How to Use AI Intentionally (Without Losing Your Voice - Or Getting Lost)

Let’s be honest — AI can be totally overwhelming.

But really it’s just a tool— one that can either distract and derail you, or help you work with more ease, clarity, and creativity. The difference comes down to intention.

Is it here to help us or replace us? I’ve been having this same conversation with clients lately, and my answer is this: it can be your new teammate and ally — if you use it with intention.

AI isn’t black or white. It’s not “good” or “bad” - necessarily. It’s just a tool.
And like any tool, it’s only as useful (or as harmful) as the person using it.

The key is to approach it with curiosity and purpose — not fear or hype.

Two Ways to Think About AI

In my world — working with thought leaders, authors, and entrepreneurs — I see two main ways AI is showing up as a helpful partner:

1. Productivity and efficiency

Think of AI as that super-organized team member you’ve always wished you had. 

It can:

• Summarize meetings or long transcripts (so you actually remember what was said).

• Reformat or clean up messy data.

• Draft first versions of emails, outlines, or reports.

I like to think of this as “buying back your time.”
AI won’t replace your expertise, but it can take repetitive work off your plate so you have more space for creative or strategic thinking — the stuff only you can do.

2. Creativity and communication

AI can also be your creative collaborator. It doesn’t replace imagination — it amplifies it.
For writers, marketers, and leaders, it can help:

• Clarify ideas or sharpen your tone.

• Offer new perspectives on familiar topics.

• Refine content to make it more discoverable or engaging.

It’s like having a sounding board that’s always available. You still bring the expertise, ideas and the voice — AI just helps you polish and package them (this post is an example).

Start Small and Build Confidence

You don’t need a course in “prompt engineering” to get started.
The best way to learn? Just experiment.

Try using AI for small, low-stakes things, whether it’s work or fun:

• Have it summarize a report or organize your notes.

• Use it as a brainstorming buddy when you’re stuck on phrasing or structure.

• Ask it to create a weekly meal plan with recipes (and food sensitivities) and a grocery list. (I did this once for a two-week sailing trip — it wasn’t perfect, but it took the edge off).

Every small experiment helps you understand how to use it more effectively for your purpose or intention.

Also, be sure to ask follow-up questions, refine your instructions, and call it out when it produces questionable information - which it will!

Over time, you’ll start to build a real working relationship — where you’re still in charge.

How to Let AI Amplify What You Already Know

Here’s where it gets exciting for my clients and community. Most of you already have a treasure chest of content: blog posts, presentations, social media, client work, even old PDFs.

AI can help you bring that expertise into sharper focus.

You can upload or reference your content and let it help you:

• Spot recurring themes or untapped ideas.

• Re-optimize older blog posts or web copy for better visibility.

• Build your own searchable “knowledge base” from years of wisdom.

I’ve been doing this lately with several clients — sometimes literally asking AI to analyze 40 old blog posts and suggest how to make them easier to find. 

This is not replacing your voice — it’s helping your best ideas travel further.

Stay in Control

Here’s the most important part: you’re still the expert.
AI doesn’t replace your judgment, creativity, or intuition — it just organizes what’s already there.

Think of it as a digital teammate: fast, tireless, and pretty good at pattern recognition.
Used wisely, it can help you:

• Save time on repetitive work.

• Spark new ideas or insights.

• Clarify communication across teams and audiences.

You decide where it fits in your workflow. You set the tone, boundaries, and strategy.

Finding Your Balance

The goal isn’t to master every AI tool or trend. It’s to find the right balance — the point where AI helps you feel lighter, not more overwhelmed.

Maybe you’ll use it every day. Maybe only once a month. Either way, you get to decide how it supports your work and your goals.

I believe that AI isn’t the enemy. It’s an ally — one that, when approached thoughtfully, helps you work smarter, share your ideas more widely, and stay grounded in your unique expertise.

Curious how you might start?
Ask yourself: Where could AI give me back time, new ideas or clarity this week? Then pick one small experiment — and let me know how it goes.

I’d love to hear how you’re finding your rhythm with this new teammate.