This episode dives into what AI really is, how large language models work, and why sales teams should be using them to amplify but not replace, their own intelligence. Harriet and Josh unpack the real risks around data, privacy and “free” AI tools, and how to build an AI strategy that actually supports your business goals instead of creating hidden exposure. You’ll hear practical examples from UK and Australian organisations, from sales teams using AI for research and proposals through to regulated industries needing on-prem, fully controlled AI environments. 🧠 What You’ll Learn Understand what large language models actually are and why they feel “superhuman” but still only work on probability, not truth. Learn how to use AI tools for research, drafting and consolidation without carelessly exposing sensitive data or unique IP. Discover a simple framework for AI strategy that starts with your business goals, then maps down to tasks, tools and guardrails. See how small, focused models and on-prem or private AI can give businesses full ownership, control and security over their data. Use Josh’s prompting fundamentals (persona, context, detailed prompt, clear outcome) to get better, more reliable outputs from any AI tool. 👤 About Harriet Mellor Harriet Mellor is the founder of Your Sales Co and host of the Sell Like You podcast. A sales strategist with over 20 years of international experience, she’s known for helping teams across the UK and Australia turn structure, focus, and consistency into revenue growth. Respected for her straight-talking, no-fluff approach, Harriet brings practical sales strategy and leadership insight to every conversation—helping teams cut through the noise, build momentum, and win more deals with clarity and confidence. 👥 About the Guest Josh is a consultant and AI strategist who helps organisations embed AI in a way that protects their data, IP and competitive advantage while driving real operational gains. As the creator of Hal, an on-prem and private AI platform, he works with leadership teams to design secure, task-focused AI deployments that fit tightly around existing processes and compliance requirements. Blending a deep understanding of large language models with commercial and governance experience, he specialises in building “human-in-the-loop” AI that genuinely supports teams rather than replacing them. 📣 Connect with Harriet Connect with Harriet LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriet-mellor Website: https://www.yoursalesco.com 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned Hal: Josh’s private, on-prem AI platform for organisations needing full control and ownership of their AI environment. Gemini “Deep Research” for market and account research, prospecting lists and long-form reporting. Local AI (mobile app) for running small language models privately and offline on-device. Tools mentioned in conversation: ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Co-Pilot, and other major LLM providers as contrasting approaches to AI use in business. 🎙️ More from Sell Like You Listen to top episodes: https://www.yoursalesco.com/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yoursalesco