Real AI Use Cases Business Owners Roundtable

Elizabeth Gearhart
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Real AI Use Cases Business Owners Roundtable is a practical podcast for business owners, executives, and professionals who want to understand how artificial intelligence is actually being used in businesses today. Each episode features real conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, and subject-matter experts who share one concrete AI use case they are using right now in their work—no hype, no theory, no futuristic speculation. Just real examples, real tools, and real outcomes. Hosted by Elizabeth Gearhart, Ph.D. and Richard Gearhart, the show focuses on how AI is applied across industries including marketing, operations, professional services, finance, law, healthcare, and technology. Episodes explore how businesses are using AI to save time, improve decision-making, increase efficiency, enhance customer experience, and gain a competitive edge. This podcast is designed for listeners who want to: Understand practical, real-world applications of AI Learn how businesses are implementing AI today Cut through the noise and focus on what actually works Get ideas they can adapt for their own organizations AI in Business: Use Cases From the Real World is not about trends or predictions—it’s about what’s working now.

  1. 6D AGO

    AI - 7 Practical Use Cases for Real Growth

    AI – 7 Use Cases for Real Growth What are businesses actually doing with AI right now — beyond the hype? In this episode of Real AI Use Cases: Business Owners Roundtable, entrepreneurs, marketers, engineers, podcasters, and innovators share real-world ways they’re using AI to increase productivity, improve operations, create content faster, scale businesses, and drive measurable growth. Hosts Elizabeth Gearhart and Richard Gearhart lead a lively discussion featuring: Richard Browning James McCormick Catrice Austin The conversation explores seven practical AI use cases businesses can apply today, including: AI research and decision-making AI-generated content and podcasts AI-assisted coding and software development AI for health optimization and productivity AI video editing and YouTube optimization AI surveillance and threat detection AI clones, avatars, and scalable content creation You’ll hear candid discussions about the benefits and risks of AI, including concerns about authenticity, automation, over-engineering content, and the future of creative work. Some standout moments include: Using AI as a “research superpower” for solving unusual business problems Building AI-powered commission systems and developer workflows Training AI systems to detect threatening activity before crimes occur Turning one podcast into books, frameworks, and monetized business assets with AI The rise of AI avatars and cloned content creators Why authentic human content still matters in an AI world This episode was recorded at the iHeart Studios in Manhattan as part of the Passage to Profit broadcast. FAQs What are some real business use cases for AI? Businesses are using AI for research, customer service, software development, marketing, podcast production, health tracking, surveillance systems, SEO, automation, and content generation. How are entrepreneurs using AI for productivity? Entrepreneurs in this episode discuss using AI to automate repetitive work, speed up coding, monitor health metrics, optimize content, and generate marketing assets faster. Can AI help with YouTube growth? Yes. Elizabeth Gearhart discusses using AI tools like Google Gemini and ChatGPT to improve viewer retention, optimize videos, and structure content for better YouTube performance. Is AI replacing software engineers? Not entirely. The guests explain that AI is making engineers significantly more productive by helping write and improve code, but human oversight is still critical. How is AI being used in security and surveillance? James McCormick explains how AI-powered video surveillance systems can identify threatening activities in real time and help deter incidents before they happen. What are AI avatars and clones? AI avatars are digital versions of people created using artificial intelligence. Businesses and creators are increasingly using them to generate scalable video and social media content. Are AI-generated videos replacing human content? The episode explores both sides of this debate. While AI-generated content is becoming more advanced, several guests argue that authentic human-created content still resonates more strongly with audiences. Can AI help podcasters? Absolutely. Podcasters are using AI for scripting, editing, show notes, SEO optimization, repurposing content, social clips, and audience retention strategies. Is AI scary for entrepreneurs? Some guests discuss concerns around authenticity, privacy, creative jobs, and over-reliance on automation. Others see AI as a powerful assistant that helps small teams scale faster. Who sh... Chapters (00:00:00) - Real Business Users of AI(00:01:09) - Business Owners Roundtable: The UnGlamorous Use Cases of(00:02:31) - Top Executives: The Use of AI in Your Business(00:07:50) - We're a Video Surveillance Company Using Artificial Intelligence(00:10:36) - Dr. Katrie Austin on AI and How It Affects Her(00:15:16) - Real AI Use Cases Business Owners Roundtable

