Some Things Still Need Your Voice

I got the call a few days before Mother's Day: Do you want to give a presentation to your mom? Well, of course.

Hangs up.

I've done a lot of presentations and tributes to my mom. What the heck am I going to say?

Days go on. Deadlines pass. Work hours end. Clients get their emails. Kids get fed. Laundry gets done. Sleep. Up. School drop-off. Again and again.

To-do list: Write Ma's tribute.

Opens Claude. Closes Claude.

I've said everything there is to say, and it would take too much to even explain to AI what I have said, what's new, what's not, and what I think I want to say to even get anywhere

Opens Chat. Closes Chat.

I can't start with "I've said everything there is to say." Not only is that generic, but it's terrible. She's your mother.

She's your mother... She's YOUR mother!

Aha. Opens Notes app.

There are some tasks AI can simply do — and some of those same tasks are things AI simply should not do.

ChatGPT recently developed an integration with Plaid where they can gain access to all your bank account information to help you manage your finances in one place. Can, but should not.

Gemini created an agent that can help you create music. So not only are the AI and the agent not musicians and only know the music that actual musicians put into the world, but it's another layer between you and simply making music. Can, but should not.

Claude can write your dissertation. ...need I say more?

AI can design your book cover. AI can write your vows. AI can name your business. AI can create your logo.

But it should not.

It doesn't know your story — and you can't give it enough words to get it the way any human can understand the experience.

My favorite part about working with my clients usually isn't the final result. Not getting the colors right, or unlocking the chapter order, or the launch party... it's in the first few conversations when I ask why. What was that like? What makes you light up? Tell me more about that.

And they say: "I've never thought about that." "No one's ever asked me that." "I have to think about that because you opened something for me." "I can't say why, but I want to investigate that." "Thank you for asking me the hard questions."

So next time you're called on — think before you reach for the AI tool first. Should this do this for me? Or is there a piece of me that this needs?

Your story needs your voice. I help you find it, shape it, and put it somewhere it lasts. Let's talk.