So Reader, the other day, I read an article about how trust continues to decline because we're not sure what's real, and what's AI.

I get it.

We're all skeptics.

Me, too.​

I NEVER want you to doubt what's behind the scenes in what I'm sharing here.

So, here are the two big things you should know about how I use AI here at the moment:

1️⃣ I ALWAYS write this weekly email personally.

I think of these notes as a chat directly with you, writing the same way we'd talk if you were sitting on that chair next to me.

In fact, I keep an empty chair by my desk to remind me that I'm talking to you, even if we haven't met live yet.

So even though the bots can mimic my writing style—em dashes and all—I'll keep doing that work, thankyouverymuch.

Now, I'm happy to use AI as a writing and research aid, just like I used to use a thesaurus or a brainy friend. That means:

• Testing headlines. If you're not curious to open this note, I'm not being very helpful to you.
• Researching stories & data (more for when I'm writing for Harvard Business Review or prepping a speech).
• Rewriting clumsy or confusing sentences. However, it's about 50/50 whether I use the rewrite (it may be technically correct, but lack any zing or feeling I'm trying to convey.)

So that's how I'm using AI for writing. Now, the juicy stuff.

2️⃣ My client conversations on Zoom or Teams are NEVER automatically recorded and NEVER include the "notetaker" option.

Confidentiality and safety is a core part of my ethics as a professional coach. While many of the tools claim privacy, I'm not yet willing to take the risk with your stories and data.

(Plus, I worry that our AI notetakers are making us lazy. Who's reading all the summaries of meetings that should have been an email in the first place? 🎧)

Here are my exceptions:

1. When a client wants to revisit the coaching (for example, when we're working through tough conversations and I offer scripts or alternative language). But they need to ask (although sometimes I'll suggest it, but they have to say yes!)
2. When calls need to be recorded for my master coach training. In those cases, I ask and confirm permission three times: when we schedule, when we start the call, and at the close of the call.

So there's a lot of confusion out there about AI. I hope this helps you know what I'm doing here. Plus, here's a useful tool--the short & sweet AI newsletter & playbook from my friends at Superhuman. Sharing here if you'd like to get it, too (free).

So how 'bout you, Reader? How are YOU using AI in your work and life? Hit REPLY--I always love hearing from you--and I'm a real-life human behind this email, ready to respond and connect!

Yup, I'm a big believer in using new tech, but I always want to use it intentionally—and not let it use me. Humans rule, and you soar!

Always, Darcy

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P.S. Speaking of humans, this human will be leading a Mid-Year Reset, LIVE on LinkedIn, Wednesday, June 17 at 7pm Eastern. Click here to mark that you'll attend and get the reminders. Share this opportunity with your friends & colleagues who could use a boost as we move into the second half of the year, too. See you there! --D