LA Examiner

Author: Sixteen Ramos

  • A New Era of Collaboration: How Generative AI Reshapes Creativity

    A New Era of Collaboration: How Generative AI Reshapes Creativity

    Image credit: Pexels

    The notion that artificial intelligence is set to replace creativity steadily gives way to a more grounded reality. Today’s creative leaders are not sidelining imagination but streamlining their workflows with AI. The result is not diminished artistry but a redefined process where technology clears the way for deeper creative thinking.

    AI as Creative Jumpstart, Not Endpoint

    Generative AI is proving to be a useful accelerator rather than a replacement. It helps teams move faster, yet original thinking remains the foundation of meaningful work. Villain Branding, for example, integrates AI into its workflows and brand codexes without losing sight of strategic creativity. 

    As founder Lauryn Warnick puts it, “AI is a jumpstart, not the entire journey.”

    This distinction between AI integration and human intuition is critical. While algorithms generate drafts, options, or templates, human intuition’s judgment shapes the outcome. In practice, AI is taking over repetitive tasks so creative professionals can focus on building sharper, more resonant strategies.

    Warnick has noticed that teams often treat AI like a replacement for brainstorming, when in reality it works better as a spark. “I’ve seen people let the tool do all the thinking, and the results fall flat,” she said. “AI is great at giving you a pile of options, but it’s the human strategy that decides which one actually fits.” That perspective has helped her team draw sharper boundaries between what AI can accelerate and what it should never decide.

    She also frames AI as a way to reduce creative burnout. “The blank page is scary, whether you’re writing copy or building a campaign,” Warnick explained. “AI fills that void with raw material, and suddenly you’re back in your flow.” In her view, the biggest win isn’t speed alone, but the way AI clears away early friction so teams can lean into originality.

    Indie Filmmaking Gets a Visual Boost

    Nowhere is this collaboration more evident than in independent filmmaking, where budgets often limit ambition. Amerikids Productions has found balance by combining AI with traditional storytelling in its film Bird Woman: Sacagawea. With AI, the team brings historical settings and elements of magical realism to life without prohibitive costs.

    Producer Lynn Rogoff explains this approach: “We use AI as a visual effects tool, but the emotion and direction still come from us.” 

    This highlights the role of technology in providing the palette while the artist still holds the brush.

    Rogoff has long wrestled with the limits of indie filmmaking budgets, where even a few minutes of visual effects can derail a project. “AI gives us access to tools that used to be locked behind million-dollar productions,” she said. “Now we can build worlds that look authentic without mortgaging the film.” That accessibility, she believes, is key to leveling the playing field for smaller studios.

    But Rogoff insists the human role never goes away. “We still decide what the story feels like, what the characters carry in their voices and faces,” she explained. “AI just lowers the barrier to making those visions real.” For her, the technology is less about spectacle and more about giving indie filmmakers permission to dream bigger without losing their emotional grounding.

    Extending Flow State With AI

    At Forge, AI integration aims to preserve and extend creative “flow state.” By removing barriers that disrupt concentration, teams spend more energy generating ideas than handling manual tasks. Forge has even established an AI Media Lab to experiment with tools and guide clients through adoption.

    Matthew Givot, founder of Forge, conveys the message loud and clear: “We don’t see AI as a threat; we see it as a way to free up more time for actual creativity.” 

    Here, AI acts as a force multiplier, enhancing the human capacity for invention rather than diminishing it.

    Givot sees flow state as fragile, something easily broken by constant digital interruptions. “Every time you stop to copy-paste or hunt down a file, you lose your rhythm,” he said. “AI takes those tiny cuts out of the process so you stay in the zone.” His team’s AI Media Lab was built to experiment with exactly these friction points, testing which automations actually extend creative momentum instead of distracting from it.

    He also thinks of AI less as an add-on and more as invisible infrastructure. “The best tech fades into the background,” Givot explained. “If our clients notice it, it probably means it isn’t working.” For him, the measure of success is when teams forget the tool is even there because they’re too busy creating.

    The Role of Data in Creative Insight

    In business contexts, AI’s strength lies in speed and scale, not inspiration. AtScale demonstrates how technology can supply valuable context without intruding on human interpretation. By connecting AI to business data through a semantic layer, the company empowers teams to extract insights quickly, leaving the conceptual breakthroughs to people.

    AtScale co-founder David Mariani notes, “AI can combine what’s already known, but creativity is how we connect the dots.” 

    The framing positions AI as an assistant that organizes the raw material, while human creativity shapes the narrative.

    Mariani points out that most teams don’t struggle with a lack of data, but with too much of it. “AI can make sense of patterns that would take humans weeks to untangle,” he said. “But the real breakthrough happens when people use those patterns to tell a new story.” That distinction of having AI as pattern-finder and humans as storytellers, underpins AtScale’s approach to integrating AI into business workflows.

    He also warns that overreliance on AI can dull creative instincts. “If you only trust the algorithm, you’ll just repeat what’s already been done,” Mariani explained. “Creativity comes from connecting dots in ways no machine would think to.” For him, AI is most valuable when it speeds up the grunt work, leaving people with more time and energy to connect those dots differently.

    Education and the AI Future

    Education may be the arena where AI’s potential feels most urgent. Nolan Bushnell, often called the “father of the video game industry,” has turned his attention to reimagining how children learn. Together with Dr. Leah Hanes, he is co-authoring Shaping the Future of Education: The ExoDexa Manifesto, a book that lays out their shared vision for gamified, personalized learning powered by AI. 

    “AI is like a bicycle for the mind; it makes creativity and learning go faster,” Bushnell said, describing how adaptive technology can amplify curiosity instead of dulling it. He believes the old model of passive memorization is ready to be reinvented. “When education feels like play, kids do not just learn more, they want to keep learning,” he explained.

    Bushnell also points out that the speed of change in technology means schools cannot afford to wait. “If we do not prepare children for a world shaped by AI, we will be doing them a disservice,” he said. In his view, the tools exist today to create classrooms that are both more engaging and more practical. He sees gamification not as a gimmick, but as a bridge between natural human curiosity and the structured learning environments that education systems often rely on.

    AI has the same potential to act as a great equalizer that video games once did, according to Bushnell. “When I built Atari, I saw how games crossed borders and backgrounds instantly,” he recalled. “Education can do the same with AI if we design it right.” He sees the next frontier as building systems that give every learner, no matter their location or resources, access to the same quality of interactive, curiosity-driven education.

    Dr. Hanes echoes this urgency but brings the focus to equity and culture. “We have spent decades teaching kids to memorize, not to problem-solve,” she said. For her, AI provides the scaffolding for an entirely new approach where students can explore at their own pace with a coach-like system supporting them. “AI gives us the chance to reimagine what education looks like when every learner has a personalized coach,” Hanes explained. 

    The ExoDexa Manifesto positions this as a roadmap for democratizing access to high-quality education worldwide.

    Dr. Hanes also emphasizes that technology alone will not transform education without cultural readiness. “It is not just about giving a child an app, it is about preparing teachers and families to embrace a different style of learning.” She believes schools that commit to this vision will not only improve knowledge retention but also nurture resilience and creativity in future generations. In her eyes, the partnership between educators and technology can spark a cultural shift that makes learning both more inclusive and more inspiring.

    Final Thoughts: Raising the Bar, Not Replacing It

    The trend prevalent across industries shows AI not as a replacement for creative talent but as an aid in expanding creativity. From branding to filmmaking, business intelligence, or education, professionals increasingly find that AI enhances efficiency, opening up a new world of possibilities.

    The myth of replacement is fading with a vision of AI and human collaboration. Those who embrace AI as a tool stand a better chance of fast-tracking workflows, sharper insights, and enjoying the freedom to take bold creative leaps. The future of creativity is not machine versus human but the synergy of both, working in sync to raise the bar for what is possible.

  • How New AI Tools Are Reshaping Project Management

    How New AI Tools Are Reshaping Project Management

    Image credit: Pexels

    Artificial intelligence has expanded from the boundaries of mere project management to offer organizations more strategic ways to streamline work, enhance efficiencies, and stay competitive. With the increased use of these tools across industries, teams are struggling with tool overload, change fatigue, and scattered workflows. The challenge at present is not whether AI can help improve workflows, but how it can be applied profitably to reduce friction instead of adding to it.

    Automation in Action

    AI1

    Credit: Noxs AI

    One of the most promising developments is automation powered by multi-agent systems. These AI-powered systems reduce the burden of juggling multiple platforms by handling routine tracking and information retrieval. Instead of requiring managers to manually chase updates across scattered tools, AI can quietly perform these tasks in the background, saving precious time for other valuable tasks.

    Noxs AI is at the forefront of this shift. By automating repetitive tasks, the platform allows project leaders to focus on strategy and problem-solving rather than administrative work. Alena Tim, founder of Noxs AI highlighted the problem of fragmented software environments:

    “What we’ve noticed is that a lot of these tools create tool fatigue… Noxs tracks all digital signs across systems, and using AI, we automate these actions in the background.”

    This approach signals a turning point where less time is lost on administrative responsibilities and more energy is directed toward meaningful collaboration.

