People Over Machines: Three Humans Who Made Me Think About AI and Agency

Also, The Fine Line Between Opinion and Truth

Hello Guys,

I’ll be the first to admit that I initially planned to write these letters only once a month.

No, it’s not Thursday; as thats when I usually write to you all, instead its Fri-Yay, another day I truly enjoy.

Anyhow I had way too much to share, so here goes! 🤭

As I write this to you, my hair is still salty from an early-morning tidal pool swim here in Cape Town (see pic below).

Before I launch into everything thats been on my mind though, let’s settle into this moment.

Drop your shoulders (they don’t belong near your ears 😂), take a deep belly triggered breath, and exhale all the distractions inside your head.

You can always go back to Slack or Outlook later, instead, just for now, lets grab a peppermint tea, and hang out for a bit.

Why This Impromptu Letter?

So many people inspired me this week, from Team Toddle to the A Team to Becki Saltzman.

Toddle

Why?

Well, They’re playful, quirky, successful, and powered by NoCode (Visual Development), which is something I have a real weakness for.

Their leaders Kasper & Andreas, to me they are Vikings cool, as they are not only based in the Nordic countries, their storytelling makes me want to flop onto the couch and just say, “Ahhhhh, this is brilliant!”

Today, they released what I’m calling their playbook , which impressed me so much that I started making frantic clacking sounds, while writing to you all.

What sets them apart is that they aren’t too interested in the AI hype or noise.

Instead, they focus, build, and ship.

I could talk about them all day (nope, no one’s paying me for this, it’s 100% sincere & passion driven).

Follow them here

Also Less Tech, More Thinking

The other big thing keeping me up at night?

GenAI, but not in the way you would think.

This is legit less about the tech itself, and more about how we engage with it.

What I mean is are you thinking and awake, when you play with these tools?

As more than ever, we need to move beyond online opinions and back to solid reasoning.(facts)

The reality is everyone, including me, wants their voice, aka content to be read, seen or heard.

So thats whats got me thinking deeply about the difference between subjective and objective thinking!

How focusing on this distinction matters more than the tool of AI itself.

(note: subjective thoughts only, hee hee)

Being able to recognise that some things are just opinions, not facts, helps cut through the 52,000 posts screaming for our eyeballs attention. 🙄

Thinking helps clear space for us to ponder our next move.

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE this era of agency!!

I was created for this time.

But just because machines can do something doesn’t mean we should make everything machine-driven.

AI remains inconsistent (that’s an objective truth).

It’s operating at both PhD level and toddler level, a concerning combo if you ask me.

So yes, experiment with GenAI, but keep your human brain switched on.

Also, don’t be afraid it question everything it produces.

Afterall, this is what responsible usage of AI tools is all about.

The A Team

Not just because they hosted a webinar last night, but equally, I have a soft spot for Joe.

He writes with intention and remains deeply human, even in an AI-first business.

Check out his thoughts here:

Anyhow, back to the webinar.

It was about how we have had the same challenge since ChatGPT exploded into our lives in 2022: We love GenAI, but what do we do with it?

It’s like we’ve all rubbed Aladdin’s lamp, been granted three wishes, and yet… we hesitate, unsure of what to ask for.

We have magic at our fingertips, that would have stunned our ancestors.

So now is the time to THINK.

What will you build.

Take your time.

You are part of the minority of humans playing with this tech.

I have said it before: “Go Slow, to Go Fast!”

So, here’s my (subjective) opinion: Faster is not always better.

Not in tech.

Not in dating.

Not in cooking.

Not in hiring.

I could go on, but you get my point.

I stand with the slow movement.

Think of the tortoise and the hare, well, we all know how that ended 👀

Lastly…Need a Reset? Join ME for my Free Wellness Detox Workshop

If you’re feeling rushed this week (as I have been), them come and join me: Free Wellness Detox Workshop.

I know, it sounds cliché, the word “Detox”

But hear me out.

This weekend retreat is something I actually do at home often. (See turmeric face mask pic below, proof!)

I have used myself as the human guinea pig, and can confirm, with bias of course, that you feel renewed and all cleared out and ready for the BEST that will indeed come!

Why do I do it regularly?

Because life is moving at SuperComputer speeds pace, and well thats just too fast for me.
Also we need to know we have options.

Natural energy options for our human bodies, not red bulls OR that third espresso (though I do love an espresso).

We need to STOP and dare i say THINK!

Listen to our bodies, yes they talk to you all day long, from that ache in your shoulder to your overused wrists.
The body works 24/7, and so we have a responsibility to nourish them properly.

Come & see what that looks like.

Becki Saltzman

She is someone who truly inspires me 😍

Just today, a newsletter I love published something that didn’t sit right with me.

So, I looked up the journalist and asked quietly in my mind: Why did you frame it that way?

The issue? He baked politics into a tech discussion and only represented one side.

We must make space for both perspectives.( again critical & analytical thinking skills that Becki will help us to develop)

I wish I could write some more, but heading off now to watch my son play his waterpolo match.

Until the next time,

Blessings always, and see you soon.

Nix G
Cape Town