I've been running a little experiment on my clients lately: asking AI who they are. What it says — and what it leaves out — has become one of the most useful positioning diagnostics I know. Last month, on a June afternoon, I finally turned it on myself. Incognito window, no account, no history. Just my name and a question: What can you tell me about Nancy Sheed?

Let's be honest — we're all swimming in AI-generated content right now. Every feed, every inbox, every search result. Some of it's useful. A lot of it reads like the average of a million other posts (because, technically, it is).

And something interesting is happening in response: the most human content is winning.

Earlier this June, Publishers Weekly gathered 700 publishing professionals in NYC for the US Book, two days on the future of books. AI came up in nearly every session. And yet every panel — agents, community, podcasts, even the one about AI search — kept arriving at the same conclusion.

The human relationship is the asset.

I am not comfortable talking into a camera. I don't love being a “talking head.” I'd much rather ask the questions than answer them or feel like I am talking into a void. 

And yet — five months into a quiet commitment to show up on Instagram (almost) every week, here we are.

This is not about going viral. It's not a playbook. It's an honest accounting of what I've learned from doing something uncomfortable, consistently, for the first time in a long time.

Recently I had a truly insightful conversation with a friend who's navigating the world of communications for a wonderful nonprofit. We chatted about the unique challenges of sharing impactful stories, especially when the organization’s work involves sensitive situations and clients privacy is paramount. It made me reflect on how many purpose-driven organizations are doing incredible work but might feel stuck when it comes to effectively communicating their mission and building engagement online.

Yes, Clubhouse is Another. Social. Media. App.
Cue the eye roll and know that I did not want to engage either. I don’t need another thing to do (or distract me) and was happy to sit this one out. But I can’t (I’m blaming Jen Lehner) and I don’t think you should either.

It was such fun to geek out and be nerdy about all things LinkedIn and personal branding with Marietta Crawford of MariBrands4You. We were dropping all kinds of good advice and wisdom about the power of raising your online profile.