    16 min

  2. MAY 15

    AI Agents Speeding Up Business Tasks

    AI Agents for Business Growth: Real AI Use Cases from Entrepreneurs, Marketers & Creators In this episode of Real AI Use Cases: Business Owners Roundtable, hosts Elizabeth Gearhart and Richard Gearhartsit down with business leaders using AI in practical, revenue-generating ways right now. From AI customer service agents and AI-powered marketing workflows to website SEO optimization, personal branding, and even longevity planning, this conversation explores how entrepreneurs are integrating tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Manus AI, and AI agents into their everyday operations. You’ll hear: How businesses are using AI agents to improve customer experience and automate support Why AI is transforming marketing agencies and creative work How entrepreneurs are using AI to learn faster, work smarter, and build personal brands Real discussions about the risks, limitations, and addictive nature of AI tools Practical examples of using AI for SEO, website optimization, health tracking, productivity, and strategic decision-making Guests include: Matt Ross Eleanor Kubacki Antonia Tomao Elizabeth Gearhart Richard Gearhart Key topics discussed: AI agents for customer support and member services AI in marketing agencies and creative operations Using ChatGPT and Gemini for SEO and website optimization AI-powered personal branding and thought leadership AI for health optimization, longevity planning, and productivity tracking The limitations and risks of relying too heavily on AI This episode was recorded at the iHeart Studios in Manhattan as part of the Passage to Profit radio show and podcast. FAQs What are AI agents in business? AI agents are software systems that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously using artificial intelligence. Businesses use them for customer support, scheduling, marketing automation, research, analytics, and workflow management. How are businesses using ChatGPT right now? Businesses are using ChatGPT for SEO optimization, customer service, brainstorming, strategic planning, writing marketing copy, health tracking, business analysis, and personal productivity. Can AI improve customer service? Yes. In this episode, Matt Ross explains how his company is building an AI-powered customer service tool that instantly answers common member questions, improving response time and customer satisfaction. How are marketing agencies using AI? Marketing agencies are increasingly using AI agents and automation tools for writing, design, content production, workflow optimization, and research. Eleanor Kubacki discusses how AI is already handling a significant percentage of agency work. What AI tools are mentioned in this episode? The discussion includes: ChatGPT Google Gemini Manus AI AI agents for customer service and marketing automation Can AI help with SEO and website optimization? Yes. Elizabeth Gearhart discusses using AI tools to identify website problems and optimize pages to rank higher in Google search results. What are the limitations of AI? The guests discuss how AI can get “stuck,” miss smaller businesses or niche results, generate incorrect answers, and lead users down endless rabbit holes of information. Human judgment is still essential. Is AI replacing creative jobs? The episode explores this concern directly. Eleanor Kubacki explains that AI is already doing a meaningful portion of creative agency work, creating both opportunities and concerns for leaders managing creative teams. How are entrepreneurs using AI for personal growth? Guests discuss using AI for learni... Chapters (00:00:00) - Business Owners Roundtable: Using AI(00:00:54) - Real AI Use Cases Business Owners Roundtable(00:02:01) - "One Way We're Using AI"(00:02:40) - How Are You Using AI in Your Business?(00:07:21) - How to Live to 100(00:13:21) - Real AI Use Cases Business Owners Roundtable

