I’ve been working in tech long enough to remember when “automation” meant macros in Excel and AI was still the stuff of sci-fi. Today, artificial intelligence is everywhere—from customer service chatbots to advanced data analytics, predictive modeling, and content creation. It’s no longer a niche tool; it’s a foundational layer in how businesses operate. And while this explosion of AI capability is exciting, it’s also incredibly risky—especially for those who treat it like a shortcut instead of a tool.
Let me be clear: AI is not magic. It’s not intelligent in the human sense. It’s powerful, but it’s only as good as the data it learns from and the intent behind its use. I’ve watched companies implement AI without understanding how it works, leading to biased outcomes, false insights, or compliance violations. They feed it flawed data, make strategic decisions based on unverified outputs, or worse, let it replace human judgment entirely.
The danger lies not in the technology, but in the overconfidence that often accompanies it.
AI should augment decision-making, not replace it. When misused, it can erode trust, amplify existing inequalities, and expose companies to significant legal and reputational risk. If you’re using generative AI to write content, ask yourself—how do you verify it’s accurate? If you’re using AI to screen job candidates, are you confident it’s not introducing bias?
As a consultant, I encourage clients to treat AI the same way they would a junior employee: train it, supervise it, and never let it act without oversight.
The future of AI is promising, but only if we use it responsibly. Those who blindly chase efficiency without understanding the tool may find themselves solving one problem and creating five more. So take the time to understand what AI is—and more importantly, what it isn’t.
Want help making AI work for your business—safely and strategically? Reach out for a consultation.
Author’s Note: This blog post was written by ChatGPT using the following prompt, “Write a short blog from the perspective of an experienced technology consultant about the rising use of AI and the dangers it poses for those that use the tool incorrectly.” I did not touch-up or edit the text provided by that prompt in any way, shape or form other than to copy and paste it into this website. Anyone who’s followed my blog for awhile or knows me personally might have smelled something fishy, or maybe not. In reading the above, I can definitely say that I have written plenty of articles just as bland. Interestingly, ChatGPT included the last, italicised bit – it’s clearly been trained on plenty of marketing blogs like this one. I know that many of you actually read my blogs for my personal take on technology. If I were to feed my own AI engine the past 10 years of my articles so that it could perhaps get a sense for my writing style and personality, do you think it could produce more blogs that would be indistinguishable from what I wrote with my own two hands and one brain?
Image courtesy of TAW4 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
