Logistics ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Brad Bush is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Brad has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Brad’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlZpJhxa --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/brandon-hurter/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Brandon Hurter Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Pivot180 AI Raleigh, NC [Get In Touch](https://www.pivot180.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Brandon I specialize in AI consulting for SMB firms in the Raleigh, North Carolina Triangle area, with a particular focus on legal practices, membership clubs, and home services businesses. Through Pivot180 AI, I help small and mid-sized businesses understand, adopt, and operationalize AI in ways that drive real business outcomes — not just technology novelty. My approach starts with strategy and ends with sustainable, repeatable systems. I deliver one-to-many training for advisory clients and build project-based implementations that convert into ongoing AI Operations and Advisory retainers, ensuring clients have a partner invested in their long-term success. What sets my work apart is a focus on practicality. I meet business owners where they are, whether they’re just starting to explore AI or ready to automate key workflows. The goal is always the same: make AI work for your business, not the other way around. - Website: [www.pivot180.ai](https://www.pivot180.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/bhurter](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhurter/) - Languages spoken: English ## Brandon’s Industries and Focus Areas - Cleaning Services - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - Dental Clinics - Fitness & Personal Training - Hotels & Lodging - HVAC & Plumbing - Insurance Agencies - Landscaping - Legal Services - Mental Health & Counseling - Nonprofits & NGOs - Private Medical Practices - Private Schools & Daycares - Wellness & Nutrition ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Brandon Hurter is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Brandon has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Brandon’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** June 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlD14IYe --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/brett-moreton/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Brett Moreton Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Tregantle AI United Kingdom [Get In Touch](https://www.tregantle-ai.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Brett I specialize in AI consulting for private SME’s based in North Wales, UK. My consultancy journey started with a desire to bring practical, meaningful AI solutions to small and medium-sized businesses across North Wales. With a background in data analysis, I’m drawn to clear, measurable improvements—but I’ve also come to appreciate that successful AI adoption hinges as much on emotional intelligence as it does on technical know-how. One of the biggest lessons I took from studying AI ethics is the importance of meeting people where they are emotionally. As someone used to data-driven decision-making, it was eye-opening to learn how counterproductive it can be to respond to emotionally charged concerns with facts alone. Now, I’m more focused on listening and framing AI as a tool for evolution—not elimination. I emphasize how reducing repetitive tasks allows teams to focus more on creative, high-value work. My work so far has centered on tradespeople—builders, plumbers, and electricians—who are often underserved in the digital space. My first client, a builder in Llandudno, started with a free quoting automation that I built to get to know the industry. That evolved into a paid engagement involving website creation, social media management, and plans for an AI-powered invoicing system. Our working relationship has grown organically, and he’s referred me to several others, which has helped shape my focus on long-term partnerships. Another project involved building a quoting assistant for a local plumber. I developed a custom GPT solution that streamlines his quoting process, using his historic data and materials pricing to help draft accurate and personalized quotes. While I charged a project fee for this work, I always aim to align pricing with the value delivered and the complexity involved. I tailor my choice of tools, systems and products to the clients particular needs, always mindful of their requirements and cost implications, keeping things simple where possible. I’m excited to keep growing this work and helping more SMEs see that AI isn’t just for tech giants—it can be practical, personal, and profoundly impactful for businesses of any size. - Website: [www.tregantle-ai.com](https://www.tregantle-ai.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/company/tregantle-ai](https://www.linkedin.com/company/tregantle-ai/) - Languages spoken: English ## Brett’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Agriculture & Farming - Construction - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - Fitness & Personal Training - Graphic Design - Hotels & Lodging - HVAC & Plumbing - Industrial Equipment & Machinery - Insurance Agencies - Legal Services - Light Manufacturing - Real Estate Agencies - Restaurants & Cafés - Web Design & Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Brett Moreton is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Brett has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Brett’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Nov. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlJnqbg8 --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/bron-fieldwalker/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Bron Fieldwalker Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Syndicate Digital Productions British Columbia [Get In Touch](https://www.linkedin.com/in/syndicatedigital/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Bron I’m an AI consultant and full-stack agentic engineer with over 30 years of experience building software solutions that drive real results. My work centers on helping businesses—especially non-technical ones—harness the power of AI for automation, efficiency, and growth. Whether it’s a modeling agency reimagining its entire digital presence or a counseling clinic integrating voice AI, I specialize in delivering customized tools that go beyond prototypes and into production-ready systems. I build and ship AI solutions that reduce manual work, improve customer experience, and scale with your team. Examples include live notetaking and report generation, self-serve knowledge bases, and workflow automations that connect to your existing tools with minimal change management. Security and compliance are built in through access controls, logging, and clear data boundaries. Results are delivered quickly as pilots, then hardened for production. The most common tools in my tech stack are OpenAI and Claude, Deepgram, ElevenLabs, Supabase Postgres, FastAPI, React and Next.js, Google Cloud, AWS, and Vercel. Ethics play a central role in my work, and my business thrives on trust and demonstration. As a father and a technologist, I’m deeply committed to using AI responsibly. I won’t engage in projects that involve deception, manipulation, or disregard for privacy and copyright. My goal is always to empower people, not replace them, and I strive to educate clients on the transformative yet ethical use of AI. I don’t just talk about AI; I show its impact through live demos, proof-of-concept builds, and results-driven projects. Many of my clients become long-term partners, some staying with me for over a decade. I focus on providing value that continues after the initial launch, whether that’s through hosting, maintenance, or new feature rollouts. As I continue building toward scalable automation sales, I remain committed to keeping projects high-impact, ethical, and human-centered. - Website: [www.linkedin.com/in/syndicatedigital](https://www.linkedin.com/in/syndicatedigital/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/syndicatedigital](https://www.linkedin.com/in/syndicatedigital/) - Languages spoken: English ## Bron’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Auto Repair & Dealerships - Brick-and-Mortar Retail - Catering Services - Cleaning Services - Construction - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Delivery & Courier Services - Dental Clinics - E-commerce - Electrical Services - Electronics & Components - Fitness & Personal Training - Graphic Design - Health Tech & Telemedicine - Hotels & Lodging - HVAC & Plumbing - Industrial Equipment & Machinery - Insurance Agencies - Landscaping - Legal Services - Light Manufacturing - Marketing & Advertising - Mental Health & Counseling - Pest Control - Pet Services - Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation - Private Medical Practices - Real Estate Agencies - Restaurants & Cafés - Trucking & Freight - Video Production - Web Design & Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Bron Fieldwalker is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Bron has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Bron’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlyFqccK --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/carl-roose/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Carl Roose Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Mindteam Ohio [Get In Touch](https://mindteam.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Carl I help membership organizations and professional associations in Ohio and the Midwest explore, plan, and adopt AI in ways that are practical, ethical, and human-centered. My clients are leaders who see the potential of AI but want thoughtful implementation that improves daily operations—not flashy tech for its own sake. Organizations I work with typically want to serve their members more effectively while streamlining internal workflows such as content creation, documentation, communications, and event coordination. They value my 30-day satisfaction guarantee, my focus on delivering immediate wins, and my refusal to oversell complex solutions they don’t need. My process combines strategy with hands-on implementation. I often begin with discovery sessions and custom trainings that demystify AI and spark new ideas. From there, many clients move into workflow automation or ongoing support. I focus on working with organizations ready to invest meaningfully, and I’m comfortable letting bargain-hunters self-select out. I keep my tool stack simple, versatile, and reliable—often relying on models like ChatGPT and Claude, workflow automation platforms such as n8n or Make, and a range of no-code and low-code builders (e.g. Cursor, Claude Code, Airtable, and others) for custom apps and interfaces. Every choice is guided by a balance of capability, accessibility, and long-term sustainability for the client. Ethical AI adoption is central to my professional approach. I help clients establish clear policies, avoid common pitfalls like biased or inaccurate outputs, and ensure human oversight in decision-making. My goal is straightforward: AI that works and makes life measurably easier, both for my clients and the members they serve. - Website: [mindteam.ai](https://mindteam.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/carlroose](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlroose/) - Languages spoken: English ## Carl’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Agriculture & Farming - Auto Repair & Dealerships - Beauty & Wellness - Brick-and-Mortar Retail - Cannabis - Construction - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - Dental Clinics - E-commerce - Electrical Services - Electronics & Components - Fashion & Apparel - Fitness & Personal Training - Food & Beverage Production - Graphic Design - Grocery & Food Stores - Health Tech & Telemedicine - Hotels & Lodging - HVAC & Plumbing - Industrial Equipment & Machinery - Insurance Agencies - Landscaping - Legal Services - Light Manufacturing - Marketing & Advertising - Mental Health & Counseling - Nonprofits & NGOs - Pest Control - Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation - Private Medical Practices - Private Schools & Daycares - Real Estate Agencies - Restaurants & Cafés - Trucking & Freight - Web Design & Development - Wellness & Nutrition - Workforce Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Carl Roose is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Carl has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Carl’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlM6sdxg --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/christina-friloux/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Christina Friloux Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Outset Method Texas [Get In Touch](https://www.outsetmethod.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Christina As an AI consultant with a strong background in business process improvement, I look beyond the technology to understand how a business operates, where work gets complicated, and what could be done better. My approach is hands-on and people-first, helping business owners and their teams turn AI possibilities into practical solutions that make a meaningful difference. I bring more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry, from small startups to global enterprises across software, cloud services, cybersecurity, and marketing technology. This background gives me a broad perspective on how businesses operate, where inefficiencies arise, and how better processes can support growth. My marketing expertise also helps me connect operational improvements with customer acquisition and business development. I help clients identify opportunities for AI, assess readiness, improve workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and develop actionable AI roadmaps. I also provide hands-on training and AI-powered marketing solutions, including content creation, lead nurturing, and campaign automation. My priority is practical solutions that deliver real business value, not technology for its own sake. My experience includes consulting with a steel heat treatment facility to evaluate how AI could help turn years of data stored in PDFs into a usable database, and helping a Houston courier service improve onboarding and accounts receivable processes through training and strategic recommendations. I believe meaningful improvements often begin with understanding a specific business problem and identifying practical ways to solve it. My preferred tools include ChatGPT, Claude, and the OpenAI API for workflow integrations. I use Zapier and n8n for automation, along with Airtable, Google Sheets, and Notion for data and workflow management. I select tools based on each client's needs rather than prescribing a particular platform. Responsible AI use is central to my work, with an emphasis on human oversight, transparency, privacy, and ethical practices. My mission is simple: help good people do good things with their businesses and thrive. I'm an avid learner who stays current through ongoing research, courses, and the continuously updated Innovating with AI consultancy program. I'm also a member of Austin Women in Technology, Women in Revenue, and the Cybersecurity Marketing Association, and a friend of The Austin Forum on Technology & Society. - Website: [www.outsetmethod.com](https://www.outsetmethod.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/christinafriloux](https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafriloux/) - Languages spoken: English ## Christina’s Industries and Focus Areas - Content Creation & Social Media - Dental Clinics - Marketing & Advertising - Nonprofits & NGOs - Pet Services ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Christina Friloux is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Christina has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Christina’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Sept. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlYwQ3RN --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/christopher-jeyes/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Christopher Jeyes Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Lextrapolate Limited United Kingdom [Get In Touch](https://www.lextrapolate.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Christopher I specialise in AI consulting for lawyers and regulated professional service businesses in the UK. My practice, Lextrapolate Limited, works primarily with major barristers chambers and solicitors firms — helping them use AI safely, in compliance with their regulatory obligations, and to maximum effect. Before founding Lextrapolate, I spent years as a barrister, which means I understand the professional duties and risk frameworks that govern legal practice. I don’t just train lawyers on AI tools — I help them navigate the intersection of technology and their professional obligations, including the relevant SRA and BSB regulatory frameworks. I run one-to-many training sessions with barristers chambers and solicitors firms, covering AI fundamentals and the UK legal regulatory landscape. These sessions consistently generate follow-on individual or small group work — once participants’ interest is piqued, they want to go deeper. I also set up firms with enterprise AI access, including deployment on AWS Bedrock, and provide bespoke strategy sessions for firms defining their AI roadmap. My approach is hands-on and practical. Whether I’m delivering one-to-many training on AI fundamentals or setting up individual lawyers with access to Claude on AWS Bedrock, the goal is the same: equip them to use AI confidently, compliantly, and to competitive advantage. - Website: [www.lextrapolate.com](https://www.lextrapolate.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-jeyes-barrister](https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-jeyes-barrister/) - Languages spoken: English ## Christopher’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Consulting & Coaching - Dental Clinics - Insurance Agencies - Legal Services - Mental Health & Counseling - Nonprofits & NGOs - Private Medical Practices - Private Schools & Daycares ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Christopher Jeyes is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Christopher has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Christopher’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** June 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlVLjre6 --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/conor-mccarthy/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Conor McCarthy Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Threshold Partners Ireland [Get In Touch](https://www.threshold-partners.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Conor I help founder-led expert businesses cross the AI adoption threshold—from overwhelmed to shipping working tools that actually get used. My clients are consulting firms, training companies, and specialist agencies who know AI matters but are stuck between understanding it and actually using it. I serve as their Fractional AI Lead: I own the roadmap, redesign workflows, build tools, and train their people. **Current engagements:** Akimbo – I design and deliver monthly leadership-focused workshops, helping consultants and executives use AI more intentionally in their work. What started as a one-off has become an ongoing partnership where I help them build AI fluency across their client base. A global inclusion consultancy where I built custom AI tools for their client delivery work. The engagement evolved into a longer-term advisory relationship, helping their team adopt AI without compromising the quality or ethics of their practice. CIO, Global Medical Device Company – I provide strategic AI advisory and custom tool development, helping him lead more effectively with AI. I blend live training sessions with asynchronous support, giving him control and clarity from the start. **My approach:** I don’t just train people on tools or hand over a strategy doc. I integrate all three: I help you build clarity on what to do, make decisions on what to build, and ship tools that work. Then I transfer capability so you own it going forward. I focus on judgment, not just automation. Most AI adoption fails because teams move too fast without thinking, or think too long without moving. I help you find the threshold—the line between understanding and action—and cross it with confidence. **My toolkit:** I use whatever works: Zapier, N8N, and Power Automate for automation. OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity for models. Google Sheets, Excel, and Airtable for data handling. Gamma, Lovable, and DALL-E for visuals and prototypes. Flowise and Copilot for chat interfaces. But the tools matter less than the outcome: working systems that fit your workflow, not generic demos that impress but don’t ship. **Responsible AI:** I help understand questions about bias, impact, and transparency proactively—not to slow you down, but to ensure what we build is sustainable, defensible, and aligned with your values. AI adoption is a trust problem as much as a technical one. I help you navigate both. **Who I work best with:** Curious, open-minded leaders who know they need help but are also willing to challenge ideas constructively. People who value depth over speed, but who also want to move—not just study—AI adoption. If you’re ready to cross the threshold from knowing to doing, let’s talk. - Website: [www.threshold-partners.com](https://www.threshold-partners.