AI - Real Business Owners Reveal How They Actually Use It, and What Scares Them

AI - Real Business Owners Reveal How They Actually Use It, and What Scares Them

EPISODE 20: REAL AI USE CASES – THE PROMISE AND PERILS OF AI IN BUSINESS What happens when AI becomes your assistant, your creative partner, and potentially your replacement? In this episode of Real AI Use Cases, hosts Elizabeth Gearhart and Richard Gearhart are joined by etiquette expert Thomas Farley (Mr. Manners), business strategist Lauren Paxton, and skincare educator Eva Kerschbaumer to discuss how they're using AI in their businesses today—and the concerns that come with it. From AI-generated visuals and automated presentations to diagnostic tools and digital clones, this conversation explores practical applications of AI alongside important questions about privacy, intellectual property, employment, authenticity, and human creativity. KEY TAKEAWAYS * AI can dramatically expand creative possibilities. Thomas uses AI image generation to create custom visual backdrops that would be impossible to find in stock photography. * AI can streamline business workflows. Lauren transforms dictated ideas into presentations, worksheets, agendas, and other business assets, saving significant time. * AI is enhancing education and diagnostics. Eva uses AI tools to help educate clients and support skin health assessments. * AI clones are becoming more realistic. Elizabeth discusses her experiment with creating a HeyGen video clone for content creation and marketing. * Privacy and ownership concerns are growing. The group explores how employee interactions with AI systems may become corporate intellectual property. * Human creativity still matters. Prompts, questions, and original thinking remain valuable differentiators in an AI-powered world. FEATURED AI USE CASES THOMAS FARLEY: AI-POWERED VISUAL STORYTELLING Thomas uses Midjourney to create highly customized visual backgrounds for his weekly "Mr. Manners Mondays" segments. AI allows him to generate scenes that perfectly match his content, helping audiences better visualize his message. LAUREN PAXTON: TURNING IDEAS INTO DELIVERABLES Lauren uses AI to convert dictated thoughts and presentation outlines into polished business materials, including PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, agendas, and supporting resources. EVA KERSCHBAUMER: AI IN SKINCARE EDUCATION Eva leverages AI as an educational tool for clients and uses emerging diagnostic technologies to help identify skin concerns and facilitate communication with healthcare professionals. ELIZABETH GEARHART: CREATING AN AI VIDEO CLONE Elizabeth shares her plans to create a digital version of herself using HeyGen. The goal is to produce educational short-form videos more efficiently while exploring the future of AI-generated personal branding. DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS ARE WE TRAINING OUR OWN REPLACEMENTS? Thomas raises concerns that employees may unknowingly be teaching AI systems how they perform their jobs. As AI learns workflows, decision-making processes, and prompts, organizations could potentially use that knowledge to automate roles or train future employees. WHO OWNS YOUR PROMPTS? The panel discusses whether prompts and AI workflows constitute intellectual property. Elizabeth argues that the questions people ask—and how they ask them—may become one of the most valuable forms of human creativity in the AI era. PROTECTING PRIVACY IN THE AGE OF AI Lauren explains why she invested in a closed, encrypted AI environment that keeps her information local rather than contributing to public AI training models. THE IMPACT ON BEAUTY STANDARDS Eva highlights concerns about AI-generated images creating unrealistic expectations, particularly among younger people who may struggle to distinguish between authentic appearances and digitally enhanced perfection. NOTABLE QUOTES "The prompts are so important. That's where the human ingenuity comes in." – Elizabeth Gearhart "We're training our own replacements." – Thomas Farley "Everything I put in my AI stays local and no one else has access to it." – Lauren Paxton "AI is a tool, but it's also extremely scary for me." – Eva Kerschbaumer CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Elizabeth Gearhart, Ph.D. – Marketing strategist, podcast consultant, AI educator, and founder of Gear Media Studios. Richard Gearhart, Esq. – Intellectual property attorney, entrepreneur, and co-host of Real AI Use Cases. LISTEN, WATCH & SUBSCRIBE If you enjoyed this discussion, subscribe to Real AI Use Cases for practical conversations about how real businesses are using AI today—along with the opportunities, risks, and lessons learned along the way.