    Tim has seen firsthand how fragmented tools wear teams down. “Tools like Jira or ClickUp just highlight bottlenecks rather than fix them if people don’t update statuses or raise flags,” she said. Noxs addresses this by running in the background, tracking digital activity across systems, and handling the routine updates teams often forget. That shift not only prevents surprises at the end of a sprint but also cuts delays dramatically.

    She’s also noticed the human side of adoption matters just as much as the technical side. “Our main goal is not to create additional stress, but to relieve it,” Tim explained. By customizing notifications and escalation rules, Noxs acts more like a supportive colleague than a micromanager. 

    For project managers, this means less chasing and more leading. For engineers, it means having the right information or even a solution served up before they’re stuck.

    Bridging Tools and Strategy

    LA Examiner Vsimple scaled

    Credit: Vsimple

    Automation alone, however, does not guarantee success for any company. Organizations increasingly recognize the need for centralized digital workspaces that connect advanced AI tools directly to broader business strategies. This is where simplicity and adoption become crucial for entrepreneurs.

    Vsimple positions itself around this philosophy, pairing human oversight with AI-driven efficiency. Its focus is not on deploying complex technology for its own sake but ensuring that teams embrace solutions. 

    Buddy Bockweg, founder of Vsimple explained the importance of aligning technology with human behavior. 

    Bockweg explains, “Most technology falls short not because it isn’t sophisticated, but because it fails to be adopted. That’s why we tailor and physically implement our tech, not just hand it off.”

    Platforms like Vsimple are helping teams stay aligned without overwhelming them with unnecessary complexity by narrowing the gap between tools and strategy.

    Bockweg didn’t enter the tech world as a coder; he came from two decades in supply chains. That perspective shaped Vsimple’s approach. “I don’t come from software,” he said. “I spent years watching manufacturers and distributors lose weekends to disconnected tools and manual fixes. It was the same problem no matter the size of the company.”

    Vsimple was built to be that missing digital place where every department shows up to work together, cutting through the noise of too many platforms.

    He also sees AI as the force multiplier inside this connected environment. “We’re sitting in the middle of all their processes and data, so when we unleash AI it’s enormously valuable,” Bockweg explained.

    Instead of adding yet another tool, Vsimple folds automation, analytics, and real-time insights into one workspace. For leaders, it means fewer blind spots. For employees, it means escaping the grind of repetitive tasks and focusing on meaningful work.

    Leadership and Cultural Readiness

    AI3
    AI4

    Credits: Torch

    Even the best-designed tools can falter if organizations fail to prepare people for this change. Experts point out that AI integration is not purely a technical challenge but a leadership issue. Success depends on cultural readiness, collaborative mindsets, and leaders willing to rethink long-standing practices.

    Torch emphasizes this human dimension of AI adoption. The platform supports leadership development, helping organizations cultivate the adaptive skills to navigate technological disruption. 

    Heather Conklin, CEO of Torch noted, “AI breaks a lot of our traditional ways of operating… It requires ground-up collaboration and leaders willing to let go of what worked in the past.”

    Her perspective highlights that leadership, not software, often determines whether an AI rollout accelerates progress or deepens resistance.

    Conklin stresses that AI transformation starts with mindset, not just software. “The human skills were the hard part,” she said, recalling her days at Salesforce where coaching leaders on trust and influence proved more challenging than teaching technical skills.

    That realization now drives Torch’s programs, which blend coaching with cultural change to help leaders rethink how work should look in the age of AI.

    Torch’s work with LinkedIn illustrates this shift. “They knew AI readiness required people with high learning agility and big-picture thinking,” Conklin said.

    Coaching helped employees ask bigger questions: What should my role look like in this new era? What should we stop doing entirely now that AI exists? The answers not only prepared teams for new tools but also surfaced organizational blind spots, from unclear strategies to communication breakdowns. For Conklin, that’s proof that the future of AI in project management won’t be decided by code, but by culture.

    Final Thoughts

    AI tools for project management have their capabilities, but the effect may vary depending on how an organization uses them. So, basically, the opportunity presents itself in cutting human friction. This, in turn, minimizes tool fatigue, streamlines processes, and nurtures leaders who can embrace and work in new ways.

    As organizations harness the appropriate technological solutions and people-centered strategies, they will survive the present-day challenges and set the pace for future practice. As AI continues to integrate into project management ever so fast, formations that keep innovation linked with adoption will emerge as tomorrow’s leaders.

  • How Modern Personal Budgeting Tools Are Leading to Financial Independence

    How Modern Personal Budgeting Tools Are Leading to Financial Independence

    Image credits: Pexels

    In today’s fast-paced world, the once-simple task of personal budgeting has become far more difficult. Amid inflation pressures, increasing debt, and a need for financial independence, Americans are looking for smart tools that can handle their expenses. With the right combination of automation and a human touch, it is possible to create an adequate budget for the future.

    Budgeting Designed to Change Behaviors

    Modern budgeting apps aren’t just meant for tracking expenses, offering insight into financial behaviors, and providing personalized coaching. It’s hard to imagine budgeting as a quick fix to any problem today, which is something this fintech movement recognizes. Instead, modern budgeting apps help users treat budgeting like a lifestyle change, changing habits and creating advantages.

    Modern budgeting tools are proving their efficacy by addressing the shortcomings of traditional personal budgeting methods, which can be less motivational and inaccurate despite being time-consuming. Rather than a fixed and rigid budget, users are empowered with financial insights that justify every dollar spent and paint a picture of the path toward financial freedom.

    Human-Guided Budgeting in Fintech

    finance1

    Credit: MyBudgetCoach

    Specific platforms aim to create positive change by pairing users with coaches to guide their spending habits. For instance, MyBudgetCoach emphasizes zero-based budgeting (ZBB), a method where all expenses must be justified “starting from zero.” By matching users with financial coaches suited to various niches, these platforms offer guidance that can lead to behavioral change.

    “Our whole thing is we want to help people fall in love with budgeting,” MyBudgetCoach founder Zach Whelchel shared. “It’s actually fun when you get into it and you see systems running.”

    With support from a financial professional, budget coaching platforms empower users with financial insights designed to give every dollar a purpose. This way, those struggling with their budget can find a path they might have overlooked or feel confident they are moving forward with a reliable guide.

    For Whelchel, the difference between expense tracking apps and guided coaching comes down to agency. “Giving your dollars a job before you spend them is like looking forward,” he said, contrasting it with apps that only report spending after the fact. 

    That forward-looking perspective, combined with a coach’s accountability, helps users change behaviors instead of abandoning the process. He compared it to fitness or health training: “These are skills that take time to learn, and having a coach helps you get there.” With ongoing support, users not only gain financial clarity but also start to see budgeting as aspirational rather than restrictive.

    Making Debt Management Feel Achievable

    finance2

    Credit: Legacy Financial

    Alternatively, some platforms are designed to help users visualize when they’ll be debt-free and provide the tools they need to realize their goals. Using its patent-pending snowball and blizzard calculators, Legacy Financial App creates these clear visuals for users while offering flexible repayment strategies based on income levels.

    “We’re giving hope to the hopeless,” Legacy Financial App founder Michael Smith Jr. explained, “because we’re showing a light at the end of the tunnel. You can afford to send your kids to college… there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”

    Debt management might feel overwhelming, but the knowledge that it is possible to escape financial burden can be empowering. This kind of financial insight helps users to stick to a budget more closely, recognizing that their efforts will be rewarded by financial freedom as they reach the end of the tunnel.

    Smith described the power of visuals in making debt repayment feel possible. “When you can literally see the day you’ll be debt-free, it changes everything,” he said, pointing to the app’s snowball and blizzard calculators. 

    For families, the tool helps translate sacrifice today into long-term confidence. “We’re not just managing numbers,” Smith explained. “We’re giving people a vision of a future where they can pay for their kids’ college or finally buy that home. And that keeps them motivated”. By connecting repayment to personal dreams, Legacy Financial turns budgeting from a burden into a hopeful pathway.

    Creating Paths Forward in Personal Budgeting

    While traditional personal budgeting methods have felt restrictive, modern tools empower users to move toward financial freedom. With the advantages of automation and real-time data working in conjunction with human guidance that can acknowledge one’s personal struggles, managing money feels less like a chore, but rather a path toward new opportunities.

    Relying on the strategies implemented by modern budgeting, there is no need for spreadsheets and guesswork. Financial independence is more easily achieved with professional support and accurate budget accounting. However difficult it may feel to escape the burden of debt or financial responsibility, modern budgeting tools provide the resources necessary to keep moving forward.

  • How Artificial Intelligence Tools Are Transforming Project Management

    How Artificial Intelligence Tools Are Transforming Project Management

    Image credits: Pexels

    Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has impacted many global industries, but project management has practically been redefined. Capable of rapidly automating tasks, analyzing data, and driving collaboration, AI’s influence in project management is evident. With new AI solutions being developed daily, these tools are changing how teams get work done in the first place.

