“Having a point of view is how you make anything good with AI”
Published 29 days ago • 5 min read
“Having a point of view is how you make anything good with AI. Otherwise, you’re just hitting buttons.” —Tara Bonhorst, Do That Dave
Hi Reader,
Last week, I almost dodged a panel question.
Not because it was hostile, or even especially hard. It was about AI and the environment--an important, messy question that I should have been ready to answer.
I wasn't, and for a moment, I thought about passing. Just nodding politely and letting it go.
But this is the work now.
Not knowing everything and still showing up with a point of view. One that's real, layered with risk and nuance. And, yes, one that not everyone will agree with.
That tug between wanting to "say the right thing" and needing to "say the true thing" is uncomfortable, but it's also where the growth happens!
So, this week, I'm practicing something Tara Bonhorst modeled in our latest conversation--showing the work behind the work. The questions, doubts, and mental loops that shaped it, not just the polished take.
What AI needs most isn't more tools, it's more honest humans who are willing to wrestle with the unknown.
If you're navigating your own version of that tension, you're in good company!
Let's stay with it... stay in the mess together.
✍️ Featured Writer
For the next four weeks, we'll be hearing from Valerie Ehrlich, PhD, on how she used AI that week. Connect with Valerie on LinkedIn!
As someone who integrates AI into various aspects of my work, I’m always looking for new ways to leverage its potential. How can I use it as a tool to support my critical thinking, rather than replace it?
This week, I used AI to generate journaling prompts, teach me the basics of a new topic, brainstorm ideas for a conference proposal, and revise an email to be less wordy, among other tasks.
Dive in to explore the specifics and get inspired for your own AI-powered workflows. I’d love to hear about your experiences if you try any of these ideas! (PDF opens in Google Drive.)
Click to download this week's PDF
Hi, I’m Valerie—founder of Mission Bloom. I help mission-driven leaders leverage AI responsibly. Whether you’re experimenting, feeling overwhelmed, or just curious about where to start, I offer trusted guidance to help you lead with intention in an AI-shaped world. Want support bringing AI into your work, team, or organization with purpose and integrity? Message me—I’d love to connect.
📢 Women in AI Making an Impact
Marisol Rios, M.S., is a branding visionary and AI creative coach empowering neurodivergent women and entrepreneurs through AI. As Head Coach and Creative Director at the Secret AI Society, she blends over 14 years of digital marketing and design experience with cutting-edge AI insights. Marisol’s leadership bridges strategy and creativity, helping others harness AI to amplify their voice, vision, and business impact.
Franchon Hurt is a creative brand marketing leader and expert digital artist, blending AI, photo artistry, and strategic design to elevate brand identities. As Founder of FH Creative, she pioneers high-impact visual solutions like Vision Version, transforming online presence without traditional photoshoots. With past roles at WarnerMedia and Turner Broadcasting, Franchon’s mastery in Photoshop and post-production continues to redefine digital branding with precision, innovation, and artistry.
Jennifer Hufnagel is a trusted AI educator and business strategist with 25+ years in operations and digital transformation. As a Brand Ambassador for SHE IS AI™, she champions AI empowerment, having trained over 2,000 global learners in Generative AI. Through Hufnagel Consulting, she guides teams through AI readiness with clarity and care, making complex tech accessible. Jennifer’s leadership is redefining how communities embrace AI with confidence and impact.
Save the Date! SYSTEM OVERRIDE, the next She Leads AI Forum, in partnership with Empowered by AI Podcast, is coming on August 21st. We'll have all the info posted soon!
🎨 Featured Artist
For the next four weeks, we'll be featuring art from Sara Chevalier, founder of SC Design Studio Inc. Connect with her on LinkedIn!
Can We Stay Human in the Age of the Machine?
By Sara Chevalier for She Leads AI https://sarachevalierscdesignstudio.my.canva.site/portfoliosamples I work with artificial intelligence every day. I teach others how to use it to bring their visions to life, to express their voice, to build brands that feel real and magnetic. And yet… I’ve felt the ache. The widening gap. The quiet pull between progress and presence. Between building something that “works”—and building something that means something.
There’s something sacred about what we create with our hands, our hearts, and our breath. And yes—there’s something miraculous about what we can create with AI and tech, when held with intention. But lately, I’ve found myself asking questions I didn’t expect: Are we building something to serve us—or something we’ll eventually serve? Can we use these tools and still feel the texture of our own humanity? Is the pace of progress leaving our spirit behind?
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Host Michelle Muncy-Silva sat down with Tracey Hawkins—aka "Tracey, the Safety Lady"—to explore the intersection of AI, human behavior, and digital protection. Tracey broke down real risks, dispelled myths, and shared practical guidance for entrepreneurs and educators. Whether you were managing a team, protecting your family, or trying to understand how AI is reshaping the landscape, this episode served as a cybersecurity wake-up call. 🎧 Listen below or on your favorite podcast platform:
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AI Readiness Project: Turning Ideas Into Action with Tara Bonhorst
Last week on The AI Readiness Project, hosts Anne Murphy and Kyle Shannon welcomed Tara Bonhorst, founder of Do That Dave, a company dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. With a background in learning design, Tara is on a mission to make AI tools approachable and practical, empowering creators to move from inspiration to real-world outcomes.
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