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/comccart](https://www.linkedin.com/in/comccart/) - Languages spoken: English ## Conor’s Industries and Focus Areas - Corporate Training - Education - Nonprofits & NGOs - Online Course Creators - Workforce Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Conor McCarthy is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Conor has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Conor’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlxJGlvA --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/damon-brennen/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Damon Brennen Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Damon AI Portland, Oregon [Get In Touch](https://www.damon-ai.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Damon I help small and mid-sized businesses find where AI fits in their work and where it doesn’t, then deliver the training and custom tools that turn the repetitive parts into systems their teams actually use. Most of my work starts with a process someone has quietly worked around for years. I look for the tasks a team dislikes doing rather than the jobs a business would like to eliminate. The point is to give people their attention back, not to hollow the company out. Two rules shape every build. Nothing I put in place should push more low-quality content into the world, and there is always a human in the loop to verify claims and add the judgement a model cannot supply. One client, a design-build remodeling contractor, was handling well over a hundred emails a day, and leads and client messages were getting buried or missed entirely. I built him an AI assistant that sorts his inbox each morning into categories that are actually useful. Things like leads, active clients, subs, and billing. It flags anything suspicious and drafts replies in his own voice. I scoped and priced it as a fixed-price build. Another, a remodeling contractor, had a sales process that meant working up most of a real estimate just to give a prospect a ballpark number. I built a price book in Airtable from his own job history, then a client-facing estimator app on top of it, so he can give a homeowner a real budget range in the first meeting. The work ran in two phases, starting with the price book and then the app. The tools I reach for are Zapier and Make for automation; Google Sheets, Airtable, and Supabase for data and storage; Claude as my primary language model, switching to ChatGPT or others when a job calls for it; Google Forms and Airtable interfaces for the front end; and ChatGPT and Nano Banana for image generation. - Website: [www.damon-ai.com](https://www.damon-ai.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - Languages spoken: English ## Damon’s Industries and Focus Areas - Construction - HVAC & Plumbing - Marketing & Advertising - Nonprofits & NGOs - Video Production ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Damon Brennen is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Damon has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Damon’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** September 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrl6hgtOS --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/dan-mowinski/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Dan Mowinski Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Power Up AI Colorado [Get In Touch](https://www.powerupai.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Dan I specialize in AI consulting for small-to-midsize businesses in the Denver area that care about their digital presence, particularly when it comes to reviews, reputation, and attracting new customers. I focus on practical, hands-on AI solutions that make it easier for business owners to be seen online, build trust with customers, and grow sustainably. Alongside reputation management, I help businesses with AI-driven marketing and buyer generation—using automation and smart tools to bring in more qualified leads while keeping ad spend under control. It’s about giving business owners both visibility and predictability so they can focus on what they do best. Of course, not every lead is the right fit. I once did a demo for a psychiatrist who didn’t want AI involved in any of her client records or content generation, and her clients didn’t want to leave reviews due to privacy concerns. I completely respected that and gently let her know I probably wasn’t the best match for what she needed. I’ve also been delivering lots of in-person and group AI trainings. One is a “Women in Business” luncheon with a local Chamber of Commerce, and another is a training for 25 CFOs for a national nonprofit on using AI. These events are great opportunities to build community relationships and showcase the practical value of AI. My go-to tools include Zapier for automation, Google Sheets and Notion for data and planning, and ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini for content and insights. For interfaces, I use Google Forms, Notion, and TeamSupport to create simple, accessible bots. Ethics is a huge part of my message. I teach clients to use AI transparently and responsibly by using the “AI sandwich” method: humans ideate, AI contributes, and humans refine. My goal is to supercharge people, not replace them. I talk openly about intellectual property and the importance of respecting creators and data privacy. - Website: [www.powerupai.ai](https://www.powerupai.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/dan-mowinski-497963](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-mowinski-497963/) - Languages spoken: English ## Dan’s Industries and Focus Areas - Brick-and-Mortar Retail - Construction - Consulting & Coaching - Dental Clinics - Fitness & Personal Training - HVAC & Plumbing - Landscaping - Pet Services - Private Medical Practices - Restaurants & Cafés - Tutoring & Test Prep ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Dan Mowinski is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Dan has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Dan’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlCAS0Ku --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/david-fraas/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # David Fraas Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Digital6 Technologies Idaho [Get In Touch](https://digital6.tech/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet David I specialize in AI cloud consulting for compliance-regulated industries, helping businesses integrate advanced automation, voice AI, and data-driven solutions with a strong focus on privacy and operational efficiency. My work spans several sectors, including finance, physical therapy, dentistry, and e-commerce, where I deliver systems that not only meet technical standards but also align with client workflows and industry regulations. I value long-term relationships and have ongoing consulting arrangements with several clients and their dev teams. A rockstar client, to me, is one who’s collaborative, values the work, and sees the bigger picture. I’m not afraid to walk away from projects that undervalue the effort or come with unrealistic expectations, and I’ve done so when necessary. Currently, I’m consulting for a finance company, meeting biweekly with their development team to guide strategy and implementation. In healthcare, I’ve designed a voice AI appointment setter and outbound reminder system for a physical therapy network with over 20 locations. Each solution is tailored, often priced according to the real-world workload it replaces, such as calculating savings based on the number of employees currently performing those tasks. I lean heavily on n8n for automation, leveraging its flexibility to create streamlined workflows like an AI image scanning pipeline I built for a dental office. For data and storage, I prefer Airtable or AWS-based services, depending on the scope and scalability needs. On the AI model side, I work with Claude, Gemini, OpenGPT, Grok, and local deployments of Ollama. Interfaces vary by project; I use chatbots, Streamlit, or Laravel depending on whether I’m building the front end or collaborating with developers. For audio and visual generation, I utilize tools like Leonardo.ai, Heygen, ElevenLabs, and ChatGPT. One key lesson I emphasize in my consulting practice is that AI needs direction. Without the right fine-tuning and knowledge base, even powerful models can produce misleading or irrelevant results. That’s why I always insist on training models using client-specific data, ensuring output is aligned with business goals and facts. - Website: [digital6.tech](https://digital6.tech/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/davidfraas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfraas/) - Languages spoken: English ## David’s Industries and Focus Areas - Dental Clinics - E-commerce - Health Tech & Telemedicine - Legal Services - Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation - Private Medical Practices ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant David Fraas is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. David has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified David’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlNJzw8T --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/david-j-swicegood/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # David J. Swicegood Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions, Workshops 7LIFT.AI Idaho & Washington [Get In Touch](https://www.7lift.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet David I help businesses use AI to get more customers, keep more customers, and free up their teams from the slog work that slows everything down. No giant IT projects. No jargon. Just practical, fast-moving AI systems that save hours, smooth out operations, and create momentum you can feel. The sections below show exactly what we build and how the process works. What I Build AI built for real-world business problems, not tech hype: - AI Agents that handle follow-up, scheduling, customer questions, inbound/outbound calls, and email triage - Dashboards that show what’s happening in the business without digging through systems - Automations that remove repetitive “slog work” your team hates and that slow the business down - Training + Strategy Sessions that reveal the 3–5 easiest places AI can improve customer flow or operations - Fractional CAIO Support to help owners implement and expand AI without hiring a full-time tech leader Everything is designed to help you acquire customers, retain customers, and run a smoother operation. How It Works A simple, proven process that delivers results fast. 1. **Quick AI Training:** Your team learns what AI can actually do for your workflows—not theory. 2. **Leadership Working Session:** We identify the 3–5 real bottlenecks holding your business back. 3. **Clear Roadmap:** You get plain-English options to fix those issues with AI. 4. **Fast Implementation:** Most solutions take a few days to a couple weeks, not months. 5. **ROI in 90 Days:** Hours saved, better follow-through, fewer dropped balls, smoother operations. - Website: [www.7LIFT.AI](https://www.7lift.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/aimentor](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimentor/) - Languages spoken: English ## David’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Aviation & Defense - Dental Clinics - Health Tech & Telemedicine - Healthcare - Industrial Equipment & Machinery - Insurance Agencies - Legal Services - Light Manufacturing - Mental Health & Counseling - Real Estate Agencies ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant David J. Swicegood is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. David has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified David’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** UYCJWC --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/deborah-sherman/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Deborah Sherman Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops AIEZ.ai Colorado [Get In Touch](https://aiez.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Deborah At AIEZ.ai, we specialize in AI consulting for communication professionals, executives, and mission-critical organizations that need to deliver clarity under pressure. Based in Denver, our professional and crisis communication consultancy transforms the way leaders handle urgent moments. We design AI automated workflows that help you respond with speed, trust, and impact. Deborah Sherman’s background includes two decades as an Emmy award-winning investigative journalist and spokesperson for the FBI in Colorado and Wyoming—roles where timing and truth were everything. That experience now fuels her work helping organizations prepare before the storm hits and for everyday immediate communication in your personal style and brand. We create workflows for real-time messaging, build automated bespoke systems for your business and train C-suites and teams how to adopt AI to save 20–40 hours a week while protecting voice, tone and control. We help clients build clear AI use policies that cover risk, compliance, transparency, and accountability. Our goal is to ensure AI is used as a partner. Its strength lies in conversation, creativity, and helping you generate new perspectives. In the words of Ethan Mollick,PhD, MBA: “AI gives extraordinary abilities to ordinary people.” At AIEZ.ai, we give your team those abilities—so when it matters most, you can lead with confidence. Our go-to toolkit includes Zapier, n8n, Relevance, Make and MindStudio for automation; ChatGPT-5, Claude, and GenSpark for language modeling; and other agentic tools. On the media side, we work with Veo, ElevenLabs, and visual tools like Flux.1, HeyGen, Gemini Imagen, and DALL·E 3 to create on-brand multimedia in seconds. - Website: [aiez.ai](https://aiez.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-sherman-75689ba](https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-sherman-75689ba/) - Languages spoken: English ## Deborah’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - Fitness & Personal Training - Health Tech & Telemedicine - Legal Services - Marketing & Advertising - Nonprofits & NGOs - Online Course Creators - Restaurants & Cafés - Video Production - Wellness & Nutrition - Workforce Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Deborah Sherman is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Deborah has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Deborah’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** August 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** ISATDN --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/deborah-spence/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Deborah Ann Spence Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Workshops FiercePreneur Pennsylvania [Get In Touch](https://fiercepreneur.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Deborah I specialize in AI consulting for U.S. owner‑led, growth‑minded small businesses like medical, human resources, or real estate offices, using the Fierce Formula to streamline ops, tighten follow‑up, and make every workflow trackable. My approach to AI is rooted in real-world application, particularly for small businesses where every tool, hour, and decision counts. Over the years, I’ve transitioned from short-term projects into long-term, high-impact partnerships—something I’m deeply proud of. One such success was with an independent real estate brokerage that brought me on for AI training and ultimately extended the engagement into a full year of collaboration. More recently, a medical client hired me as their Fractional Chief AI/Tech Consultant. Getting my own company email address with them felt like a milestone; small on the surface, but it signified how far I’ve come and the level of trust they’ve placed in me. My clients span industries like real estate and medicine, and I work closely with them to implement AI and automation that aligns with their day-to-day needs. For example, I’ve flown across the country to help real estate agents set up GoHighLevel systems, designing lead routing and follow-up processes that drive consistent results. I’ve supported over 20 agents this way and now focus on higher-level projects, including work with medical practices and even tech-forward installations like holograms. I also learned something in the AI ethics module that surprised me: the environmental cost of AI, especially its water and energy usage. That discovery shifted how I consult. I now place even greater emphasis on choosing the right-sized solution—not every challenge requires a large language model. Sometimes the most ethical and effective option is helping clients maximize the tech they already have. That mindset plays into how I choose my tools. For automation, I lean on HighLevel, Zapier, and Keragon. For data and storage, Google Sheets, Airtable, and Excel give me the flexibility to work within any business’s current system. I use language models like OpenAI, Claude, and Gemini depending on the project’s needs. - Website: [fiercepreneur.com](https://fiercepreneur.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - Languages spoken: English ## Deborah’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Corporate Training - Human Resources - Online Course Creators - Private Medical Practices - Real Estate Agencies ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Deborah Ann Spence is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Deborah has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Deborah’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Nov. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlxU1RjY --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/deon-de-klerk/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Deon de Klerk Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Mindful Machines Western Cape / Cape Town [Get In Touch](https://mindfulmachines.co.za/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Deon My name is Deon de Klerk, and I lead Mindful Machines—a consultancy built around the belief that responsible, human-centered AI can transform businesses when implemented with care and clarity. Mindfulness, for me, is not just a brand; it’s a core value that guides how I approach every client engagement. I believe in being both critical and excited, always asking hard questions while staying open to bold possibilities. I specialize in delivering AI audits, strategic consulting, and custom AI solutions, often serving as a Fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO) for organizations navigating the complex world of generative AI. I’ve worked with a wide range of clients—from hospital groups and real estate firms to startups—helping them audit their current use of AI, train their teams, and design tools that unlock real operational value. One of my proudest partnerships has been with a European real estate investment firm. What started as a basic consultation grew into a long-term, premium engagement where I now serve in a fractional leadership role. Together, we’re developing a reporting assistant that’s set to revolutionize how they operate. I’ve also delivered in-person and virtual trainings to teams as small as six and as large as twenty-five, spanning multiple countries. One in-person workshop for a team of ten was a particular highlight—it reminded me of the power of face-to-face learning and interaction. My consultancy blends technical expertise with ethical grounding. From the AI Ethics section of the Innovating with AI course, I deepened my understanding of the value local language models bring to data privacy. I’m now exploring how to help clients implement secure, on-premise or cloud-hosted LLMs that never touch the open internet—a game-changer for large organizations concerned with compliance and control. I’m selective about the clients I work with. A “rockstar client” to me is someone who is engaged, open to learning, and committed to meaningful implementation. I’ve also had to turn clients away when I sensed a mismatch in values or expectations. In every case, I strive to provide value—even if that means directing someone elsewhere. Technically, I rely on tools like Zapier for automation, Supabase with PostgreSQL for data storage, Gemini for generative AI, and a blend of custom-coded platforms and Botpress for user interfaces. My own survey platform is a good example of how I build tools tailored to client needs. While audio/visual tools aren’t a core focus for me, I occasionally use Gemini’s built-in video capabilities when needed. At Mindful Machines, I’m here to help your team work more mindfully with AI—building trust, capability, and real-world results. - Website: [mindfulmachines.co.za](https://mindfulmachines.co.za/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/deondeklerk](https://www.linkedin.com/in/deondeklerk/) - Languages spoken: English, Afrikaans ## Deon’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Agriculture & Farming - Auto Repair & Dealerships - Beauty & Wellness - Brick-and-Mortar Retail - Cannabis - Catering Services - Cleaning Services - Construction - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - Delivery & Courier Services - Dental Clinics - E-commerce - Electrical Services - Electronics & Components - Fashion & Apparel - Fitness & Personal Training - Food & Beverage Production - Graphic Design - Grocery & Food Stores - Health Tech & Telemedicine - Hotels & Lodging - HVAC & Plumbing - Industrial Equipment & Machinery - Insurance Agencies - Landscaping - Legal Services - Light Manufacturing - Marketing & Advertising - Mental Health & Counseling - Nonprofits & NGOs - Online Course Creators - Pest Control - Pet Services - Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation - Private Medical Practices - Private Schools & Daycares - Real Estate Agencies - Religious Organizations - Restaurants & Cafés - Trucking & Freight - Tutoring & Test Prep - Video Production - Wellness & Nutrition - Workforce Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Deon de Klerk is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Deon has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Deon’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Sept. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlTX7hSt --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/diego-varela-alvarado/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Diego Varela Alvarado Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Nobaweb Costa Rica [Get In Touch](https://nobaweb.com/services/ai-consulting/?lang=en&utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Diego I run Nobaweb, an AI consultancy based in Costa Rica. I work with businesses across Latin America and the United States on AI training and implementation. My experience spans healthcare, legal, corporate teams, and education. My clients share the same problems. Repetitive tasks consume the time of skilled staff. Output quality stays inconsistent. Teams have heard about AI but have no path to using it. On training, I design and deliver custom workshops for corporations and institutions of different sizes. Every program builds around the specific workflows of each team and covers introductory through advanced topics. On implementation, I build automations that remove repetitive manual work, and custom AI agents that handle customer interactions and internal processes around the clock. For organizations unsure where to start, I run an AI Strategy Audit that identifies which processes are worth automating and which are not. Before AI consulting, I spent over 10 years in web development, SEO, analytics, and conversion optimization. That background lets me see a business problem for what it is, not only an AI opportunity. Before I recommend a tool or build an automation, I examine where your data comes from and where the system breaks. Every AI output passes a human review step before it reaches an end user. You get a clear picture of the upside and the risks before you commit. **What I offer:** - AI Strategy Audits - Custom AI Trainings and Workshops - AI Process Automation - AI Agents and Chatbots If you’re running a business that’s ready to use AI seriously, and you want a partner who will tell you the truth about what’s possible, I’d love to connect. - Website: [nobaweb.com/services/ai-consulting/](https://nobaweb.com/services/ai-consulting/?lang=en&utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/diego-varela-86459313](https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-varela-86459313/) - Languages spoken: English, Spanish ## Diego’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Corporate Training - Dental Clinics - Mental Health & Counseling - Private Medical Practices ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Diego Varela Alvarado is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Diego has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Diego’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** June 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlsccmxn --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/dougal-perman/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Dougal Perman Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Inner Ear Glasgow, Scotland [Get In Touch](https://www.innerear.co.uk/digital-media-training-consultancy/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Dougal I specialize in AI consulting for Scottish forward-thinking creative businesses and cultural organizations. As a digital media producer and consultant for over 25 years, I’ve always been drawn to where creativity meets technology. My recent focus on AI builds naturally on that foundation. I now work closely with creative businesses, arts organisations, and cultural institutions across Scotland, offering AI consulting, training, and strategy tailored to their unique needs. One of the highlights of my consultancy journey has been my ongoing work with the Scottish Music Centre. What began as a single team training has evolved into a strong working relationship. After the initial session, I proposed ideas for deeper collaboration. This led to further workshops, a research and development project exploring solutions for their music catalogue database, and now a full AI-powered data enrichment project. They’ve introduced me to other departments internally and also referred me to peers in the cultural sector. These kinds of partnerships are the ideal outcome of what I aim to build with every client. I’ve also led AI trainings for artist development agencies, theatres, and academic institutions. From full-day sessions for PhD students at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design to strategic workshops for senior managers at Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, I shape each engagement to match the audience’s level and objectives. Across these sessions, I consistently see how creative professionals light up when they realise how AI can amplify their work rather than replace it. My approach to ethics is deeply influenced by past work in digital rights and copyright, which gives me a solid grounding for navigating today’s conversations around AI. I pay close attention to the issues of bias, fairness, and environmental responsibility. Whether I’m designing workshops or consulting on business systems, I bring these principles into the room to guide decision-making. My toolkit includes Zapier for automation and Airtable for both data and UI interfacing. I use ChatGPT and Gemini depending on the task, and I’m hands-on with creative tools like Veo3, ElevenLabs, Suno, and Adobe Creative Cloud. These let me support clients across a range of use cases, from enhanced podcast production to AI-powered business development. At the heart of my work is a belief that creative organizations deserve thoughtful, accessible, and ethical support in adopting AI. My goal is to make these technologies work for them—enhancing their missions, not distracting from them. - Website: [www.innerear.co.uk/digital-media-training-consultancy](https://www.innerear.co.uk/digital-media-training-consultancy/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/dougalperman](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougalperman/) - Languages spoken: English ## Dougal’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Marketing & Advertising - Online Course Creators - Video Production ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Dougal Perman is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Dougal has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Dougal’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Nov. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrl6LU4xM --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/ece-aj-boz-fulton/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Ece (AJ) Boz Fulton Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Lighthouse AI Consulting British Columbia [Get In Touch](https://lighthouse-ai.ca/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Ece I specialize in practical, human-first AI consulting for small to midsize insurance agencies in the Lower Mainland. My work centers on helping teams modernize operations, administration, and marketing without losing sight of their people, relationships, or values. As a consultant rooted in the insurance industry in British Columbia, I partner with privately owned agencies, brokerages, MGAs, and hybrid benefits/wealth advisories, typically in the 10–499 staff range. Most already have a modern tech stack: client portals, CRM, cloud services, and a digital presence, but often find that fragmented data and manual workflows limit their efficiency. I help translate those systems into cohesive, AI-powered solutions that create clarity, connection, and momentum. My toolkit includes Microsoft Power Automate for workflow automation, Copilot Studio chatbots for client engagement, SharePoint and Excel for data management, and language models such as OpenAI GPT integrations and Claude for building interactive, user-friendly applications. These tools allow me to develop tailored automation and client engagement solutions that enhance efficiency. Each solution is designed with the realities of insurance in mind: sensitive data, complex compliance needs, and a business model built on trust and long-term relationships. In insurance, where technology can directly impact real lives, I prioritize traceability, human oversight, and transparency in every system I help implement. I also recognize that AI isn’t just about speed and efficiency; it’s about responsibility. I am very aware of how bias can pervade every layer of AI deployment from design to final output, and how critical it is to address these risks early, ethically. Therefore, addressing bias and ethics are an afterthought; they are foundational to my practice. - Website: [lighthouse-ai.ca](https://lighthouse-ai.ca/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/company/lighthouse-ai-consulting](https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighthouse-ai-consulting/) - Languages spoken: English, Turkish ## Ece’s Industries and Focus Areas - Insurance Agencies ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Ece (AJ) Boz Fulton is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Ece has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Ece’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlrzrvfT --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/ferenc-fazekas/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Ferenc Fazekas Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Frontier Flows LLC USA & Europe [Get In Touch](https://frontierflows.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Ferenc At Frontier Flows, we specialize in AI strategy, education, and implementation for small and mid-sized East Coast businesses in the functional/organic food industry. As Founder and Principal Consultant, I’m a specialist who understands the food industry from farm to fork. My background combines an upbringing on an organic farm with leading-edge AI product strategy at Ocado Technology, one of the world’s most advanced grocery technology platforms, serving clients like Kroger. I’ve also managed projects and developed software solutions for CPG leaders, such as P&G and Nestle. I am especially energized when working with clients in the healthy food industry (10–100 employees, $10M+ revenue). These companies often lack internal engineering teams and/or experienced product managers, making them an ideal match for our holistic, “strategy-to-transformation” partnership. I am most aligned with mission-driven clients with a long-term growth mindset. My approach is built on two core beliefs: a clear stance on AI ethics, navigating the ‘health vs. profit’ dilemma, and a practical go-to mantra: “achieve more with the same team, within the same time.” Our services are built on four pillars to ensure a successful AI transformation: 1. **Strategy:** starting with your “why”, delivering AI vision workshops and developing actionable ROI-positive AI strategy and implementation blueprints that align with your core business goals. 2. **Education:** empowering your existing team with hands-on, customized workshops, turning your people into an AI-enabled workforce. 3. **Implementation:** We build and deploy the tools, from custom workflows to AI assistants, that solve your specific operational efficiency challenges, including document automation, demand forecasting and waste reduction. 4. **Long-Term Partnership:** AI transformation is an ongoing journey, not a singular project. I’ll collaborate with you for the long haul, acting as a strategic advisor, implementation leader, or a Fractional AI Executive to guarantee your AI initiatives consistently deliver measurable value. - Website: [frontierflows.com](https://frontierflows.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/ferencfazekas89](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferencfazekas89/) - Languages spoken: English ## Ferenc’s Industries and Focus Areas - Agriculture & Farming - E-commerce - Food & Beverage Production - Grocery & Food Stores - Wellness & Nutrition ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Ferenc Fazekas is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Ferenc has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Ferenc’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Nov. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlFzGmnf --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/gabor-szentivanyi/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Gabor Szentivanyi Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions, Workshops SSTRAIT North Carolina [Get In Touch](https://sstrait.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Gabor My goal as a consultant is to identify AI applications that provide 300% returns on every dollar spent. My consultancy is built on helping clients in higher education, coaching, and the nonprofit sectors discover practical, ROI-driven ways to integrate AI into their operations. Whether it’s enhancing curricula with AI or streamlining admin workflows, I guide organizations to unlock meaningful gains without compromising their mission. These organizations are purpose-driven and ready to embrace technology that can amplify their impact. One standout example was a coaching organization that embedded AI into its curriculum. By aligning AI capabilities with their core educational goals, we created a sustainable model that elevated the learner experience and also positioned the business for future growth. Ethical AI governance is a cornerstone of my practice. Every client engagement includes an overview of AI governance as part of the initial consultation and as a deliverable option in the final project. I emphasize that while AI systems should serve users, it’s people who must remain responsible for the results. This message is woven into the training, documentation, and strategic planning I deliver. My preferred tools include Zapier for automation, Google tools for data and storage, a blend of large language models for flexibility and performance, and custom chatbots and websites to enable smooth user interaction. These tools form a robust ecosystem that I tailor to each client’s specific needs. - Website: [sstrait.com](https://sstrait.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/gaborszentivanyi](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaborszentivanyi/) - Languages spoken: English, French, German, Hungarian ## Gabor’s Industries and Focus Areas - Agriculture & Farming - Beauty & Wellness - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - E-commerce - Electronics & Components - Fitness & Personal Training - Food & Beverage Production - Graphic Design - Industrial Equipment & Machinery - Mental Health & Counseling - Nonprofits & NGOs - Private Schools & Daycares - Web Design & Development - Wellness & Nutrition ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Gabor Szentivanyi is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Gabor has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Gabor’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlWoN2XO --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/george-norberg/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # George Norberg Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, Strategy Sessions Power Up Automations California [Get In Touch](https://powerupautomations.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet George Most consultants have business chops, but few have the technical depth to properly scope and build AI projects. You could hire someone who brings in technical subcontractors, but then you’re 1) dealing with multiple people instead of one, and 2) risking low quality because the prime isn't technical enough to properly vet their subcontractors. I’m one of the few who can provide strategic guidance on project selection _and_ build the entire system end-to-end. You can be confident that you'll get a realistic roadmap and secure, cost-efficient systems that drive measurable business outcomes. Quick stats: - I’ve helped 36 businesses with AI strategy, implementation, and training since February 2025. - The software systems I’ve built in my career have made companies tens of millions of dollars in gross profit. - Before starting my consultancy, I managed 9 software engineers at Amazon building web-scale systems for hundreds of millions of users. Check out video testimonials from my clients on my website (linked above). While I’m capable of helping companies of any size, I have historically worked with companies ranging from $1M to $1B per year in revenue. I’ve also worked across a broader range of industries than the 5 attached to my profile, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you don’t see your industry listed. I'd love to help you scale your business with AI. Schedule a free 30-min call on my website to get started. - Website: [powerupautomations.com](https://powerupautomations.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/ganorberg](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ganorberg/) - Languages spoken: English ## George’s Industries and Focus Areas - B2B Service Provider - Electronics & Components - Healthcare - Marketing & Advertising - Software Products ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant George Norberg is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. George has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified George’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlm0x330 --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/gregg-coppen/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Gregg Coppen Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops GreggCoppen.com British Columbia [Get In Touch](https://greggcoppen.