    Creating Visibility for Smarter Strategies

    AI 1

    Credit: Local Falcon

    Businesses have long relied on search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to create visibility, but the rise of AI is changing how users receive information. AI search result tracking is now as essential as, if not more important than, SEO. Today, businesses must understand how visible they are on traditional search engines and AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google AI.

    Companies like Local Falcon, a geo-grid SEO visibility tool, are expanding their solutions to account for AI search result tracking. 

    As the company’s CEO, David Hunter, explained, “AI search results are still inconsistent, but they’re becoming too important to ignore; especially for local visibility.”

    Local visibility in AI search is still unpredictable, but this is exactly why measurement matters. Hunter explains, “most searches have local intent, and the AI environment doesn’t perform as well as Google Maps yet,” which makes it critical for businesses to track both. 

    By combining traditional SEO metrics with AI-specific reporting, Local Falcon helps owners spot gaps that could drain budgets or misdirect campaigns. Hunter added that many people assume AI search will replace traditional methods overnight, but the fundamentals remain. “A lot of the same methodologies you needed for traditional SEO and local SEO still absolutely apply here,” he said. “You can’t skimp on that. It still makes a big difference.”

    Applications of Field-First AI

    AI 2

    Credit: Linarc

    While most AI tools are focused on online applications, some are designed for real-time use in the field. Platforms like Linarc are purpose-built for construction, offering predictive scheduling and unified communication features. Others use AI tools to help teams adjust quickly when faced with material delays, shifting costs, and reports from the field.

    “Our predictive engine calculates the impact of every change,” Shanthi Rajan, founder and CEO of Linarc, shared, “so you’re not constantly reacting; you’re planning with foresight.”

    In many ways, field-first AI demonstrates that this technology can create solutions outside of online spaces. Real-time data has applications in almost every industry, and areas like construction are no exception.

    Rajan stressed that Linarc was never designed to be just another scheduling tool. It was built as a single source of truth for both office and field teams. “If your data is split across emails, texts, and Slack, you lose control,” she said, noting how fragmented communication often derails projects. 

    With Linarc, expenses, predictive analytics, and daily updates flow through one platform, giving managers a complete picture in real time. Its mobile-first design also ensures broad adoption on construction sites. “Even the smallest contractors today want technology on their side,” Rajan added. “We designed the mobile app so that crews can track progress, sign off, and even generate invoices right from the site.”

    Content Collaboration at Scale

    AI 3

    Credit: TinyMCE

    Small businesses and major corporations depend on their online presence for success, and AI tools have begun to power cloud tools. Compliance-heavy industries seek flexible application programming interfaces (APIs) offered by hybrid cloud setups to repurpose and realign internal resources and optimize developer productivity. 

    One platform, TinyMCE, powers 13% of global web content with AI tools.

    “We’re creating ‘Moneyball for developers,’” Michael Hideo, vice president at TinyMCE, stated, “using AI to compose the best team for each project.”

    For Hideo, the true value of TinyMCE lies in preserving and reviving institutional memory. Organizations generate thousands of pages of documentation, intranet posts, and technical notes, and AI now makes it possible to reuse content that might otherwise disappear into the archives. “TinyMCE is like plumbing. It’s invisible, but essential,” Hideo said. “Our role is to make sure content flows securely and efficiently at every scale.” 

    That efficiency also depends on secure infrastructure, and Hideo believes the future lies in flexible architectures. “Hybrid cloud is where the world is going,” he explained. “By designing TinyMCE as APIs, we let developers scale globally while still protecting sensitive data locally.”

    Reimagining Meetings With Digital Coworkers

    AI 4

    Credit: Arthur Technologies

    One of the most popular applications of AI in project management is the so-called “digital coworker,” which is intended to support human team members. An effective digital coworker can handle various tasks or facilitate the next steps for human team members to progress a strategy. Using tools such as these, companies can maximize their team’s effectiveness.

    Organizations like Arthur Technologies provide businesses access to two distinct AI-powered platforms, one in virtual reality (VR) and one web-based solution. Both act as digital team members, capable of facilitating interviews, synthesizing group feedback, and proposing next steps.

    “AI isn’t just a tool anymore,” Christoph Fleischmann, founder of Arthur Technologies, explained. It’s a team member with perspective, memory, and insight.”

    Fleischmann emphasized that Arthur’s digital coworkers are not meant to replace human input but to expand it. The system can interview participants in parallel, surface overlooked risks, and generate unbiased agendas, creating what he calls an “aperture of discussion.” 

    “We always thought the most powerful AI applications behave like team members, not tools,” Fleischmann said, describing how the technology helps teams avoid bias and groupthink. 

    For complex projects that stretch across geographies, he argued that immersive collaboration can even outperform traditional meetings. “If you’re dealing with complex topics across geographies, immersive collaboration outperforms traditional platforms,” he explained. “It puts everyone in the same room, without the flights and the compromises.”

    Transforming Project Management in 2025

    Whether a company needs to improve its ranking in AI search results or to manage construction timelines better, AI tools provide a solution. Businesses find new opportunities to succeed as the best platforms push their solutions beyond automation, aiming to augment human strengths and bolster collaboration.

    AI technology is developing rapidly, and project management tools benefit from its growth. Whether a business is unsure about adopting an AI solution or has already integrated several tools into its operations, continued improvement solidifies this technology’s place in global industries.

  • Bridging the Skills Divide: Why Emotional Intelligence and Practical Training Matter

    Bridging the Skills Divide: Why Emotional Intelligence and Practical Training Matter

    Image credit: Pixabay

    The modern job market keeps asking for more, and a lot of candidates are scrambling to keep pace. Employers keep raising the bar for what “ready” looks like, but the way they measure it has shifted. The gap isn’t really about missing degrees or shiny credentials. It’s about being able to show real, hands-on competence that proves you can actually do the work.

    The emergence of artificial intelligence, the automation of resumes, and the change in hiring practices have impacted the recruitment industry. There is a growing inclination toward skills that can be demonstrated and evaluated. The traditional degrees that were considered the center of attraction are now obsolete when compared to adaptability, portfolios, and practical demonstrations. The focus has shifted from what is written on paper to what a candidate can actually deliver.

    Emotional Intelligence as the New Power Skill

    Among the most striking changes in hiring is the rise of emotional intelligence as a critical factor in decision-making. In many cases, it now outranks technical proficiency. Recruiters and employers look for candidates who can communicate, collaborate, and adapt effectively.

    As career strategist Brianne Rush explains, “The curiosity and the confidence that you bring to an interview or a role or a project—that’s what’s going to make the people on that team want to work with you more than just your credentials in a bullet list.” She sheds light on a reality employers are embracing today: credentials can open a door, but interpersonal skills often secure a seat at the table.

    One tool Rush often encourages job seekers to use is the “life resume,” an exercise where candidates outline formative experiences outside of traditional jobs. Whether it’s leading a campus group, volunteering, or even managing challenges in their personal lives, these stories often reveal emotional intelligence in action. Sharing them during interviews helps candidates stand out in ways bullet-point credentials never could.

    Emotional intelligence is becoming a signal of leadership potential. Rush has noticed that managers often look past bullet-point credentials and pay closer attention to how someone carries themselves in conversation. If a candidate can read the room, adjust tone, and collaborate with ease, it often sets them apart as someone worth investing in for the long run.

    The gap is especially clear among younger professionals who sometimes avoid live interactions. Rush points out that many prefer texts or emails when a simple phone call would make a stronger impression. Candidates who show confidence in those moments tend to rise quickly in the hiring process.

    As Rush explained, “Think about your stories, actually write them down on your own time, so that you’re comfortable telling them, and you know what they are. That way, you can apply them to multiple interview questions and stand out with authenticity.” This approach makes a candidate memorable. It also demonstrates growth and relatability that employers increasingly prize.

    Skills-Based Hiring and Portfolio Platforms

    To close skill gaps, both companies and candidates are leaning on new tools that show, not tell. Platforms like Forage, TestGorilla, and Rezi.ai give job seekers a stage to actually prove what they can do, whether through simulations, assessments, or portfolios that feel alive. These tools are nudging hiring away from guesswork and toward proof, swapping assumptions for evidence that speaks louder than any résumé line.

    “The value of the degree as a proxy of a skill has certainly lost steam in the public opinion,” notes Sandra Buatti-Ramos. “Platforms like Forage let candidates demonstrate skills before applying.” This trend shows how ability is increasingly driving hiring outcomes instead of a diploma.

    Buatti-Ramos believes that the rise of AI-generated resumes has made skill demonstrations even more important. Recruiters are tired of sorting through what she calls “AI sludge,” a flood of generic applications that all sound the same. This frustration has accelerated the move toward portfolios and skill-based assessments that show what someone can actually do.

    For employers, seeing a portfolio saves time. Instead of decoding buzzwords, they can evaluate a project in minutes. That efficiency is especially valuable for smaller HR teams who do not have hours to parse resumes.

    “Even if you do not have the perfect words, if you have built something that proves your ability, employers can see it immediately,” Buatti-Ramos explained. “Portfolios give evidence, not just claims, and that is what cuts through the noise.”

