Rethinking How We Work With AI

What makes AI different from previous technological innovations, and why does it feel like such a foundational shift in how we work, serve, and innovate? 

Last week, to kick off Season 4 of the Trust Your Voice podcast, I sat down with Patrick Bryant and Charlotte Creech to explore ways AI will unlock entirely new ways for teams to innovate.

Patrick is a serial entrepreneur, partner at Code and Trust, and CEO of Workforce Wave, where he is pioneering the use of AI-powered digital voice agents. With nine startups under his belt, Patrick brings a wealth of experience in navigating technological transformation. Charlotte is a strategist who has worked with organizations of all sizes to help them embrace innovation. She currently works at Hire Heroes USA, where her team applies data and technology to help veterans transition to civilian careers. 

Technology Has Always Changed Work 

When I think about innovation, I’m reminded that technology has always transformed the way we work. From desktop computers to enterprise systems, every wave of innovation has changed the way companies operate and individuals operate within those companies. What makes the difference is how leaders choose to use those tools. 

Why AI is Different

Patrick has seen many waves of innovation, from the early days of desktop publishing to the rise of the internet. But he described a different feeling when he first encountered AI. In his words, “AI is going to change every industry. It’s just a matter of how quickly industries adopt it.”  AI is not just another software tool. It has the potential to act almost like a co-worker, taking on tasks at scale while freeing people to focus on higher-value work. 

Patrick's digital voice agents exemplify this shift. They can handle customer service calls at 2 AM, can speak multiple languages fluently within the same conversation, and remain patient and professional with customers. He compared the difference to digging a ditch by hand versus using a bulldozer: “It’s not only taking off a part of work that is difficult for humans and can be frustrating, it’s reassigning them to tasks that are more critical. They’re driving the bulldozer instead of six people digging the ditch. It changes the game.” 

Where to Start 

The possibilities of implementing AI can feel overwhelming, which is why the question of where to start is so important. Both Patrick and Charlotte emphasized the value of taking small, incremental steps when it comes to AI adoption.

Charlotte shared something that resonated deeply with me, “If you're learning a new technology, you really want your employees to feel trust and comfort with that technology before you release it externally to your customers.” Start internal. Build confidence and processes. Then expand outward.

The key to successful AI adoption is to focus on addressing friction points rather than grand visions. Instead of chasing hundred million-dollar breakthroughs, ask yourself: What small improvements could create immediate value? What daily frustrations could we eliminate by adopting AI? 

Trust, Ethics and Data Quality

Before implementing any AI solution, Charlotte emphasized asking a fundamental question: "Do I trust my data?" This means ensuring clear data ownership, standard processes, and lots of due diligence. Equally important is considering the ethical implications, especially when serving sensitive populations like the military community that Charlotte works with.

Building a Culture That Embraces Innovation

One of the most important themes from our conversation was culture, specifically the importance of creating a culture where curiosity is encouraged and risk-taking is safe. Doing so will allow leaders and organizations to unlock the full potential of AI tools. 

I’ve learned that leaders who reward experimentation and learning, not just outcomes, will give their teams the confidence to grow alongside new technology.

Takeaways

The takeaway is simple: Build a culture of curiosity and experimentation, focusing on small increments rather than big wins. You don't have to be perfect. You have to start somewhere.

Are you ready to explore what AI could unlock for your organization? What friction points in your organization could benefit from AI? I'd love to hear about your experiences with implementing new technologies in the comments below.