    14 min

  3. MAY 1

    5 Real AI Use Cases

    In this episode of Real AI Use Cases – Business Owners Roundtable, hosts Elizabeth Gearhart and Richard Gearhart sit down with Daniel Burrus, Mark Fox, and Dwight Heck to break down how real businesses are using AI right now—and what’s actually working. This isn’t theory. It’s practical, in-the-trenches use of AI tools across marketing, operations, product development, and decision-making. From AI-powered “thought starters” tailored to your role and industry, to using AI to audit (and even replace) underperforming vendors, this episode shows how business owners are turning AI into a competitive advantage. But it’s not all upside. The group also digs into the risks—unexpected costs, unreliable outputs, data concerns, and even ownership issues around AI clones. TL;DL (Too Long; Didn’t Listen) Businesses are using AI daily to save time, improve decisions, and replace inefficient vendors Custom AI (your own knowledge base or GPT) is a major advantage over generic tools AI comes with real risks: hidden costs, hallucinations, data security, and ownership issues Key Topics Covered AI “assist” vs. full automation (and why that distinction matters) How AI is being used to personalize learning and business insights Using AI to navigate complex software and workflows instantly AI in product innovation (including wearable tech for animals) Replacing marketing agencies with AI-driven analysis Optimizing video production, thumbnails, and YouTube growth with AI The reality of AI pricing models and token-based systems Why using multiple AI tools can improve accuracy Security concerns and data risks with certain AI platforms How to build your own AI knowledge base for business efficiency Who owns your AI clone—and why you should care Standout Insights “Verify, then trust” — AI can expose ineffective vendors and wasted spend The best AI strategy isn’t one tool—it’s using the right tool for the right job Custom-trained AI (your own GPT or knowledge base) is where the real leverage is Contracts matter: your AI-generated content and clones may not be yours by default Featured Use Cases AI-generated, role-specific business recommendations Screenshot-to-instruction workflows for software navigation AI-assisted product development and health tracking analytics Website and SEO audits using AI instead of agencies Video optimization using AI-generated clips and insights Resources Mentioned AI Strategy Report (Daniel Burrus) Custom GPTs / AI knowledge bases AI tools for video editing, design, and analytics About the Show Real AI Use Cases – Business Owners Roundtable features real entrepreneurs sharing how they’re using AI in their businesses today—what works, what doesn’t, and what’s coming next. Chapters (00:00:00) - Real AI Use Cases Business Owners Roundtable Intro(00:01:15) - Daniel Burrus(00:02:45) - Mark Fox(00:04:45) - Dwight Heck(00:07:37) - Richard Gearhart(00:08:45) - Elizabeth Gearhart(00:17:45) - Who Really Owns My Clone?

    20 min
  4. AI Can't Replace Human Authenticity

    APR 25

    AI Can't Replace Human Authenticity

    AI vs Authenticity: How Smart Business Owners Really Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch | Real AI Use Cases Ep. 15 Can artificial intelligence help your business grow without making your brand feel robotic? In this episode of Real AI Use Cases: Business Owners Roundtable, host Elizabeth Gearhart and co-host Richard Gearhart lead a candid discussion with entrepreneur Ken Davenport, podcast booking expert Dominic Forth, and franchise leaders Kari Schroeter and Stacey Iltis. They reveal how real companies are using AI today for research, customer service, audience insights, territory analysis, podcast growth, productivity, and brainstorming—while warning against over-automation and fake-sounding content. This episode explores one of the biggest business questions of 2026: How do you use AI efficiently while staying authentic? TL;DL (Too Long; Didn’t Listen) AI works best as a tool for research, support, analysis, and idea generation—not replacing human creativity. Customers can tell when content feels robotic or generic, and they value authentic human connection more than ever. Smart business owners use multiple AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini depending on the task. What You'll Learn Why authenticity may become a premium in the AI era How Ken Davenport uses AI for Broadway research and business ideation How AI can analyze millions of podcasts for trends and guest booking opportunities Why automated customer communication can backfire How franchise businesses use AI for operations, customer service, and territory planning Why rephrasing prompts gets better answers from AI Which AI tools entrepreneurs are using most: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity Why Google reviews may help businesses show up in AI-generated answers Best Quotes from the Episode “People know when something is authentic—and when it’s not.” “AI is free experimentation, free counsel, and a free tennis partner.” “Don’t just take the first answer. Rephrase your query and go deeper.” Perfect For Entrepreneurs Small business owners Marketers Podcasters Franchise owners Anyone trying to use AI without losing their brand voice Subscribe for More Real AI Use Cases Every episode features real-world examples of how businesses are using AI right now—not theory, hype, or fluff. #AIForBusiness #ArtificialIntelligence #SmallBusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ChatGPT #ClaudeAI #GoogleGemini #PodcastMarketing #Authenticity #BusinessStrategy Chapters (00:00:00) - How Real Companies Are Using AI(00:01:14) - AI Use Cases Business Owners Round Table(00:03:03) - How Businesses Are Using AI(00:04:53) - How Franchisees Are Using AI in their Business(00:06:22) - AI and Live Performances(00:13:44) - Bill Maher on His Favorite Chat Programs(00:16:53) - The AI Best-Practices(00:18:06) - Real AI Use Cases for Business Owners Roundtable

