When AI Tries to Steal the Spotlight Too Soon

Everywhere you look in 2025, AI is being shoved into the spotlight like an understudy who barely knows the lines. Whole companies are swapping people for bots because it’s cheaper, and executives are patting themselves on the back for being “innovative.” Here’s the problem: it’s not innovation, it’s desperation. And in my opinion, it’s going to backfire in ways they can’t even imagine... botched communication, frustrated customers, reputations going up in smoke.

But here’s the tricky part: just because I think the rush to replace humans is misguided doesn’t mean we get a free pass to ignore AI. It’s not going away. It’s already weaving itself into workflows, customer expectations, and the way we show up online. Pretending it isn’t happening doesn’t protect you, it just sets you up to panic later. The real power move is learning how to use it now, before you’re forced to play catch-up.

Think about when email first showed up, or when websites stopped being optional. Then social media came along, half the business world rolled their eyes at it, and now most couldn’t survive without it. The people who got curious early on were the ones who ended up ahead of the curve. AI is in that exact stage. Learning it now doesn’t mean you give up your humanity, it means you won’t be scrambling to figure it out when it’s as ordinary as sending a text.

So, where do you even start without drowning in tools, apps, and noise?

• Start small. Test an AI tool with something low-risk, like brainstorming blog topics or summarizing an article.
• Guard your voice. AI loves to sand down all the edges that make you sound like you. Edit. Always.
• Check the ethics. Not every tool cares about privacy, bias, or where it pulls information from. You should.
• Think “assistant,” not “replacement.” The best use of AI is like a good sidekick; it helps you shine, it doesn’t take over your role.

AI doesn’t have to be a threat to your work or your identity. Used wisely, it’s just another tool in your kit, like the first laptop, the first website, or that first social account you swore you’d never need. The secret isn’t resisting it or rushing headlong into it. It’s learning how to make it work for you without losing what makes your business unmistakably yours.

Until AI learns how to replace common sense, I’ll keep showing up here,

✨ If AI has you curious but cautious, this is the perfect place to start

For a limited time, I’m opening up my AI Persona Jumpstart, normally reserved for event bonuses and holiday specials, at a special half-priced rate.

Here’s what you get:

• A Mini Brand Audit so we can capture the true essence of your voice.
• A custom AI prompt designed to make AI tools write and respond in your unique style.
• A simple usage guide so you can plug it in right away and start seeing consistent, on-brand results.

This isn’t about handing your business over to AI. It’s about making sure when you do use it, it sounds like you—every time.

🔗 Click Here to Turn down the AI noise & turn up your voice

📣 Share the Shift

Know someone else feeling the AI pressure or just tired of all the tech noise? Forward this issue to them. The more of us who learn to use AI wisely (and keep our voices strong), the better this whole thing gets.

📨 Why You’re Here

You’re getting this email because you signed up for Shift Notes, my weekly newsletter with practical tips, fresh perspectives, and real talk about work and life. Maybe you joined after grabbing one of my guides, attending a workshop, or through a recommendation. However you found me, I’m glad you’re here. And if it ever stops feeling helpful, you can unsubscribe anytime... no hard feelings.