By Justin Stoddart

Introduction

Everywhere you turn, someone’s shouting about artificial intelligence. “Use it or get left behind,” they say. And truthfully, that’s not entirely wrong—AI is transforming how we work. What once required a team can now be done by a single person, faster and more efficiently than ever.

But if you’re a relational professional—someone who builds their business on connection, trust, and service—there’s a risk. A big one.

The very tool that’s supposed to make your life easier might actually be eroding the one thing that sets you apart: your humanity.

Let’s talk about how to embrace AI without losing the you in your business.

The Two AIs: Artificial Intelligence vs. Authentic Interaction

At ProInsight, we often emphasize the value of authentic relationships in business. Relationships, by definition, involve empathy, care, and service. That’s the magic you bring to the table—and AI can’t replicate it.

So when you outsource all your content, communication, and engagement to a bot, you risk replacing your authenticity with artificiality. And let’s face it—your audience can tell.

In fact, most of us have a strong authenticity filter. We know when something’s off. We can feel when a message is hollow or when a social media post wasn’t truly written by the person whose name is on it.

That disconnect doesn’t just fail to help your brand—it hurts it.

Use AI Strategically: Back Office vs. Front Office

In one of our Signature Network Masterminds, a member made a brilliant distinction: separate your work into back office and front office.

• Back office tasks = automation zone

• Front office tasks = human interaction zone

Let AI handle scheduling, reminders, data entry, or even initial content drafting. But don’t let it replace real conversations or the emotional weight of your story.

This approach allows you to use AI to free up time for face-to-face connection, whether that’s virtual or in person. The more genuine interactions you can have, the stronger your referral network, your client retention, and your business as a whole.

Keep the Soul, Let AI Provide the Structure

One of the most powerful assets you own is your human story. AI doesn’t have one. It can mimic it, but it can’t feel it.

That’s why storytelling is your superpower. But if you struggle to know what stories to tell, let AI give you structure—just don’t let it take over the soul.

For example, use AI to brainstorm prompts or organize your thoughts. Then you step in to add the emotional detail, the nuance, the personal experience. That’s how you create content that converts through connection.

The 4 Rules for Relational Professionals Using AI

As you navigate the intersection of AI and authenticity, keep these four rules close:

1. Use AI to enhance authentic conversations, not replace them.

2. Automate the back office, not the front office.

3. Keep your voice, your stories, your humanity.

4. Always review AI-generated content to ensure it sounds like you.

Ask yourself: Would I actually say this? Does this post sound like my voice? If it feels off—cut it, tweak it, rewrite it.

Let AI be the scaffolding. You be the structure, the story, the soul.

Ready to Thrive with AI and Authenticity?

If you’re a relational professional looking to leverage technology without compromising human connection, you’re in the right place.

Our coaching for relational professionals and ProInsight Masterminds are built around one goal: helping you lead with authenticity in an increasingly artificial world.

So take a moment to reflect—how are you using AI? Is it freeing you up for more meaningful connection, or creating distance between you and your audience?

The right answer isn’t “AI or not.” It’s “AI, used wisely.”