    Strategic Self-Marketing and Mindset Shifts

    While tools and platforms provide opportunities, mindset also plays a crucial role in achieving success. Job seekers should focus on how they present themselves to the recruiters, and align their skills to suit the role. Self-awareness, coupled with targeted applications, has become essential.

    Beth Hendler-Grunt emphasizes this change in approach: “Gen Z must shift focus from ‘great for me’ to ‘how I can help the employer.’ That mindset shift is essential for success in today’s job market.” Employers are seeking value, and candidates who position themselves as problem-solvers are the ones most likely to succeed.

    For Hendler-Grunt, one of the toughest hurdles for new grads is how they frame their search. Too many approach employers with a “what can this job do for me” perspective. That approach often falls flat because organizations are looking for people who will solve problems, not just fill a seat.

    She encourages candidates to slow down and focus on fewer, higher-quality applications. A strong foundation comes from knowing three core skills and pairing each with a clear story of impact. Once a candidate does that work, resumes and interviews flow with more confidence.

    “Employers want to hear how you can make it great for them,” Hendler-Grunt said. “When you connect your skills to their needs and show confidence in solving problems, you stand out more than someone who sends two hundred applications without a clear story.”

    Competence Over Perfection in Skill Development

    In a fast-changing economy, mastery is not always the benchmark. Hiring managers often prioritize adaptability and willingness to learn over flawless expertise. Being “dangerous enough” with a skill and capable of engaging meaningfully with it can be more valuable than chasing perfection.

    “You don’t need to be an expert—you just need to be competent enough to hold a conversation about a skill and show you’re willing to grow,” says Anne Ryan. This pragmatic view reflects the reality that industries evolve rapidly, and continuous learning is often more important than fixed expertise.

    Ryan reminds job seekers that they usually have more soft skills than they realize. In her workshops, she asks people to circle the skills they already use in daily life, from problem-solving to time management. Most discover they have plenty to offer, which often shifts their mindset from insecurity to confidence.

    She also encourages people to treat job descriptions as wish lists. A candidate who brings most of the requirements and a willingness to learn is usually more appealing than someone who fits every line on paper but lacks adaptability.

    “I always tell people that if you meet even half the requirements, go for it,” Ryan said. “Employers want to see growth potential. They are not waiting for someone who is perfect on day one.”

    High-Fidelity Training and Industry-Specific Readiness

    For industries requiring specialized knowledge, accelerated training programs are replacing traditional long-term educational paths. High-fidelity training focuses on job-ready skills while emphasizing accountability and mentorship.

    Patrick Arnzen of Thrust Flight explains: “We’re not just creating certificate holders—we’re creating excellent pilots. That takes accountability, mentorship, and a laser focus on what matters.” His perspective highlights the power of targeted training in building technically skilled teams prepared to cater to real-world demands.

    At Thrust Flight, Arnzen has designed programs that strip out what he calls “fluff.” Every element of training is tied directly to what a pilot or mechanic will need in the field. That clarity speeds up progress and keeps students focused on the skills that matter most.

    Mentorship is just as critical. Students are paired with instructors who have already walked the same path. These relationships build confidence, provide real-world context, and often turn into professional networks that last well beyond graduation.

    “We do not want to hand out certificates. We want to create excellent pilots,” Arnzen said. “That means holding students accountable, giving them mentors, and creating training environments that feel like the real thing. Our job is to prepare them for day one, not years down the line.”

    The New Blueprint for Career Success

    Emotional intelligence, adaptability, mentorship, and digital channels are coming together to reshape the career readiness of a candidate. The employers of today and tomorrow are not looking for individuals who simply check boxes with their credentials. Instead, they are looking for people with a sense of purpose, who are prepared and inherently growth-oriented.

    The skill gap remains a concern for employers, but the solutions emerging are both innovative and practical. By embracing emotional intelligence, showcasing competence through modern platforms, and adopting targeted training, job seekers can close this gap. It is the combination of skills, mindset, and adaptability that truly defines employability.

  • The New Creative Class: Top AI Tools Turning Small Teams Into Global Storytellers

    The New Creative Class: Top AI Tools Turning Small Teams Into Global Storytellers

    Image credits: Pexels

    Over the past several years, AI has become an indispensable tool for many business models. While the technological tool was viewed with skepticism when it was first unveiled to the public in 2022, it gained prominence quickly after many businesses realized its unique capabilities in consuming and parsing large amounts of data. Now, that foundational form of worth is carrying over to make the tool equally valuable to digital content.

    As digital content demands increase, small teams are pressured to deliver high-quality, relevant content faster than ever. As platforms such as social media sites have accelerated the content creation cycle to a breakneck pace, many teams are now turning to AI to help create and upload their content faster than ever before. AI tools are rising to meet that need, assisting brands in testing ideas, translating messages, and running campaigns at scale.

    Simulating Success Before Launch

    One such tool, Artificial Societies, is a platform that uses AI personas to simulate audience reactions to content. In the past, brands would gather test audiences to gauge how well a given product might perform with consumers as a whole. However, this was a time-consuming, costly procedure. With this new AI tool, brands can conduct similar research and receive valuable answers to their questions in moments. 

    James He, co-founder and CEO of Artificial Societies, says, “The most surprising thing we keep learning is that users want even more speed; people will wait 30 seconds for results, but they’d prefer three seconds.”

    Beyond speed, He emphasizes that the true power of simulation is in encouraging bold ideas that creators might otherwise dismiss. “The biggest difference is not in the wording or the hook, but in the idea itself. What simulation allows is the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and find the best ideas without the real-world cost of losing subscribers or money.”

    Looking ahead, He believes simulations will broaden far beyond social media. “In the next year, we are taking this technology to verticals from investor pitches to even simulating how an audience might respond to an earnings call. The goal is simple: give creators and companies a safe sandbox to test bold ideas before risking them in the wild.”

    Scaling Smart Content Across Languages

    Elsewhere, Smartcat helps companies produce localized, brand-consistent content using internal knowledge and AI workflows. The platform handles over 70 content types and integrates various tools to automate entire content lifecycles. 

    Furthermore, SmartCat’s AI editing process often saves more time than traditional agency reviews, while being significantly more cost-effective.

    Future developments focus on multi-agent systems for complex workflows and a “skill graph” to make expert knowledge accessible across enterprise use cases. 

    CEO Ivan Smolnikov says, “Our AI gets more on-brand and higher quality over time thanks to constant feedback from subject matter experts.” 

    Smolnikov emphasizes that authenticity is inseparable from consistency. “Every enterprise has its own identity and its own dictionary of terms. Our role is to make sure AI respects that uniqueness, whether it’s BMW, Toyota, or Pfizer… the terminology, the tone, the compliance rules all need to be preserved so content doesn’t just look right, but feels right to the people inside the company.”

    For smaller creators, Smolnikov points out the global opportunity. “Today, even an individual can take a podcast and have it sound natural in fifteen different languages with their own cloned voice. People underestimate what’s possible right now, which is global reach that once felt out of reach is now completely within their grasp.”

    Influencer Marketing Made Scalable

    Endlss automates influencer outreach, vetting, and messaging for small DTC brands. The platform has seen a 3410% growth in influencer applicants over the past two months, demonstrating the growing demand for such a service. Endlss uses AI for personalized messaging, template creation, and data-driven influencer vetting, and has formed a partnership with CreatorCommerce, which has led to a 7260% lift in conversion rates over two months.

    David Abbey, CEO of Endlss says, “We’re making influencer marketing accessible for the five-to-ten person team that would otherwise never have the time or budget to run it.”

    Abbey notes that efficiency is about more than automating outreach, but about elevating creative work. “Too many small teams spend their brightest talent just emailing creators. AI takes that load away so those same employees can focus on building campaigns that actually inspire people. That’s the real ROI. Stronger employees, stronger campaigns.”

    Ultimately, Abbey views the platform as part of a trust-building ecosystem. “What excites me most is when brand, influencer, and consumer all walk away saying, that was a great experience. Transparent payments, seamless gifting, clear communication. That’s how you build lasting trust, and AI is the engine that makes it scalable.”

    AI is Reshaping the Future of Content Creation

    Whether testing content before it goes live, translating it into 20 languages, or launching a product with a dozen influencers, AI is helping small teams create like giants. With the right tools, your team’s size no longer limits the scale of your impact. Though the market and media cycle now moves with unprecedented speed, with these boundary-pushing tools, so can you and your team. 

    AI is proving to be an effective tool for businesses of all sizes. It is reshaping content creation, giving companies a competitive advantage in the fast-paced digital world. More and more companies are turning to it to stay up-to-date in their industries.

  • From Tedious Tasks to Creative Collaboration: AI Tools Transform Content Creation

    From Tedious Tasks to Creative Collaboration: AI Tools Transform Content Creation

    Image credit: Unsplash

    With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), content creation has found a new dimension. This rapid evolution has fueled both excitement and apprehension among creators. While the debate over whether machines replace human intelligence is still raging, the real picture is more nuanced. AI is not poised to replace creative professionals; instead, it increasingly serves as a powerful ally. It is a technology designed to streamline repetitive tasks involved in content creation. 