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Gregg I am an AI & agentic engineering consultant, helping agencies and development teams adopt AI-powered workflows that fundamentally change how applications are built and maintained. My consultancy delivers practical, enterprise-ready implementations that prioritize data sovereignty, flexibility, and ethical AI practices. **Agentic Engineering & Orchestration** Specializing in Claude Code augmented with Claude Flow for swarm orchestration and Claude Code PM for strategic planning. I build well-researched, documented codebases with comprehensive test coverage and complete audit trails linking every line of code to PRD requirements. **Open-Source AI Solutions** Committed to accessible, secure AI that isn’t locked to proprietary platforms. My stack includes Flowise for agent team prototyping, N8N for automations, Supabase for backend infrastructure, and Coolify for deployments. **SD8 School District: Multi-Agent Educational Assistant** Developed an intelligent chatbot system serving 22 schools using RAG and vector embeddings. The system provides accurate, context-aware information based on school websites, creating a responsive digital assistant for students, parents, and staff. **TenfourOptics: Intelligent Parts Recommendation System** What began as a free workshop evolved into an ongoing partnership. After migrating their large Shopify store, I built a sophisticated recommendation agent that guides customers to compatible networking products, significantly improving the purchasing experience. **ExploreBC.ai: Tourism Discovery Platform Chatbot** Created a structured dataset of 5,000+ tourism listings and developed an agent-based guide helping visitors explore British Columbia through intelligent, personalized itineraries and recommendations. **Why Work With Me** I take a strategic, consultative approach to every engagement: - Comprehensive needs assessment - Clear option presentation with trade-offs - Aligned scope definition - Iterative development with continuous feedback - Long-term support and evolution planning My focus is on organizations that value sustainable innovation over quick fixes. Many first-time projects have evolved into ongoing collaborations as clients discover the expanding possibilities of agentic workflows. - Enterprise-Ready Solutions: Documented, tested, traceable code that meets corporate standards - Data Sovereignty: On-premise or secure cloud deployments that keep you in control - Proven Results: Track record of turning workshops into long-term partnerships - Future-Focused: Building flexible systems that grow with emerging AI capabilities - Ethical Framework: Transparent, open-source solutions aligned with your values If your organization is ready to explore how agents and AI can revolutionize your development process, I’d love to discuss your vision. Together, we can create high-impact tools that your team will continue to grow with for years to come. - Website: [greggcoppen.com](https://greggcoppen.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/greggcoppen](https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggcoppen/) - Languages spoken: English ## Gregg’s Industries and Focus Areas - E-commerce - Nonprofits & NGOs - Private Medical Practices - Web Design & Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Gregg Coppen is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Gregg has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Gregg’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Sept. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrly0oMwG --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/jake-pollastrini/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Jake Pollastrini Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions Automonic Wisconsin [Get In Touch](https://www.automonic.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Jake I work with lean, fast-growing B2B service providers with Midwest roots—typically generating $1M–$20M annually—to automate grunt work, centralize insights, and scale what matters. The core of my approach is the Automonic Process: centralize data, visualize insights, automate workflows, and amplify systems with AI. This framework allows teams to clear out manual grunt work and double down on what truly drives results. I specialize in designing and implementing custom operational systems that help consulting firms, startups, and service providers scale efficiently. Leveraging my background in systems engineering, data analysis, and continuous improvement, I partner with growth-stage teams to eliminate bottlenecks, surface key insights, and reduce the manual drag on revenue-generating work. Clients often come to me when growth is creating friction— scattered data, lack of pipeline visibility, or slow decision-making. My role is to bring structure and clarity through tools like Airtable, Make, and OpenAI, centralizing systems so teams have actionable data and automated workflows. For example, one of my clients—a high-growth digital marketplace—was losing momentum to scattered tools & lead data and manual processes. I built a unified operating system that centralized revenue & customer data in Airtable, automated sales and inbound tracking, and delivered real-time KPI dashboards across sales, success, and ops. The result was 10x revenue growth in 90 days and a customer success team managing 100+ enterprise clients without adding headcount. Another client, a creative marketing agency, needed performance reporting they could trust. I rolled out a cross-platform social dashboard that pulled real-time data from Instagram, Facebook, Email, and more into Airtable, with real-time dashboards and auto-generated reports to spur insights – and therefore, action – exponentially faster. I take AI ethics seriously and help clients adopt AI responsibly, and I’m exploring ways to build source attribution into automations by default, allowing clients to use AI responsibly and credit original creators when appropriate. My go-to tools include Make for automation, Airtable for structured data and interfaces, and OpenAI’s GPT models (with Claude as backup) for language generation. I leverage Airtable Interfaces and Notion for UI, and use DALL-E for brand visuals, occasionally mixing in Midjourney when needed. At Automonic, I build lean, adaptable systems that free up teams to do their best work—serve clients, operate with clarity, and grow faster. If growth is creating friction in your business, let’s talk. I’d love to explore how we can streamline your systems and free up your team to scale smarter. - Website: [www.automonic.com](https://www.automonic.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/jake-pollastrini](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-pollastrini/) - Languages spoken: English ## Jake’s Industries and Focus Areas - Agriculture & Farming - B2B Service Provider - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Fitness & Personal Training - Food & Beverage Production - Startup - Wellness & Nutrition ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Jake Pollastrini is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Jake has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Jake’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** August 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** HSKEAH --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/jordan-myers/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Jordan V. Myers Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions JVM Software Washington, DC [Get In Touch](https://www.jvmsoftware.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Jordan I specialize in AI development for forward-thinking digital businesses in the DC area, particularly those leveraging the AWS ecosystem. My focus is on building and refining AI-powered tools that integrate seamlessly into existing operations, especially for clients who value efficiency, technical precision, and ethical AI deployment. I’ve had the pleasure of working with clients who bring clarity, commitment, and realistic expectations. A rockstar client for me is someone with a real need, a prototype, and the willingness to invest in making it real. I’ve also had to say no when a client wasn’t ready, whether due to unclear goals or insufficient resources. That discernment helps protect my time and ensures that every engagement has the potential for success. My stack is built almost entirely within AWS. I use Step Functions for automation, S3 and databases like PostgreSQL for storage, and AWS Bedrock for AI integration. For local deployment scenarios, I rely on Ollama. My preferred programming language is Typescript to ensure browser compatibility and reduce bugs. This infrastructure allows me to offer scalable, reliable solutions without compromising on performance or security. For those with a strong vision for the UI, I provide the means for you to iterate on the design yourself by chatting with AI until it matches exactly what you want. I then integrate those design changes into the application without the back-and-forth for design tweaking. A core part of my consultancy is responsible AI use; there’s a strong need for oversight in handling outputs for minority data points. To address this, I test real production data across different demographics to ensure fair and consistent performance. AWS’s tooling helps support this level of quality control, and I incorporate these checks as part of every deployment. - Website: [www.jvmsoftware.com](https://www.jvmsoftware.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/jordanvmyers](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanvmyers/) - Languages spoken: English ## Jordan’s Industries and Focus Areas - AWS - Consulting & Coaching - Web Design & Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Jordan V. Myers is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Jordan has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Jordan’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlf45csl --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/julie-foss/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Julie Foss Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions, Workshops True Nexus Consulting LLC Connecticut [Get In Touch](https://www.truenexusconsulting.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Julie I’m Julie Foss, founder of True Nexus Consulting, where I help schools approach AI with both innovation and integrity. I focus on guiding K–12 institutions through the early stages of AI adoption by aligning strategy with values. My work supports school leaders as they navigate the ethical, practical, and policy considerations of implementing AI across classrooms and administrative operations. A typical client is a learning community eager to build readiness for AI, with leadership that values responsibility and alignment. These organizations understand that thoughtful governance isn’t about restriction, it’s about creating systems that support sustainable, equitable integration. They are ready to move beyond individual capability-building and toward shared structures that support those using AI. Much of my work grows out of partnerships with professional learning organizations, allowing impact to scale through cohort-based learning models. In these engagements, I support school leaders and district teams in developing AI visions and implementation strategies rooted in their values, equity, and ethics. One of my core offerings is the AI Governance Strategy Jumpstart, a structured engagement that helps schools get clear-eyed about how AI is being used, update policies, and develop a shared vision and strategy. I also lead vision-setting retreats where teams co-create ethical principles and explore how those principles show up in hiring, curriculum, and decision-making. My work consistently includes interactive dialogue, space for complexity, and clear entry points toward action. I’m especially influenced by real-world case studies and ethical dilemmas. I help leaders bring AI decisions to a more conscious level by clarifying decision rights, surfacing stakeholder perspectives, and considering the broader impact on the communities their organizations serve. Ultimately, I work with schools that are ready to think critically and creatively about AI; building systems that support students, educators, and leaders alike, grounded in what they value most. - Website: [www.truenexusconsulting.com](https://www.truenexusconsulting.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/julie-foss](https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-foss/) - Languages spoken: English ## Julie’s Industries and Focus Areas - AI Governance & Implementation Coaching - Education ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Julie Foss is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Julie has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Julie’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** January 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlOanZIb --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/julio-serrano/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Julio Serrano Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Readiness Audits, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Serrano Innovation New York [Get In Touch](https://serranoinnovation.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Julio I specialize in AI consulting for growing health, wellness, and lifestyle firms in the New York area. My work focuses on building strong, trust-based partnerships with business owners who are clear about their goals and ready to invest in forward-thinking solutions. I’ve had the opportunity to work with wellness lifestyle brands, leadership coaches, and even dermatology-focused practices, starting with foundational AI trainings and growing into automation proposals. Ethical AI use is at the core of my approach. Through recent training, I came to fully appreciate how algorithmic bias can be embedded in datasets and amplified through automation. This shifted how I think about my responsibility; not just in creating functional solutions, but in ensuring they’re fair, private, and aligned with evolving regulations. I now integrate privacy safeguards, bias checks, and client education into every project, especially when sensitive health data is involved. I also stay up to date with legal frameworks like HIPAA, GDPR, and the upcoming AI Act. I’ve also begun expanding into group training sessions, building on the success of individual engagements. It’s rewarding to see how scalable, ethical AI solutions can empower entire teams rather than just individuals. - Website: [serranoinnovation.com](https://serranoinnovation.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/julio-serrano-xr](https://www.linkedin.com/in/julio-serrano-xr/) - Languages spoken: English, Spanish ## Julio’s Industries and Focus Areas - Beauty & Wellness - Brick-and-Mortar Retail - Consulting & Coaching - Corporate Training - E-commerce - Fashion & Apparel - Fitness & Personal Training - Marketing & Advertising - Mental Health & Counseling - Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation - Private Medical Practices - Wellness & Nutrition - Workforce Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Julio Serrano is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Julio has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Julio’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlAY5SfX --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/jura-vainius/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Jura Vainius Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops What Works Solutions Seattle Metro Area, WA [Get In Touch](https://whatworkssolutions.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Jura I specialize in helping small and mid-size businesses use AI, automation, and workflow redesign to reduce operating costs, increase productivity, eliminate repetitive work, and create capacity for growth without adding headcount. My work always starts with discovery. Before I recommend a single tool or solution, I get to know how a business actually runs, where time is being spent unnecessarily, and what the owner is trying to build. I care a great deal about using AI responsibly. I help clients see automation as a way to lift repetitive, draining tasks off their team so people can put their energy into the more impactful and more human parts of their roles. When a workflow frees up someone’s time, I help leaders find ways to redeploy that talent where it will have the most impact. I’m upfront that I partner with businesses that want to grow their capacity, and I don’t take on projects aimed at replacing people with AI. I also lead one-to-many AI trainings aimed at helping my clients understand how to use AI effectively and safely. I love helping teams and community groups answer tough questions about AI with confidence. One of my first clients originally asked for a simple design update to her website. Through discovery, I learned that her real goal was to raise awareness of the care she provides in functional neurology. We reframed the work as an Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) project, and I am redesigning the structure and content of her site so that AI tools can understand it. When people ask an AI assistant about the conditions and symptoms she can help with, they will be able to learn how functional neurology might support them. Another client, an outdoor construction company, brought me in for an in-depth audit of the core parts of their business. I identified their biggest pain points and the best opportunities to streamline operations with AI and automation, then delivered a prioritized roadmap of eight projects. One highlight is a RAG-based chatbot that answers questions from crews on job sites using the company’s SOPs and documentation, saving the owners a lot of time and context-switching and raising the quality and consistency of their work. I’m also developing a tool for real estate agents that uses AI to pull key milestones and dates from purchase contracts and connects them to each agent’s calendar and task tools, so the path from signed contract to closing is far easier to track. For automation, my orchestrator of choice is Make. I store and organize data in Airtable, and I use OpenAI and Claude language models depending on what each project needs. For user interfaces, I build mobile apps in Softr and web interfaces with Airtable Interfaces. - Website: [whatworkssolutions.com](https://whatworkssolutions.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/juravainius](https://www.linkedin.com/in/juravainius/) - Languages spoken: English ## Jura’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Real Estate Agencies - Workforce Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Jura Vainius is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Jura has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Jura’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Sept. 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrllTZTGA --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/katrina-wagner/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Katrina Wagner Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops AI Help New England [Get In Touch](https://aihelp.solutions/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Katrina AI Help supercharges the productivity of mid-sized companies in the New England area with AI workshops and consulting. I offer tailored workshops and strategic consulting that help mid-sized businesses unlock the power of AI, without the overwhelm. My focus is on practical, accessible solutions that empower teams to boost productivity, improve workflows, and make smart, sustainable tech decisions. My clients are diverse, from biotech and legal firms to consultants and even an auto body shop. One standout project was with an art licensing firm; I delivered a two-day workshop for their entire team, covering general AI principles and in-depth ChatGPT training. I also led a focused session for the creative staff on image generation tools and worked one-on-one with the CEO to draft an evolving AI policy for the company. That engagement blended group training, executive coaching, and strategic planning—a great example of how I like to work. Most of my early engagements were 1-to-many trainings, and while those continue, I’m actively shifting toward longer-term consulting relationships and larger projects. My goal is to offer a mix of high-impact workshops and more embedded advisory services. My most-used tools fall into the categories of language models and visual generation. I work extensively with tools like OpenAI for content and productivity, and DALL·E and other image generators for creative applications. When needed, I pull in other tools for automation, forms, and data tracking, depending on the client’s tech stack and comfort level. I’ve been teaching about bias and IP concerns since early 2024, particularly in sessions with artists and creatives—many of whom are cautious about AI. I help clients navigate these concerns with transparency, educating them on tool policies and helping them set boundaries that reflect their values. I also highlight how AI can be used to support people with disabilities, making the case for responsible, inclusive innovation. - Website: [aihelp.solutions](https://aihelp.solutions/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/katrinawagner](https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinawagner/) - Languages spoken: English ## Katrina’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Auto Repair & Dealerships - BioTech & Life Sciences - Construction - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - Electrical Services - Graphic Design - HVAC & Plumbing - Landscaping - Legal Services - Marketing & Advertising - Web Design & Development - Workforce Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Katrina Wagner is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Katrina has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Katrina’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlkRyrbS --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/keanan-koppenhaver/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Keanan Koppenhaver Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Floorboard AI Illinois [Get In Touch](https://floorboardai.