Understanding What AI Actually Is – and How to Work with It

AI Over 40 Series – Week 1

I’ve been chasing the promise of AI for years. Long before ChatGPT became a household name, I was installing aftermarket tech in my SUV to make it self-driving—much to my wife’s dismay. (Ironically, she now prefers driving that car thanks to the AI features.)

Despite my enthusiasm—and even going back to get my MBA with a focus on AI—I couldn’t crack how to actually use it in a meaningful way for my business. I understood the theory: neural networks, machine learning, all the buzzwords. But when it came to real-world application for mid-sized companies? There was a massive disconnect.

When ChatGPT arrived, I jumped in. Our marketing team became power users overnight, generating content like pros. But for me, AI’s biggest contribution was… summarizing emails and jazzing up PowerPoints. Useful? Sure. Transformative? Not even close.

It wasn’t until I hit a forecasting wall—something beyond my skillset as an accountant—that I finally had my “aha” moment. I struggled with Copilot. The results were fine, but not a breakthrough. Out of options, I turned to my college-age son, who’s studying Computer and Data Science. His advice changed everything:

“Dad, you’re treating it like Google. That’s your mistake.”

He was right. I’d been expecting instant answers, not conversation. Once I started treating AI like a team of colleagues—asking follow-up questions, clarifying requests, iterating together—it all clicked.

Now, I think of AI not as a tool, but as a team:

• Claude for deep reasoning
• ChatGPT for creative brainstorming
• Gemini for technical research
• Copilot for workflow integration

Each has its strengths. Used together, they’ve become my personal board of advisors.

Here’s what I’ve learned:
AI isn’t magic. It’s not a Google replacement or a threat to your role. It’s a thought partner—available 24/7—that gets smarter as you get better at using it.

Your Week 1 Challenge:

1. Sign up for at least two AI platforms (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot).
2. Choose one real business problem you’re facing.
3. Have a 15-minute conversation with each AI tool:
   • Explain the context, like you would to a consultant
   • Don’t stop at the first answer—ask follow-ups
   • Iterate and refine your request
4. Track which tool gave you the best results.
5. Bonus: Ask each AI to grade the others’ responses (you’ll be surprised!).

This was just the beginning for me. Over the next 51 weeks, I’ll share exactly how I’m using AI in real business scenarios—not theory, not hype, just practical, honest lessons.

Read the full post here on LinkedIn.

Read more AI and Copilot blogs.

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