UNDERSTANDING AI Use AI tools such as NotebookLM, Claude or Afforai to identify patterns, summarize findings, surface risks and organize information into something more actionable. For example, use these tools to: ■ Compare sales performance against marketing activity ■ Identify common themes in customer feedback ■ Analyze operational bottlenecks across teams ■ Forecast revenue trends based on historical patterns ■ Summarize survey or employee sentiment data ■ Turn complicated reports into executive-level summaries Using AI in these areas is especially valuable for businesses that may not have dedicated analysts or large operations teams. Leaders still need to ask the right questions, validate the information and apply business context before making decisions, but AI can help us process the information faster. Places where AI should never lead There are also areas where AI should never be the first voice in the room. Employee discipline, sensitive HR conversations, legal disputes, crisis communication, customer escalations and complex negotiations still require human leadership, judgment and emotional intelligence. Technology can absolutely help leaders prepare by organizing information, summarizing details or drafting internal notes, but relationships, empathy and difficult conversations cannot be outsourced to automation. The businesses that use AI most effectively will understand where efficiency helps — and where humanity still needs to lead. The future belongs to leaders who can balance efficiency and humanity AI is not going away, and neither is the pressure to move faster. How we navigate this shift will determine our ability to stand out, to continue to be changemakers and evolve in ways that ensure our businesses stand the test of time. The best leaders will adopt and adapt to using AI strategically while doubling down on what it cannot replace: Trust, relationships, perspective, community, clear communication and human judgement. These remain our competitive advantages. AI may change how we work, but it will never replace why people choose to work with us in the first place. MELISSA HARRISON is CEO and founder of Allee Creative, a marketing consultancy based in Minnesota, operating worldwide. She is a member of the Enterprising Women Advisory Board, a 2023 Enterprising Women of the Year and a 2026 NAWBO Top 10 Woman Business Owner. Connect with her at www.alleecreative.com or melissa@alleecreative.com. 46 enterprising Women
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