Yesterday, I hired a full-time publicist—and not any publicist, Ebony Bowden—a former New York Post award-winning reporter for the White House during the Trump administration. Lucky for me, she now advises Fortune 500 companies and individual clients as the founder of Eden Communications. Now, before you think “this guy” and eye roll, hear me out. No, I didn’t hire her because I think I have paparazzi at my doorstep (although I’d be photoshoot ready). And if you saw my ChatGPT video sharing the explosive value artificial intelligence (AI) can deliver with any information you need, you know I didn’t hire her because I needed the blueprint on how to market my book “Selling Keeps You Broke”. And while I’m always game for additional support, I didn’t even hire for content creation, as you might tell is a realm I relish.  What I sought, and what AI can’t deliver, is the irreplaceable human element as I continue to scale the presence of my book.

AI and the Indispensable Human Factor

In this AI takeover, AI has become a buzzword across industries at speeds faster than we can keep up with. AI’s ability to process large amounts of data and carry out complex tasks is undeniable. However, there’s one crucial aspect that even the most advanced AI cannot replicate: the human element. And it’s here to stay.

The Unparalleled Value of Human Experience

What AI does masterfully is analyze data, identify patterns, and make predictions. But it can’t experience. It can’t replicate the rich tapestry of human experience. It can’t learn from a hard fall or a triumphant rise. It can’t adapt with the understanding, intuition, and decision-making that experts, with their years of hands-on experience, can. This invaluable experience, this ability to navigate complexities and make sound decisions is… a human privilege.

The Power of Nuance and Context

Experts thrive in subtleties and contexts that AI, bound by its pre-programmed algorithms, can’t grasp. They interpret non-verbal cues, gauge emotional tones, and adjust strategies based on these nuances. This skill, this ability to decode the unsaid and read between the lines, is a uniquely human trait that can make or break any professional scenario.

Related: The Role of Intuition in Decision Making: Trusting Your Gut

Building and Leveraging Networks

Across every professional landscape, who you know often matters as much as what you know. Experts, through years of professional interactions, have cultivated extensive networks. These connections can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships. No AI can replicate the depth of these human networks or the value they bring. And while I can take the time to build this network from scratch, time is a luxury I don’t have.

Conclusion: Recognizing the Power of Expertise

While I have a decent grasp of how to aggressively market my book, and even the time to invest in doing the work myself, I recognize my weaknesses to create room for growth. The vast landscape of the media industry is not my playground. I am not privy to its secrets, its intricacies, or its best practices. More importantly, I don’t have an established network of contacts within this intricate media web—an invaluable resource that can fast-track my top-tier media endeavors. So, for me, hiring my publicist was not an expense; it was an investment that will yield results far beyond the direct services provided. 

This principle of leveraging expertise and networks isn’t exclusive to the media industry. It applies universally—whether you’re an ambitious entrepreneur, a high-powered executive, or a professional that’s serious about your results. Remember this when you’re contemplating hiring an expert: It’s not about the immediate results; it’s about the cumulative wealth of knowledge you’re investing in that will serve you greatly for years to come. So, don’t shy away from surrounding yourself with people who are better than you in certain areas or cut corners on cost. Engage experts. Leverage their networks. Learn from their industry expertise. After all, your success isn’t just about doing everything yourself—it’s about assembling a team that can execute effectively and excellently for sustainable success.

Learn. Elevate. Disrupt. 

Kash