Want to Future-Proof Your Business? Start Here…

If this is the first time you’ve opened one of my emails in the last two years, you might be surprised to learn that I’m now officially a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). It’s an honor that only about 17% of professional speakers worldwide ever receive, and I don’t take that lightly.

If you’ve been following me on social media or reading these weekly emails, you already know public speaking is one of my biggest passions. I love doing it. I love teaching it. And recently, I had the chance to attend one of the biggest events for professional speakers—the National Speakers Association’s annual Influence conference.

This year, Influence was held in beautiful (and scorching) Scottsdale, Arizona, and it was four full days of learning, networking, and being inspired by the best speakers in the world. We’re talking about people like Les Brown and Phil M. Jones—the author of that book I keep nagging everyone to get and implement in their daily huddles, Exactly What to Say (top left picture).

One of the biggest highlights for me was watching my good friend Clint Pulver (top right picture) get inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame. I had a front-row seat, a giant grin on my face, and was trying not to embarrass him by cheering too loudly.

What made it so powerful? Clint has only been speaking professionally for eight years. Eight years! Proof that impact isn’t about how long you’ve been doing something—it’s about how intentionally you do it.

But let’s talk about the topic that had everyone buzzing at this year’s conference: AI.

Artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech companies anymore. Whether you’re a speaker, a doctor, a business owner, or a manager leading a team, AI is already reshaping how we all operate.

One speaker demonstrated how you can hop onto a chat tool and say:
“Act as if you are Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, Brené Brown, and Elon Musk combined. Help me create a plan to grow my business by 30% in the next two years.”

And boom—instant “coach in a box.” Pretty wild, right?

Now, this got the Million Dollar Speakers Club (yes, that’s a real thing inside NSA) buzzing with worry. If AI can deliver strategies, KPIs, and business plans in seconds, what happens to people who only make their money giving strategies, KPIs, and business plans?

Here’s the answer we kept coming back to: AI can’t replace human connection.

AI might give you data, but it won’t sit across from your frustrated team member who feels unheard. It won’t catch the subtle eye-roll in a meeting that signals a deeper issue. It won’t look your doctor-client in the eye and help him realize he is a good leader—he just needs a new communication strategy.

That’s where you still win. That’s where I still win. Because the businesses that will thrive in the AI age are the ones that figure out how to use it as a tool while doubling down on authentic, human interaction.

So here’s my question to you:

 How are you using AI to strengthen, not replace, the relationships in your business?

Are you actively learning it, experimenting with it, or are you hoping it’s just a passing fad like fidget spinners? (Spoiler: it’s not.)

I’m personally taking two different AI courses right now, learning how to better serve my clients, save time and energy, and deliver exactly what my audience needs. Because like it or not, the AI age isn’t coming—it’s already here.

Until the robots rise up and take over, let’s make sure we’re the ones telling them what to do…nicely, of course.

Proactive, Productive, and Profitable,
Dino