AI - Building a ChatGPT Knowledge Base for Your Company

REAL AI USE CASES: BUSINESS OWNERS ROUNDTABLE – EPISODE 19 GUEST: JACE GRAHAM, FOUNDER OF RISING PHOENIX TL;DL (TOO LONG; DIDN'T LISTEN) * The Big Idea: Stop guessing if your sales team is hitting their marks. Jace Graham shares how he built a custom GPT "AI Supervisor" that listens to sales calls, grades performance, and writes immediate, personalized follow-up emails. * Roundtable Blitz: * Amy Scruggs reveals her blueprint for turning one long coaching video into a week's worth of social media content. * Every Cat shows how they use AI to instantly translate dense, intimidating scientific papers into easy-to-read public updates. * Richard Gearhart shares the frustrating, messy reality of trying to get different legal software platforms to talk to each other through AI. * The Hidden Cost: Why the massive boom in AI data centers is unexpectedly creating a gold rush for the natural gas industry and pushing the physical power grid to its absolute limits. EPISODE OVERVIEW How are real companies actually moving past the AI hype and driving measurable business results today? In this episode of Real AI Use Cases, host Elizabeth Gearhart brings together a roundtable of industry experts, founders, and professionals to pull back the curtain on how AI is changing the daily landscape of sales, marketing, non-profit operations, and infrastructure. Our featured guest, Jace Graham of Rising Phoenix, breaks down how his company built a proprietary ChatGPT knowledge base that acts like an interactive supervisor for his sales team—grading calls, providing real-time critique, and auto-drafting hyper-personalized follow-up emails. Plus, our roundtable dives into the challenges of system integration, the rapidly evolving landscape of new AI creative tools, and a fascinating look at the massive infrastructure and energy demands the AI boom is placing on the global power grid. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * The Custom AI Sales Supervisor: How Jace Graham leverages custom GPT frameworks to onboard teams, score live sales calls, and drastically reduce manual follow-up workflows. * Content Repurposing for Creators: Amy Scruggs (Amy Scruggs Media) explains her framework for instantly turning long-form video coaching logs into high-performing social media micro-assets. * AI inside Nonprofits: Jackie Ott Jaakola and Dr. Maggie Clacer (Every Cat) share how they use AI to instantly translate dense academic and scientific research papers into clear, accessible language for the public. * The System Integration Headache: Richard Gearhart (Gearhart Law) pulls back the curtain on the messy reality of trying to force separate legacy infrastructure platforms to communicate with one another using automated AI scripts. * The Real Cost of AI Power: A deep-dive look into data center infrastructure, the power grid, and why the AI revolution is creating an unprecedented long-term demand for natural gas. FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: ELIZABETH GEARHART, PH.D. (HOST) * Bio: Elizabeth Gearhart, Ph.D. is a marketing executive, legal professional, and founder of Gear Media Studios. Holding a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Elizabeth bridges the gap between deep technical science and creative media execution, hosting the Real AI Use Cases roundtable to discover practical digital strategies for modern business owners. * Connect: Gear Media Studios [https://www.gearmediastudios.com/] * RICHARD GEARHART, ESQ.: * Bio: Richard Gearhart is an entrepreneur, seasoned business owner, and intellectual property attorney specializing in innovation and patent strategy. As the founder of Gearhart Law, Richard brings over two decades of experience helping inventors and businesses protect their intellectual property, while consistently exploring how emerging technologies like automation and AI can streamline administrative enterprise infrastructure. * Connect: Gearhart Law [https://www.gearhartlaw.com/] JACE GRAHAM (FEATURED GUEST) * Bio: Jace Graham is an energy sector analyst and the founder of Rising Phoenix, a company specializing in advanced business solutions, AI strategy integrations, and operational automation. * Connect: Rising Phoenix [https://www.risingphoenix.com/] ROUNDTABLE PANELISTS: * Amy Scruggs: Media consultant, national TV host, and founder of Amy Scruggs Media. * Jackie Ott Jaakola & Dr. Maggie Clacer: Executive leadership and research contributors representing Every Cat, a non-profit organization dedicated to feline health advancement. * Richard Gearhart, Esq.: Founder of Gearhart Law, seasoned intellectual property attorney, and innovation strategist.

