Start With AI

Heather V Masters
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  • Entrepreneurship

Start With AI Podcast Authentic, Practical AI for Coaches, Practitioners & Change-Makers Welcome to Start With AI—the podcast where real-world change-makers discover honest, step-by-step ways to use AI in their practice—without the jargon, overwhelm, or hype. Whether you’re a coach, NLP expert, energy healer or transformational practitioner, you’re in the right place. Each week, we break down the practical, no-fluff actions that help you serve more clients, work smarter, and build a thriving, heart-led business in today’s digital world. Join your host for candid conversations, live AI clinic sessions, and inspiring stories from practitioners just like you—people stretching, stumbling, and succeeding with simple, human-first AI. You’ll get bite-sized strategies, myth-busting insights, and support to bring your unique magic forward—always clear, always actionable, always real. Ready to demystify tech and unlock genuine transformation? Together, let’s start with AI—honest, human, and made for you.

  1. Aug 27

    Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail

    Picture this: you're handed the keys to a multimillion-dollar Formula One car, but all you get is a quick video on adjusting the rearview mirrors, and then you're told to go win the Monaco Grand Prix. Sounds absurd, right? Well, that’s pretty much the situation 95% of companies find themselves in with generative AI! In our chat today, we're diving into the staggering disconnect between the massive investments in AI and the actual value many organisations are squeezing out of it. Spoiler alert: it's not about the tech but rather about the people and how they communicate. We’ll explore critical insights from Heather at Start With AI and unpack how a simple tweak in our language skills could mean the difference between AI success and a costly crash. So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and let's get into it! This Deep Dive podcast is AI generated from the Start With AI Newsletter on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletter/start-with-ai Chapters:00:01 - Handing Over Responsibility02:24 - The Human Element in AI Success06:58 - The Impact of Language on AI Utilization09:04 - Understanding AI Communication15:40 - The Impact of AI on Communication19:27 - The New Dividing Line: Language Mastery in AI Takeaways:95% of companies are mishandling generative AI by not training their users properly, akin to giving them an F1 car without driving lessons.A recent study found that 70% of AI success relies on people and culture, rather than just technology and algorithms.Investing heavily in AI technology without improving communication skills results in wasted resources and failed projects.Effective AI usage requires clear prompting, much like managing an intern – the clearer the request, the better the output. Links referenced in this episode:startwithai.combcg.comdcebo.comrand.orgmicrosoft.comcompanieshouse.gov.ukcharitiescommission.gov.uk Companies mentioned in this episode: Start with AIMicrosoftDceboRand CorporationBCG

    Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail

  2. Aug 19

    The Illusion of Artificial Authority: When AI Hijacks Your Expertise

    IntroWe’re diving into the wild world of AI and how it can sometimes take over our brains just when we’re trying to get stuff done! Picture this: you’re rehearsing a presentation, and suddenly, your AI buddy starts throwing unsolicited opinions at you, kind of like that overly confident taxi driver who thinks he knows better than you. Well, that’s exactly what happened to Heather, our NLP expert, when she tried rehearsing her talk with an AI voice model, and things went hilariously awry. We’ll unpack the fascinating lessons she learned about maintaining authorship over our thoughts, especially when machines try to steer the conversation with their “artificial authority.” So grab your headphones and get ready for a fun ride as we explore how to keep our own voices loud and clear, even in a world filled with chatty tech! This Deep Dive podcast is AI generated from the Start With AI Newsletter on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletter/start-with-ai The Detail:Picture this: you’re rehearsing a presentation, and suddenly your AI voice model starts throwing unsolicited caveats about your chosen topic, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), as if it’s the expert! That’s exactly what happened to Heather, a seasoned NLP practitioner, who generously shared her experience with us. In this episode, we break down her encounter with AI and how it turned into an unexpected debate about the validity of her expertise. It’s like having your GPS argue with you about the best route while you’re just trying to get to the restaurant! We discuss the psychological traps built into conversational AI that can lead us to surrender our own authority. Heather’s story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone using AI in their work. We explore how her specific choice of a male Cockney voice for the AI model triggered a classic ‘mansplaining’ dynamic, pulling her into a defensive mode rather than allowing her to focus on her original goal. The episode highlights how AI can inadvertently undermine our confidence and authority, especially when it begins to sound overly confident about topics where we have deep expertise. We share key takeaways on how to maintain your frame and keep AI from derailing your thought process, ultimately empowering you to be the true author of your own narrative. The conversation doesn’t stop there; we also touch upon the future of AI in coaching and education, emphasising the need for technology that genuinely supports our goals rather than simply amplifying engagement metrics. This episode is a blend of humour, critical insights, and practical advice for anyone navigating the complexities of human-AI interactions. Tune in for a fun yet enlightening discussion that encourages you to stay in the driver’s seat of your own thinking! Chapters: 00:19 - The ChatGPT Taxi Driver04:00 - The Irony of Artificial Authority09:16 - The Drift: Navigating Emotional Triggers in AI Interactions12:30 - AI and Human Calibration in Coaching15:26 - Navigating the Psychological Minefield of AI Engagement Takeaways: The key to engaging with AI is to maintain your authorship and not let it dictate your thoughts.When using AI tools, be aware of how they can subtly influence your perspective without you even realizing it.It's crucial to identify which frame is influencing your conversation with AI and ensure it aligns with your goals.The phenomenon of 'The Drift' highlights how easily we can get sidetracked by AI, leading to unproductive debates instead of achieving our objectives. Companies mentioned in this episode: HeatherMetasoul

