In today’s world, AI and leadership are two hot topics, but there's a lot more going on under the surface than just buzzwords and trends.
Recently, I had a great conversation with fellow speaker Justin, where we explored what we’re both speaking about these days.
It's fascinating to see how our paths have evolved, and I think our approaches have practical applications for anyone looking to grow their business or career.
First, let's talk about AI.
It’s no secret that AI has been dominating the conversation ever since tools like ChatGPT hit the scene almost two years ago. I’ve been fortunate to travel around the world, conducting workshops on how businesses can use AI, not just as a buzzword, but as a practical tool to amplify their marketing efforts.
But here’s the thing—AI on its own isn’t enough. My focus is on blending AI with automation tools and the art of storytelling to create a powerful strategy that goes beyond just throwing technology at a problem.
It’s about using these tools to tell your brand’s story in a way that resonates with your audience and drives real results.
In fact, my current talk is called AI Beyond the Hype: Real World Strategies to Amplify Your Brand with AI, Automation, and Storytelling.
This talk has been really well received because, let’s face it, a lot of people are still doing things the hard way.
AI isn’t some mystical force; it’s a tool that can save you time, money, and energy—if you know how to use it.
And in my workshops, we don’t just talk theory. I teach actionable tools that they implement immediately. Too many times, you leave a conference all fired up, only to never use what you learned. I didn’t want that to happen with my sessions, so we implement the strategies right there in real-time.
Now, shifting gears, Justin has been diving deep into a topic that isn’t discussed nearly enough—followership.
Yes, you read that right. While everyone’s obsessed with leadership, Justin’s talk, Why Followership Rules in a World Obsessed with Leadership, flips the script.
The truth is, the success of most organizations doesn’t just rest on leaders—it’s built on the contributions of followers. But the term “follower” gets a bad rap, often seen as passive or weak.
Justin’s work is about challenging that misconception and showing that being a great follower is a proactive, vital role that requires critical thinking, initiative, and influence.
In fact, in some situations, a strong follower can have more influence than the leader. It’s about understanding when to step up and when to step back, based on the context. Justin’s matrix of followership types helps people identify where they fit and how they can improve. His message? You don’t always have to climb the leadership ladder to make a huge impact.
So, whether you’re looking to harness AI to amplify your business or understand the nuanced art of followership, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into these topics, feel free to book me for an AI workshop here or reach out to Justin on LinkedIn to learn more about followership.
The key takeaway is this: It’s time to stop doing things the hard way.
Let’s embrace the tools, strategies, and roles that will make us more effective, whether we’re leading or following.
Check out the full podcast episode where Justin King and I discuss these concepts here.
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