AI has become a crucial skill for workers today as it continues to revolutionize the way we work and interact with technology. According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, there has been a significant increase in the number of users utilizing AI technologies such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot. In fact, there were approximately 1 billion users of AI technologies in April, up from 500 million just a few weeks earlier. However, despite the widespread adoption of AI, a majority of people in the U.S. still do not use AI in their daily work routines, as reported by a Pew Research Centre analysis.
For those who have embraced AI early on, the benefits are clear. A study revealed that 79% of individuals using AI chat services for business purposes have experienced increased efficiency in their work, while 72% stated that AI has significantly enhanced their job performance. With such positive feedback, it is evident that AI is playing a key role in helping workers advance in their careers and improve their productivity.
To delve deeper into how AI is transforming work performance and to investigate whether the minority of non-users could be missing out, we spoke to five AI super users to gain insights into their experiences. What we discovered was fascinating—AI has the potential to cut production time in half through the use of lifelike video avatars and can even enhance critical thinking skills through personalized AI coaching.
One of the key ways in which AI is helping workers save time and streamline their processes is through the creation of AI avatars. Ruth Favela, a Marketing Manager at Tomorrow.io, shared how she utilizes AI to compete with larger marketing teams without increasing overhead costs. By using AI tools like HeyGen, Favela can create lifelike avatars of her CMO to generate video content quickly and efficiently. This not only saves time but also allows her team to focus on high-impact projects that require a human touch.
Similarly, Ryan Baum, a SaaS growth consultant, highlighted how AI has expanded his thinking and helped him identify biases and logical gaps in his work. Baum developed a unique prompt called the “Devil’s Auditor” to test his ideas and ensure that they are free from flaws. By using large language models, Baum is able to sharpen his critical thinking skills and generate new ideas with the help of AI.
For Sierra Dowd, Founder and Principal Strategist at else&ever, AI has transformed the way she creates presentations. By using AI code scripts to generate Canva slide decks automatically, Dowd has significantly reduced the time it takes to design presentations, allowing her to focus on creating quality content and narratives.
Andrea Bonaiuto, Head of Product Marketing at ATPCO, echoed the sentiment that AI is now a baseline skill set for knowledge work. She discussed how AI technologies have become integral to her coaching and professional development, allowing her to scale coaching and critical thinking like never before. By using AI “coaches” to prepare for meetings and conversations, Bonaiuto has been able to streamline her workflow and enhance her team’s overall performance.
In conclusion, it is clear that AI is no longer just a trend but has become an essential tool for workers looking to advance in their careers and improve their productivity. By leveraging AI technologies, workers can save time, enhance critical thinking skills, and streamline their processes to focus on high-impact projects that require a human touch. As AI continues to evolve and become more integrated into the workplace, it is essential for workers to adapt and embrace this technology to stay ahead in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape.