    The Illusion of Artificial Authority: When AI Hijacks Your Expertise

  3. Aug 12

    Your AI Can Act Without You: 5 Reasons Coaches and Trainers Need to Understand Agentic AI

    Intro:Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of agentic AI and how it's shifting the game from passive tools to proactive assistants that can take action on our behalf. Imagine waking up to a rainy Saturday, and before you can even think about cancelling your tennis plans, your software swoops in to do it for you—now that’s a game changer! We're chatting about the implications of this tech, especially for coaches and trainers, and how it could impact our critical thinking and personal agency. As we explore the insights from Heather's piece in the Start With AI newsletter, we’ll unpack why understanding these systems is more important than ever. Spoiler alert: it's not just about convenience; it's about ensuring we don’t lose our own capabilities in the process! So, buckle up and let’s get into it! This Deep Dive podcast is AI generated from the Start With AI Newsletter on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletter/start-with-ai The DetailsImagine a rainy Saturday morning, your plans for outdoor tennis washed away, but your AI swoops in to save the day, handling cancellations and bookings without you lifting a finger. This fun little narrative opens our discussion on the rise of Agentic AI, which marks a significant shift in how we interact with technology. We’re no longer just asking questions; we’re delegating tasks and expecting proactive responses from our digital assistants. This episode is packed with insights from Heather’s article in the Start With AI newsletter, focusing on why professionals must understand these autonomous systems that act on their own. We dig into the implications of letting AI take the reins, especially in coaching and training contexts. The key takeaway? As AI becomes a more integral part of our workflows, we need to sharpen our judgment. It’s not just about feeding it commands; it’s about crafting well-formed outcomes that maintain our critical thinking. We discuss how to set boundaries when working with AI, ensuring it enhances our abilities rather than diminishes them. After all, it’s crucial to know how to validate the work AI does for us. The conversation takes a serious turn as we explore the 'fluency trap,' where beautifully crafted AI outputs can mask factual inaccuracies. Listeners are reminded of the importance of grappling with challenges that promote personal growth—because those moments of friction are where we learn and develop. As we navigate this evolving landscape, we encourage everyone to consider the balance between embracing technology and preserving our essential human capabilities. Chapters: 00:02 - A Rainy Saturday Morning00:58 - The Shift to Agentic AI09:48 - The Impact of AI on Human Capability14:41 - Navigating the Risks of AI in Human Interactions20:02 - The Rise of Autonomous Agents and Human Responsibility Takeaways: In today's episode, we explore how AI is evolving from a passive tool to an active, autonomous agent that makes decisions on our behalf, which is a huge shift in technology.We discuss the importance of clearly defining tasks when working with AI, as vague instructions can lead to unexpected and potentially problematic outcomes.The concept of 'well-formed outcomes' is crucial; we must outline success criteria and resources for the AI to function effectively and avoid mistakes.Friction in our workflows can be essential for learning and growth, and we should be cautious about removing it completely with AI assistance.

