AI cannot replace this
There are things AI will replace, and there are things it'll never replace.
As a marketer, I used to hate AI.
(Wow. That's a strong word)
When ChatGPT first came out, I'll scoff every time someone talk about using it:
"Lol, it can't even tell how many S's are in Mississippi "
"Did you know AI steals art?"
"If you're using AI, you're lazy"
Then I realized AI wasn't the problem. I was.
I was afraid of being replaced. That my skills could now be done faster and cheaper by a machine.
So I leaned in. Funnily the more I used AI, the more I saw the things it couldn't do – leadership, emotional intelligence, human connection.
We learn better through other humans
You can spend hours writing prompts, challenging ChatGPT, trying to learn. Or you can walk into room full of real people – generous, curious and alive, and walk out smarter and more informed.
That's why Answer Engine 2025 is an event you want to be at.
It's ironic that we're going to discuss AI search in a room filled with warm, physical bodies. But that's the point. People crave that. When we are engaged we learn better.
See, the first rule of learning is attention.
Remember Sejarah (History) class in high school? You hated it because you didn't care. You paid no attention. But observe anyone with interest in Pickeball today. They're watching YouTube tutorials, joining meet-ups, posting reels and just can't shut up about Pickleball.
What changed? Attention.
Today, people are losing attention online – scrolling past ads, skipping videos, zoning out on screens.
But get them into a room, and it changes. They lean in, connect and feel.
If there's one thing you take way from this post, it's this: If your digital marketing isn't hitting the way it used to, maybe it's time to stop over-optimizing and get people in a room.
Because humans discover better through connection.
Of course, remember to register early to Answer Engine 2025 (tickets will sell out).