AI is another innovation
Between October 2025 and February 2026, I conducted forty in-depth conversations with owners and leaders of human-related service firms. The goal was to understand how these "people-oriented" businesses, those focused on the people aspects of their clients, are interacting with artificial intelligence (AI). The findings provide a snapshot of how practitioners in human services are experiencing and responding to AI in real-time. The key finding in the process is that AI is a tool. It is not a replacement. It is not the solution to all problems.
AI is a tool. Like how the internet is a tool, which upended many fields when it became widely available. Just like the typewriter is a tool that completely transformed how business was conducted when it was introduced and forced many people to change how they work.
From the beginning of time, new tools have been invented that change how people function. From the wheel to the motor vehicle, the printing press to the word processor, humans have managed the evolution of technology by changing course. Learning new skills and growing alongside these innovations is what makes humans unique.
The media may be putting the spin on artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) as the end of all jobs, and practical minds realize this is an overreaction. Yes, jobs will be eliminated, just like there have been with all other innovations. And there are some organizations using their investment into AI as a reason to lay off throngs of employees. That does not, however, mean that there will be no jobs because of the introduction of AI and LLMs.
As a business owner, you must acknowledge AI is here and part of business whether you like it or not. It is important to evaluate how it can support you, your business, and your team members. Do your research and train on different platforms (and train your team too). Identify how your business can benefit from AI and how your business or industry could potentially shift as a result of AI. Spend the time now to understand AI and LLMs and how things are evolving so you do not have to catch up in the future.
Looking for ideas on how to approach AI?
Respondents to my exploration had great perspectives that might help you in your exploration.
Use AI as a thought partner versus a decision maker.
Have AI take on the tedious tasks and free up humans to do higher value work.
Think of AI as your sidekick, helping you along in your day.
Leverage AI to start the project/document/framework so you can refine to be exactly what you need.
As you read up on AI and LLMs and learn which tools are best for supporting different functions and activities, remember that AI is a tool. It is new and powerful, young and evolving. You, as a human, have so much value to offer the world and your business. Do not let AI stifle your creativity in building your business. You get to decide how the tool will help you move forward.