Do You Really Understand AI—or Just Know How to Ask ChatGPT?
Give it a try: open LinkedIn and search for “AI” combined with terms like Expert, Strategist, or Optimizer. Filter by people, 1st-degree connections, and your country. You might be surprised by the results.
In my case, a few contacts stood out—but when I looked closer, I didn’t find any formal qualifications, courses, or credentials in AI.
Today, AI experts are everywhere.
But do they actually understand how it works?
Everyone is offering courses, promising social media breakthroughs via perfect prompts, launching companies that claim they can fully “automate your business,” or preaching AI-powered sales mastery. Yet, few seem to have truly delved into the subject.
From my humble standpoint as an AI enthusiast, they remind me of something a friend once said: they have Reader’s Digest–level AI knowledge—an ocean of information just one centimeter deep.
The AI Boom & the Rise of “Experts”
There’s no doubt—AI is booming. Many leverage the hype to attract clients by giving away “free” courses (for your data or as sales bait).
We all love buying—but not being sold to.
That’s why I abide by this rule: If it’s free, you’re the product.
On the Other Side: Fear & Skepticism
I also know people who steer clear of AI entirely—they see it as a threat, something that will take away jobs or invade our lives.
Authors like Yuval Noah Harari and Andrés Oppenheimer offer rich perspectives on this. Their distinct views are insightful and worth exploring.
My Approach: Learn Before You Lecture
Knowledge—like anything truly valuable—comes at a cost. That’s why I chose to pay for courses that help me meaningfully apply AI in my field.
I don’t claim to be an expert; I’m a committed learner. My goal isn’t mastery, but proficiency—using AI thoughtfully, ethically, and effectively.
Courses that I highly recommend:
- AI for Business – Aleate (most practical and business-focused, highly recommended—excellent instructors and hands-on sessions)
- 5-Day Gen AI Intensive Course with Google (fully technical, great for understanding what you’re doing)
- LLM Engineering: Master AI, Large Language Models & Agents – Frogames on Udemy (technical, practical, tool-rich; even built upon a university-level course created via an LLM)
- AI Tools for Customer Search Guide – IEBS (sales-focused, good value even as a lead gen webinar; part of a broader program but highly useful)
How to Apply AI with Logic and Integrity
I follow the competitive strategies from José María Ibañez Gimeno in La gestión del diseño en la empresa. They translate well to AI:
1. Cost-Reduction Strategy
Use AI to save time and automate tasks—not to replace humans.
For example, I use LLMs to:
- Automate mechanical design calculations
- Clean and format data
- Get quick technical answers
- Generate reports, validations, and documentation
2. Focus or Personalization Strategy
Use AI to tailor products or solutions for specific segments. In my case:
- I have models that adapt code scripts for new contexts
- I merge technical texts to craft niche-specific proposals
- While I avoid generative video or image tools, I do use AI to develop Python scripts (e.g. to automate attendance via mobile)
Ever tried the same prompt in different LLMs?
Try asking ChatGPT, Gemini, and DeepSeek the same question—you’ll be amazed by the differences.
3. Differentiation or Innovation Strategy
Use AI to create something truly new—valuable, practical, economically viable.
I haven’t fully reached that level yet, but I'm clear it’s the path ahead. My first attempt was during my Master in Data Science & Big Data at IEBS, analyzing my own database of prospects and clients in Dagaa.
👉 I currently have 550 prospects and 179 projects (completed or ongoing).
Goal: Train a model to spot success patterns and predict which leads are likely to convert into real projects.
The model is a work in progress, but it helped me graduate and lays the foundation for a powerful internal tool.
Bonus: AI for B2B Sales
A tool I recommend: Apollo.io
With over 275 million B2B contacts—verified and segmented—it's more effective for CRM data feeding in Odoo than Sales Navigator in my experience when supporting a staff augmentation firm.
Conclusion
Everyone talks about AI—but few really use it with intention, judgment, and outcomes.
If you're integrating AI into your business or project, treat it like any powerful tool: with purpose, preparation, and responsibility.