AI isn’t always right. That’s why we’re listening closely.

We’re living through an era of rapid AI adoption—and growing discomfort. While tools get smarter and more powerful, so do the questions: What’s real? What’s reliable? What’s responsible?

A recent Axios article puts it plainly: AI is getting better at sounding right—even when it’s completely wrong. These “hallucinations” aren’t just glitches. They’re reminders that AI isn’t grounded in truth; it’s grounded in patterns.

That distinction matters—a lot. Especially for those of us working in strategy, content, learning and leadership.

Behind the scenes of a smarter conversation

We don’t pretend to have all the answers about AI—but we’re fully engaged in the questions that matter.

Our agency has been closely involved in shaping the Talent Development Community of Practice facilitated by Bellevue University’s Human Capital Lab. While we don’t lead the monthly sessions, we play a key role in making them happen by identifying timely topics, coordinating speakers and helping share the insights that emerge.

Lately, AI has taken center stage in those sessions—and the discussions have been some of the most candid we’ve heard.

In a recent session led by Valarie Williams-Foy of Imperial College London, participants wrestled with the promise and peril of AI in learning and development.

A few standout insights:

• “AI won’t replace humans — but humans with AI will replace humans without AI.” That quote, from a published article by Harvard Business School Professor Karim Lakhani, sparked meaningful conversation around augmentation versus replacement—and what that really means for those developing people and teams.
• Participants shared how they’re using AI to kickstart ideas and streamline low-risk tasks, while staying grounded in human judgment, nuance and values.
• Ethical concerns were front and center—from bias in hiring tools to authorship questions and the challenge of maintaining authenticity in AI-supported work.

Staying engaged, staying grounded

As a marketing agency, we’re using AI tools in smart, intentional ways. But we’re also listening—closely—to how our clients and collaborators are navigating this moment.

We’re not chasing hype. We’re helping shape meaningful, real-world conversations about how AI intersects with leadership, learning and communication. And we’re proud to support the kind of spaces—like the Talent Development Community of Practice—where those conversations can thrive.

Curious about what we’re learning? Let’s talk.