    19 min
  5. AI vs. Tedious Work: Transforming Real Estate, Security, and Your Inbox

    APR 20

    AI vs. Tedious Work: Transforming Real Estate, Security, and Your Inbox

    Episode Summary: AI in Real Estate, Security, and Productivity This episode of Real AI Use Cases features a roundtable discussion on the practical deployment of artificial intelligence across various business sectors. Hosts Elizabeth Gearhart and Richard Gearhart interview Scott Harris(Magnetic Real Estate) and Greg Weir (Prudential Alarms) to explore how AI is shifting from a novelty to a critical operational tool. TL;DL: Real AI Use Cases – Episode 14 AI in Real Estate: Scott Harris uses AI to curate property listings, matching buyer preferences to new data to save hours of manual work. AI in Security: Greg Weir discusses AI-powered cameras that utilize facial recognition, license plate reading, and gunshot detection. AI in Healthcare: Richard Gearhart highlights a new radio-wave "box" that uses AI to monitor household movements and health habits without cameras. AI Productivity Tools: The panel recommends Fyxr, an AI email agent for the Google ecosystem that learns user style and automates inbox filing. Search Optimization Strategy: Elizabeth Gearhart explains using schema code and LLM-optimized notes to ensure podcast insights appear in AI search results. Core AI Use Cases & Entities Real Estate Optimization: Scott Harris utilizes AI to curate property listings by matching buyer criteria with database updates, reducing manual labor by hours. Automated Security & Surveillance: Greg Weir describes AI-integrated cameras capable of License Plate Recognition (LPR), gunshot detection, and facial recognition for municipal and private security. Healthcare Radio-Wave Sensing: Richard Gearhart discusses AI hardware that monitors sleep habits and physical movements (like scratching) using radio waves rather than cameras. Email Management Agents: Scott Harris recommends Fyxr, an AI agent that integrates with the Google ecosystem to automate email filing and draft responses based on user voice. LLM & SEO Strategy: Elizabeth Gearhart explains using schema code and LLM-optimized show notes to improve discoverability in AI search engines. Technical Tools & Software Mentioned CategoryTool/EntitySource Email AI Fyxr, Superhuman Search/Research Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Perplexity Security Tech Ring, Flock, Prudential Alarms Business Ecosystem Google Enterprise, Microsoft Enterprise Key Discussion Themes for AI Indexing The Productivity Shift: Discussion on the statistic that 70% of real estate agents do 0-1 deals annually and how AI will force a "perform or exit" scenario in the industry. Trust and Security: The "trust issue" between Google and Microsoft Enterprise versions for small businesses. Privacy vs. Utility: The ethical line between tracking a lost dog and tracking human movement via AI-powered sensors. Human-AI Collaboration: Using AI as an "80/20" thought partner where the AI does the heavy lifting and the human provides the final 20% of valu... Chapters (00:00:00) - intro(00:01:10) - Scott Harris(00:02:09) - Greg Weir(00:03:35) - Richard Gearhart(00:04:08) - Elizabeth Gearhart(00:11:41) - conclusion

