How to Start Using It in Life and Business- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer some futuristic dream — it’s here, and it’s already reshaping how we live and work. But if you’re still wondering what AI can actually do for you, or whether it’s more hype than help, you’re not alone.
In a recent live session at The Intersection, we explored this exact topic: what it really means to make AI your “thinking partner” — not just a tool, but a collaborator in your daily decision-making, productivity, and creativity. This post breaks down the key insights and action steps from that conversation to help you get started today.
AI Is Here to Help — Not to Replace You
Let’s address one of the biggest fears up front: Is AI going to replace your job?
The answer? Not exactly, but someone using AI might.
AI automates repetitive, low-value tasks like scheduling, summarising content, or drafting emails. But it doesn’t replace judgment, creativity, or emotional intelligence. What this means is that if you use AI to enhance your work, you become more valuable. But if you ignore it, you risk falling behind others who are already using it to boost their speed and efficiency.
AI Is a Tool — Not Magic
There’s a lot of misunderstanding about what AI is. It’s not sentient. It doesn’t think or feel. One of the best analogies?
“It’s autocomplete with a PhD.”
Large Language Models like ChatGPT and Copilot are essentially advanced pattern recognition machines. They predict the next most likely word in a sentence based on enormous datasets. That’s how they can answer questions, generate ideas, and help you draft content.
But remember: It’s your responsibility to guide it. You’re still the pilot — AI is just the co-pilot.
Can You Trust AI? The Truth About Privacy
Another common question: Is it safe to share sensitive info with AI tools?
It depends on the platform you’re using:
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Free, public versions (like ChatGPT’s free tier) may log inputs for training purposes.
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Paid or enterprise versions (like Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT for Teams) offer more privacy and control, keeping data within your domain.
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High-security setups might host the model on your own server, but these are expensive and only necessary for large organisations.
For now, treat AI like a smart intern, helpful, but don’t share anything confidential.
Start Small: Play With Prompts
Getting started with AI doesn’t mean overhauling your workflow. Just start playing with it.
Whether it’s ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, or another tool, pick one and try asking a question related to your work. For example:
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“Write a friendly email announcing our new product launch.”
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“Summarise this blog post in 3 bullet points.”
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“Give me 5 name ideas for my new coffee business.”
Use your own context and style. The more specific your prompt, the better the results.
Try This Challenge: Your 3-Step AI Warm-Up
To get the most out of AI this week, try these three simple steps:
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Download a guide: Use a quick-start resource like “10 Smart Prompts to Start With.”
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Try one real prompt in your personal or work life, and note what surprised you.
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Test-drive a tool: ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, Gamma, find what fits your needs.
This isn’t about mastering AI overnight. It’s about experimenting. You’ll learn best by doing, not by reading about it.
So, Will AI Take Over the World?
Nope. Although we learn how to start using it in life and business but it might take over your to-do list if you let it.
The key mindset shift is this: AI is not something to fear, it’s something to train and use. The more clearly you define what you want from it, the more helpful it becomes.
What’s Next?
This session was just the beginning. In our next conversation, we’ll be exploring:
“Prompt Engineering for Better Business Results”
We’ll go deeper into how to craft prompts that drive strategy, marketing, customer service, and productivity in your organisation — all without needing to become a tech expert.
Final Thought: Stay in Control
One of the most important leadership lessons from our session was this:
“AI is a tool, not magic. You’re still in control.”
Leaders, managers, entrepreneurs — it’s your job to guide how AI shows up in your culture and workflows. Help your team explore it safely. Use it to enhance, not replace. And always remember: the power is still in your hands. Hopefully, you all now understand how to start using it in life and business.