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Keanan I specialize in AI consulting for growth-stage technical agencies in the Midwest, including teams like The Nerdery that already have a solid technical foundation and are ready to take their automation and innovation strategies to the next level. My work spans education, advisory, and implementation, depending on where clients are in their AI journey. My tech stack is centered around tools that are flexible and enterprise-ready. I use n8n and Retool for automation, with Airtable and Google Docs handling data needs. I routinely test multiple large language models for each task, but Claude is often my go-to, with GPT models as reliable backups. Retool also serves as my primary user interface tool, while ElevenLabs, gpt-image-1, and Shotstack power audio-visual elements when needed. Ethical AI use is a non-negotiable part of my work. I always make sure to deeply consider model bias, especially as it stems from human data. Today, every implementation includes an evaluation of whether those biases might affect performance or outcomes—and where needed, I course-correct to ensure fairness and accuracy. I’m focused on high-quality execution and refining my offer before scaling. I run my business finances using Profit-First principles, ensuring long-term sustainability while still paying myself and covering expenses responsibly. I’ve already seen projects evolve into expanded scopes and follow-up phases, and have delivered multiple one-to-many trainings, where Q&A sessions have consistently led to new opportunities. I’m excited to keep building on that momentum, one strong engagement at a time. - Website: [floorboardai.com](https://floorboardai.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/keanankoppenhaver](https://www.linkedin.com/in/keanankoppenhaver/) - Languages spoken: English ## Keanan’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Marketing & Advertising - Web Design & Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Keanan Koppenhaver is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Keanan has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Keanan’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrl5d7C5T --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/kristina-agustin/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Kristina Agustin Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Southern Sky AI Australia & United States [Get In Touch](https://southernsky.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Kristina Two decades in the international superyacht industry – the first as crew, the second in operations, legal, and management – shaped the way Kristina Agustin approaches AI adoption. She brings direct experience of what high-consequence, high-compliance environments demand, and what it takes to make sound decisions inside them. Kristina is the Founder and Principal Digital Navigator of Southern Sky AI, a digital navigation practice providing calm, structured AI adoption for maritime leaders. She is a qualified Australian lawyer and a dual Australian and U.S. citizen, with professional ties in both Australia and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her legal training sharpened her approach to risk, contractual accountability, and decision governance — capabilities that translate directly into how she guides AI adoption with clients. Her work focuses on helping leadership teams understand AI clearly, establish structured direction before any implementation begins, and move forward at a pace that matches their operational reality. The focus is always clarity first, structure second, and infrastructure only when foundations are in place. She speaks regularly at maritime industry events on AI adoption and organisational readiness, including the Australian Superyacht Conference, the Australian Commercial Marine Conference (ASMEX), the MARE Forum, and the International Superyacht Society Annual Member Meeting. In 2026 she will moderate the AI and Technology panel at the International Superyacht Society Leadership Series Education Seminar. Southern Sky AI is listed on the Australian Government’s National AI Centre Directory, established by the National AI Centre and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Responsible and structured AI adoption is central to everything Kristina does. Her approach is calm, sequenced, and grounded in operational reality — helping leaders move forward with clarity rather than pressure. - Website: [southernsky.ai](https://southernsky.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/kristinaagustin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinaagustin) - Languages spoken: English ## Kristina’s Industries and Focus Areas - Commercial Maritime - International Superyacht Industry - Legal Services - Marine Business ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Kristina Agustin is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Kristina has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Kristina’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlKJL3f6 --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/larry-wanger/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Larry Wanger Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops NonprofitNext South Carolina [Get In Touch](https://www.nonprofitnext.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Larry NonprofitNext provides “People-First” AI strategy and design for small to mid-size nonprofits in the Carolinas. I specialize in helping nonprofit organizations thoughtfully adopt AI in ways that strengthen their mission and protect the communities they serve. My work is grounded in years of experience in the nonprofit sector, which allows me to understand both the operational challenges and the human impact behind every decision. I focus on practical, accessible solutions that make information easier to use, reduce staff burden, and improve service delivery. My approach often begins with understanding how an organization currently manages its data, workflows, and client interactions. From there, I design systems that bring clarity and efficiency. For example, I have built tools like information and referral chatbots that provide round the clock access to critical community resources, helping organizations support more people while allowing staff to focus on complex cases. I have also developed internal tools that unify data from multiple systems into a single, interactive environment where leadership can quickly access insights and ask questions using AI. In some cases, my work extends into ongoing partnerships when systems require maintenance, updates, and reporting. While I am still early in scaling these long term engagements, I have already seen how valuable they can be for organizations that depend on current and well managed data. Ethical AI use is central to everything I do. Nonprofits often handle highly sensitive information, and I make it a priority to educate teams on how to protect client data and avoid unintended risks. I guide organizations in creating internal policies that address data privacy, responsible content generation, and the environmental impact of AI tools. These conversations are not secondary. They are a core part of every engagement and training I deliver. I have been fortunate to work with clients who are open to innovation and willing to explore new ways of operating. Those relationships succeed because there is mutual clarity, trust, and a shared understanding of the value AI can provide. At the same time, I have learned the importance of aligning with organizational culture and leadership readiness. Moving forward, I am intentional about working with teams that are prepared to act and embrace change. My toolkit reflects a practical and flexible approach. I commonly use automation platforms, spreadsheet based systems, and leading language models to build solutions that are both powerful and easy to maintain. I prioritize tools that nonprofit teams can realistically manage over time. Ultimately, my goal is to help nonprofits use AI in a way that is responsible, effective, and deeply aligned with their mission to serve others. - Website: [www.nonprofitnext.ai](https://www.nonprofitnext.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/larry-wanger-7093a11b4](https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-wanger-7093a11b4/) - Languages spoken: English ## Larry’s Industries and Focus Areas - Nonprofits & NGOs ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Larry Wanger is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Larry has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Larry’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** April 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlTFmjl7 --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/lileah-akiode/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Lileah Akiode Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions, Workshops The Black Diamond Agency North Carolina [Get In Touch](https://www.theblackdiamondagency.com/ai-consulting/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Lileah I’m Lileah Akiode, and I help HR leaders in North Carolina’s mid-sized companies harness AI to drive meaningful organizational change. My work is rooted in a people-first philosophy. I believe AI should be used to free up time, reduce overwhelm, and allow teams to focus on work that truly matters. That’s why I start every project by identifying low-hanging fruit for automation, helping clients quickly experience wins that build confidence and momentum. I particularly enjoy working one-on-one with business leaders and small business owners. These sessions allow me to tailor each experience to their industry and their individual comfort level with technology. Many of my clients come in feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by AI and leave with a sense of clarity and empowerment. I love being part of that transformation; showing people that AI isn’t something to fear, but a tool to elevate their work. One great example of this was a one-on-one training that led to the client confidently using AI and then booking additional training to help them prepare and improve their presentations. I helped another client automate and streamline their recruiting process that resulted in offers getting out more quickly. Both of these clients are turning into long term relationships, and it’s exactly the kind of long-term partnership I’m aiming to build more of. I’ve also delivered an AI bootcamp for a group of 70 small business owners and provided personalized one-on-one bootcamps for individual leaders, each designed to meet them exactly where they are. The AI Ethics section of the Innovating with AI course opened my eyes to how easily bots can scrape original content, even from small websites. That learning has sharpened my focus on privacy. When clients want to input confidential data into a language model, I guide them through options such as redacting sensitive information or using industry-specific LLMs that offer a more secure environment. My ideal clients are those who are eager to learn, even if they don’t know where to start. They’re curious, open to change, and excited by the possibilities AI can bring to their teams and workflows. In terms of tools, I rely on Zapier for automation, Airtable for data storage and user interface (including forms), OpenAI’s GPT for language generation, and DALL·E for visual content. These tools allow me to create streamlined, approachable solutions that my clients can actually use and sustain. Ultimately, I’m here to make AI practical, accessible, and valuable—especially for HR leaders navigating change. - Website: [www.theblackdiamondagency.com/ai-consulting](https://www.theblackdiamondagency.com/ai-consulting/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/lileahakiode](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lileahakiode/) - Languages spoken: English ## Lileah’s Industries and Focus Areas - Brick-and-Mortar Retail - Consulting & Coaching - Corporate Training - Delivery & Courier Services - E-commerce - Fashion & Apparel - Grocery & Food Stores ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Lileah Akiode is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Lileah has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Lileah’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Sept. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrltBOnVz --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/lyndsay-sanborn-mhpa/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Lyndsay Sanborn, MHPA Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Frame + Forge AI Strategy Studio Maine [Get In Touch](https://www.frameandforge.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Lyndsay I specialize in AI consulting for mission-driven sexual and reproductive health nonprofits operating in legally volatile, high-surveillance environments like Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation. My work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, data governance, and reproductive health. I founded my consultancy, Frame + Forge, to help sexual and reproductive health organizations navigate AI responsibly while protecting the communities they serve. These organizations operate in environments where surveillance risk, misinformation, and legal volatility create real consequences for patients and providers. My role is to help leaders approach AI with strategic clarity, strong governance, and values-driven implementation. Many of my engagements begin with a focused project and grow into longer partnerships as organizations realize how interconnected these questions are. An AI audit often reveals deeper needs around data governance, board oversight, and organizational readiness. As those conversations evolve, I frequently transition into an ongoing advisory role supporting executive teams and boards as they make decisions about emerging technologies. I also deliver AI literacy trainings designed specifically for sexual and reproductive health organizations. These sessions bring frontline staff, program leaders, and executives into the same conversation so organizations can build a shared understanding of both the risks and opportunities of AI. Ethics is central to my consulting practice. Through my writing in The Body Is the Interface, I explore how AI systems intersect with reproductive health, surveillance, and justice. My work emphasizes that AI governance is an ongoing practice carried out by people who question outputs, evaluate assumptions, and maintain the authority to pause or redirect technology when necessary. When I audit or advise on AI tools, I look beyond technical performance. I examine whose values shaped the system, who bears the risks when it fails, and whether the organization has the oversight structures required to deploy AI responsibly. The clients who benefit most from my work come with a clear problem and a willingness to engage deeply with the implications. I have partnered with national membership organizations for abortion providers, regional reproductive health affiliates, and policy focused advocacy organizations. These collaborations have included developing AI governance frameworks, facilitating leadership and staff alignment, building guidance for evaluating AI tools, and advising on the strategic implications of rapidly evolving AI policy and platform risks. I approach each engagement as a thinking partner who understands both the technology and the movement context. My goal is to help organizations lead with confidence, protect their communities, and ensure that AI systems shaping reproductive health care reflect the values of the people most affected by them. In my technical work, I frequently use Make.com, Gumloop, and Claude Code for automation. I rely on Airtable and Google Sheets for data and knowledge management. My primary language model is Claude, with occasional use of ChatGPT depending on the task. For user interfaces and intake workflows I often use tools such as Formspree and Google Forms. Audio and visual generation plays a smaller role in my work, though I occasionally use tools like Nano Banana when a project requires it. - Website: [www.frameandforge.com](https://www.frameandforge.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsay-sanborn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsay-sanborn) - Languages spoken: English ## Lyndsay’s Industries and Focus Areas - Sexual and Reproductive Health ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Lyndsay Sanborn, MHPA is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Lyndsay has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Lyndsay’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** March 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlnpZ3i4 --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/maria-davis/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Maria Davis Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions, Workshops MD Business AI Colorado [Get In Touch](https://www.mdbusiness.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Maria At MD Business AI, we advise leaders in healthcare, aesthetics, and plastic surgery on implementing AI strategies through strategic advisory, executive education, and ethical, results-driven outcomes. I built my AI consulting practice as a natural extension of my decade of experience advising aesthetic, plastic surgery, and private healthcare practices across the United States. My work has always centered on relationships, trust, and helping business owners make confident, informed decisions. As AI began transforming how businesses operate, I saw an opportunity to guide my clients through adoption in a way that is thoughtful, practical, and aligned with long-term success. My approach begins with discovery. I take time to understand how each organization operates, how leaders make decisions, and where inefficiencies or missed opportunities exist. From there, I design strategies that integrate AI into operations, marketing, communication, and overall business workflows. I developed the MD AI Practice Success Assessment to give practices a clear picture of their readiness for AI adoption, evaluating everything from operations to leadership alignment. I have also expanded my work into education, leading webinars focused on AI adoption in healthcare, aesthetics, and nonprofit organizations. These sessions are designed to make AI accessible and actionable for business leaders who want to move forward with clarity and confidence. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been building long-term partnerships. What began as individual projects, such as a webinar or website development, has evolved into ongoing advisory roles where I help guide AI strategy at a higher level. In one case, this grew into a Chief AI Officer style role, where I support business expansion through AI integration, workflow optimization, and the development of new systems such as AI-supported grant writing. I am intentional about the clients I work with. My best partnerships are with leaders who are collaborative, decisive, and committed to implementing real change. I value alignment, integrity, and mutual trust, and I am willing to walk away from opportunities that do not reflect those standards. Ethical AI is a core part of my philosophy. I am especially mindful of how bias can show up in AI systems and impact decision-making. I help clients understand the importance of responsible data use, human oversight, and transparency. I am passionate about ensuring AI is implemented in a way that expands opportunity, especially for underserved and minority-owned businesses. My toolkit includes platforms like Zapier for automation, Google Sheets for data and planning, and multiple AI models to validate insights and stay current. I also use accessible interface tools to make solutions easy for non-technical clients to adopt. At the heart of my work is a simple belief: AI should strengthen businesses in a way that is ethical, human-centered, and built for sustainable growth. - Website: [www.mdbusiness.ai](https://www.mdbusiness.