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2 min read

A Thought-Provoking AI Fireside Chat, Feat. George B. Thomas (HubHeroes, Ep. 54)

 

Undoubtedly, we're going to leave 2023 with almost everyone in agreement that artificial intelligence (AI) and language learning models (LLMs) like ChatGPT will be one of the leading headlines of the entire year. 

We've already talked about AI's impact on the inbound and HubSpot ecosystem once before on the podcast, this past April:

"My fear is a lot of this AI technology that we're getting doesn't come with a manual. And even if it did come with a manual, we're not stopping to read it.

β€” George B. Thomas

George's fellow HubHero partner in crime, Jorge Fuentes, also shared this mic drop-level take on AI and ChatGPT that bears repeating:

"ChatGPT can't think for me. ChatGPT can't feign passion on a particular topic based on years of experience. ChatGPT can't join into client meetings and provide creative, outside-the-box solutions to complex problems that require a human touch. ChatGPT can't transform a piece of content from something "good enough," to a piece that is so human and helpful that it not only communicates information but shared values." 

This week, we're back with intimate, thought-provoking fireside chat with George about all things artificial intelligence, as we all start looking ahead to 2024. (I can't believe I just typed that, where has this year gone?!)

Following a powerful #INBOUND23 experience in Boston, during which artificial intelligence was a wildly hot topic (check out our #INBOUND23 recap!), we knew it was time for us to sit down for a more focused conversation.

George's take on inbound has always been simple ...

"It's all about the humans"

Even if you've only heard one episode the HubHeroes podcast, you know how much humanity is at the core of everything George does and teaches β€” from HubSpot technology and inbound tactics, to community-building and agency ownership, there are no exceptions to the reach of his human-centric ethos.

It's why he was so taken by the promise of HubSpot at #INBOUND12, his very first inbound event experience, and what laid the foundation for everything he does today. Heck, this podcast wouldn't exist had it not been for the moment he heard the battle cry of HubSpot that year:

"Don't call me a customer. I'm a human being."

That's why I wanted George and I to take a step back from the usual hustle and bustle of our banter-filled podcasts with our pals, Max and Devyn, to get his human-centered take on artificial intelligence. Because the AI train has long since left the station, and it's showing no signs of slowing down.

So, what does that mean for us mere mortals ... the passionate, goal-oriented, community-lovin' humans that come together to make the HubSpot Flywheel go 'round? Listen in to find out.

What We Talked About

  • What are George's initial reactions to this ravenous hunger for AI-based solutions that we are seeing from a lot of inbound marketers and business leaders?
  • What changed George's mind about AI and its value, when he was initially highly skeptical as to whether or not he wanted to adopt it?
  • Now, with about six months under your belt of testing and playing with artificial intelligence solutions with your own marketing and sales, what are some of the essential mindsets you believe others need to adopt to leverage AI while maintaining a human-centered approach?
  • How does George feel about business and agency leaders encouraging folks to cut corners using AI instead of doing the work that's necessary to make a piece of content what it needs to be? And what role do content creators need to play, as an advocate for the processes that guarantee the quality of their work?
  • What are the greatest fears that remain for George for inbound practitioners and content creators using AI?
  • What are the big questions about AI and ChatGPT that George will be asking himself over the next year? And what are the questions he hopes others will be exploring?

Additional Resources

HubHeroes Community