AI - 7 Practical Use Cases for Real Growth

AI – 7 USE CASES FOR REAL GROWTH What are businesses actually doing with AI right now — beyond the hype? In this episode of Real AI Use Cases: Business Owners Roundtable, entrepreneurs, marketers, engineers, podcasters, and innovators share real-world ways they’re using AI to increase productivity, improve operations, create content faster, scale businesses, and drive measurable growth. Hosts Elizabeth Gearhart and Richard Gearhart lead a lively discussion featuring: * Richard Browning * James McCormick * Catrice Austin The conversation explores seven practical AI use cases businesses can apply today, including: * AI research and decision-making * AI-generated content and podcasts * AI-assisted coding and software development * AI for health optimization and productivity * AI video editing and YouTube optimization * AI surveillance and threat detection * AI clones, avatars, and scalable content creation You’ll hear candid discussions about the benefits and risks of AI, including concerns about authenticity, automation, over-engineering content, and the future of creative work. Some standout moments include: * Using AI as a “research superpower” for solving unusual business problems * Building AI-powered commission systems and developer workflows * Training AI systems to detect threatening activity before crimes occur * Turning one podcast into books, frameworks, and monetized business assets with AI * The rise of AI avatars and cloned content creators * Why authentic human content still matters in an AI world This episode was recorded at the iHeart Studios in Manhattan as part of the Passage to Profit broadcast. FAQS WHAT ARE SOME REAL BUSINESS USE CASES FOR AI? Businesses are using AI for research, customer service, software development, marketing, podcast production, health tracking, surveillance systems, SEO, automation, and content generation. HOW ARE ENTREPRENEURS USING AI FOR PRODUCTIVITY? Entrepreneurs in this episode discuss using AI to automate repetitive work, speed up coding, monitor health metrics, optimize content, and generate marketing assets faster. CAN AI HELP WITH YOUTUBE GROWTH? Yes. Elizabeth Gearhart discusses using AI tools like Google Gemini and ChatGPT to improve viewer retention, optimize videos, and structure content for better YouTube performance. IS AI REPLACING SOFTWARE ENGINEERS? Not entirely. The guests explain that AI is making engineers significantly more productive by helping write and improve code, but human oversight is still critical. HOW IS AI BEING USED IN SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE? James McCormick explains how AI-powered video surveillance systems can identify threatening activities in real time and help deter incidents before they happen. WHAT ARE AI AVATARS AND CLONES? AI avatars are digital versions of people created using artificial intelligence. Businesses and creators are increasingly using them to generate scalable video and social media content. ARE AI-GENERATED VIDEOS REPLACING HUMAN CONTENT? The episode explores both sides of this debate. While AI-generated content is becoming more advanced, several guests argue that authentic human-created content still resonates more strongly with audiences. CAN AI HELP PODCASTERS? Absolutely. Podcasters are using AI for scripting, editing, show notes, SEO optimization, repurposing content, social clips, and audience retention strategies. IS AI SCARY FOR ENTREPRENEURS? Some guests discuss concerns around authenticity, privacy, creative jobs, and over-reliance on automation. Others see AI as a powerful assistant that helps small teams scale faster. WHO SHOULD LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE? This episode is ideal for: * Entrepreneurs * Small business owners * Podcasters and creators * Marketing agencies * Tech founders * AI enthusiasts * Business leaders exploring AI adoption