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - Languages spoken: English ## Maria’s Industries and Focus Areas - Aesthetics - Beauty & Wellness - Consulting & Coaching - Dental Clinics - Fashion & Apparel - Fitness & Personal Training - Health Tech & Telemedicine - Legal Services - Nonprofits & NGOs - Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation - Plastic Surgery Practices - Private Medical Practices - Wellness & Nutrition ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Maria Davis is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Maria has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Maria’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** March 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlCwyAX1 --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/michelle-caryn-paul-phd/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Michelle Caryn Paul, PhD Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Readiness Audits, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Equifinality Solutions Washington, D.C. [Get In Touch](https://equifinalitysolutions.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Michelle I specialize in AI consulting for resource-conscious, mission-driven organizations in the Washington, DC–Baltimore region. I partner with organizations that prioritize mission and impact but also need to operate with limited resources. My focus is helping these organizations adopt AI responsibly and strategically through a combination of training/upskilling, strategic planning, governance, buy vs. build tool analysis, and implementation/maintenance. I deliver keynote addresses and facilitate workshops to help organizations support their staff to responsibly adopt AI. I offer events for mixed audiences (i.e., multiple functions) as well as for specific functions (i.e., fundraising and resource development, operations, human resources, senior organizational leaders). These engagements have ranged in format and budget, with some offered pro bono and others priced according to the organization’s capacity and expectations. I partner with my clients to co-design these events, each being completely custom so they reflect organizational priorities and values while simultaneously enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. Two of my most exciting recent developments are my advisory/governance services to a nonprofit Board of Directors and building custom AI-driven automations that significantly reduce a nonprofit team’s workload while improving task accuracy. These initiatives represent my ability to provide nuanced advisory support as well as technical expertise that generates strong ROI for my clients’ investments. I am a lean consultancy with a robust partner bench, so I bring the exact skill combination needed for each engagement. I can work within each organization’s existing technology ecosystem if desired (i.e., Microsoft, Google Workspace) and/or recommend tools most appropriate given constraints and preferences. This approach helps me deliver practical, accessible AI applications for clients who need to stretch every dollar while still moving forward with innovation. - Website: [equifinalitysolutions.com](https://equifinalitysolutions.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-caryn-paul-phd](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-caryn-paul-phd/) - Languages spoken: English ## Michelle’s Industries and Focus Areas - Commercial Organizations - Consulting & Coaching - Corporate Training - Government Organizations - Nonprofits & NGOs - Social Impact Organizations - Workforce Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Michelle Caryn Paul, PhD is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Michelle has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Michelle’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlgbbozz --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/mike-covert/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Mike Covert Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Ignite Partnership Texas [Get In Touch](https://ignitepartnership.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Mike From FOMO to ROI, we help growth-minded companies move beyond GenAI curiosity into competitive advantage through business-first strategies and human-centric leadership. I help mid-sized companies turn AI curiosity into measurable business impact. Drawing on a 25-year career in service-based leadership, I’ve developed a consultancy that emphasizes practical strategy, value alignment, and scalable implementation. My clients want more than shiny tools; they want transformation they can trust. My ideal clients understand the need for executive-level clarity and buy-in. I’ve worked with organizations across a wide revenue range, but the best results come from companies with the maturity and infrastructure to act on strategic AI initiatives. I’ve also learned to say no when the fit isn’t right, particularly with businesses that are too small to benefit from the type of advisory and implementation services I offer. Over time, I’ve built long-term partnerships with several clients. While many engagements begin with a clear deliverable, the most rewarding work happens when we build trust and momentum that leads to ongoing support across departments and projects. I’ve measured my referral and repeat business at over 90%, which reflects my commitment to quality and relationship-based consulting. My tool preference varies by client. Zapier tends to be the go-to for smaller revenue companies needing lean automation. Google and Microsoft are split across data and productivity stacks, depending on client ecosystems. For language models, I use a mix of OpenAI, Gemini, and Microsoft’s tools. Google is often favored for MVP development, while larger enterprises often prefer tools that integrate seamlessly with their broader platforms. When it comes to audio/visual generation, the tools vary, but the principle is always the same: fit the tool to the task, not the other way around. Ethical AI use is baked into everything I do. I help clients align new technologies with their existing values, emphasizing that no tool should override a company’s culture or DNA. I believe responsible AI strategy starts with honest conversations and leads to sustainable, scalable change. - Website: [ignitepartnership.ai](https://ignitepartnership.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/mike-covert-28b2482](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-covert-28b2482/) - Languages spoken: English ## Mike’s Industries and Focus Areas - Brick-and-Mortar Retail - Cleaning Services - Construction - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - E-commerce - Electronics & Components - Fashion & Apparel - Food & Beverage Production - Health Tech & Telemedicine - HVAC & Plumbing - Industrial Equipment & Machinery - Landscaping - Marketing & Advertising - Pest Control - Restaurants & Cafés - Wellness & Nutrition ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Mike Covert is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Mike has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Mike’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlusguux --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/nikolaos-tsoniotis/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Nikolaos Tsoniotis Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Octovus AI Greece [Get In Touch](https://octovus.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Nikolaos Founder & AI Consultant at **Octovus AI** I help mid-sized European product companies turn their internal technical knowledge—manuals, documentation, and field reports—into multilingual, AI-driven support systems for their teams and clients. At Octovus AI, we work with software companies, manufacturers, distributors, and service providers whose expertise often lives buried in PDFs and shared drives. By transforming these massive, underused knowledgebases into conversational assistants, we help field engineers, support teams, and clients access the right information in seconds—wherever they are and in any language. One of our most rewarding partnerships began as a one-month pilot and evolved into a long-term engagement with a software distributor’s support team under an annual subscription model. We’re now working toward embedding our solution directly into the client’s distributed software, expanding reach to over a thousand end-users under a revenue-sharing model. A standout client is an international elevator manufacturer with 14GB of dense technical manuals and a global network of distributors. They were facing costly support issues caused by language barriers and time zone mismatches. When we proposed a custom AI-driven support tool, they immediately saw the value. Our work helped them bridge these gaps, enabling faster and more accurate support in the field. We apply the same rigor to every collaboration. If a potential partner isn’t ready to define goals or engage constructively, we pause—because successful AI adoption depends on clarity, collaboration, and long-term value creation. Our current projects span manufacturing, healthcare and software distribution, with new pilots underway in university IT and maintenance services. We prioritize paid pilot projects to test the waters and align with client needs. This approach has proven successful in aligning goals and converting trials into ongoing engagements. Technically, we build lean, transparent systems using tools like **OpenWebUI, Docker, Qdrant, embedding models, and LLMs** from OpenAI, Gemini, and Anthropic. Workflow automation runs through n8n, and integrations extend across Google Drive, OneDrive, and other enterprise platforms. Beyond text, we’re now developing modules for image recognition and natural language–to–SQL interfaces to make technical data truly interactive. Ethics and compliance are central to how we operate. Informed by the **EU AI Act** and guided by discussions with policy experts, our implementations follow strict principles of transparency, privacy, and explainability. Our mission is simple: to make organizational knowledge instantly accessible, responsibly deployed, and built for scale. - Website: [octovus.ai](https://octovus.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/company/octovus-ai](https://www.linkedin.com/company/octovus-ai) - Languages spoken: English, Greek ## Nikolaos’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Auto Repair & Dealerships - Construction - Health Tech & Telemedicine - HVAC & Plumbing - Industrial Equipment & Machinery - Legal Services - Maintenance - Manufacturing - Real Estate Agencies - Software Products ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Nikolaos Tsoniotis is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Nikolaos has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Nikolaos’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Oct. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlbsE2Oo --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/orsi-veres/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Orsi Veres Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Design You Need LLC New York City [Get In Touch](https://designyouneed.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Orsi I specialize in AI consulting for US-based founder-led service businesses, helping them grow with AI without losing their voice. Through Design You Need, I work with founders whose businesses run on reputation and trust, and who worry that AI will make them sound like everyone else. I support the team with training so everyone shares the same understanding and learns the tools that help them day to day, and I work with the founder on strategy, where AI belongs and how to bring it in. My approach comes from a background in software consulting, e-commerce management, and brand and web design, with 100+ strategy sessions across 47 industries. I help founders get clear on their direction, what they are trying to achieve and the best way to get there in the shortest time and within budget. From there we pick the tools that move the business closer to those goals, and set up AI so it supports each person in the company. One of my clients is a corrective exercise specialist and personal trainer who helps women over 50 move without pain. Her offline business is booked out on referrals, with more demand than she can personally take. She wanted a way to help the women she can’t fit in, and a second income stream, so we launched her online course and built the presence to sell it. Part of that is a marketing operating system that creates her content on its own, her blog, newsletter, and social posts across platforms, so she can put her attention on the relationships that matter to her while the content runs itself. - Website: [designyouneed.com](https://designyouneed.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/orsi-veres](https://www.linkedin.com/in/orsi-veres/) - Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Hungarian ## Orsi’s Industries and Focus Areas - Beauty & Wellness - Consulting & Coaching - Corporate Training - Web Design & Development - Wellness & Nutrition ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Orsi Veres is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Orsi has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Orsi’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** June 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlCRZ5zz --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/pete-fulford/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Pete Fulford Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Momentous AI Consulting Oregon [Get In Touch](https://www.momentousaiconsulting.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Pete I specialize in AI training, strategy, and custom builds for marketing and creative teams across corporate brands and independent agencies, with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest and the San Francisco Bay Area. I focus on helping marketing and creative teams integrate AI into their daily workflows in ways that are practical, scalable, and aligned with their brand standards. My work lives at the intersection of strategy, hands-on implementation, and team enablement. I partner closely with stakeholders to identify where AI can create meaningful efficiencies, elevate creative output, and unlock new capabilities across departments. My core belief is simple: AI works best when humans stay in charge. I teach teams to use AI as a thinking partner — a tool that challenges assumptions, expands possibilities, and accelerates creative work without replacing the judgment, taste, and lived experience that only people bring. One of my most rewarding engagements began as a single project and evolved into a long-term partnership. I was initially brought in to refine and clarify their brand voice and tone guidelines, then build a copy integration within a Figma-based marketing asset creator tool. That copy engine evolved into a custom Gemini Gem that gained strong internal adoption. From there, I developed additional Gems for various marketing departments within the company (Customer Success, Strategy, Events, Webinar, more). My role expanded into ongoing strategy, custom AI builds within the Google ecosystem, and marketing-wide training sessions on Gem creation and advanced AI workflows. I also lead one-to-many trainings for organizations. In these workshops, I teach teams how to build custom AI assistants tailored to their unique business need, encouraging them to explore creative and operational applications of AI that strengthen client communication and marketing efforts. I enjoy translating complex AI concepts into accessible, actionable systems that professionals can confidently use. My tools of choice include large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity, building custom AI assistants with each of them. Other AI tools that are part of my portfolio are NotebookLM, Notion, Gamma, Descript, Otter, and WisprFlow for hands free typing. Note that I’m constantly reviewing and experimenting with tools, so the solutions I use and coach with are constantly evolving. Responsible AI usage is central to my consultancy. I developed a dedicated training module around AI ethics and governance after deepening my understanding of bias, hallucinations, and the cultural implications of AI adoption. AI is a powerful tool that requires human direction and moral authority. That’s why I encourage teams to stay vigilant about outputs, question assumptions, and develop an internal philosophy around how AI aligns with their values. - Website: [www.momentousaiconsulting.com](https://www.momentousaiconsulting.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/petefulford](https://www.linkedin.com/in/petefulford/) - Languages spoken: English ## Pete’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - Cultural Institutions - Marketing & Advertising - Nonprofits & NGOs - Real Estate Agencies ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Pete Fulford is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Pete has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Pete’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Feb. 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlZumtbR --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/rob-brennan/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Rob Brennan Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Sploosh.AI Washington [Get In Touch](https://www.sploosh.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Rob I specialize in AI consulting for inquisitive decision-makers looking to make a positive impact in the world—predominantly based in the Pacific Northwest region—and are ready to experiment and execute a long-term plan with immediate short-term wins. My ideal client is driven by purpose and possibility. They understand that AI isn’t something to bolt onto an old process; they’re willing to step back, reevaluate, and redesign for the future. They want to build systems that work now, and can adapt later. That mindset has helped me build strong partnerships with a few cornerstone clients who keep me engaged and challenged, and who genuinely enjoy working with me. I’ve also learned to protect my time by turning down projects that aren’t a fit. Clients looking for minimalist web setups via Wix or Squarespace aren’t aligned with my strengths or vision. I’ve found that the leanest projects often demand the most, and that’s a tradeoff I’ve decided to avoid. In terms of tools, I lean heavily on MindStudio for automation. I often work with self-hosted and on-prem solutions like MariaDB, PostgreSQL, Neo4j, and SQLite, depending on the client’s needs. For language models, I blend Claude, OpenAI, and Perplexity to meet different goals. On the UI front, I use Windsurf—leveraging my engineering background to build from scratch when needed—and Bolt.new for rapid prototyping. While I haven’t yet focused on audio/visual generation, it’s an area I plan to explore soon. One of the most important ethical takeaways for me has been the reminder that a functioning proof of concept doesn’t absolve us from accountability; just because something works doesn’t mean it’s safe or fair. As consultants, we need to proactively look for hidden risks and latent bias, and ensure we’re not simply offloading decisions to systems without understanding their implications. - Website: [www.sploosh.ai](https://www.sploosh.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/rob-brennan-wa](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-brennan-wa/) - Languages spoken: English ## Rob’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Nonprofits & NGOs - Transportation Safety & Logistics - Trucking & Freight ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Rob Brennan is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Rob has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Rob’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlTqzHww --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/robina-maharjan/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Robina Maharjan Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Zoi Labs United Kingdom [Get In Touch](https://zoilabs.