Are You Using AI Yet?
AI seems to be everywhere these days. For a while, I didn’t pay much attention—I wasn’t sure what it was, and I took no steps to learn more. That changed when I read an article titled “Wake-up Call: Leadership in the AI Age” by Jim VandeHei in Axios (May 19, 2025). The author argues that ignoring AI is a disservice to our teams and organizations. That message got my attention.
If you're in the same boat I was, I encourage you to take a closer look. Here’s what I’ve learned and how AI is now a part of my work.
How I Use AI
Writing is a big part of my job—blogs, proposals, marketing content, and social media. When I started Seven Stones, I discovered how much I enjoy writing, and I initially resisted using tools like ChatGPT. I thought it might stifle creativity or feel like cheating.
I’ve changed my perspective.
Today, I consider ChatGPT my writing assistant. The ideas are mine, but it helps me express them more clearly and fill in gaps. It’s also helpful when I need to adapt a blog post into social media content. I still edit everything carefully, and I don’t always use what it suggests—but it has made me far more productive.
(Note: I don’t rely on AI for facts or data. If you do, be sure to verify any information before using it.)
How You Might Use AI
Identify the parts of your work that are repetitive or time-consuming. There’s likely an AI tool that can help. For example, if you're writing a difficult email, try drafting it and then using ChatGPT to rephrase it. Just remember not to include personal or confidential information.
Back from vacation to an overflowing inbox? There are AI tools that can summarize your emails and help you prioritize your responses.
Encouraging Your Team
If you lead a team, think about how AI could help them, too. With your support, they can explore ways to use it for increased efficiency and creativity. The time saved might allow them to pursue stalled projects, develop new skills, or take on new responsibilities.
Be sure to provide guidance around confidentiality and appropriate use. With the proper guardrails, AI can be a valuable part of your team’s toolkit.
Don’t Wait
AI isn’t just a trend—it’s transforming the way we work. As leaders, we have a responsibility to stay informed and help our teams do the same. The earlier you explore these tools, the better positioned you’ll be to lead with confidence in this new era.
Now’s the time to be curious, experiment, and integrate AI where it makes sense. You may be surprised by how much time and energy you gain.