“I know I should be using AI…” 

The other day, I got a message from a close friend and former colleague, someone I deeply respect and had the joy of working with for years.

She’s now at one of those household-name companies that everyone recognizes, and she reached out to me for advice about something personal.

She’d been asked to lead an internal conversation on AI. Despite being a high-performing executive with a stellar track record, she felt uncertain.

“I know this is something I need to embrace,” she said. “But I don’t know how to actually start using AI in my everyday work. I don’t want to sound behind.”

That conversation has stayed with me. Because she’s not behind; she’s human. And she’s not alone.

From CHROs to team leads, leaders across industries are feeling this quiet uncertainty.

There’s a growing awareness that AI isn’t just a tech thing, it’s a leadership thing.

But knowing you need to embrace it and actually integrating it into your daily habits?

Those are two very different things.

As mi mamá used to say:
"No saber es malo, pero no querer saber es peor."
(Not knowing is bad, but not wanting to know is worse.)

This edition is for those who want to know and are ready to begin,

One  
  Step  
    At  
      A  
        Time.

THIS WEEK'S INSIGHTS:

If AI still feels abstract, you’re not behind; you’re human.

This week, we're naming the gap between awareness and action, and exploring practical ways to turn AI into an everyday ally.

No perfection required.

Inside this edition:

• Why the confidence gap around AI isn’t about intelligence, it’s about habit

• Three limiting beliefs that may be holding you back and what to believe instead

• Beginner-friendly AI tools you can start using right away

• Prompt frameworks that make AI more relevant and usable for your role

• An Insider Pro Tip for making AI work with your calendar and priorities

TRENDS: From Concept to Practice

A global survey by Workday found that 93% of decision-makers believe AI/ML is critical to success, yet only 29% feel very confident in their organization’s ability to implement it effectively.

To reinforce that gap, PwC’s 28th Global CEO Survey reveals that while nearly half of CEOs expect Generative AI to boost profitability, only about a third report high trust in embedding AI into core business processes. A deeper dive from PwC Ireland shows that 58% of CEOs have only limited or moderate trust in GenAI, underscoring a persistent “trust gap” even among top leaders.

That confidence gap isn’t just about access or understanding; it’s about habit.

Many organizations still treat AI like a side conversation, a special project, a one-time pilot, or a tech-team issue. But that misses the bigger shift.

AI fluency doesn’t come from a keynote or a strategy memo. It comes from repetition, from use, from curiosity in motion.

The real transformation happens when we move from treating AI as something to learn about to something we use as we lead.

TIPS: Limiting Beliefs → Empowered Shifts

To lead in the age of AI, we have to unlearn a few old scripts, especially the ones that make us feel small, stuck, or late to the party.

Let’s rewrite them:

Limiting Belief: I have to become an AI expert before I can use AI tools.

Empowered Shift: You only need to become an AI explorer. Start small and let use drive learning.

How AI Helps: Tools like ChatGPT or Copilot do not require technical skills. You can start by asking simple questions or giving everyday tasks a try. Speak or type naturally, as if you were talking to a colleague. The more you use it, the more intuitive it becomes. Learning happens through use, not just research.

Limiting Belief: Using AI means automating my job or replacing my team.

Empowered Shift: Using AI means expanding your capacity. Think of it as a co-pilot, not a competitor.

How AI Helps: AI can take care of repetitive, low-value tasks such as summarizing meetings, drafting emails, or organizing information. This frees you and your team to focus on higher-level work like strategy, creativity, coaching, and decision-making. It supports the work, not replaces the people.

Limiting Belief: If I don’t know the right prompt, I’ll get it wrong.

Empowered Shift: There is no perfect prompt. What matters is practice. Stay curious and iterate as you go.

How AI Helps: AI doesn't require precision; it responds well to context. If your first prompt doesn’t deliver what you need, you can refine it or ask follow-up questions. Every prompt becomes a learning moment, helping you build fluency one interaction at a time.

