AI means Awesome Individuals

Last week I was in DC with my fellow Intuit Small Business Council members and thought I’d share my experience.

It was a great trip. I shared my perspective, and each group we talked with was interested and engaged in our conversation. Being on this council challenges me to do something I’m uncomfortable with—talking in front of people and wearing a suit. Yet it’s always worth it.

I also realized that the main reason I enjoy it so much is that I love being around really talented and awesome individuals. That’s exactly what our council is made of. It’s also what the Intuit team that brings us from all across the country is made of. It’s a big reason why I’ve stayed on the council since 2019, and I’m such an advocate for this council that when I was asked to nominate other small business owners, I suggested my good friend Jade Chase. I’m glad he was selected and it was awesome to have him join us this year!

Here’s a look at what we did:

Day 1: We spent the day at Intuit’s DC office, sharing our stories and perspectives on how we felt about AI in our businesses. We chatted with the SBA’s Bailey DeVries and heard how they’re modernizing to be a better resource for small businesses. We got a sneak preview of some great features coming to Mailchimp and QuickBooks using AI from Intuit SVP David Talach. He was surprised to hear that I was a fan of one of his favorite bands, the Tragically Hip. I was surprised he was open to taking product suggestions from all of our council members…but he offered, and I’m definitely sending them! We finished the day with an evening tour of the Capitol, which is always pretty cool to see some of America’s oldest architecture. The evening ended with a tasty dinner at Rose’s Luxury and I tried caviar for the first—and hopefully last—time.

Day 2: Big day on the Hill. Jade Chase and I, guided by Intuit’s Ursula Wojciechowski, met with Senator Mike Crapo’s staff and Senator Jim Risch and staff (big shout out to Andy Ho for remembering me from last year’s trip!) I asked them to help get small business representation in AI policy and regulation discussions, currently led by large tech companies. Given that small business drives innovation, who better to be leading the charge in regs and policy than small business? Jade Chase pushed to increase AI literacy within the SBA and other government agencies so that they can be a better resource for small businesses looking to use AI as a way to level the playing field. Together with fellow council members Bunnie Hilliard and Howard Hsu, we met with staff for Senator Jon Ossoff. Then, on to a chat with Devina Khanna, Representative Stephen Lynch’s Economic Policy Advisor and key person on his team involved with the AI discussion. Ursula got us meetings with Idaho’s Congressman Mike Simpson and Congressman Russ Fulcher. All in all, a very productive day of discussion.

I was proud to represent Idaho, and it was pretty cool to cruise through our government with another Idahoan and share our stories. Jade Chase, I’m glad you decided to join. Now, back to my amazing team and our amazing clients.

Big thanks to the Intuit team, especially Erik Rettig, Mbessin Sonko, and Nicole Kanemitsu, for this effort. Props to my fellow council members for being such great people--you guys are the best. Shout out to LaJuanna Russell, Allison DeVane, Ryan Ross, Anika Jackson, Dana Donofree, Blake Thomas, Kenzie Biggins, Sean Brownlee, Kayla Graff, Bunnie Hilliard, and Howard Hsu--great seeing you again. Welcome to the new members Teniqua Broughton, Nicole Cober, Christen Nino De Guzman, Lea Landaverde, Shani Tran, and my guy Jade Chase. We missed you, Lorena Camargo, and Michael Robinov so I hope to see you at our next gathering.

Until next year!