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Robina At Zoi Labs, we’re a specialized AI consultants who is passionate about transforming businesses to adopt AI into their day to day operations, thus achieving scalable growth without increasing headcount. We build AI powered automation and learning systems that empower employees to cut routine repetitive tasks and focus on highly creative, strategic and intelligent work. We build and deploy AI systems tailored to real-world operations and training needs. Using frameworks like LangChain for LLM workflows, Crew AI for autonomous task execution, and custom RAG for knowledge management, we create scalable, intelligent solutions. Our automation stack – powered by Make and Zapier – ensures seamless enterprise workflows, while rapid prototyping tools like Bolt and Lovable keep delivery cycles tight, typically within 4-8 weeks. We integrate advanced LLM APIs (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini) into bespoke applications, from AI-powered content personalization engines to interactive knowledge bots, all designed to elevate user experiences. Our implementations deliver measurable results across diverse contexts. For an aviation training organization, we modernized decades old aviation training content using agentic workflows that transformed legacy presentation decks into modern interactive presentations coupled with engaging explainer videos with 3D characters and interactive assessments – completing in weeks what traditionally takes months while maintaining strict certification compliance. At Zoi Labs, we position AI as an amplifier of human expertise, not a replacement. We ensure our clients’ voices, stories, and values remain front and center in every solution we build. Our implementations preserve businesses’ unique methodologies and values while scaling their impact. - Website: [zoilabs.com](https://zoilabs.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/company/zoilabs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/zoilabs/) - Languages spoken: English ## Robina’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - Fitness & Personal Training - Graphic Design - Online Course Creators - Private Medical Practices - Tutoring & Test Prep - Video Production - Web Design & Development - Wellness & Nutrition - Workforce Development ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Robina Maharjan is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Robina has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Robina’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlZ943dv --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/sara-carneiro-parrode/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Sara Carneiro Parrode Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops SP AI Consultancy & Mindset Coaching New York [Get In Touch](https://www.saraparrode.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Sara I help organizations and teams confidently integrate AI into their daily work — starting with the tools they already use. My approach focuses on clarity, calm, and practical adoption, helping people move from curiosity or uncertainty to confidence and capability. As a **Certified AI Consultant and Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach**, I combine a deep understanding of human behavior with advanced training in Microsoft Copilot and AI-powered systems. I specialize in helping organizations make the most of the AI tools they already have — whether that’s Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, or OpenAI’s ChatGPT — and in showing teams how to use them together to save time, enhance creativity, and make better decisions. I design and deliver trainings, workshops, and strategy sessions that meet people where they are — from demystifying AI fundamentals to teaching Copilot, agents, and workflow automation for real results. Clients often describe my sessions as clear and calming — a space where learning AI feels approachable and empowering rather than overwhelming. My work includes supporting educators, wellness professionals, nonprofits, and small to medium-sized businesses in identifying AI opportunities, streamlining communication, and implementing lightweight automations. Recent projects have included AI-powered chatbots (_Run to Thrive_), custom GPTs for coaching and client engagement, and enablement programs that bridge strategy with adoption. I also write _AI + Humanity_, a newsletter that explores responsible, human-centered use of AI — helping people adapt with curiosity, integrity, and purpose. At the heart of my consultancy is a belief that AI should simplify work, not complicate it — helping people feel more capable, creative, and in control. - Website: [www.saraparrode.com](https://www.saraparrode.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/sara-carneiro-parrode](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-carneiro-parrode) - Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Portuguese ## Sara’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Corporate Training - Cultural Institutions - Health & Wellness - Nonprofits & NGOs ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Sara Carneiro Parrode is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Sara has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Sara’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Sept. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlzKoTix --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/sascha-bosio/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Sascha Bosio Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops bosio.digital California [Get In Touch](https://bosio.digital/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Sascha At bosio.digital, we are one of the only AI consultancies focused specifically on Human-First, high-trust AI Adoption for established, privately-owned businesses in Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics & Transportation, Retail/E-Commerce, and Health/Wellness. We provide end-to-end AI implementation, including Executive AI Strategy, Customized AI Trainings, and the development of AI Workflows and Business-Enhancing Agents. Our tagline, “AI Adoption. Humans First.” is more than a motto; it’s a guiding principle. With my co-founder, an intellectual property lawyer, I ensure every engagement is built around Trustworthy AI standards, including human-in-the-loop workflows and robust data protection practices. We make a point of integrating ethical considerations into every level of our projects, from initial training to system deployment. Over time, we’ve turned initial one-off trainings into deeper relationships, often developing long-term automation and strategy engagements with clients. We’ve also hosted broader 1-to-many trainings. Balancing education and value delivery is key to maintaining strong client relationships. I’ve had the privilege of working with some rockstar clients—businesses that were eager to innovate, invested in retainers, and saw AI not just as a buzzword, but as a business imperative. One standout engagement was with a medium-sized industrial manufacturer. We began with an AI training and soon expanded into full AI strategy and workflow development. Another rewarding project involved a national moving company. There, we rolled out AI-driven SEO content, integrated AI into their sales and CRM processes, and are currently developing an outbound AI phone agent. We also know when to say no. Not every client is a fit—particularly when expectations exceed their budget or when engagement levels don’t match the scope of the work. That clarity helps us focus on clients where we can deliver transformative outcomes. Tool-wise, we meet clients where they are. We begin by ensuring employees understand and have access to Microsoft Copilot or Google Workspace with Gemini. These platforms not only support productivity but also offer essential privacy and compliance features. For automation, we turn to Zapier and n8n, while Replit supports our development needs. We frequently build custom Claude Code agents integrated with Gmail, Calendar, and platforms like Hubspot using MCP. Voice AI tools like RetellAI and team-friendly platforms like TypingMind Teams round out our stack. Ultimately, our goal is to make AI approachable, practical, and sustainable for every business we serve. - Website: [bosio.digital](https://bosio.digital/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/sascha-bosio](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sascha-bosio/) - Languages spoken: English, German ## Sascha’s Industries and Focus Areas - E-commerce - Health & Wellness - Industrial Manufacturing - Logistics & Transportation - Retail ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Sascha Bosio is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Sascha has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Sascha’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** Oct. 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrl4HLAlp --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/sean-cook/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Sean Cook Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Halan Digital Texas [Get In Touch](https://halandigital.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Sean I specialize in architecting business solutions for $10M–$100M companies using my Profit Velocity Blueprint and AI Operating System. Together, these frameworks help private equity and service businesses systematically eliminate operational drag and install AI where it creates the most leverage. What I bring to my clients is a blend of technical capability and genuine business intuition — earned the hard way. I’ve owned and operated brick-and-mortar service businesses, and I’ve run a search fund through which I analyzed hundreds of companies across a wide range of industries. That experience gave me a ground-level understanding of where businesses actually break down and what solutions tend to stick. I’m not approaching AI implementation as a technologist looking in from the outside. I understand the operational pressures, the people dynamics, and the real cost of inefficiency that business owners deal with every day. My work centers on helping private equity and service-based companies unlock practical value from AI, with a focus on automation and intelligent workflows that free up time and improve operations. I build engagements designed to grow, translating strong initial projects into long-term partnerships that deepen over time. A recent example is my current retainer with a staffing firm, where I’ve built a suite of automations along with an AI-powered screening bot to streamline their candidate pipeline. I’ve also recently launched an audit engagement with a brewery that is already showing signs of expanding into a broader development partnership. I take responsible AI usage seriously, and it shapes how I show up for clients. One of the most important lessons I’ve internalized is how heavily a model’s training data and the perspectives of its creators influence the outputs it produces. These inherent biases can quietly creep into business decisions if we’re not paying attention. I treat AI outputs as a starting point that always warrants human review, never as a finished product to be trusted blindly. This principle guides how I build automations for clients, ensuring appropriate checkpoints wherever AI touches decisions that affect real people. My toolkit is intentionally lean and chosen for flexibility. For automation, I work primarily in n8n. For data and storage, I move between Google Sheets and Airtable depending on the project. Claude is my language model of choice, and I use Claude Code for hands-on development work that demands precision and speed. For quick, high-quality visual assets, I use Nano Banana. As I continue to grow my practice, my goal is to keep deepening relationships with the clients I serve, expanding the impact of each engagement over time, and helping more service businesses adopt AI in a way that is responsible, effective, and genuinely valuable to their teams and their customers. - Website: [halandigital.com](https://halandigital.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/sean-cook-2018](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-cook-2018/) - Languages spoken: English ## Sean’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Consulting & Coaching - HVAC & Plumbing - Legal Services - Real Estate Agencies ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Sean Cook is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Sean has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Sean’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** May 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlhg8Tgo --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/shawn-clybor/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Shawn Clybor Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Clybor Consulting The Netherlands [Get In Touch](https://clyborconsulting.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Shawn I specialize in personal software solutions—bespoke dashboards, chatbots, and custom web applications tailored to the unique needs of individuals and teams. With a Ph.D. from Northwestern University and experience as a skills coach for Innovating with AI, I leverage deep research capabilities and strategic thinking to deliver high-value, AI-enabled systems that scale. Beyond implementation, I provide AI roadmap development and interactive workshops that help organizations chart their path forward. My team at Clybor Consulting comprises a network of experts with decades of combined experience in software development, agentic engineering, scalable deployments, cybersecurity, and database management. Together we deliver professional-grade solutions while maintaining a personalized approach that transforms how small to medium businesses operate. I work with a diverse range of clients from the US, Canada, and the Netherlands, including education foundations, consulting firms, hospitality technology, and nonprofits who need systems built for real-world impact. Recent deployments include: - A lead generation system with custom dashboards and automated outreach for a Boston consulting firm - A chatbot with vector search and agentic engineering for the homepage of an education foundation that serves over 100,000 students - A comprehensive platform migration and AI-onboarding for a hotel technology and systems integration company in the Netherlands These projects consistently evolve into long-term partnerships, with my first major deployment now operating under a quarterly service and “quality of life” enhancement agreement. My current toolkit centers on AI-powered development through Claude Code and Cline, enabling rapid prototyping and deployment in both Python and JavaScript environments. For workflow automation and integration, I leverage n8n’s visual programming interface alongside Flowise for sophisticated AI agent orchestration, complemented by Microsoft’s ecosystem through CoPilot and Power Automate. I deploy solutions across multiple platforms including Replit and Google Cloud Platform. Airtable provides the flexible data infrastructure that powers custom dashboards and client-facing applications, while I work with SQL databases through Supabase to build and manage vector stores that power intelligent applications. This stack enables me to move from concept to production-ready solutions with the speed and reliability my clients expect. Every system is built with transparency, accuracy, and long-term impact in mind, particularly for education and global development initiatives. - Website: [clyborconsulting.com](https://clyborconsulting.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-clybor-032b807](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-clybor-032b807/) - Languages spoken: English, Czech ## Shawn’s Industries and Focus Areas - B2B Service Provider - Consulting & Coaching - Cultural Institutions - Higher Education - Nonprofits & NGOs - Online Course Creators - Private Schools & Daycares - Strategy ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Shawn Clybor is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Shawn has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Shawn’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlnMn92e --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/sonal-chandler/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Sonal Chandler Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Minerva Consulting Georgia [Get In Touch](https://minervaconsultinginc.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Sonal I help organizations with AI adoption strategy, including automation, integration, and responsible use. I simplify AI, making it easy for teams to understand and apply in ways that save time, reduce risk, and fuel growth. Engagements typically start with hands-on training and expand into team workshops, opportunity mapping, and tailored automations. From streamlining back-office tasks to building AI roadmaps, my work helps firms unlock efficiency while staying compliant and competitive. My approach follows a clear journey: - **Map opportunities & risks:** identify use cases and build an actionable roadmap - **Set policy & governance:** embed responsible use and compliance guardrails - **Integrate & enable:** implement low/no-code solutions and partner on complex builds - **Train & support teams:** build fluency and sustain adoption at scale Beyond client engagements, I’ve shared AI insights with professional associations, nonprofits, and business organizations, making AI approachable and actionable for audiences ranging from local leaders to national networks. At the core of my work is a belief that AI should be both effective and responsible. My style is collaborative and practical, guiding organizations with structure while keeping the process clear and actionable. - Website: [minervaconsultinginc.com](https://minervaconsultinginc.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/company/minervaconsultinginc](https://www.linkedin.com/company/minervaconsultinginc/) - Languages spoken: English ## Sonal’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - Dental Clinics - E-commerce - Financial Planning - Health Tech & Telemedicine - Human Resources - HVAC & Plumbing - Industrial Equipment & Machinery - Insurance Agencies - Light Manufacturing - Marketing & Advertising - Mental Health & Counseling - Nonprofits & NGOs - Private Equity Firms - Private Medical Practices - Private Schools & Daycares - Real Estate Agencies - Religious Organizations - Trucking & Freight - Wellness & Nutrition ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Sonal Chandler is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Sonal has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Sonal’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlImYoui --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/sonic-swain/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Sonic Swain Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops SonicAi Nevada [Get In Touch](https://www.sprintwithsonic.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Sonic I work with visionary startup founders and regenerative health pioneers in Las Vegas who are ready to systematize, scale, and evolve their businesses through strategic, AI-powered infrastructure. Whether it’s an e-commerce company preparing for AI-driven search and SEO or a biohacking clinic automating complex workflows, I help turn long-term vision into high-leverage, step-by-step action. I’ve had the pleasure of working with clients who understand the value of high-level thinking paired with technical implementation. A rockstar client is responsive, speaks the same strategic language, and honors the creative and technical process. I’ve also learned when to say no—especially if a client doesn’t respect boundaries, delays delivery of critical data, or avoids fair compensation. My engagements begin with a discovery session to identify the highest-impact starting points, whether that’s intelligent tagging systems for Shopify, automation of content pipelines, or custom AI assistants. One founder saved over 165 hours of manual work thanks to a system I built that automated image uploads, enriched product metadata, and used a three-phase AI pipeline to extract and tag nutrition data from product images. For another client, I’ve become not just an AI consultant but an equity partner, reflecting both the strategic value I bring and our shared vision for the future. My process includes custom automation using n8n, database solutions via Google Sheets or Airtable, and layered use of OpenAI and Gemini for language modeling. For front-end input and automation, I work with Google Forms, vibe-coded solutions, and custom forms through n8n. When needed, I integrate transcription and text-to-speech tools, selecting the best model for the task at hand. Ethical use of AI is essential to me. I apply a human-in-the-loop model when reviewing outputs for bias, inaccuracy, or misrepresentation, especially when AI generates from publicly trained datasets. I believe in transparency, attribution, and caution in how AI tools are applied, especially when accuracy, tone, or ownership matters. These values are built into every system I design and every conversation I have with clients. - Website: [www.sprintwithsonic.com](https://www.sprintwithsonic.