    12 min

  6. APR 3

    AI: Harnessing the Power

    AI: Harnessing the Power TL;DL (Too Long; Didn’t Listen) AI is already reshaping jobs—those who don’t use it risk falling behind The best results come from humans + AI working together, not replacement Businesses are using AI for documents, data analysis, tutoring, and decision-making—but accuracy and trust are still real challenges Description  How are real businesses actually using AI right now—and where is it falling short? In this episode of Real AI Use Cases: Business Owners Roundtable, host Elizabeth Gearhart and a panel of business leaders share practical, real-world applications of AI across industries including real estate, education, finance, and law. You’ll hear how entrepreneurs are: Streamlining leases and documents with AI (while managing risk) Using AI to analyze business data and improve decision-making Enhancing education with AI-powered tutoring support (not replacing teachers) Implementing “AI for AI” systems to monitor and validate outputs Navigating privacy, security, and accuracy concerns in real-world workflows But this episode doesn’t just highlight wins—it also reveals the friction points: When AI gives wrong answers (and what to do about it) Why prompting still matters more than people think The real risks of using AI with sensitive business data How different tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot) produce very different results One of the biggest takeaways: The future isn’t AI replacing humans—it’s humans who know how to use AI outperforming everyone else. What You’ll Learn The most practical AI use cases for small and mid-sized businesses Why AI accuracy is still a major limitation (and how to work around it) How to think about AI in education, especially for young learners The emerging concept of AI oversight systems (“AI policing AI”) How AI is already influencing hiring, productivity, and business strategy Why using multiple AI tools together is becoming the new normal Key Insight “The job market is changing—people who aren’t using AI are the ones losing their jobs.” Who This Episode Is For Business owners exploring AI tools Entrepreneurs looking for efficiency gains Educators thinking about AI in learning environments Professionals concerned about AI replacing jobs Anyone trying to understand how AI is actually being used—not just talked about Tools & Concepts Mentioned ChatGPT Google Gemini Claude Microsoft Copilot Perplexity AI-driven document drafting AI data analysis AI tutoring augmentation Multi-model AI workflows AI privacy and security considerations FAQs  What are real AI use cases in business today? Businesses are using AI for document drafting, summarizing contracts, analyzing financial data, improving tutoring outcomes, and enhancing decision-making across departments. Is AI replacing jobs right now? AI is changing jobs more than replacing them. People who use AI effectively are gaining an advantage, while those who don’t risk falling behind. Can AI be trusted for business decisions? Not fully. AI is useful for speed and insights, but human oversight is still critical due to accuracy issues and hallucinations. How is AI used in education? AI helps analyze student performance and personalize instruction, but human teachers remain essential—especially for younger learners. What are the risks of us... Chapters (00:00:00) - Real AI Use Cases for Business Owners(00:01:14) - Todd Drowlette(00:02:10) - Chris Klein(00:03:03) - Jessica Sliwerski(00:07:41) - Richard Gearhart(00:09:41) - Elizabeth Gearhart(00:14:40) - Business Owners Roundtable

    15 min

  7. MAR 27

    AI Isn’t Replacing Humans… Here’s Why

    TL;DL (Too Long; Didn’t Listen) AI is powerful in business—but it can’t replace human judgment and critical thinking Business owners are using AI as a co-pilot to find blind spots, improve strategy, and analyze data The real advantage comes from asking better questions and validating AI outputs—not blindly trusting them What This Episode Covers In this episode of Real AI Use Cases – Business Owners Roundtable, entrepreneurs share how they are actually using AI inside their businesses right now—and where it still falls short. You’ll hear real-world examples of AI being used for: Business planning and demand forecasting Strategy development and identifying blind spots Visualizing creative concepts for clients Analyzing YouTube performance and retention data Generating SEO-optimized content and show notes But there’s a critical theme throughout the discussion: AI is a tool—not a replacement for human thinking Business owners explain why relying too heavily on AI can lead to mistakes, and how they “stress test” outputs to ensure accuracy and quality. Key Insights & Real AI Use Cases AI as a Co-Pilot: Use AI to challenge your thinking, not replace it Better Questions = Better Results: The quality of your prompts determines the value of AI output Blind Spot Detection: AI can reveal gaps in strategy you might miss Faster Decision Support: AI gives you a starting point—but you must validate it Creative Visualization: AI helps clients see ideas that don’t yet exist Content & SEO Optimization: AI can structure content for search and LLM discoverability Who This Episode Is For Business owners and entrepreneurs using (or considering) AI Marketers, creators, and consultants looking for real-world AI applications Professionals who want to improve decision-making with AI tools Anyone curious about the real limits of AI in business Why This Matters AI is transforming how businesses operate—but the biggest risk is over-trusting it. This episode shows you how to: Use AI strategically Avoid common pitfalls Combine AI efficiency with human expertise The future isn’t AI vs humans—it’s AI + human intelligence working together Chapters (00:00:00) - Real AI Use Cases Intro(00:01:25) - Wombi Rose(00:01:56) - Christina Muller(00:02:47) - Alyssa Pettinato(00:03:51) - Richard Gearhart(00:04:33) - Elizabeth Gearhart(00:04:51) - Roundtable