    This enhances collaboration and unlocks new possibilities for repurposing content.

    From newsrooms to marketing agencies, creators are discovering that these tools can significantly reduce the time spent on labor-intensive processes. AI empowers creators to save time on repetitive tasks and focus more on storytelling, strategy, and innovation.

    AI as a Creative Co-Pilot

    AI-powered platforms like Trint are leading this shift by automating essential yet time-consuming steps involved in content production. These platforms can streamline tasks ranging from transcription to translation and even collaborative editing. Trint has become an indispensable resource for journalists, podcasters, and video producers willing to reach wider or more specific audience groups.

    “We want to save you time on every boring, tedious, expensive part of the process,” says Tessa Kaday, Director of Product at Trint.

    This approach highlights the growing consensus in the industry. AI works best when it handles the mechanical aspects of production, leaving creators free to concentrate on the craft that machines cannot replicate.

    Kaday highlights that Trint’s mission goes beyond transcription accuracy. “Every interview, every press conference, every podcast has hidden nuggets. Our job is to make them instantly searchable and reusable so creators can turn hours of material into polished stories without drowning in the process.”

    For the Trint team, the next wave of AI will be seen to remove even more friction from storytelling. “The transcript itself is not the point, it is the bridge. AI should get you from messy raw content to the polished story your audience cares about faster than ever, while still keeping your voice at the center.”

    Authenticity Still Wins

    Despite the rise of AI-powered tools, authenticity remains the backbone of creating impactful content. BrandLens exemplifies this principle by ensuring its core content remains 100% human-made. While the platform leverages AI for backend functions such as moderation and campaign ideation, it draws a clear boundary regarding creation.

    “We can, with 100% certainty, say that our content was made with humans and zero AI was involved in that,” states Vahag Karayan, co-founder and CEO of BrandLens. 

    This model demonstrates how companies can balance AI’s efficiency gains with the demand for genuine, relatable content, a critical factor for brands aiming to build trust in an increasingly automated world.

    Karayan points out that the real challenge is not technology but mindset. “A lot of companies are used to paying influencers for one flashy campaign, but they miss the bigger opportunity. If you engage your customers consistently, they will create evergreen content that tells your story for years. That is worth far more than a single viral hit.”

    Looking to the future, Karayan emphasizes that the evolution of AI must respect the line between synthetic and authentic. “You cannot call AI-generated video user-generated content. True UGC is someone picking up their phone and speaking from the heart. AI can support that, but it cannot replace it.”

    The Combination of Human + AI

    In entertainment, blending human creativity with machine efficiency creates more fresh possibilities. ComedyBytes, an interactive AI-powered comedy show, is a perfect example. It illustrates how the synergy between artificial intelligence and human connection works. The platform combines AI-generated jokes, avatars, and visuals with human curation, delivering an interactive experience that feels innovative yet personal.

    “The creative orchestration process is very much still retaining an artist’s voice, even if you’re using AI tools,” explains Doyle of ComedyBytes. 

    This hybrid approach highlights a central truth. While AI can assist with speed and scale, the essence of humor or any art form still relies on the human touch.

    The experimentation itself is part of the art. “When you find that one AI-written line that actually makes you jump in your seat, you realize this isn’t about machines replacing comedians, it’s about us pushing creativity into places we wouldn’t go alone,” Doyle explains. That process of trial, error, and curation is what keeps ComedyBytes authentic and entertaining.

    Looking ahead, Doyle believes the future lies in real time interactivity between AI and performers. “The big leap will be when we can roast battle a live AI avatar unscripted, on stage, in front of an audience. That’s the next frontier, a new form of entertainment where human wit and machine improvisation collide.”

    Final Thoughts: Collaboration Over Competition

    The rising number of AI tools for content creation signals a watershed moment, not a takeover moment. Creative professionals are now learning to embrace these technologies as their ally or partner instead of viewing them as threats. From streamlining transcriptions to aiding in campaign conceptualization and improving entertainment formats, AI tools are redefining workflows to make them faster, smarter, and more efficient.

    In the current industry scenario, primarily dominated by AI, the future belongs to those creators who will understand and embrace the success of machine-aided work. Whether they are journalists, marketers, comedians, or creators, AI tools are indispensable for saving their precious time and delivering efficiency, but they are never a replacement for their human connection. While content creation is evolving at a rapid pace, it is evident that AI tools are at the forefront to amplify their reach and engagement, silently assisting the human workforce. 

  • How to Overcome a Skill Gap

    How to Overcome a Skill Gap

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Over the past several years, the landscape of several professions has changed dramatically. As tools such as AI have become increasingly integral to several business structures, roles within those industries are being redefined, and to this end, remaining adaptable and ambitious about continuous learning as a worker is becoming crucial.

    Because of these rapid technological changes and shifting job market demands, skill gaps have emerged unprecedentedly across several professions. For example, if your job previously required little to no interaction with digital elements, but has now been redefined by AI integration, you could be left feeling you don’t have the tools necessary to do this new version of your job successfully. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way, as there are ways to overcome such inferiority complexes and bridge the emerging skill gaps.

    Identifying and Reframing Skills

    It’s easy for many professionals to feel defeated in the face of such change, assuming that they must effectively “start over.” However, this could not be further from the truth. You already have the skills necessary to meet these new needs; it’s just about applying them differently. Rather than viewing these changes as requiring entirely new skills, it’s essential to see them as a process of redefining existing skills into transferable assets.

    Avigail Lev, founder & director at Bay Area CBT Center, details, “Filtering mechanisms are now bigger barriers than actual qualifications” in the hiring process. 

    Lev emphasizes how rapidly hiring norms shift, and how staying current is often more important than acquiring brand-new skills. “If you’re not keeping up with changes in how people get jobs, you can have a phenomenal resume and still be invisible,” she warns. Knowing where recruiters look and which platforms matter today can change outcomes dramatically.

    She also points to mindset barriers that hold professionals back. “Perfectionism is the most common workplace schema I see. It drives burnout and holds people back more than actual skill gaps,” Lev explains. Addressing these limiting beliefs can be just as critical as closing technical gaps.

    The Role of Self-Awareness and Values

    It’s also important to note that skills only make up a small portion of what makes you a good fit for a job. This way, self-awareness and honesty about skill gaps can be powerful approaches in job seeking. Understanding your values, aptitudes, and interests is crucial for finding aligned work.

    Furthermore, embracing change and maintaining an open mindset has become key to career adaptability in the AI era.

    Suzy Welch, author, speaker, and professor at NYU Stern School of Business, surmises, “You’ve got to get existential before you get tactical.”

    Welch reframes the way job seekers should think about themselves. Rather than focusing only on skills, she suggests inventorying aptitudes—your natural cognitive wiring. “Aptitudes are set by the time you’re fifteen, and they drive how you think, problem-solve, and collaborate. Most people go their whole career without understanding them,” she explains.

    Values are equally important. “Values aren’t virtues. They’re choices about how you want to live and work,” Welch says. Identifying whether you prize work intensity, family balance, or curiosity, for example, helps align new skills with the kind of work you’ll actually thrive in.

    Learning Approaches: Formal vs. On-the-Job

    Professionals should balance structured education with practical, applied experience. Through these means, bite-sized, deliberate practice is often most effective.

    NYU Professor and founder of KMP Consulting, Kristin-Marie Pernicano, says, “Zoom all the way out and realize you’ve actually got a lot of valuable transferable skills and how you tell your story is going to matter.”

    From her background on Wall Street to teaching at NYU, Pernicano has seen that success comes from balancing grit with humility. “Competence and humility together are what make professionals stand out. It’s about the ability to figure it out, and the courage to admit when you need help,” she says. Employers value those who can adapt while being honest about limitations.

    Skill gaps can be addressed through formal education, on-the-job learning, and personal initiative. Leaders play a crucial role in fostering skill development, but individual accountability is equally important. 

    Additionally, embracing failure and continuous learning are essential for professional growth and adaptability.

    Pernicano cautions against defaulting to degrees as the answer to every skill gap. “Don’t just chase credentials. Ask potential employers what they invest in for employee learning. That tells you how serious they are about helping you close gaps,” she advises.

    Continuous Learning in Project Management

    The half-life of technical skills is shrinking; focus on visible, attainable skills first. Human skills like communication and adaptability are becoming as critical as technical proficiency. 

    To this end, Dr. Kelly Heuer, Vice President of Learning at Project Management Institute, says, “Continuous learning is crucial; focus on attainable, visible skills first.”

    Dr. Heuer stresses that many skill gaps are less about hard technical expertise and more about context. “Business acumen, or the ability to enter a new environment and quickly grasp the model, politics, and economics, is now just as important as technical skill,” she says. This broader perspective allows professionals to stay relevant even as specific tools change.

    She also highlights the importance of tailoring learning methods: “Find the learning modality that fits you—whether it’s podcasts on the go or visual diagrams. The format can make or break whether new skills stick,” Dr. Heuer explains.

