AI isn’t coming. It’s already here.
Seems like everyone is talking about artificial intelligence these days, and we here at Mandel Marketing are no exception. We use AI selectively to improve our business and our lives, and we wanted to know if, and how, others are using it. So we asked our network of thought leaders how they are using AI to improve their lives in 2025.
These testimonials highlight diverse ways individuals and businesses leverage AI, emphasizing its role in enhancing productivity, streamlining workflows, and fostering creativity. They also touch upon the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach, particularly in personal life and creative fields, even while embracing AI’s capabilities.
Use AI for Editing and Summarizing
I now use AI constantly throughout the day. First, for business, I use it for editing. I have found that depending on AI for content creation is a losing proposition, as you will get the most generic stuff you can imagine. But I have found that with the right direction, it can be an excellent editor. And you can drive it crazy with repeated requests and it has the patience of….a machine! Recently, I’m using AI more personally to save time. For example, I often see videos or podcasts that promise some insight, but who has time to view the video to find out the punchline? I grab the transcript from YouTube and paste it into AI and ask it to summarize the main points for me. If I want more information, AI can look for that, too. Or, I use AI to track down information on the internet. Instead of a Google search, AI will dig for you. Now, we can’t necessarily rely on finding the “right” answer…but it certainly can point me in the right direction quickly. These strategies have saved me a whole lot of time, which has been a big payoff.
Jeanne Klimowski, CEO, Wavelength Financial Content
Enhance Video Production with AI Tools
We actively use AI in our video production business, and it’s becoming an essential part of our workflow.
AI tools like MidJourney are invaluable during the concept and pre-production phases, allowing us to generate high-quality concept art and mood boards quickly. This helps clients visualize our creative ideas early. It’s particularly useful for pitches, being able to present polished visual representations of ideas makes our proposals far more compelling and easier to understand.
We also integrate Runway for AI-assisted video editing and VFX, which accelerates post-production by automating time-consuming tasks like rotoscoping and background removal. This allows our team to focus on the more nuanced, creative elements of editing, improving overall turnaround times for clients.
And finally, Synthesia plays a role when clients need scalable, talking-head content for internal communications or product explainers. It lets us produce high-quality video assets without the need for constant on-location shoots, which is perfect for projects requiring multiple language variations or ongoing updates.
AI isn’t replacing what we do, it’s enhancing the creative process and making us more efficient. By leveraging these tools, we can deliver faster, cut costs for clients, and push the boundaries of visual storytelling. It allows us to stay ahead of industry trends while keeping the human touch at the heart of our productions.
Ryan Stone, Founder & Creative Director, Lambda Video Production Company
Integrate AI for Scripts and Decisions
Yes, over the past year, I’ve integrated AI into both my business and personal workflows. On the business side, I use AI to help write scripts for social media videos. This ensures the content is engaging, concise, and tailored to our audience, saving time and streamlining the creative process.
On a personal level, I’ve used AI to help me make decisions, such as comparing golf clubs by specifications, price points, and other factors. It’s been incredibly helpful in organizing information and presenting insights, which has made my decision-making more efficient.
AI has been invaluable for both work and personal tasks, offering efficiency, adaptability, and a way to focus on the things that matter most.
Gustavo Munguia, Marketing Director, CD Law
Streamline Content Creation and Analysis
On the business side, AI tools help streamline processes so I can focus more on creativity and strategy. For example, I use AI for content creation, like drafting captions, brainstorming ideas, or repurposing blog posts into social media content. It’s like having a virtual assistant that works 24/7 to keep my brand voice consistent and engaging. AI also plays a big role in analyzing data, like website traffic or email campaign performance, so I can make informed decisions quickly. It saves time and helps me stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
On a personal level, AI simplifies tasks that used to feel overwhelming. Whether it’s managing my calendar, booking travel, or even creating meal plans, these tools allow me to focus on what matters most—building my dream lifestyle while enjoying the freedom to explore the world. It’s not about replacing human interaction or creativity but enhancing it. For me, AI is a tool to amplify productivity and make life a little easier.
I believe the key to using AI effectively is staying intentional. It’s easy to get carried away with the possibilities, but I always come back to: is this helping me serve my audience better? Is this freeing up time for things I love? If the answer is yes, I’m all in. AI is just another way to step outside our comfort zones and embrace innovation, which is at the heart of The Wanderlover mission.
Danielle Hu, Founder, The Wanderlover
Boost Efficiency with AI in Life
Yes, as AI has become essential in both my personal and professional life, I actively use it. AI has several amazing applications in both personal and professional life. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can potentially improve business operations and decision-making by automating tasks, analyzing data, and enhancing customer experience through chatbots. AI may assist with personal tasks like scheduling, email management, and making customized recommendations for entertainment or shopping. The primary goal of applying AI in both fields is to boost accuracy, save time, and create personalized experiences that will make work and daily life easier and more pleasurable.
Khunshan Ahmad, CEO & Founder, EvolveDash
AI Enhances Productivity and Creativity
I rely on AI constantly, both professionally and personally. At work, it feels like having an additional brain, assisting me in identifying patterns, automating tedious tasks, and enabling quicker, smarter decision-making. On a personal level, it helps me stay organized, learn new skills, and even encourages me to adopt healthier habits. It’s not about taking over my responsibilities, but rather about simplifying life and enhancing efficiency.
Dinesh Agarwal, Founder, CEO, RecurPost
Drive Efficiency with AI in Business
I use AI strategically in both business and personal contexts to drive efficiency and informed decision-making. In business, AI plays a key role in compliance management by automating repetitive tasks like document verification and regulatory updates. This minimizes human error and reduces costs associated with manual oversight. For instance, using AI to track real-time regulatory changes would ensure that no critical updates were missed, thus lowering liability risks significantly. It is about streamlining processes through AI while empowering teams to focus on higher-value initiatives.