TOOLS: Try These Platforms + Prompts to Build Your AI Muscle

You don’t need to overhaul your workflow to get started. You just need to begin, right where you are. Here are some beginner-friendly ways to experiment:

TOOL: ChatGPT Voice (Mobile App)
This is a voice-enabled version of ChatGPT, available on iOS and Android. It lets you speak your thoughts, questions, or ideas out loud and get an AI-generated response instantly.

Tip: Try using it during your commute or a coffee break to talk through a challenge, brainstorm ideas, or prep for a team conversation. It’s like having a brainstorming partner in your pocket.

TOOL: Google Workspace Duet / Microsoft Copilot
These are built-in AI assistants inside Google and Microsoft tools (like Docs, Slides, Outlook, or Excel). They help you write, summarize, edit, and organize content with simple prompts.

Tip: Try these phrases: “Summarize this email thread.” “Draft a follow-up message.” “Create a slide outline from this text.” Start with tasks you already do.

TOOL: Notion AI
Notion AI is an assistant within the Notion workspace that helps you organize projects, generate content, and summarize notes.

Tip: Use it to draft meeting agendas, synthesize notes from a brainstorm, or outline a project roadmap. It’s especially helpful for async team collaboration and documentation.

Smart prompting isn’t about being technical; it’s about being intentional

Prompts are how you communicate with AI, and a good one can save you hours. Below are two prompts you can use now, plus the frameworks behind them so you can remix for your own needs.

Prompt: "What are 3 ways leaders in [your industry] are using AI to improve decision-making or productivity?"

Framework: Role + Industry + Use Case
You're asking AI to surface relevant, concrete use cases tailored to your role and context.

Tip: Replace [your industry] with something specific like "healthcare HR," "retail operations," or "enterprise sales." Use the answers to spark ideas for your next meeting or offsite.

Prompt: "Act as my leadership coach. I’m trying to get more comfortable using AI day-to-day. Where should I start this week?"

Framework: Persona + Goal + Time Horizon
You’re defining the role of the AI (coach), giving it a task (build comfort), and setting a time boundary (this week).

Tip: This keeps the output actionable and realistic. Great for building weekly habits.

Insider Pro Tip

Once you've gotten comfortable with basic tools and prompts, try this:

Prompt: "Based on my calendar this week, recommend 2 places I could use AI to save time or improve output."

This prompt assumes you're syncing your calendar or inputting your agenda. That lets AI become context-aware. It mimics what an executive assistant might do and helps you plan smarter.

👉🏽 If using AI felt safe and simple, where would you begin?

Closing Thought

AI isn’t a mystery you need to solve overnight. It’s a muscle 💪🏽 you build, one rep at a time.

So let yourself start where you are.

Repeat often.

Stay in the discomfort until it becomes confidence.

Poco a poco se anda lejos.
(Little by little, you go far.)

Hasta la próxima, Abrazos!
(Until next week, hugs!)

Monica Marquez

When You're Ready...

Here’s how I can help you and your organization take your leadership and professional growth to the next level:

Speaking: I deliver engaging, high-impact keynotes and workshops on AI-driven leadership, personal branding, career advancement, and transformation. Whether it's a corporate event, leadership summit, or industry conference, I bring practical insights and strategies that empower professionals to thrive in today's rapidly evolving world.
💃🏻 💃🏻 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IS AROUND THE CORNER! REACH OUT SOON, MY CALENDAR IS FILLING UP FAST!💃🏻 💃🏻

Learning & Development Consulting: I partner with organizations to design and implement learning experiences that drive real impact. From AI-powered career development programs to leadership training tailored to their talent, I help companies advance their workforce and create growth opportunities for high-potential professionals.

Did a brilliant friend forward this your way? Subscribe here to get ¡AY AY AY, AI! delivered fresh every week...straight to your inbox, con todo y sazón! Don’t get left behind.

How did you like today's newsletter?

Your opinion matters!

🔥 Loved it! It was insightful.

🤔 Decent read, but could be better.

😐 Meh, it didn't resonate with me this time.