    Neuroscience and Micro-Learning for Retention

    Studies have shown that when it comes to retaining new skills or applications, small, consistent steps beat long, unfocused efforts. Clarity of purpose drives lasting learning. High-impact “evergreen” skills like communication, curiosity, leadership, and AI literacy can help you remain viable in an evolving market and prioritize clarity on career goals and targeted micro-tasks over unfocused searching time.

    Career coach and talent development specialist, Elena Agaragimova explains that when people attempt to learn too much at once, retention quickly drops. “Our brains only have so much capacity. If you try to learn after a ten-hour workday, you won’t retain much,” she says. Instead, she recommends carving out time when your energy is highest and focusing on small, intentional steps toward mastery.

    She adds that purpose is just as important as practice. “Learning only works if it’s paired with action. The brain retains best when knowledge is turned into behaviors you can apply consistently over time,” Agaragimova notes. By connecting micro-learning to evergreen skills like communication or leadership, professionals make their effort translate into lasting growth.

    Final Thoughts

    The future of work requires reframing, self-awareness, and adaptability. Skill gaps are not roadblocks but opportunities to demonstrate resilience, curiosity, and continuous growth. As more of these issues emerge amid the changing landscape of technology, you must remember that you are valuable and that your skills, passions, and interests have worth.

  • How AI Is Reshaping Business Communication and Marketing for Small Enterprises

    How AI Is Reshaping Business Communication and Marketing for Small Enterprises

    Image credit: Pexels

    Artificial intelligence is no longer just for big companies with huge tech budgets. In recent years, AI’s rapid growth has started transforming how small and midsize businesses communicate, market, and connect with their customers. Technology that was once only available to large enterprises is now more accessible, enabling smaller businesses to compete more fairly.

    Secure Communications as a Service (SCaaS)

    One of the most evident signs of this shift is the growing focus on secure and compliant communication across industries. As digital interactions increase, companies need efficiency and protection of their sensitive information. Voice, which was once less popular than text-based messaging, is now making a comeback. This time, it is supported by AI-driven synthesis and data insights.

    Movius, a company specializing in Secure Communication as a Service (SCaaS), has stepped into this space, offering a solution designed to safeguard data while providing actionable intelligence. Their platform integrates AI-enabled voice capabilities, allowing businesses to derive insights from conversations without compromising security. 

    The company’s philosophy highlights a new direction in AI. Ananth Siva, CEO of Movius, explains, “Our focus is on ‘assisted intelligence’ rather than artificial intelligence; AI designed to work alongside humans, enhancing productivity.”

    Movius’ AI tool, Clare, goes a step further by analyzing unstructured conversational data to offer coaching insights to employees. The platform is helping businesses utilize AI as an ally rather than a replacement for the existing workforce or infrastructure. With this approach, Movius showcases how technology can strengthen trust, communication, and compliance across over 70 industries.

    Siva highlights how the company’s AI-driven tool Clare has redefined coaching for employees. “What we’ve seen is that Clare almost becomes everyone’s personal coach, providing real-time feedback from actual business conversations.”

    For small businesses that cannot afford extensive training programs, this means staff can continuously improve communication skills while maintaining compliance. This combination that elevates both productivity and customer trust.

    Marketing and Customer Engagement Reimagined

    Beyond communication, AI is quickly changing how small businesses handle marketing and customer relationships. The rise of affordable AI tools has enabled companies to personalize campaigns, automate routine tasks, and interpret data faster.

    Catalyst Marketing has assembled a solid AI tech stack to help its clients. It includes Navu, an AI chatbot, note-taking tools like Fathom, and reasoning models such as Claude and Perplexity. The firm regularly reviews new technologies to improve performance. For small businesses, this means better customer engagement strategies and scalable solutions that were previously out of reach.

    Yet, Catalyst emphasizes that automation alone cannot drive genuine connection. In their approach, AI functions as an enhancer of human capabilities. Handling repetitive tasks frees marketers to focus on creativity and relationships. As the firm notes, the goal is to help marketers become “better humans” by using AI to deepen, not replace, customer connections.

    Catalyst’s commitment to people-first marketing shows in how they integrate AI. “Our clients come to us overwhelmed, asking where to even start. We’ve built a vetted AI tech stack so they don’t have to waste time experimenting,” says Robin Emiliani, co-founder of Catalyst Marketing. She adds that tools like Claude and Perplexity drastically reduce the time spent on proposals and content creation, while AI chatbots like Navu make websites more discoverable. This balance of experimentation and structure allows small businesses to adopt AI without losing their creative edge.

    “Humans have always been a part of our business and have been the core of our business. It’s just that we’re leveraging these tools to be able to connect better, connect faster, and drive it to revenue,” says Emiliani.

    Making AI Accessible for Everyday Operations

    While innovation abounds, small businesses increasingly face the challenge of adopting AI without being overwhelmed. Thryv has addressed this with its “crawl, walk, run” approach, designed to ease companies into digital transformation. The company provides AI-powered tools for social media management, review responses, and marketing automation. These are emerging as practical solutions for enhancing visibility and customer retention without steep learning curves.

    “So we’re seeing growing adoption and desire for AI-based answering tools, right?” says Grant Freeman, President of Thryv. “The phone rings three times. I don’t get it. Now it goes to an AI voice assistant, right? And now it’s capturing information, it’s filling my CRM, and it’s kicking off in automation.”

    For Freeman, the bigger picture is about restoring confidence to small business owners. “The help that AI assistants give small business owners returns a sense of pride,” he says. “They feel empowered, emboldened, and proud that they can keep up in this high-tech world”. By pairing AI with human oversight, Thryv ensures entrepreneurs not only save time but also feel re-energized about running their businesses.

    This model ensures that business owners maintain control while building confidence in automation. Thryv reduces the anxiety accompanying technological change by keeping humans in the loop. The result is a balance between efficiency and oversight, allowing AI to serve as a support system rather than a disruptive force.

    The Future of AI in Small Enterprises

    The path of AI in small business operations suggests even more personalization and applications tailored to specific industries. Language models designed for certain sectors are likely to improve customer experiences. AI-driven search discoverability will boost online presence. Voice assistants and automated follow-up systems are expected to play a key role in small business workflows. They will close communication gaps and ensure that no opportunity slips away.

    What unites these innovations is a shift in perception. AI is no longer seen as an “artificial” intelligence seeking to replace human judgment. Instead, companies are demonstrating how “assisted intelligence” can elevate productivity, improve security, and promote more meaningful connections.

    Final Thoughts

    The way small businesses communicate and market themselves is changing. Tools once only for bigger companies are now available to small and mid-sized enterprises. Secured voice platforms and personalized marketing automation are examples of this shift. AI is gradually becoming crucial for today’s business operations. However, its real value is not in taking over the human workforce but in assisting it.

  • The Best AI Tools for Small Businesses

    The Best AI Tools for Small Businesses

    Image credit: Pexels

    While artificial intelligence is increasingly impacting industries, small businesses are coming forward to adopt these tools to stay relevant in this competitive space. Whether automating repetitive tasks or enhancing customer engagement, AI is becoming more than just a trend; it’s becoming an essential part of daily operations. 

    However, with the overwhelming number of platforms available, many entrepreneurs face the challenge of determining which tools will deliver measurable results. 

    Streamlining Client Management

    Managing clients is one of the most time-consuming tasks of running a business. Honeybook, a clientflow and business management platform, has positioned itself as a solution designed specifically for freelancers and small business owners.

    Honeybook offers a central system for proposals, invoicing, and scheduling. It also automates repetitive administrative tasks. The platform provides a single place to manage everything for businesses that often struggle to balance multiple client communications. This saves work hours each week and helps entrepreneurs appear organized and professional.

    Consider a small design agency managing multiple client projects simultaneously. Instead of manually sending contracts, reminders, and invoices, the agency can use AI to streamline each step. This change allows more time for creative work and less for paperwork, which can directly impact profitability.

    Automating Marketing & Content Creation

    If operations are a business’s backbone, marketing is its voice. Blaze.AI has emerged as a powerful tool for companies that lack the resources to maintain a full-scale marketing department.

    Blaze.AI, often called a “virtual marketer,” is an AI-powered platform that assists businesses in creating advanced marketing campaigns that would otherwise require dedicated staff. This empowers small and mid-sized firms to compete more efficiently with larger enterprises, from automated content writing to social media scheduling and analytics-driven optimization.

    For instance, a local café can use AI to generate engaging posts highlighting new menu items, schedule them across platforms, and analyze which content resonates most with its audience. By automating these processes, the café maintains an active online presence and gains insights that inform future campaigns without hiring a marketing team.

    AI Strategy for Small Businesses

    While tools like Honeybook and Blaze.AI offer tangible solutions, strategy is what ensures long-term success. This is where Dr. Christina Inge, an educator, consultant, and thought leader in AI, plays a pivotal role.

    “I’ve been using AI since before ChatGPT came out, and one of the things that I’ve noticed is that it makes it possible and affordable for small businesses to be able to, for instance, figure out how to set their pricing model, or it enables them to build a business,” says Dr. Inge.