AI Agents Speeding Up Business Tasks

AI AGENTS FOR BUSINESS GROWTH: REAL AI USE CASES FROM ENTREPRENEURS, MARKETERS & CREATORS In this episode of Real AI Use Cases: Business Owners Roundtable, hosts Elizabeth Gearhart and Richard Gearhartsit down with business leaders using AI in practical, revenue-generating ways right now. From AI customer service agents and AI-powered marketing workflows to website SEO optimization, personal branding, and even longevity planning, this conversation explores how entrepreneurs are integrating tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Manus AI, and AI agents into their everyday operations. You’ll hear: * How businesses are using AI agents to improve customer experience and automate support * Why AI is transforming marketing agencies and creative work * How entrepreneurs are using AI to learn faster, work smarter, and build personal brands * Real discussions about the risks, limitations, and addictive nature of AI tools * Practical examples of using AI for SEO, website optimization, health tracking, productivity, and strategic decision-making Guests include: * Matt Ross * Eleanor Kubacki * Antonia Tomao * Elizabeth Gearhart * Richard Gearhart Key topics discussed: * AI agents for customer support and member services * AI in marketing agencies and creative operations * Using ChatGPT and Gemini for SEO and website optimization * AI-powered personal branding and thought leadership * AI for health optimization, longevity planning, and productivity tracking * The limitations and risks of relying too heavily on AI This episode was recorded at the iHeart Studios in Manhattan as part of the Passage to Profit radio show and podcast. FAQS WHAT ARE AI AGENTS IN BUSINESS? AI agents are software systems that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously using artificial intelligence. Businesses use them for customer support, scheduling, marketing automation, research, analytics, and workflow management. HOW ARE BUSINESSES USING CHATGPT RIGHT NOW? Businesses are using ChatGPT for SEO optimization, customer service, brainstorming, strategic planning, writing marketing copy, health tracking, business analysis, and personal productivity. CAN AI IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE? Yes. In this episode, Matt Ross explains how his company is building an AI-powered customer service tool that instantly answers common member questions, improving response time and customer satisfaction. HOW ARE MARKETING AGENCIES USING AI? Marketing agencies are increasingly using AI agents and automation tools for writing, design, content production, workflow optimization, and research. Eleanor Kubacki discusses how AI is already handling a significant percentage of agency work. WHAT AI TOOLS ARE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE? The discussion includes: * ChatGPT * Google Gemini * Manus AI * AI agents for customer service and marketing automation CAN AI HELP WITH SEO AND WEBSITE OPTIMIZATION? Yes. Elizabeth Gearhart discusses using AI tools to identify website problems and optimize pages to rank higher in Google search results. WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF AI? The guests discuss how AI can get “stuck,” miss smaller businesses or niche results, generate incorrect answers, and lead users down endless rabbit holes of information. Human judgment is still essential. IS AI REPLACING CREATIVE JOBS? The episode explores this concern directly. Eleanor Kubacki explains that AI is already doing a meaningful portion of creative agency work, creating both opportunities and concerns for leaders managing creative teams. HOW ARE ENTREPRENEURS USING AI FOR PERSONAL GROWTH? Guests discuss using AI for learning, health optimization, weight loss tracking, longevity planning, productivity coaching, and personal branding. WHO SHOULD LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE? This episode is valuable for: * Entrepreneurs * Small business owners * Marketing professionals * Podcasters and creators * Agency owners * Executives exploring AI adoption * Anyone curious about real-world AI use cases in business today

5 Real AI Use Cases

In this episode of Real AI Use Cases – Business Owners Roundtable, hosts Elizabeth Gearhart and Richard Gearhart sit down with Daniel Burrus, Mark Fox, and Dwight Heck to break down how real businesses are using AI right now—and what’s actually working. This isn’t theory. It’s practical, in-the-trenches use of AI tools across marketing, operations, product development, and decision-making. From AI-powered “thought starters” tailored to your role and industry, to using AI to audit (and even replace) underperforming vendors, this episode shows how business owners are turning AI into a competitive advantage. But it’s not all upside. The group also digs into the risks—unexpected costs, unreliable outputs, data concerns, and even ownership issues around AI clones. TL;DL (TOO LONG; DIDN’T LISTEN) * Businesses are using AI daily to save time, improve decisions, and replace inefficient vendors * Custom AI (your own knowledge base or GPT) is a major advantage over generic tools * AI comes with real risks: hidden costs, hallucinations, data security, and ownership issues KEY TOPICS COVERED * AI “assist” vs. full automation (and why that distinction matters) * How AI is being used to personalize learning and business insights * Using AI to navigate complex software and workflows instantly * AI in product innovation (including wearable tech for animals) * Replacing marketing agencies with AI-driven analysis * Optimizing video production, thumbnails, and YouTube growth with AI * The reality of AI pricing models and token-based systems * Why using multiple AI tools can improve accuracy * Security concerns and data risks with certain AI platforms * How to build your own AI knowledge base for business efficiency * Who owns your AI clone—and why you should care STANDOUT INSIGHTS * “Verify, then trust” — AI can expose ineffective vendors and wasted spend * The best AI strategy isn’t one tool—it’s using the right tool for the right job * Custom-trained AI (your own GPT or knowledge base) is where the real leverage is * Contracts matter: your AI-generated content and clones may not be yours by default FEATURED USE CASES * AI-generated, role-specific business recommendations * Screenshot-to-instruction workflows for software navigation * AI-assisted product development and health tracking analytics * Website and SEO audits using AI instead of agencies * Video optimization using AI-generated clips and insights RESOURCES MENTIONED * AI Strategy Report (Daniel Burrus) * Custom GPTs / AI knowledge bases * AI tools for video editing, design, and analytics ABOUT THE SHOW Real AI Use Cases – Business Owners Roundtable features real entrepreneurs sharing how they’re using AI in their businesses today—what works, what doesn’t, and what’s coming next.