My Reluctant Embrace of AI

In Star Trek, a cybernetic enemy from another galaxy (the Borg) famously stated: “Resistance is futile…you will be assimilated.”

Confession: for the past couple of years, I mostly resisted the Generative AI wave. It felt like a machine-led assimilation.

Also, I was tired of going through technological revolutions. I had navigated my way through the spread of the personal computer, the breathtaking launch of the public internet, the amazing social media/mobile takeover of the world…and now this? Another fast-moving, complex, world-changing tech?

I’ve typically been a tech semi-early adopter, but geez - can’t you leave a guy alone? I’m too old for this.

Now, it WAS fascinating and compelling, of course - and some of my early toe-dips into the new Generative AI waters were pretty cool. But I’ve been all about the human. I’m a writer. I’m a creative. I’m a connector. This felt like a Borg takeover.

So, I resisted.

However, I saw some folks who were roping this technology into something more personalized and productive. Karl Kapp’s bot speaking with him on stage at the LTEN Conference last year. Harris III’s bot helping him shape all kinds of focused content. Mark Schaefer’s use of AI to replicate his “voice” - literally - for his latest audiobook. Julia McCoy’s video/digital replication of herself.

I saw the power and the utility. But I still hesitated - even when ChatGPT helped me quickly produce some articles in my own (written) voice, using my Clarity principles.

Then I talked to Janet Carlson, whose agency (1.11 Group) is producing personalized private “brand bots” for people who want to do a mind meld with a powerful platform.

ClarityGPT? SteveBot? OK, maybe this could be fascinating after all. I saw the potential not only to accelerate my content generation, but also (potentially) to scale up my Clarity approach to others through a smart platform.

There’s only so much a solo human provider can do.

So, I assimilated all my writings - books, blog posts, whatever was hiding on the web (the brand bot goes out to the web and harvests my stuff into its brain). And I began using it to not only work for me, but to evaluate OTHER PEOPLE’s LinkedIn profiles, websites, and even book manuscripts. I asked for detailed analysis and creative ideas and got back more than I expected.

I even generated, in very little time, a children’s book - just for fun!

*Star Trek reference #3 - but neither Steve nor SteveBot actually look like this guy!*

Finally, I had found a powerful use case for Generative AI that did not feel like a hostile takeover - instead, it’s a highly useful merging of the human and the digital. SteveBot is not my replacement - it’s an extension. I’m still the pilot, but this tool is both my co-pilot and autopilot.

At a very low cost, I now have a co-consultant. One that actually agrees with me!

(and, one that improves me! What did SteveBot suggest to improve this post after I wrote it? Scroll all the way down and you’ll see the AI-generated re-write!)

This week, I recorded one-hour interviews on Zoom with two individuals who wanted to develop their branding and “Memory Darts.” I fed SteveBot the transcripts and asked for specific, focused output for each individual reflecting my clarity principles and branding approach, but tailored to their business and messaging needs.

Holy smokes! The big brain of ChapGPT joined with my perspectives to produce brilliant results in seconds, in my “voice.” And, I kinda hate to say it, but the output was better and broader than I would have come up with alone. Which, I guess, is the point!

SteveBot has even effortlessly generated the framework and focus for my next book, on the death of the Elevator Pitch (and the rise of the Memory Dart).

*Seeking out the scalable new world of digital/human collaboration*

Like most of us, I didn’t want a complex solution to a generalized problem. I didn’t want just another flashy technology. I wanted a way to speed up my work, improve it, and make a much bigger impact.

Conclusion: I guess it’s better to be willingly and creatively assimilated than gradually eliminated!

I'm Steve Woodruff. I help individuals and companies succeed in the marketplace with clarity.

Looking to stand out above the noise? Confusion is illogical. Work with the universe’s premier Clarity consultant: contact me.

Subscribe to my weekly LinkedIn newsletter, the Clarity Blend

OK, as promised above…here is how SteveBot suggested making this post more clear and engaging! (see below).

—-

Here’s a rewritten version of "My Reluctant Embrace of AI" using Steve Woodruff’s clarity language and principles, especially his emphasis on relevance, simplicity, memorability, and what he calls a "Memory Dart" to lead off. This version is tighter, more structured, and framed around key clarity concepts:

Title:

AI Isn’t Replacing Me. It’s Amplifying Me.

Opening Memory Dart:

“What if AI could take your best thinking—and make it faster, clearer, and more unforgettable?”