    Dr. Inge helps businesses use AI tools thoughtfully and ethically. Through training sessions, workshops, and consulting, she offers guidance on how to integrate AI into business practices meaningfully. Her work highlights that adopting AI is not about following trends but making a real difference for small businesses.

    A retailer, for example, might be tempted to use AI tools just because competitors are doing so. With a thoughtful approach, that retailer would instead look at how AI could improve inventory management, personalize customer interactions, or simplify supply chain operations. This ensures the technology directly supports business goals.

    Beyond individual case studies, Dr. Inge emphasizes that the real value of AI lies in helping small business owners reclaim their time and focus. “Once clients understand that AI isn’t replacing them but amplifying their productivity, the skepticism fades,” she explains. “It’s not about trusting a robot to run your business, it’s about having more hours back in your day to do the work only you can do.” This perspective underscores that AI’s role is less about automation for its own sake and more about enabling entrepreneurs to scale what they do best

    Choosing the Right AI for Your Business

    AI is no longer just for large companies with big budgets. Small businesses can now use tools that reduce costs, save time, and improve operations, marketing, and strategy efficiency. For small business owners, the best starting point is to identify their most pressing challenge, and AI is becoming beneficial for small businesses to address these challenges.

  • Getting to Know the Best AI Tools for Small Businesses

    Getting to Know the Best AI Tools for Small Businesses

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Small businesses are adopting AI more quickly than ever as competition gets fiercer by the day. According to BizBuySell, the rate of small businesses using AI has more than doubled, spiking from 26% (2023) to 60% (2025). As a result, entrepreneurs are treating AI as an integral tool for productivity, marketing, and client engagement. When small companies make the most of tech, the growth possibilities can even reach enterprise levels.

    While there is a seemingly endless number of AI tools, here are some of the most creative and accessible options to help small businesses grow and streamline their day-to-day. 

    A Better Way to Schedule Using AI Assistants

    There are plenty of tedious tasks that can hinder productivity. Managing an intense calendar is at the top of the list. Skej provides a sleek, affordable AI assistant that takes the scheduling process further than basic booking tools. Instead, Skej uses natural language to manage calendars, construct daily agendas, and coordinate across platforms like Slack, WhatsApp, and MS Teams. 

    Yet Skej offers more than just a tool. Users can give their assistant a name and interact as if it’s a member of the team. Skej co-founder Paul Canetti explains, “We’re trying to give everyone this superpower of having an assistant. It’s about liberating time to focus on higher-value activities.”

    Justin Canetti pointed out one of the most surprising reactions from users: people often forget they’re talking to AI at all. “We’ve had users loop Skej into email threads with clients or coworkers, and no one realizes it’s not a real person,” he said. “The assistant takes over the conversation so naturally that it becomes part of the workflow without anyone needing to adjust.” That level of seamless interaction, he explained, is what makes Skej feel less like a tool and more like a team member.

    The team is now exploring ways to connect Skej with CRMs and travel tools to handle even more tasks automatically. “With Skej, your assistant doesn’t just book meetings. It adapts to how you work,” said Paul.

    AI Note-Taking’s CRM Dual Identity

    Meetings can be the bane of some companies’ existence, but Fireflies.ai is offering a better way. The tool averages a 95% transcription accuracy, providing immediate summaries. Ultimately, it turns each call into a searchable knowledge base. The best part? Clients praise the brand for its affordability, with the claim that the service costs one-tenth as much as competing offerings. 

    Krish Ramineni, Fireflies CEO and co-founder, said the product quickly became more than a note-taker for many users. “People started using it as a second brain,” he said. “They’d go back to it instead of their CRM because every conversation, every client exchange, was already stored and searchable.” He noted that this shift has been especially helpful for consultants and recruiters, where words themselves are deliverables.

    “It’s about building a searchable memory,” Ramineni added. “Fireflies turns every conversation into a resource.”

    Many agencies like Hollywood Branded have centered their operations around Fireflies, recording hundreds of calls weekly. 

    Stacy Jones, CEO of Hollywood Branded, said Fireflies is fully embedded into their workflow. “Every single call gets recorded, unless it’s confidential. Then it’s pushed into HubSpot and our own proprietary system,” she said. “It helps us break down projects, create proposals, and manage follow-ups without needing another admin layer.” For a high-volume agency like theirs, she says, it’s more than a tool, and has become part of the infrastructure. “It’s the single biggest efficiency boost we’ve had in years,” said Jones.

    AI

    Increasing Sales with AI

    AI is helping sales teams answer the age-old question: how can you increase sales without adding new staff members and the salaries that come with them? Apollo.io has an answer with AI-driven lead research and messaging tools that can increase booked meetings by 42% and expand outreach performance by 35%.

    Paula Urrutia, Apollo’s Director of Sales, says, “Focus on the low-hanging fruit to eliminate administrative burden so teams can focus on what they do best.” 

    Urrutia explains that Apollo’s real strength lies in its ability to remove guesswork. “We’re constantly refining our models so small teams can outperform much larger ones,” she said. “It’s not just about having the data. It’s about using it at the right time, with the right context.” She added that personalization at scale is no longer a luxury, it’s the new baseline for effective outreach. “If you give small businesses the right data and timing, they don’t need a huge sales team,” Urrutia emphasized.

    The brand’s upcoming ApolloNEXT event offers additional insight into the way AI can reshape sales strategies. 

    Using Niche AI Models to Simplify Complexity

    Sure, plenty of AI tools look to provide general solutions, but Revscale AI functions by building industry-specific agents geared toward B2B businesses, franchises, and brands with multiple locations. With customized small language models, lead generation, customer acquisition, and operations that run 24/7, it’s not necessary to have a tech background. 

    Revscale offers a “service as software” model that makes using it easy. Unnat Bak, the company’s founder, pointed out that Revscale’s agents are being adopted by agencies that need extra hands without adding headcount. “We’re seeing agencies white-label our AI agents to handle both internal tasks and client work,” he said. The company is even piloting a voice-first version of the product, so business owners can simply call their agent, ask a question, and get real-time answers without ever logging in.

    Businesses can engage with the platform through natural language without dealing with malfunctioning dashboards.

    AI Can Simplify Legal Help

    Entrepreneurs tend to be business-savvy, not law experts. However, LegalZoom offers AI-powered tools that provide services like tracking 90,000 licensing jurisdictions to unpacking the meaning of legal documents with DocAssist. These features are built to lessen risks and save time. 

    Whether it’s NAICS code generation or AI name suggestions, LegalZoom mashes up machine efficiency with human oversight. 

    Erica Gartsbeyn, Vice President of Product Management & Business Operations at LegalZoom, shared that the company is focused on removing friction in every legal interaction. “We’re using AI not just to handle documents, but to anticipate what people need next. It’s like having a legal co-pilot that works behind the scenes so entrepreneurs can focus on building their business,” she said. The team is also exploring more integrations that make it even easier for non-lawyers to stay compliant without having to research every step.

    “When the legal process becomes less intimidating, entrepreneurs are more likely to move forward,” said Gartsbeyn.

    In addition, the brand’s partnership with Perplexity AI provides exclusive discounts for users seeking legal advice. 

    AI 2

    A Smarter Way to Manage Marketplace Listings

    Given that BizBuySell claims to be the largest online marketplace for small business sales, the company is using generative AI to assist users in creating intriguing listings. These AI tools help sellers tweak descriptions so buyers can find the best-fitting opportunities quickly. BizBuySell’s president Bob House noted that AI is expected to “drive entirely new operational models for small businesses.” 

    According to House, the company is seeing strong early adoption of its generative AI tools, especially for writing listings. “We’re helping sellers create clearer, more compelling descriptions in less time,” he explained. That’s a big win for busy owners who aren’t professional marketers but want their listings to stand out. House added that the real value isn’t just speed, but also the confidence sellers gain when the platform helps them communicate their business story more effectively.

    “Early feedback has been incredibly positive,” House said. “Sellers feel more equipped to market their business, and that’s a big step forward.”

    Bridging the AI Gap for Everyday Entrepreneurs

    One of the most accessible tools for small business owners dipping their toes into AI is Verizon’s Business Assistant. Designed to help entrepreneurs automate customer interactions and capture new leads, it acts like a virtual receptionist that never sleeps. From handling incoming calls to freeing up precious hours in the day, it’s a practical entry point for business owners who want real results without a steep learning curve.

    Chris Shank, Vice President of Small Business Sales at Verizon, said this kind of AI can help small businesses punch above their weight. “The more familiar they become, the more they start to see AI as something that allows them to amplify their reach without proportionally increasing their spend,” he shared. That mindset shift, he added, is one of the most important factors in long-term adoption.

    “They’re starting to see AI not just as a tool, but as a competitive edge,” Shank said. “And that’s when real transformation starts.”

    Start Small, Scale Smart

    AI isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about finding the first task you can offload, and doing it well. Whether it’s writing sales emails, managing a packed calendar, or following up after meetings, these tools help you reclaim time and sharpen your focus. The best part is that you don’t need to be a tech expert to get started.

    Every hour saved is an opportunity to grow, create, or simply breathe a little easier. For small business owners, that’s life-changing.