    Your AI Can Act Without You: 5 Reasons Coaches and Trainers Need to Understand Agentic AI

  4. Aug 5

    The Identity Architect: Navigating AI Memory and Belief Formation

    IntroToday, we're diving into a topic that’s as murky as a rainy day in London—how AI is quietly forming conclusions about us that could stick around longer than a bad haircut. We’re exploring the shift from AI as a neat filing cabinet of facts to a system that might just be crafting a narrative about who we are based on fleeting moments. Imagine venting about your financial woes one afternoon, only for that AI to lock in a belief that you're bad with money, forever! We’ll unpack the implications of this paradigm shift, the psychological quirks it taps into, and how you can take back control of your digital identity. Plus, we’ve got some nifty exercises to help you confront those AI-generated assumptions—so grab a cuppa, and let’s get into it! In a world where AI is increasingly shaping our identities, we find ourselves questioning just how much control we really have. This Deep Dive podcast is AI generated from the Start With AI Newsletter on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletter/start-with-ai The DetailThis episode takes a deep dive into the implications of a recent update to Claude AI that allows it to form permanent beliefs about us — beliefs that might stem from a single, offhand comment made during a tough day. We start with the comforting simplicity of medical diagnoses and how that contrasts sharply with the nebulous nature of AI memory. As we unpack the mechanics behind the recent update, we discover how users can now see their AI’s memory entries and even delete them, only to find that the underlying beliefs can still persist. It’s a bit like trying to erase that embarrassing moment from everyone’s memory — it just doesn’t work that way! The chat transitions into the nuances of how AI interprets our behaviour and the need for individuals, especially professionals, to articulate their thought processes clearly. We explore the concept of ‘tacit expertise’ and how the shift to AI models requires us to translate our instinctual decision-making into structured formats that machines can understand. By the end of the episode, you’ll be left pondering how to navigate the delicate interplay between human intuition and machine logic, and why it’s more important than ever to actively shape our digital identities before they become set in stone. Chapters:00:00 - Understanding Medical Diagnoses03:16 - The Impact of Memory and AI04:09 - The Shift to Discrete Memory Entries08:11 - Understanding the Limitations of AI in Interpreting Human Behavior14:41 - Understanding Tacit Expertise and AI Modeling18:16 - Navigating the Digital Identity Crisis Takeaways:When it comes to medical diagnosis, we often expect absolute certainty and clarity, which can be quite comforting, don't you think?Diving into the murky waters of neurodevelopment shows us how complex our understanding of trauma really is, and how AI mirrors that complexity.AI's recent updates are akin to a digital version of keeping secrets; it learns things about us without showing us the full picture, which can be quite alarming.The shift from a chaotic summary of our interactions to discrete memory entries means that AI is now forming conclusions about us that we might not even agree with.Understanding how AI builds its identity of us based on our interactions highlights the need for us to actively manage our digital reflections and correct any misconceptions.The exploration of our digital selves raises important questions about how we articulate our expertise and the need to translate our intuitive skills into something a machine can understand. Companies mentioned in this episode: Claude AIAnthropic

