This week reminded me of something critical: the real challenge with AI isn’t the technology—it’s the leadership gap around it.
On Monday, I got a call from a former executive colleague. This is a guy who’s led massive national sales teams. Sharp. Strategic. Always out front when it comes to technology adoption. And he says to me:
“Eric, where do I even start with AI? Is it ChatGPT? Claude? Gemini? What matters?”
Let that sink in. A seasoned executive—not afraid of change, not resistant to innovation—just unsure where the starting line is.
A few days later, I’m talking with another executive who runs a multi-million-dollar organization. We’re catching up, and he says something I’ve heard a lot lately:
“I’m not afraid of tech, I know I need to embrace AI.”
So I ask: “What are you using?”
He replies, “Just ChatGPT… to write some notes or help with file summaries. Do you think I should pay for it?”
That moment hit hard.
We’re not dealing with ignorance. We’re dealing with noise. And in the noise, even high performers are unsure where to begin or how to extract real value from AI.
Technology Has No Inherent Value
That’s a bold statement, but I stand by it.
The technology itself—ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, you name it—means nothing if there’s no process, no strategy, and no clarity of application behind it. The value doesn’t come from the tool. It comes from how the tool is aligned with your goals.
You wouldn’t hand a quarterback a brand-new playbook without teaching him the offense, the reads, and the timing. So why would we throw AI tools into our businesses without a system?
My 3-Step Playbook for AI-Ready Leadership
If you’re a leader trying to figure out where to start, don’t chase the next shiny app. Instead, focus on Visibility, Efficiency, and Action.
1. Visibility:
Start with awareness. You don’t need to become a prompt engineer overnight. But you do need to know what’s out there.
Understand the capabilities of the major players:
- ChatGPT (fast ideation, summarization, general tasks)
- Claude (great with long documents and internal alignment)
- Gemini (strong Google Workspace integration and web context)
I’ve compiled a guide below to help you get your bearings. But more importantly, visibility gives you the power to ask better questions.
2. Efficiency:
Once you know what’s out there, ask:
- What am I actually trying to accomplish?
- Where do I lose the most time or momentum?
You don’t need AI to replace you. You need it to amplify what already works. The most effective leaders I know aren’t automating everything—they’re multiplying the moments that matter.
Personally, I’m always solving for speed.
Speed with precision.
Speed with security.
Speed that frees up focus.
3. Action:
You’ve got the map. You’ve found your bottlenecks. Now move.
- Test one tool.
- Build one new workflow.
- Reinforce it with one outcome you can track.
You don’t need a 12-month AI transformation plan to start. You need one hour of clarity and the courage to move.
The Real ROI Is Alignment
Here’s what most people miss:
Better visibility leads to better alignment.
Better alignment leads to better assignments.
Better assignments lead to better execution.
And that creates your ROI.
Alignment is what turns good tech into great outcomes.
You can’t fake alignment. Just like in football, if your O-line isn’t on the same page as your quarterback, the whole drive stalls. Same with leadership and AI. Don’t get lost in prompts. Get focused on purpose.
You’ve Got 1,440 Minutes Today
We all do. Every leader, every entrepreneur, every parent, every pro.
The question isn’t whether you’re busy.
The question is: Are you multiplying the moments that matter?
AI doesn’t replace your leadership. It reveals it.
It shines a light on your process, your clarity, and your ability to adapt.
Start with visibility. Build toward efficiency. Then take one decisive action.
That’s the play.
