Unlocking the Human Edge in AI: Insights from Leanne Shelton

As AI reshapes our work, professionals must learn to leverage AI while balancing it with human creativity.

Mastering this balance will help keep independent professionals relevant, preserve their unique human touch, and prevent a slide into robotic, uncreative output.

In episode #59 of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, I spoke with Leanne Shelton ? , a copywriter with over a decade of experience in content marketing who recently pivoted to AI training.

Now, as the founder of Human Edge AI Training, Leanne helps businesses integrate AI, emphasising the essential human touch.

This article covers the themes from our discussion, offering insights for professionals who want to better understand AI and content creation.

Significance of the Interview

Leanne's transition from traditional copywriting to AI training mirrors broader changes in the creative industry.

As AI tools like ChatGPT become widespread, it becomes more valuable to understand how to use them with a human-centric approach.

Leanne's insights are helpful for professionals seeking to understand AI's impact on their work and how best to harness its power.

Key Themes Discussed

1. Transition from Copywriting to AI Training

Leanne explained her shift from a successful copywriting career to launching Human Edge AI Training. She emphasised that AI can generate content quickly but needs more nuance and emotional depth that only humans can provide.

2. Balancing AI with Human-Centric Approaches

A central theme of the interview is balancing AI with human creativity. Leanne explained that AI should assist, not replace, human efforts. The real value emerges when AI's efficiency meets the empathy, creativity, and critical thinking only humans can offer.

3. Overcoming the Fear of AI in Business

Fear of AI is common, especially among those worried about being replaced by technology. Leanne highlighted the importance of overcoming this fear for businesses to thrive. She encourages professionals to view AI as a tool that enhances their work, not a threat.

4. The Role of Prompt Engineering

Leanne discussed prompt engineering, emphasising its importance in maximising AI tools. Copywriting involves choosing the right words to convey a message, but prompt engineering requires crafting precise inputs to guide AI in producing high-quality content.

5. The Future of Copywriting in the AI Era

As AI advances, copywriters must understand how it impacts writing and branding. While AI may assist with certain aspects of content creation, it can't replicate the creativity and critical thinking that skilled copywriters bring to the table.

Leanne predicts that those who know what makes good copy will use AI to enhance their work, not replace it. However, those without a deep understanding of effective copywriting risk damaging their brand by relying too heavily on AI.

Actionable Takeaways

1. View AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

Use AI to augment your work. Employ it as an assistant or sounding board for repetitive tasks, freeing your time for more creative endeavours.

2. Invest in Learning Prompt Engineering

Grasp the basics of prompt engineering to improve the quality of AI-generated content. Precise inputs yield better outputs, enhancing your content's effectiveness.

Consider starting with AI learning resources on LinkedIn. Check out LinkedIn Learning.

3. Balance Technology with Humanity

Keep the human touch in your content. While AI can assist in production, your unique voice and perspective will resonate more with your audience.

4. Stay Open to Continuous Learning

AI constantly evolves. Stay informed about new tools and techniques to remain competitive.

5. Overcome AI Fear by Experimenting

The best way to conquer AI fear is through experimentation. Start small, explore its capabilities, and see how it fits your existing workflows.

Some Final Thoughts

This podcast conversation left me thinking about two important things.

Recognising AI's growing impact on her business, Leanne transitioned her career, driven by cognitive agility—the ability to adapt quickly to new information and switch between tasks. If you want to know more about cognitive agility, ?? Cedric Chin and I explored this topic in episode 58. You can read more here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/accelerating-business-expertise-insights-from-cedric-chin-rawlins-taj5c/

While AI can enhance productivity in copywriting, the human touch of creativity, empathy, and critical thinking remains irreplaceable. Professionals who balance these aspects will thrive, shaping content that resonates deeply with audiences and drives meaningful engagement in a technology-driven world.

For more on integrating AI into your business while preserving your brand's unique voice, listen to the full episode and connect with Leanne on LinkedIn.

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