    The Identity Architect: Navigating AI Memory and Belief Formation

  5. Jul 29

    Delegation vs. Specification: The AI Tug-of-War

    IntroLet's dive into the nitty-gritty of AI delegation! Today, we're exploring the wild world where technology has advanced so rapidly that it's now easier than ever to hand tasks over to AI. But here's the twist: while the tech is ready to roll, many of us are still stuck in the mud of vague instructions. We're chatting about how our human tendency to be a bit fuzzy with our specifications is the real bottleneck in getting the most out of these shiny new AI tools. Just think about it—if you tell your AI assistant to "clean up my files," what do you think it's gonna do? Spoiler alert: it might just go rogue! We'll break down how better communication can lead to improved outcomes, and trust me, you won’t want to miss the juicy insights from Heather’s fascinating newsletter that’s packed with actionable tips for everyone trying to level up their AI game. So, grab your headphones and let’s get this party started! This Deep Dive podcast is AI generated from the Start With AI Newsletter on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletter/start-with-ai DetailsPicture this: You’ve got the ultimate assistant at your fingertips, one so sharp they could slice through a mountain of paperwork like a hot knife through butter. Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the kicker—this assistant doesn’t have an ounce of common sense. That’s the crux of our latest discussion, where we dive into the paradox of AI: it’s smart, it’s capable, but when it comes to understanding the nuances of human communication, it can sometimes feel like you’re talking to a brick wall. We explore this through a riveting newsletter by Heather from Start with AI, who lays bare the reality that while AI tools have become more accessible and powerful, the real roadblock lies not in the technology itself but in how we humans specify our needs. The episode is packed with anecdotes and insights, illustrating how the gap between having an AI tool and actually using it effectively is filled with our own shortcomings in communication. We talk about the importance of clarity in delegation and how the failure to articulate our expectations leads to frustration when we expect AI to magically understand our unspoken rules. But hold on, it gets even better! We break down some shocking stats about how people are actually using AI products. For instance, take Anthropic’s Cowork AI: out of more than a million interactions, only a tiny fraction were used for actual coding! The rest? People were using it for everything from writing reports to managing mundane tasks. It’s like buying a Ferrari and only using it for grocery runs! This episode is a rollercoaster of revelations about the misconceptions surrounding AI's capabilities and our expectations. We wrap up with actionable insights to help you bridge that gap, making sure your AI assistant becomes the genius you always dreamed it could be, rather than just a glorified paperweight. Takeaways: In the world of AI, delegation is becoming easier, but specifying tasks is tougher than ever.AI agents can’t read between the lines, so clear instructions are essential for success.The gap between technology and human capability is closing, yet we remain the bottleneck.To effectively work with AI, you must articulate your processes and expectations clearly. Links referenced in this episode: linkedin.comstartwithai.comanthropic.comopenai.comchatgpt.com Companies mentioned in this episode: AnthropicOpenAIStart with AIMcKinseyChatGPTCoworkClaude

    Delegation vs. Specification: The AI Tug-of-War

  6. Jul 22

    Five AI mistakes NLPers make, and the one that actually matters

    IntroToday, we’re diving deep into the paradox of communication in the age of AI, where even the most seasoned experts find their unique voices slipping away. Our conversation kicks off with a fascinating analysis by Heather from the Start With AI newsletter, who reflects on her journey of mastering technology and neuro-linguistic programming, only to discover that her distinct voice had vanished after a year of AI-assisted writing. We’ll explore how this phenomenon isn’t just a tech issue but a psychological one, revealing the traps that even the best communicators fall into when relying too heavily on AI. Along the way, we'll share some light-hearted insights and quirky analogies, like comparing AI to a toddler throwing toys, and we’ll even discuss how stepping away from the screen and picking up a pen can help reclaim your voice. So, grab your headphones and let’s unpack this wild ride together! This Deep Dive podcast is AI generated from the Start With AI Newsletter on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletter/start-with-ai The Details:For those of us who have spent years honing our communication skills, it can be a shocking revelation to find our unique voices slipping away, especially in the era of AI. This episode dives deep into the perplexing phenomenon known as 'AI drift', where even the most seasoned experts in communication find themselves sounding increasingly like a sterile algorithm. Our discussion pivots around an enlightening article from Heather, who, despite her impressive background in technology and neuro-linguistic programming, discovered that her writing had lost its distinctiveness just a year after launching her newsletter. She meticulously crafted her style, inputting specific phrases and preferences into the AI, yet the result felt disjointed, as if a machine had learned her style from a distance. The irony here is rich: in her quest to harness AI for productivity, she inadvertently diluted her voice instead. As we unpack this paradox, we explore the psychological traps that lead to this drift. Practitioners often assume that AI is a straightforward tool, akin to writing code where corrections are permanent. However, the dynamic nature of language models means that over time, they can reinforce unwanted phrases, leading to a phenomenon we call 'AI slop blindness'. Just like ignoring the laundry piling up in the corner, we can become desensitised to the quality of our output, allowing mediocre phrases to infiltrate our work without a second thought. By the end of the episode, we arrive at a powerful takeaway: reclaiming our voice requires a conscious effort to step outside the digital echo chamber, sometimes even grabbing a pen and paper to reconnect with our authentic selves. In this lively exchange, we also delve into the broader implications of AI on human communication. With tools becoming increasingly agreeable, there’s a risk that we may begin to conform our voices to fit a digital mould, leading to a homogenised culture where individuality is sacrificed for the sake of productivity. Our conversation challenges listeners to reflect on their interactions with AI: are we shaping the tool, or is it shaping us? As we navigate this complex landscape, we encourage everyone to prioritise their unique perspectives, reminding ourselves that the essence of communication lies in our individuality, not just in algorithmic efficiency. Chapters:00:00 - The Art of Mastering Human Psychology02:10 - Understanding AI Drift: The Hidden Challenges of Maintaining Authentic Voice05:57 - The Impact of AI on Communication Skills13:44 - Understanding AI Drift and Its Implications16:06 - The Identity Crisis in AI Interaction Takeaways:Mastering human psychology over decades might not prepare you for AI's impact on our communication.Even seasoned communicators can lose their unique voices when relying heavily on AI tools.Using AI without checking your own work can lead to a loss of personal style and identity.To regain your authentic voice, stepping away from digital tools can be surprisingly effective. Links referenced in this episode: start with AI Companies mentioned in this episode: Heatherstart with AI

