Elevate AI CEO Thiago Ferreira Featured Guest on The Crawl Podcast by Next Net

TL;DR
Elevate AI Consulting CEO Thiago Ferreira joins The Crawl podcast by Next Net to discuss AI basics, misconceptions, and practical business applications. The 40-minute conversation covers common AI misconceptions, the difference between automation and generative AI, why many companies misunderstand AI training needs, how AI agents transform business operations, and strategies for building team confidence. The episode explores overcoming fear of AI in the workplace, fostering employee loyalty through training, the importance of double-checking AI outputs, valuable skills for the AI era, and business strategies for successful AI adoption. Key takeaways: AI can save time when used correctly but creates more work if misapplied, people skills remain invaluable, and businesses should review processes before automating. Available on Spotify.
I'm excited to share that I was recently featured as a guest on The Crawl, a podcast by Next Net, where I had the opportunity to discuss the basics of AI, its evolving landscape, misconceptions, and practical applications in business.
In this episode, hosted by Tristan Harris, we explore the pressure businesses face to adopt AI, the distinction between automation and generative AI, and the skills that will become increasingly valuable in the AI era. The conversation highlights the need for a mindset shift regarding AI's role in the workplace and how AI can enhance efficiency rather than replace jobs.
What We Discussed on The Crawl
This conversation was particularly meaningful because it addressed fundamental questions about AI that many business leaders are asking. Here's what we covered throughout the episode:
Introduction to AI Basics (00:00)
We started by establishing a foundation for understanding AI, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about its practical applications in business.
Thiago's Background and AI Consulting (02:10)
I shared my journey founding Elevate AI Consulting and how my experience has shaped my approach to helping organizations adopt AI strategically and effectively.
Common Misconceptions About AI (04:21)
We discussed how the AI conversation has become confusing, with many people equating AI with chatbots. The episode explores different types of AI beyond generative AI, including recognition tools, prediction AI, and autonomous systems.
Understanding AI Training Needs (06:19)
Many companies misunderstand the training required for effective AI use. We explored what proper AI training actually looks like and why it's critical for successful adoption.
The Role of AI Agents in Business (08:46)
We discussed how AI agents can transform business operations, automating workflows and handling tasks that free up human teams to focus on higher-value work.
Distinguishing AI Types: Automation vs. Generative AI (10:38)
One key distinction we discussed is the difference between automation and generative AI. While generative AI gets the most attention, automation often offers more competitive advantages for businesses. Understanding this distinction helps companies make better decisions about where to invest their AI efforts.
Elevate AI Consulting's Bootcamp Overview (12:27)
I shared details about our hands-on AI Training Bootcamp, which helps companies move from AI experimentation to measurable ROI through practical, role-specific training.
Building Confidence in AI Usage (16:11)
We explored how proper training and hands-on experience build team confidence, which is essential for successful AI adoption. Fear and uncertainty often hinder progress, but confidence comes from understanding and practice.
Fostering Employee Loyalty Through AI Training (19:33)
Investing in employee AI training doesn't just improve skills—it demonstrates that the organization values its people and their growth. This investment in human capital fosters loyalty and retention.
Overcoming Fear of AI in the Workplace (21:17)
Fear of job loss due to AI can hinder its adoption in companies. We discussed how to address these concerns transparently and shift the conversation from replacement to enhancement.
Creative Applications of AI in Personal Life (22:51)
Beyond business applications, we explored how AI can enhance personal productivity and creativity, demonstrating its versatility and practical value in everyday life.
AI's Role in Time Management (24:23)
AI can save time when used correctly but can also create more work if misapplied. We discussed strategies for using AI effectively to enhance productivity rather than complicate workflows.
The Importance of Double-Checking AI Outputs (27:01)
While AI is powerful, it's not infallible. We emphasized the importance of human oversight, verification, and quality control when using AI-generated content or decisions.
Valuable Skills in the Age of AI (29:22)
We explored the skills that will become increasingly valuable as AI becomes more integrated into business operations. People skills and storytelling remain invaluable, and the future will likely involve less intensive training as tools become more user-friendly.
The Future of Education and Human Skills (33:45)
As AI tools become more accessible and user-friendly, the nature of education and skill development will evolve. We discussed how this shift will impact training programs and professional development.
Business Strategies for AI Adoption (36:09)
We covered practical strategies for businesses looking to adopt AI, including the importance of reviewing processes before automating them to ensure efficiency and the value of starting with high-impact use cases.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI Interaction (37:08)
We concluded by discussing what the future of AI interaction might look like, how tools will continue to evolve, and what this means for businesses and professionals.
Listen to the Full Episode
You can listen to the full conversation on Spotify:
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Unlocking the Basics of AI ft. Thiago Ferreira
I'm grateful to Tristan Harris and the Next Net team for having me on The Crawl and for creating a space to discuss these critical topics in AI. Next Net is a platform that helps businesses achieve tech-powered organic exposure through AI-driven strategies.
What This Means for Your Organization
If you're working on AI adoption in your organization, this episode covers many of the fundamental questions you're likely facing:
- Understanding AI basics beyond the hype and misconceptions
- Navigating the pressure to adopt AI strategically
- Distinguishing between automation and generative AI to make better investment decisions
- Building the right skills for the AI era
- Shifting mindsets about AI's role in enhancing efficiency
If you're interested in learning more about how we help organizations navigate these challenges, explore our AI consulting services, check out our case studies, or book a free consultation to discuss your organization's AI journey.