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/mjswain](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjswain/) - Languages spoken: English ## Sonic’s Industries and Focus Areas - Beauty & Wellness - Branding - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - E-commerce - Film Industry - Food & Beverage Production - Health Tech & Telemedicine - Marketing & Advertising - Mental Health & Counseling - Mobile Development - Music Industry - Online Course Creators - Private Medical Practices - Religious Organizations - Restaurants & Cafés - SaaS - Startup - Tutoring & Test Prep - Video Production - Web Design & Development - Wellness & Nutrition ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Sonic Swain is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Sonic has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Sonic’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrltwMJKC --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/susan-roth/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Susan Roth Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Compass Consulting Pennsylvania [Get In Touch](https://compassconsulting.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Susan I specialize in AI Literacy & Operational Automation for forward-thinking Industrial and Commercial Service firms in Pennsylvania, building systems that allow teams to scale without adding headcount. My background combines 15+ years of B2B marketing and event operations with advanced, hands-on technical training in multi-agent workflows. I bring a structured approach to every engagement: understand the bottleneck, map the workflow, and implement a solution that saves time week after week. A big part of my work starts with education. I’ve led ‘Intro to AI’ and prompting workshops for diverse teams with different levels of readiness, bridging the gap between technical potential and daily operations. I enjoy tailoring training to the real scenarios people face on the job, so participants leave with prompts, templates, and clear next steps they can use immediately. When the fit is right, training naturally evolves into longer-term support, where I help teams identify repeatable tasks that are ideal for automation. My consulting work tends to focus on operational problems that are painfully manual. For example, I build automations that streamline complex logistics and document generation. I’m especially drawn to situations where the stakes are high and accuracy matters—like USDA compliance checks, insurance claim narratives, or technical specifications—because the value of a reliable process becomes obvious quickly. Responsible AI use is central to how I operate. The ethics lessons that most shaped my approach were the real-world impact of algorithmic bias in predictive models and the nuanced tradeoffs in image generation, including the “erasure vs. stereotyping” dilemma. In practice, that means I build with two non-negotiables: keeping a qualified human in the loop for validation and using AI to augment people rather than replace them. I’m happiest partnering with clients who want to build capacity, protect quality, and support their team. Looking ahead, my ideal long-term partners are owner-led, mid-sized industrial service businesses—especially those with lean or one-person marketing/ops teams—that have clear recurring pain points and a strong desire to move quickly. When those ingredients are present, I can deliver systems that keep paying dividends. Tool-wise, I typically work with Zapier (plus tools like Cassidy and TypingMind), Notion and Google Sheets, leading language models including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, Google Forms for intake, and a range of audio/visual tools like Midjourney, ElevenLabs, HeyGen, and Descript. - Website: [compassconsulting.ai](https://compassconsulting.ai/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/susan-roth](https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-roth/) - Languages spoken: English ## Susan’s Industries and Focus Areas - Construction - Content Creation & Social Media - Event Management - Industrial Equipment & Machinery - Insurance Agencies - Trucking & Freight ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Susan Roth is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Susan has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Susan’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** February 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlLeWpQd --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/tanya-smith/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Tanya Smith Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Stream Like a Boss Texas [Get In Touch](https://streamlikeaboss.tv/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Tanya I specialize in AI consulting for service-based entrepreneurs and content creators in the U.S. who produce livestreams or podcasts and want to simplify their content systems, boost visibility, and increase revenue without relying on social media algorithms. I focus on clients who are ready to embrace AI strategically—those who want to simplify, systematize, and scale their content workflows through a smart mix of automation, repurposing, and audience-building tools. I’ve worked with some amazing clients. One podcasting coach, for example, came in looking to repurpose her backlog of episodes into a content library. We used Castmagic, Airtable, and Pickaxe to build a custom AI agent to automate that entire workflow. Another client, a coaching program owner, wanted a consistent publishing pipeline. We designed a system using Substack, a custom Chrome extension, and a GPT trained on her brand voice to help her create weekly content in under an hour. These clients succeed not just because of the tech, but because they show up ready to learn, implement, and collaborate. I’ve also turned away prospects who weren’t aligned—usually those looking for a quick fix without a willingness to adapt. My intake process helps identify who’s truly ready to build something that lasts. My preferred tools include Integrately and Zapier for automation; Airtable and Google Sheets (with SheetXAI) for storage and planning; ChatGPT and Gemini for content generation and ideation; and tools like Google Forms, Pickaxe, and Deformity AI for user interfaces. For audio and visuals, I lean on Midjourney, ElevenLabs, and Krea AI to help clients create branded, engaging content without heavy production costs. I emphasize transparency, user consent, and human oversight—especially when clients are creating content from sensitive or personal material. I help them label AI outputs, understand data sources, and review content before publishing. - Website: [streamlikeaboss.tv](https://streamlikeaboss.tv/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/videocoachtanya](https://www.linkedin.com/in/videocoachtanya/) - Languages spoken: English ## Tanya’s Industries and Focus Areas - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Marketing & Advertising ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Tanya Smith is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Tanya has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Tanya’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlAY9ai2 --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/thiago-ferreira/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Thiago E. Ferreira Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Elevate AI Consulting Florida [Get In Touch](https://www.elevateaiconsulting.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Thiago At Elevate AI, I specialize in AI automation and education tailored for small and mid-sized businesses across Miami and South Florida, while also bringing that expertise to larger enterprise teams. I’ve had the opportunity to work with forward-thinking clients ranging from health insurance branches to senior marketing leadership groups—each already aware of their operational challenges and eager to explore solutions. One standout experience was collaborating with a growing sales team at a mortgage branch. They faced delays in notifications and repetitive data tasks, so after a focused discovery session I designed a structured, multi-step automation and data project that resolved their pain points. I’ve also led AI trainings for life insurance agents and consulted on solutions such as Chrome extensions for real-time application tracking. Whether it’s training, strategy, or automation, I enjoy working with businesses that value personalized implementation, transparency, and clarity. Most recently, I hosted a two-day AI training bootcamp for an enterprise marketing team. We covered AI fundamentals, organizational design, and hands-on workshops in prompt engineering, Microsoft Copilot, and creative AI tools for campaign development. Teaching and training remain the most energizing part of my work—I love helping teams build confidence and apply AI in ways that deliver immediate value. My tech stack includes Make.com, Airtable, Replit, OpenAI, Google Forms, and visual tools like Midjourney and Runway. I keep things lean, sustainable, and impact-focused. Ethics plays a significant role in my work. As a minority in today’s political climate, I’m deeply aware of how AI regulations could impact not just businesses, but people. I pay particular attention to bias, data privacy, and who benefits—or is excluded—from AI systems. - Website: [www.elevateaiconsulting.com](https://www.elevateaiconsulting.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/thiagoef](https://www.linkedin.com/in/thiagoef/) - Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Portuguese ## Thiago’s Industries and Focus Areas - Accounting & Bookkeeping - Brick-and-Mortar Retail - Cannabis - Catering Services - Cleaning Services - Consulting & Coaching - Content Creation & Social Media - Corporate Training - Dental Clinics - E-commerce - Food & Beverage Production - Graphic Design - Grocery & Food Stores - Hotels & Lodging - Insurance Agencies - Landscaping - Legal Services - Light Manufacturing - Marketing & Advertising - Nonprofits & NGOs - Online Course Creators - Private Medical Practices - Restaurants & Cafés - Video Production - Web Design & Development - Wellness & Nutrition ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Thiago E. Ferreira is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Thiago has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Thiago’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlZTwM1Z --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/timur-biktogirov/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Timur Biktogirov Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops Avandigo AI Consultancy The Netherlands [Get In Touch](https://avandigo.nl/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Timur Our consultancy specialises in AI consulting for established, growth-minded physical-product businesses—e-commerce, brands and wholesale. I personally believe AI should augment people rather than replace them. The work I take on is aimed squarely at the repetitive, mechanical, uninspiring parts of a business, so that the time it gives back can go into creativity, care and judgement. That belief shapes how we build and advise: the governance and leadership around a system matter as much as the system itself, and I hold both to the same standard. The best outcome, to my mind, is a business using AI to make a genuine impact on the people and the world around them. Our team’s expertise bridges raw operational data and daily decisions through reconciled numbers, shared knowledge, automated BI and reporting, and AI that answers from trustworthy figures and automates tasks. The results are real: an automated BI system raised GMROI from 3.0 to 4.0+ and lifted the share of stock turning in under 90 days from 35% to 50% in about eight months. Additionally, an AI-powered marketplace manager’s control panel turned data into action: an exception queue, prices and campaign rates pushed from a single sheet, and ad-hoc questions answered in plain language within minutes. The same data layer makes further automation possible — matching product ranges against tender specifications, or supporting customers and sales agents. The clients we pursue are small and mid-sized, established physical-product businesses — e-commerce brands, marketplace sellers, wholesalers — that are using AI tools without an owner, proper governance or a clear roadmap. We find working directly with founders, CEOs or COOs easier because it keeps decision-making and implementation fast. **Preferred tools:** - Python for automations and ETL - Supabase, Google Sheets/Docs, Airtable, Notion and Obsidian for data and knowledge storage - Self-service BI - LLMs — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini. - Website: [avandigo.nl](https://avandigo.nl/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/timur-biktogirov](https://www.linkedin.com/in/timur-biktogirov/) - Languages spoken: English, Dutch, Russian ## Timur’s Industries and Focus Areas - Brick-and-Mortar Retail - Corporate Training - Delivery & Courier Services - E-commerce - Electronics & Components - Fashion & Apparel - Grocery & Food Stores - Wellness & Nutrition ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Timur Biktogirov is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Timur has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Timur’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** September 2026 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlqICEj1 --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/travis-mcburney/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Travis McBurney Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Trainings, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions, Workshops The McBurney Group California [Get In Touch](https://www.themcburneygroup.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Travis I build custom AI systems for companies and operators in the wedding, events, hospitality, and operations industries. Workflow automations, AI agents, full applications, and platforms, each one designed around how that specific business already runs. My clients are planners, venues, vendors, hotel groups, and operations teams who have outgrown off-the-shelf tools and need something built for their edge cases. The McBurney Group runs on one principle, People-Centered. AI-Forward. AI works as a digital coworker alongside your people and extends what they can do. The build work falls into four layers, and most engagements combine more than one. Automations and workflows take the repetitive coordination work off your team. Vendor follow-up, scheduling, document processing, meeting intelligence, and information search across disconnected systems. AI agents watch a process, make the routine calls, and flag what needs a human, with checkpoints and audit trails built in from the start. Custom applications get built from scratch when a workflow is not enough. Client portals, business intelligence platforms, and internal tools that replace five logins with one working system. Full platforms serve operators who need a product of their own. I am currently building AI products for ultra-luxury wedding vendors and hospitality operators on the same foundation I use for client work. Alongside the builds, I run strategy sessions and multi-week Claude Code training programs for teams who want to build with AI themselves, and I maintain the systems I ship. My background is operational. I have 12+ years in weddings, events, and hospitality, producing events with budgets up to $1.5M, and 20+ years combined with operations, including running talent acquisition operations for a 30-member team at Expedia Group. That history is why every build starts from your working process and why I can tell where AI helps and where it only adds complexity. The stack centers on Anthropic's Claude, with Claude Code for building and deployment and Claude Cowork for autonomous multi-step work. n8n handles automation, Supabase and Notion hold the data, and applications ship on React and Netlify. Every system comes documented, with checkpoints and audit-readiness, so you know what it does and can trust it. I work with businesses that are ready to put AI into daily operations and want it built well, with their people at the center. - Website: [www.themcburneygroup.com](https://www.themcburneygroup.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/travis-mcburney](https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-mcburney/) - Languages spoken: English ## Travis’s Industries and Focus Areas - Agile Project Management - Consulting & Coaching - Event Management - Human Resources - Strategy - Talent Acquisition - Talent Management ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Travis McBurney is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Travis has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Travis’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlFqdMpR --- Source: https://innovatingwithai.com/consultant/yakruthik-reddy-sama/ [All certified consultants](https://innovatingwithai.com/consultants/) # Yakruthik Reddy Sama Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant AI Implementation, AI Readiness Audits, Ongoing Maintenance, Strategy Sessions Yakruthik AI Consultancy India [Get In Touch](https://aiconsultancy.yak-apps.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-get-in-touch) ## Meet Yakruthik I specialize in AI consulting for fast-growing logistics, supply chain management, & warehousing companies in US, UAE, and India that are scaling rapidly and ready to integrate AI into their operations. My ideal clients are often fresh off a funding round, growth-focused, and looking for immediate AI enablement across their teams and processes. These companies understand the value of early adoption and want a strategic partner to help them implement AI systems with purpose and precision. One of my standout clients is a B2B hot sauce company that had recently closed a Series A round. They identified as early adopters of AI and wanted to bring their entire team up to speed. I conducted comprehensive training sessions for all employees and was poised to move into a deeper discovery phase before a pricing misunderstanding put things temporarily on hold. While I welcome driven, forward-thinking companies, I’m also selective about culture fit. I once turned down a high-profile public fintech company after sensing misalignment; the CEO of a key division was dismissive during our initial conversation and didn’t give space to understand the scope of services offered. That kind of impatience and disregard for collaboration isn’t compatible with the high-trust partnerships I aim to build. I rely on Make for automation and Google Sheets for data organization and analysis. My language models of choice are OpenAI and the Perplexity API, which I use to build efficient, context-aware solutions. Though I don’t use it professionally, I enjoy experimenting with DALL-E for creative projects in my free time. Ethical AI is more than a side note in my work—it’s a key discussion point during every training and consultation. One important insight I gained during my ethics training was understanding why companies are wary of tools like GitHub Copilot. Concerns around intellectual property and license contamination are very real, and I now address these issues directly with clients. I also initiate conversations around AI bias, especially in hiring scenarios, and emphasize best practices for protecting proprietary data when using AI tools. - Website: [aiconsultancy.yak-apps.com](https://aiconsultancy.yak-apps.com/?utm_source=innovatingwithai.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=iwai-consultant-directory&utm_content=profile-website-link) - LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/yakruthik-reddy-a78984178](https://www.linkedin.com/in/yakruthik-reddy-a78984178/) - Languages spoken: English, Hindi ## Yakruthik’s Industries and Focus Areas - Content Creation & Social Media - Delivery & Courier Services - E-commerce - Fashion & Apparel - Marketing & Advertising - SaaS - Startup - Strategy - Transportation Safety & Logistics - Trucking & Freight ## Innovating with AI® Certified Consultant Yakruthik Reddy Sama is a verified AI consultant, certified by Innovating with AI. Yakruthik has achieved all critical milestones in the AI Consultancy Project training program, and the Innovating with AI team has verified Yakruthik’s track record delivering high-end client services. **Certification Date:** July 2025 – Present **Certification ID:** cDrlvrD4MB