You can hardly have a business conversation these days without AI coming up. While the topic has made and remained on the “top 100 charts” for months, most organizations are still at the early stages of deploying it. Questions like how to use it, when to use it, what are the security and IP risks, how it will impact personnel creativity and innovation, what are the costs versus value generated, and a plethora of other concerns are causing organizations, and prudently so, to be more cautious and deliberative in integrating this powerful tool.
I emphasize the word “tool” because like most tools, especially the most powerful ones, AI can be as beneficial as it is dangerous or threatening.
Take atomic energy, for example. It is extraordinarily beneficial when used to power cities but very destructive when used to create weapons. While it may sound like hyperbole to compare atomic energy to AI, it’s wise to treat the two similarly, with an understanding of advantages and disadvantages, both near term and long term.
Potential Long-Term Consequences
While I trust our ability to be discriminating in the use of AI and other technology, my optimism is tempered by the business world’s tendency to be over-influenced by short-term results and benefits. Many are discovering that AI is not a magical cure-all. While it can significantly support research and development, accelerate data analysis, assume redundant administrative tasks, and “refine” our communications, AI has the potential to stifle human creativity and, in some cases, turn the tables making us the manipulated rather than the manipulators.
I am most concerned about the potential influence on younger generations, the minds we will rely upon to explore new possibilities and generate innovative ideas borne out curiosity, intellect, and endowed talent. It is important that they cultivate their own critical thinking and problem-solving skills. There are inherent dangers in having easily accessible alternatives and solutions available. AI can stimulate creativity or stifle it.
In many ways, we are like AI and need to continually process information and learn. A natural output is wisdom that considers more than facts; it considers the impact on society and the human experience. We cannot rely on AI to determine the ethical and moral considerations and consequences of solutions and decisions.
Another troubling application I have noticed is the use of AI to express and/or “elevate” our feelings. Relationships are built on expressions of the heart, not algorithms. Therefore, deeply personal communication should not be replaced by machine-generated words. We have already made too many of our interactions transactional rather than relational.
Move Forward—with Intention
AI will undoubtedly continue to permeate conversations from the boardroom to the shop floor, and many benefits will accrue from its application. No one wants to be left behind or viewed as a laggard. But there are wise ways to consider why, how, and when to apply AI.
In our organization, we have chosen a path that focuses on internal process improvements that have clear, measurable benefits. Under the direction of our CFO, Tim Czech, we have developed a prioritized portfolio of AI-enabled opportunities that are part of our Digital Transformation. These will eventually touch every aspect of our business model and service delivery, while serving and preserving our highest priorities: our people and values-based culture.
Likewise, in our client engagements, we guide teams to first consider the real short- and long-term value of the objectives they want to achieve. Is there a true and reasonable return on investment? What problems are they trying to solve or what opportunities are enabled with AI? Are there potential unintended consequences and risks? These may include having to modify other business processes and the way people work before an AI tool will be effective and the benefits sustained.
It would be foolish for any organization to ignore the potential benefits of AI. It would be equally foolish to let it become a crutch, rather a tool to help you run faster. May God bless and guide your AI journeys!
BTW, these thoughts were not generated utilizing AI.
March 31, 2026