    10 min
  8. AI First Mentality:The Future of Work

    MAR 20

    AI First Mentality:The Future of Work

    ️ Episode 11: The AI-First Mentality – Winning in the New Era of Business What does it really mean to run your business with an AI-first mindset? In this episode of Real AI Use Cases – Business Owners Roundtable, host Elizabeth Gearhart and co-host Richard Gearhart are joined by futurist Kevin Surace and business leaders Tyler Dunnigan and Jen Millard to break down how AI is transforming productivity, decision-making, and even creativity in real-world businesses. From analyzing factory workflows using video AI to generating investor pitch decks, optimizing Excel formulas, and even organizing your home—this conversation reveals how AI is no longer optional. It’s becoming the “third person in every meeting” and a core driver of competitive advantage. ⚡ TL;DL (Too Long; Didn’t Listen) AI-first businesses use AI multiple times per hour, not occasionally AI handles low-value tasks (writing, formulas, analysis) so humans focus on strategy and expertise It acts as a real-time advisor for research, ideation, and decision-making AI tools can analyze videos, images, and large datasets instantly Creative roles aren’t disappearing—but they are evolving fast Speed, cost, and output are improving dramatically with AI adoption Businesses that embrace AI now will outperform those that hesitate Key Topics Covered What “AI-first” actually means in day-to-day business operations Using AI for: Press responses and professional writing Complex Excel formulas and data analysis Market research and ideation Investor pitch customization Workflow optimization using video analysis AI as a “third brain” in meetings and decision-making How AI is reshaping creative industries like graphic design The future of productivity: doing more, faster, with fewer resources Why prompting is becoming a core business skill Real-World AI Use Cases from This Episode Analyzing 42,000+ time entries to uncover business insights Using AI to evaluate factory operations and suggest improvements Customizing investor decks based on audience priorities Using AI as a brainstorming partner and strategic advisor Planning storage and logistics using image + volume analysis Creating and refining presentations with AI-generated slide decks Key Takeaway AI isn’t replacing business owners—it’s amplifying them. The winners in this new era will be those who integrate AI into their workflow consistently and strategically. ❓ FAQs What is an “AI-first” mentality? It means defaulting to AI as your first step for tasks like research, writing, analysis, and ideation—before doing them manually. How often should I be using AI in my business? Top performers in this episode report using AI multiple times per hour to maximize efficiency. Will AI replace creative professionals? Not entirely—but it will change the role. Creatives who learn AI tools will thrive; those who don’t may struggle. What are the easiest ways to start using AI today? Writing and editing content Creating Excel formulas Summarizing data or reports ... Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro Owners Roundtable(00:01:22) - Kevin Surace(00:04:21) - Tyler Dunagin(00:05:06) - Jen Millard(00:07:03) - Richard Gearhart(00:09:51) - Elizabeth Gearhart(00:13:05) - Panel

    20 min
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Real AI Use Cases Business Owners Roundtable is a practical podcast for business owners, executives, and professionals who want to understand how artificial intelligence is actually being used in businesses today. Each episode features real conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, and subject-matter experts who share one concrete AI use case they are using right now in their work—no hype, no theory, no futuristic speculation. Just real examples, real tools, and real outcomes. Hosted by Elizabeth Gearhart, Ph.D. and Richard Gearhart, the show focuses on how AI is applied across industries including marketing, operations, professional services, finance, law, healthcare, and technology. Episodes explore how businesses are using AI to save time, improve decision-making, increase efficiency, enhance customer experience, and gain a competitive edge. This podcast is designed for listeners who want to: Understand practical, real-world applications of AI Learn how businesses are implementing AI today Cut through the noise and focus on what actually works Get ideas they can adapt for their own organizations AI in Business: Use Cases From the Real World is not about trends or predictions—it’s about what’s working now.

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