  • Trust, Strategy, and Right Channels: How Smart Brands Are Winning Customers in 2025

    Trust, Strategy, and Right Channels: How Smart Brands Are Winning Customers in 2025

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Customer acquisition strategies have changed for good after the pandemic. Where once methods were blunt, bombarding audiences with messages, then shifting to credential-focused pitches, they now operate on a more subtle level. The year 2025 is witnessing an age of brands that work their way toward actual authenticity, genuinely solve problems in the world, and choose platforms with clear intent.

    As trust becomes the new currency, brands must offer more than polished marketing; they need to stand for something. From solo entrepreneurs to established firms, the most effective strategies today are rooted in empathy, transparency, and long-term value creation.

    The Power of Authenticity for Small Business

    Consumers have grown increasingly skeptical of large corporations, opening up new opportunities for smaller, more agile brands. According to Shawna Suckow, this shift is not just a trend but a competitive edge. Suckow has built a speaking career by helping small businesses do what big ones can’t: win trust fast without red tape.

    “Small businesses can build trust through transparency and authenticity without committees or approval processes,” says Suckow, whose upcoming book Small is Your Superpower explores this theme in depth.

    Without bureaucratic hurdles, small business owners are well-positioned to establish genuine relationships with their customers. It’s this sincerity rather than scale that’s now proving to be the true differentiator in crowded markets.

    What gives small businesses an edge, according to Suckow, is not just authenticity, but agility. “They can pivot messaging, experiment with offers, or respond to market changes in real time,” she said. “That kind of flexibility is impossible for big corporations weighed down by internal red tape.” 

    Suckow notes that the best-performing businesses in her ecosystem are the ones that embrace experimentation over perfection. “Don’t try to act like a big brand to be taken seriously. Trust is earned when customers see a real human behind the business.”

    Marketing That Solves Problems, Not Just Sells Services

    While traditional marketing often spotlights a brand’s qualifications, the tide is turning toward relevance over reputation. Locked & Lawyered, a legal firm, exemplifies this shift by focusing squarely on the challenges its clients face.

    “The best marketer wins, not necessarily the best service provider,” says founder Nakia Gray. She went from courtroom litigator to legal marketing authority by showing lawyers how to build digital-first firms that actually convert. Gray’s firm uses cost-effective advertising to educate and engage audiences before making any sales pitch. This way, the brand is recognized as a helpful presence long before it asks for business.

    Gray’s approach stems from her journey as a former litigator who pivoted to digital entrepreneurship. That blend of legal expertise and marketing savvy helps her create campaigns that feel safe, empowering, and easy to engage with. “People aren’t just looking for a service. They want someone who makes them feel seen and heard. That’s how you win trust before you even close the sale,” she said.

    By addressing client pain points upfront, brands like Locked & Lawyered are building rapport and revenue through relevance.

    business 1 1

    Don’t Overlook Existing Customers

    Brand growth doesn’t always come from new leads. Sometimes, the most impactful strategy is strengthening existing relationships. Brand strategist Dr. Dian Griesel, Ph.D, highlights the importance of refining the customer experience through personalization and proactive engagement.

    “Stay attuned to your customer’s evolving needs. Each interaction is a new moment,” Dr. Griesel, Ph.D, advises.

    According to Dr. Griesel, Ph.D, retaining customers often yields more consistent and cost-effective returns than acquiring new ones. Smart brands are listening, following up, and adapting, turning satisfaction into loyalty, and loyalty into advocacy.

    Dr. Griesel, Ph.D, believes that while automation can scale outreach, it’s personalization that keeps the relationship alive. One of her long-held practices is sending physical articles with handwritten notes to clients. A truly analog tactic in a digital world. “The smallest touch can say ‘I’m thinking of you’ louder than a flashy ad ever could,” she said. It’s about staying top of mind through meaningful, low-lift gestures.

    Video and YouTube for Long-Term Lead Generation

    While short-form video dominates social media, YouTube offers a different kind of power: longevity. Born21 Media positions the platform as an evergreen lead generation tool for brands that create content with enduring value.

    “YouTube is like a salesperson working 24/7—if your content is valuable, it keeps selling,” says Aniket Mishra of Born21 Media. He’s helped small businesses generate leads from YouTube videos posted over two years ago, without chasing viral trends.

    Unlike Instagram or TikTok, which rely on fast-paced trends, YouTube content can continue to attract and convert viewers for months or even years. For brands focused on solving problems, this platform offers compounding returns over time.

    Mishra emphasizes that YouTube’s true power lies in patience and packaging. “Small businesses often give up too quickly,” he explained. “But a single well-crafted video can drive leads for years if it addresses the right pain point.” His team often works with professionals like doctors or tradespeople, helping them shift from just generating views to creating conversion-driven video funnels.

    VI Marketing and Branding, founded by Tim Berney, emphasizes the importance of utilizing various digital channels for distribution. With over 30 years in the business, he’s helped brands succeed by adapting timeless marketing principles to ever-changing platforms. 

    Video remains a powerful, versatile tool for not only storytelling, but also demonstrating value.  

    Berney adds that message-to-medium alignment is non-negotiable in today’s crowded digital world. “You can’t just copy-paste a campaign across platforms and hope for the best,” he said. His agency often customizes messaging depending on whether a user is passively browsing or actively searching. 

    The context in which a message appears shapes how it’s received, and successful brands meet customers at their level of intent. “The same message won’t work on Google, Instagram, and a podcast. Context is everything,” Berney says.

    customer 1 1

    Using Technology to Eliminate the Stress of Planning Vacations 

    Vacations are meant to be a fun time spent with family and friends. However, planning vacations can often be a stressful ordeal. Companies like Lake.com are using AI with content marketing to make booking lakehouse rentals easier than ever before. 

    Lake.com is taking on Airbnb and Vrbo, not by outspending them, but by outfocusing them.

    Founded by David Ciccarelli, Lake.com developed a three-step framework for the traveler journey: want to know, want to go, and want to do. Through this, users are able to find their ideal lakehouse rental with fewer steps.

    Ciccarelli also credits Lake.com’s growth to its focus on underutilized supply. “So many gorgeous lake homes sit empty most of the year,” he said. “We tapped into that gap not by trying to outspend Airbnb, but by showing up where others weren’t looking.” 

    The company also integrates with property management systems, making onboarding seamless for hosts juggling multiple listings. “We’re not winning because we’re louder. We’re winning because we’re more focused.”

    Personal Branding Inside Companies

    As AI-generated content floods digital spaces, human voices have become more essential than ever. Luca O’Neill of Access Partnership, a public policy consultancy firm that focuses on tech, works with executives to build personal brands that not only reflect their values but also align with company objectives.

    What sets O’Neill’s method apart is how systemized the personal branding process has become. Instead of investing in corporate ads, Access Partnership identifies experts within the organization and develops LinkedIn content strategies tailored to each. “When you optimize individual voices instead of brand handles, your visibility multiplies,” he explained. The return on that visibility can mean public speaking invitations, thought leadership, and inbound leads.

    “Authenticity is the antidote to the content flood. Real voices win in a sea of sameness,” says O’Neill.

    By humanizing their organizations through personal branding, companies are building deeper connections and standing out in increasingly crowded markets.

    Jenn Prochaska emphasizes the importance of face-to-face networking as a key growth driver. Personal interactions with clients build trust and create emotional connections that drive purchasing decisions. 

    “When I shake someone’s hand, I’m not just pitching. I’m building trust in real time,” Prochaska explains. As AI floods inboxes and content feeds, she believes the human element becomes the most valuable currency. Her secret weapon: real conversation.

    Despite running a fully digital business, more than 70% of Prochaska’s client base comes from live conversations at local events, co-working spaces, and business workshops. She’s also seen former clients grow revenues by 30–50% within months after articulating their messaging, often without changing a single product or service.

    customer 2 1

    The AI Search Opportunity

    Finally, as search habits evolve, Avenue Z urges brands to pivot from traditional SEO and embrace content optimized for AI search engines. Formatting for AI readability and maintaining cross-platform consistency are quickly becoming critical success factors.

    “Most brands still optimize for Google, but AI search is the future. And it’s wide open!” Jonathan Snow, co-founder of Avenue Z explains. Their AI Visibility Index shows that the right strategy can 4x brand visibility on Perplexity over ChatGPT.

    AI visibility is rewriting how brands show up online, and Snow is leading that charge by helping companies navigate how AI surfaces content through tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews. “It all comes down to three pillars: earned media, SEO structure, and site traffic,” he said. 

    Snow’s firm’s AI Visibility Index found that beauty brands featured in high-traffic, trusted publications saw 4x more shopping activity when surfaced through Perplexity versus ChatGPT.

    This emerging space offers a significant opportunity for early movers, especially those ready to adapt their content strategies to meet the needs of evolving digital landscapes.

    Final Thoughts

    With people already overwhelmed with choice and content, customer acquisition no longer hinges on volume; it depends on value. Brands that succeed in 2025 will be those that show up with authenticity, address real pain points, nurture existing relationships, and choose their platforms strategically.