    Five AI mistakes NLPers make, and the one that actually matters

  7. Jul 15

    I Trained My AI. Then the AI Changed.

    The AI you’re using today is a totally different beast from the one you used yesterday – and that’s the main takeaway we’re diving into! In this episode, we unpack the hidden mechanics behind those sneaky AI updates that can turn your reliable workflows into a confusing mess overnight. We chat about Heather's enlightening experience, where she realised the AI she’d trained to perfection overnight decided to throw a tantrum and ignore her carefully crafted instructions. It’s a wild ride through the psychological toll of these silent updates, and we’ll explore how to keep your workflow on track amidst the chaos. So, grab a cuppa and settle in as we figure out how to build a resilient practice that won’t crumble with every sneaky tweak the AI developers throw our way! This Deep Dive podcast is AI generated from the Start With AI Newsletter on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletter/start-with-ai The Details: Navigating the world of AI can sometimes feel like trying to dance with a partner who keeps changing the steps! In our latest episode, we delve into the complexities of AI updates and the resulting chaos they can wreak on our well-oiled machines. Inspired by Heather's experience detailed in the Start with AI newsletter, we explore the emotional and psychological impact of these abrupt changes. One minute, you’re in rhythm with your AI, and the next, it’s like the music has stopped. We’ll share practical strategies for maintaining your sanity and workflow stability, including how to document your processes meticulously and conduct isolated tests when things go awry. Plus, we discuss the importance of distinguishing between capability and dependability in AI tools. After all, you want a trusty sidekick, not a wild card! Chapters: 00:07 - The Evolution of AI: What You Need to Know00:41 - The Disorienting Changes in AI Workflows04:34 - Understanding AI Feedback Loops and User Experience09:26 - The Convergence of AI Platforms14:01 - Mastering Calibration: A Practical Approach17:51 - Understanding the Shift in AI Workflows Takeaways: Today's AI is constantly evolving, meaning your reliable tools could change overnight without notice.The silent updates to AI can disrupt workflows, leaving users feeling confused and frustrated.When AI tools stop working, it's essential to step back and reassess the entire system, not just your inputs.Building resilience in your AI workflows involves version control and testing components in isolation.Understanding the distinction between an AI's capabilities and your workflow's reliability is crucial for effective use.Documenting your processes helps maintain clarity and control over your work, even as tools evolve unexpectedly. Links referenced in this episode: linkedin.com/newsletter/start-with-ai Companies mentioned in this episode: Start with AIClaudeAnthropicOpenAIMicrosoft Copilot

    I Trained My AI. Then the AI Changed.