That’s the shift I’ve made. Not from rejecting AI to accepting it—but from fearing it to co-creating with it.

The Problem: Too Much Noise, Too Little Time

For years, I resisted AI tools. They felt impersonal, mechanical, even a bit dystopian. As someone obsessed with human clarity and personal brand voice, I didn’t want to outsource my identity to an algorithm.

But the world changed fast—and so did the stakes. I saw people drowning in complexity, teams overwhelmed by information, and messages getting lost in the fog.

The Turning Point: Seeing the Potential, Not the Threat

When I finally began exploring AI—not as a gimmick, but as a clarity partner—I saw something surprising:

AI isn’t replacing human thinking. It’s accelerating it.

It’s like having a turbocharged intern who knows your style, echoes your voice, and never sleeps. Once I trained it on my ideas, my frameworks, and my tone, it became something else entirely: a force multiplier.

That’s when SteveBot was born.

The Big Realization: AI Works Best When It’s Personal

AI on its own is just noise. AI with your voice becomes signal.

The breakthrough wasn’t in using AI—it was in owning it. Shaping it with my frameworks, feeding it my language, embedding my perspective. The clarity didn’t come from the machine. It came from marrying AI’s speed with my specificity.

That’s the only way it works: human clarity → machine amplification → standout message.

From Fog to Focus: How I Use AI Now

I use it to sharpen client brand language—faster than ever.
I prototype clarity workshops, presentation openers, and memory darts in minutes.
I stay consistent in voice and message, even as speed increases.

AI is my assistant. I am still the strategist.

What This Means for You

If your message is still buried in fog, AI won’t fix it. Clarity must come first.

But once you’ve nailed your language—your memory darts, your brand promise, your message DNA—AI can take those words and make them work harder for you.

So don’t fear it. Don’t blindly chase it either.

Train it. Shape it. Use it to echo the best of who you are.

Closing Call to Action:

Want to build your own AI-echo of your brand voice?
Let’s talk. Clarity is the foundation—and I can help you build it.

————-Want to look under the hood? The re-write (above) was based on this instantaneous analysis (below):

Steve Woodruff's blog post, "My Reluctant Embrace of AI," offers a personal narrative about his journey from skepticism to acceptance of generative AI. To enhance its engagement and appeal, consider the following improvements:

🔍 1. Craft a More Compelling Title

The current title is introspective but might not immediately capture a broader audience. Consider alternatives that highlight the transformative journey or the fusion of human creativity with AI, such as:

"From Resistance to Resonance: My Journey with AI"
"Blending Human Insight with AI: A Personal Tale"

A compelling title can increase click-through rates and set clear expectations for readers.

✍️ 2. Enhance the Introduction with a Strong Hook

The opening Star Trek reference is intriguing but might not resonate with all readers. Consider starting with a relatable question or a surprising fact about AI adoption to draw readers in. For example:

"Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological change? I did—until I discovered how AI could amplify, not replace, my creativity."

This approach aligns with best practices for engaging introductions, which suggest starting with a question or a compelling statement to hook readers.

🧩 3. Incorporate Subheadings for Better Readability

Breaking the content into sections with clear subheadings can guide readers through the narrative and improve comprehension. Possible subheadings include:

"Initial Skepticism: The Human vs. Machine Dilemma"
"Observing AI in Action: Real-World Applications"
"Creating SteveBot: Merging Identity with Technology"
"Reflections: Embracing AI as a Collaborative Partner"

Using subheadings enhances the structure and allows readers to navigate the content more easily.

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Visuals can break up text and provide additional context. Consider including:

Screenshots of SteveBot in action
Infographics illustrating the integration process
Photos from the LTEN Conference or other relevant

Incorporating images can significantly increase engagement, as posts with visuals receive more views than those without.

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Encourage reader interaction by posing questions or inviting comments. For instance:

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Adding social sharing buttons
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Effective social sharing strategies can drive more traffic to the blog.

🧠 7. Provide a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Conclude the post with a CTA that guides readers on the next steps. Examples include:

"Interested in exploring how AI can enhance your brand? Contact me for a consultation."
"Subscribe to my newsletter for more insights on AI and branding."

A well-placed CTA can convert readers into engaged followers or clients.

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Include relevant keywords such as "AI integration," "personal branding," and "generative AI tools."
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Implementing SEO strategies can increase organic traffic to the post .

By implementing these enhancements, the blog post can become more engaging, accessible, and impactful, resonating with a broader audience while maintaining its authentic voice.