A balanced, human-centered approach to AI adoption Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how today’s businesses operate, market and grow. Yet for many women business owners, the question isn’t whether AI matters. It’s: How do I actually use this in my day-today work? In NAWBO’s most recent national advocacy survey, members with businesses of all sizes and industries across the U.S. were asked: What would help you grow your business right now? The number one response was AI, and specifically, training on how to use AI tools effectively. The NAWBO advocacy survey also revealed that more than half of women business owners are already using AI in their businesses in some capacity. And for those who aren’t yet, the reason is a lack of time and resources to explore it. At the same time, broader research shows that women have historically adopted AI at lower rates than men. But the gap is quickly narrowing with tools like ChatGPT, Canva, Grammarly, Zapier and others proving relevant to how they run their day-to-day businesses. NAWBO’s survey data also reveals what would make women more likely to adopt AI. It comes down to two factors: 51% said they would be more likely to use AI with robust data privacy and security measures in place, while 45% said they would adopt it with clear evidence that the benefits outweigh the costs or risks. These findings indicate that women business owners are taking a more intentional approach to adopting AI. They know it’s important but want to move forward with confidence that it is safe, worthwhile and aligned with how they do business. One of the biggest barriers to AI adoption is understanding how to apply it in practical ways. That’s because for women entrepreneurs, especially those leading small and mid-sized businesses, the value lies in everyday uses like: ■ Drafting marketing content or repurposing existing content ■ Streamlining client proposals and communications ■ Summarizing meetings and organizing next steps ■ Supporting research and competitive analysis Even as adoption grows, women business owners are smart to be strategic about where and how they use AI. For most, their businesses are built on trust, relationships and personal connection—all areas they don’t want to automate without careful thought and intention. Client communications and thought leadership, for example, all require emotional intelligence. AI can support these areas but cannot replace the human element that really defines them. In fact, overuse of AI in moments like these can have the opposite effect, creating distance. ■ That’s why women business owners, who tend to score higher in studies on emotional intelligence than their male counterparts, are uniquely positioned to lead with a more balanced, human approach to AI. This might look like: ■ Keeping a team member in the loop for all final decisions ■ Using AI to prepare, not replace, client and employee interactions ■ Prioritizing authenticity over speed when communicating ■ Leveraging AI for efficiency while still protecting the connection If lack of time and resources are the biggest barriers to AI for women business owners, then access to practical, guided learning is the solution. Recognizing this need, the NAWBO Institute recently launched the AI Learning Lab to guide them in answering the question: How do I actually use this in my day-to-day work? This new virtual program, which will be held live and then available in the online NAWBO Institute as part of our educational Journeys, creates a space for women business owners to explore AI in real-world ways. By focusing on application, the Lab— open to members and non-members—helps bridge the gap for women business owners between awareness and action. Another exciting way the Institute is leveraging AI for women business owners is through the online Institute, a one-stop hub for resources, education and connections. It features specialized Journeys that support every stage of business ownership, and now, an AI chatbot guide named after NAWBO’s founding president, Susan, is available to guide users. Access to the Institute is free and gives women business owners curated tools and webinar recordings from NAWBO and partners. As AI continues to evolve, the conversation often centers on who is adopting the fastest and scaling it the most aggressively. But NAWBO’s survey data suggests that women business owners are not lagging. They are simply evaluating, questioning and choosing how to engage with AI in ways that align with their values and business models. They want tools that are safe and enhance the relationships they’ve worked so hard to build. JEN EARLE is CEO of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). She is a longtime member of the Enterprising Women Advisory Board. Connect and learn more at www.NAWBO.org. NAWBO by Jen Earle Anoohani / Shutterstock.com enterprising Women 25
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