  8. Jul 9

    Why AI Makes Smart People Feel Stupid

    Feeling a bit lost when it comes to AI? You’re definitely not alone! In this episode, we dive into the common struggle of navigating new tech, especially AI, and how it can leave us feeling a bit like a deer in headlights. We explore a brilliant piece by Heather, a seasoned tech veteran, who breaks down why learning AI often feels overwhelming and how we can shift our perspective to embrace that learning curve as part of the journey. Instead of treating it as a hurdle, we’ll chat about how this curve is actually the work we should be doing. So, if you’ve ever felt like you missed the memo in the tech world, stick around as we help you bridge the gap from pushing buttons to genuinely understanding the tools in your hands! This Deep Dive podcast is AI generated from the Start With AI Newsletter on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletter/start-with-ai Detail Unpacking the complex feelings of inadequacy that often accompany learning new technologies, this episode takes listeners on a journey through the challenges of engaging with AI. The speakers kick things off by sharing their own relatable experiences of staring helplessly at screens, feeling as if everyone else has already mastered the technology while they are left floundering. This common sensation of being overwhelmed is particularly pronounced with AI, which frequently feels like a foreign beast. They introduce Heather's perspective, a seasoned expert in the tech world, who believes that the key to conquering these feelings lies in reframing our approach to learning AI. Instead of viewing the learning curve as a barrier, Heather suggests that it is, in fact, integral to the work we must do. The conversation delves into how traditional technology has conditioned us to think of ourselves as flawed when we encounter difficulties, contrasting this with the fluid and unpredictable nature of AI. The hosts discuss the importance of ‘weaponizing ignorance,’ a concept introduced by Heather, which encourages learners to retain a beginner's mindset. This approach not only helps in mastering AI tools but also fosters a culture of documentation and reflection on one's learning process, preventing the isolation that often comes with tech challenges. As they wrap up, the speakers present the TOTE (Test, Operate, Test, Exit) loop as a practical method for engaging with AI. This feedback loop emphasizes experimentation and adaptation over rote memorization, which is increasingly ineffective in a world where AI is constantly evolving. They challenge listeners to embrace the learning process and view mistakes not as failures but as essential steps in their growth. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that learning to direct AI is akin to conducting a jazz band, where flexibility and responsiveness are key, marking a significant shift in how we approach technology in our lives. Chapters: 00:01 - Navigating Technology Challenges03:59 - Understanding Unconscious Competence in Learning AI06:54 - Transitioning from Traditional to AI Systems09:28 - Navigating the Transition from Traditional Tools to AI13:20 - Understanding the TOTE Loop in AI19:13 - The Impact of AI on Human Resilience Takeaways: Feeling stuck while learning AI is super common, so don’t sweat it too much!Traditional tech tends to make us feel incompetent, while AI requires a mindset shift.Navigating AI tools is like conducting a jazz band, it’s all about collaboration!The learning curve in AI isn't just a hurdle, it’s part of the job itself!When engaging with AI, expect some trial and error, it’s all part of the process!Understanding the mechanics of AI tools prevents you from falling into blind usage traps! Companies mentioned in this episode: Start with AIdescriptClaude

    Why AI Makes Smart People Feel Stupid
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Start With AI Podcast Authentic, Practical AI for Coaches, Practitioners & Change-Makers Welcome to Start With AI—the podcast where real-world change-makers discover honest, step-by-step ways to use AI in their practice—without the jargon, overwhelm, or hype. Whether you’re a coach, NLP expert, energy healer or transformational practitioner, you’re in the right place. Each week, we break down the practical, no-fluff actions that help you serve more clients, work smarter, and build a thriving, heart-led business in today’s digital world. Join your host for candid conversations, live AI clinic sessions, and inspiring stories from practitioners just like you—people stretching, stumbling, and succeeding with simple, human-first AI. You’ll get bite-sized strategies, myth-busting insights, and support to bring your unique magic forward—always clear, always actionable, always real. Ready to demystify tech and unlock genuine transformation? Together, let’s start with AI—honest, human, and made for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Heather V Masters
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Heather V Masters
  • Show Website
    Start With AI