Where do we start with AI, and how?
A favorite framework, is Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle. Let’s start with WHY.
We’re not using AI just to save time, we’re using AI to reimagine how we work, so that humans can focus on what matters most: creativity, connection, strategy, and impact.
This is about reclaiming energy and attention. Not replacing people, but removing friction that drains. We use AI to make space for higher-value work and a more human-centered future of work.
AI is a tool. Like any tool, its value depends on how it’s used, what problem it solves, and whether it amplifies or obscures your goals. When used intentionally, it should enhance your voice, strategic thinking, and creativity. AI cannot replicate human qualities like taste and discernment.
(HOW) Use play, curiosity, and experimentation to find where AI adds the most value and then design intentionally. Build AI into workflows that already exist.
EVALUATE
Try different models, they have different vibes, tones, styles. Choose which best fits you and your goals.
Who is your AI? Create your AI tone, voice and style for writing. Develop their purpose and persona. One friend ask ChatGPT to use metaphors in all the replies to help them learn. Another texts with theirs like a bestie, “Hey Girl…” Another requested their AI takes a more Femme Aussie accent.
What problem are we trying to solve? Think big, strategically. If I didn’t have to, I’d be happier and have more time for_. As David Long of the Portland Trail Blazers put it: “How does my job suck?” That’s where your AI use case likely stems from.
Where in your workflow is there friction, boredom, or repetition? Identify tasks that are repeated, predicted, or made easier with logic, data or rules. Processes that are hard to scale.
How does AI make this easier? Is AI the best solution for it?
Outline workflows, road maps, looking for opportunities to innovate.
Once you identify the problem, you can think about solutions, is AI the solution?
EXPLORE
Interactions, use cases. Map workflows, find friction, identify repeatable tasks.
AI And… the team, other tools, what is possible?
Map your workflow in granular steps
Highlight repetitive or predictive tasks & ideate solutions. What would make this easier/better?
What do you want more time for - strategy, innovation, creativity?
AI Maturity Path
Activate. Start small, automate one repetitive task, ex: saving contact documents in folder as they come in. Then create a more complex prompt, with a multi-step task in a single prompt, ex: reviewing contracts and summarizing action items into a do to list. Look for friction and test the fit.
Integrate. Connect multiple tools, LLMs, automations, into a sequential workflow. Let outputs flow between apps.
Advance. Use agentic systems (work independently) that operate across tools, data, notifications and tasks. Automate multi-step, multi-agent workflows.
EXPERIMENT
Play, have fun. Test tools. Create AI workflows.
Make connections, analyze ideas, do exercises. Elaborate on these to create solutions, assess and expand to applications.
Share, collaborate, get feedback to iterate or expand uses in other areas.
Areas of experimentation
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Implementation across teams, create new use cases for operational improvements, governance, standardization.
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Try out embedded AI applications. Integrate into systems or background processes with minimal human input for a seamless agent experience.
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Customize models, orchestrate agents, fine tune, unlock entirely new value pathways and potential.
A key element of learning is discovery. We currently are in a discover phase with AI. It’s an opportunity to learn how to learn. Set up goals, identify resources.
From Pacific AI Advisory, Jordan Plawner’s talk at AI Launchpad
IMPLEMENT
Integrate and advance with systems thinking. Be strategic, tie improvements back to business initiatives.
Not ready to bring this to your work? Start a group. Find local collaborators. Learn in community. This is about expanding on what’s possible, so we can focus on work that truly matters.
(WHAT) Do I do first? Tangible actions.
USE CASE: Friction-to-Flow Mapping
Use AI to reduce friction in repeatable workflows at points of automation, freeing up human time for what only you can do.
How to apply:
Map out a daily/weekly process step by step granular tasks (ex: onboarding, reporting, outreach). Ask the team: What task feels annoying, manual, or repetitive?
Identify points for automation: predictable, rules-based, time-consuming steps. Use tools like:
Claude for coding, nuanced understanding (role playing) and creative writing.
Zapier + GPT for automating inputs/outputs.
Notion AI for managing tasks and internal knowledge.
Perplexity for research and learning.
Pilot Ideas:
Draft client communications or proposals with GPT + your tone/style library.
Use AI to generate weekly summaries of meetings (Granola), insights, follow ups or reports.
Automate intake forms with AI to generate email responses and a CRM entry.
Outcome:
Time saved, improve consistency and free up resources.
Measure improvement: quantify wins by tracking hours saved, errors reduced, quality improved or engagement gained.
Document your approach: templates, prompt libraries, tone/style libraries. Share through internal workshops.
Bring back to objectives, monitor what’s improved.
Iterate on these ideas!