Personally, AI helps optimize time and prioritize effectively. Tools like smart scheduling and task management applications improve productivity by organizing tasks based on deadlines and importance. For example, an AI-driven assistant can automatically rearrange a day’s agenda if urgent matters arise, ensuring critical responsibilities are addressed promptly. These tools save valuable time each week, allowing for greater attention to strategic priorities in both professional and personal contexts.
Integrating AI is not about embracing new technology for its own sake but about delivering measurable results. The main consideration is whether it delivers clear advantages, like reducing risks or enhancing efficiency. For me, AI’s value lies in its ability to simplify complexity, enabling both individuals and organizations to operate more effectively in demanding environments.
Bill Hall, Co-Founder & CEO, OurRecords, Inc.
Transform Photography Business with AI
As a professional photographer and business owner, I’ve embraced artificial intelligence as an invaluable partner in streamlining operations and enhancing creative output. The integration of AI tools has revolutionized both my day-to-day workflow and long-term business strategy.
At the heart of my AI toolkit is Claude, an advanced language model that serves multiple critical functions. I rely on Claude to elevate my communication with clients through polished email responses and engaging social media content that resonates with my audience. Beyond communication, Claude has become an instrumental partner in content creation, helping me craft compelling blog posts that showcase my expertise and connect with potential clients.
One of Claude’s most valuable contributions is its ability to break down complex business goals into actionable steps. By analyzing my objectives and target market, it helps me develop strategic workflows that enhance client satisfaction and business efficiency. Its deep understanding of my ideal client demographics enables me to refine my messaging and marketing approaches for maximum impact.
On the technical side, I’ve integrated Evoto AI into my photo editing process, dramatically improving efficiency without compromising quality. What once took hours of manual editing can now be accomplished in minutes – I edit one image to perfection, and Evoto AI applies those same sophisticated adjustments across an entire portrait session. This automation allows me to maintain consistent quality while significantly reducing post-processing time.
The synergy between these AI tools has transformed my business operations, allowing me to focus more on creative work and client relationships while maintaining the highest standards of quality. As AI technology continues to evolve, I’m excited to explore new ways to integrate these powerful tools into my business processes.
Candace Hires, Owner, Candace Hires Photography
Streamline Yoga Practice with AI
I use AI in my work to enhance productivity and streamline tasks that require routine responses, such as managing inquiries about yoga practices. It allows me to automate repetitive processes, such as responding to general questions or generating initial content drafts. This helps me dedicate more time to refining our educational materials and connecting directly with students. AI supports my efforts to keep up with the growing interest in yoga by assisting with content delivery, without sacrificing the quality of information shared.
On a personal level, I approach AI cautiously. While it offers significant benefits in terms of organizing tasks and accessing information, I maintain a strong focus on the human aspect of my practice. Yoga is about presence, mindfulness, and human connection, and I believe AI should never overshadow those elements. I use technology to support my learning and improve my efficiency, but I remain mindful of its limitations. The practice of yoga encourages being present and engaged, and while AI can help organize and inform, it cannot replace the deep personal connection that is vital to yoga’s true purpose.
Timothy Burgin, Founder and Executive Director, Yoga Basics
Create Spreadsheets and Transcribe with AI
I found that using AI to help create spreadsheets to be very helpful. For example, I’ll take a bunch of data from a website and ask ChatGPT to create a spreadsheet or CSV file that separates it into certain columns and rows and it will do it very effectively.
Another thing that I highly recommend doing—which I constantly do in both my personal and professional life– is using voice-to-text software like Whisper to transcribe my words and then have AI rewrite it.
For example, if I need to send out a company memo, I’ll record a voice note of myself talking about everything that needs to be done and sharing updates, etc. Then I’ll put that into ChatGPT and have it format it and structure it in an easy to read and understand way, which I’ve found to be very practical and useful.
But I should clarify that people need to use AI to augment their current abilities and not use it as a crutch to completely rely on.
If you’re simply using AI to just do the work for you without understanding what goes on behind it, then you’re doing yourself a disservice and you’ll quickly be replaced by the AI because you’re adding no extra value.
Devan Leos, co-founder & CCO, Undetectable AI
Use AI Precisely for Business
I use AI like a scalpel—precisely and only where it cuts waste.
For my business, AI drives data analysis, ad optimization, and client insights faster than any human could. It helps my clients win, so it’s indispensable. Personally? Never. Relying on AI for life decisions feels like outsourcing your soul. AI is brilliant at amplifying human efforts but terrible at replacing human instincts. Why? Because AI can predict what works, but it doesn’t understand why.
In advertising, that human ‘why’ is the magic that turns an ad into art. For businesses, if you’re not using AI, you’re in a race with horses when others have cars. For personal life, if AI is in your driver’s seat, you’ve missed the point of living.
Samuel Huang, CEO, Tele Ads Agency
Final Thoughts On Using AI
The experiences shared by these professionals and entrepreneurs paint a clear picture: AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day tool revolutionizing how we work and, to some extent, how we live. From automating tedious tasks and streamlining workflows to providing creative inspiration and data-driven insights, AI’s applications are vast and varied. However, a crucial theme emerges: the most effective use of AI involves a strategic partnership between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence.
While AI excels at processing information, identifying patterns, and boosting efficiency, the human element remains essential for critical thinking, creative vision, and understanding the “why” behind the data. The key takeaway is not to fear replacement by AI, but rather to embrace its potential as a powerful assistant, allowing us to focus on higher-level tasks, strategic thinking, and the uniquely human aspects of our work and lives. As AI technology continues to evolve, so too will its integration into our daily routines, promising even greater efficiency, creativity, and innovation in the years to come.