I already shared in multiple occasions that one of the biggest challenges with generative AI isn't technology itself. It’s the human element. 💡

The AI Hype and Human Struggle

Generative AI has arrived in the mainstream, and suddenly everyone is an expert. Social media is brimming with “experts” claiming they’ve mastered it overnight. Meanwhile, organizations are grappling to figure out where AI truly fits in their strategy, and individuals are caught between inspiration and intimidation.

The Driver vs. Mechanic Dilemma

Imagine you’re a Formula 1 driver. You know how to drive incredibly well, but can you say you truly understand the machine beneath you if you never lift the hood? The same is happening with AI today. We're seeing a rise in incredible drivers who don’t understand the mechanics of the technology they’re steering—and that lack of understanding becomes the Achilles' heel when the car (or in this case, AI) breaks down or needs fine-tuning.

I've spent my all career in doing my best to merge technology and human potential—and let me be frank: to lead with AI, you can’t just be a good driver. You need to at least appreciate the machinery under the hood. Not to become an engineer, but to know how to use the tech in the service of strategy.

The issue is that most people are dazzled by the output of AI—the slick text, the catchy visuals—without digging into the why and how. This is where we’re at risk of AI projects failing, creating silos, or becoming “innovation theatre” rather than driving real value.

Culture Over Technology

Here's the twist: the most successful AI implementations aren’t about technology at all. They’re about culture, about people who don’t just use tools but deeply engage with them. The world is divided between those merely consuming AI—making flashy LinkedIn posts that read, “Hey, look at this thing ChatGPT did!”—and those who are transforming AI into a productive conversation that fuels their business strategy, efficiency, and innovation.

Lifting the Hood

So, how do we break this cycle? How do we become the leaders who lift the hood, without getting lost in jargon?

1. Start with Questions, Not Solutions: AI, like any tool, is most effective when driven by a clear problem to solve. What’s the friction point in your business? Where could a new perspective unlock something powerful? Instead of asking, “What can ChatGPT do?” ask, “What’s our biggest bottleneck, and can AI assist here?”
2. Deepen Understanding, Not Just Experimentation: Being a “super user” of AI is great—but understanding why AI outputs certain results elevates your leadership. It’s not enough to get 5 bullet points from a prompt. Challenge yourself to understand why those 5 came up and whether they align with your brand, your values, or your intended customer experience.
3. Integrate the Human Factor: In every successful AI adoption story I’ve seen, the human factor played a huge role. Generative AI becomes exponentially more powerful when paired with human insight. Take the generated content—but add your strategic nuance. The future belongs to those who enhance AI with their personal expertise.

A Real-World Example

An organization recently wanted to adopt AI to speed up their content production. They were in a race—their competitors had AI-driven processes in place, and there was pressure to catch up. Initially, they took the same path many do: hire someone who’s “good with ChatGPT,” turn it loose, and expect magic. It flopped. The content was generic, and worse—it was off-brand. It lacked the soul and authenticity they prided themselves on.

They went back to the basics. They lifted the hood. Instead of focusing on “How fast can we generate content?”, they asked “How do we capture our story and communicate our values, at scale?” They then used AI in collaboration with their seasoned storytellers, pairing machine efficiency with human depth. The outcome? A 30% increase in meaningful engagement metrics—not just more content, but better, richer connections with their audience.

Looping Back: The Formula 1 Analogy

And here’s the full circle: Generative AI is like that Formula 1 car. You don’t need to be the mechanic, but you do need to be more than just the driver. It’s time we move beyond the hype and into deliberate action—using technology not as an end, but as a true means to unlock human ingenuity.

]Are you a driver who’s ready to lift the hood and elevate your understanding? Or are you simply content with the thrill of the race, regardless of what lies beneath?

Full disclosure: This post was crafted by a human (me!) with the assistance of ChatGTP-4o with canvas, for research and inspiration. The core ideas, storytelling, and call to action are products of my three decades of leadership experience. I believe in practicing what I preach – using AI as a collaborator, not a replacement for human creativity and insight.