Pre-Flight Checklist: The Moment We Choose (Post #20 of 20)
What story are we writing?
Everything I’ve written about so far comes down to one truth. AI will amplify whatever foundation we give it, good or bad, intentional or accidental. And fear of AI Adoption is only delaying the inevitable. AI is here to stay, but we still have a chance to shape the future by being curious enough to ask questions. If the future is built on foundations, then let it be the foundations we build with intent.
We are living in a story that will be told for generations. This is our story about humanity being redefined by an invention we created.
I’ve been waiting all 20 posts to get a Lord of the Rings clip in, and saved the best for last. Near the end of The Two Towers, Frodo is tired, overwhelmed and losing trust in everything he thought he knew. I can’t think of anything more relatable right now.
In the clip (watch if you can), Samwise Gamgee, the understated, bravest voice in the entire trilogy, gives one of my all-time favorite monologues in film history:
It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo…the ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. But in the end, it’s only a passing thing. This shadow. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. Because they meant something.
And then he says, “there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.”
This is a core belief. His core belief. My core belief. AI has changed everything. And the story is unfolding right now, which means now is the time to awaken with a renewed energy to plan our destiny. The future isn’t something happening to us, it’s something we are creating today.
A close friend once told me that the most important thing we can do in moments like this is to hold the tension.
The future is built by people willing to stand the tension between fear and possibility. We are standing in that tension now. And how we handle this moment matters.
Forget all the hype, the doom and the fear. Start asking, “what if?” Mel Robbins1 would say, “What if it all works out? Action kills fear.”
3-Step Framework: Building a Foundation for the Future
Keep it simple.
Align Your Intention. Be explicit about the future you’re trying to build. Don’t just be along for the ride. If you can’t state the purpose in one clear sentence, you’re not ready to automate with AI.
Anchor Outcomes in Human Judgment. Keep people in the loop where consequences are real. Oversight isn’t a matter of bureaucracy, but a necessary piece of the puzzle to ensure there is time for course correction.
Design for People Who Don’t Speak Tech. Most of the world won’t understand the models are the mechanics behind AI. Build systems that protect, empower and respect the people who depend on them.
Test Flight: The Leadership Courage Check
A 30-minute exercise for leaders who want to build the future with intention.
What is the future you say you are building? Write it one sentence. If it takes more than one, it’s not clear.
What is the future you are actually building with your current incentives? Systems don’t follow mission statements, they only follow instruction. What does “done” look like today, without AI?
Where are you cutting corners? List one place where “faster” replaced “better.” The place where you probably should have asked more questions. This is the place where the collapse of your future begins.
Who is absorbing the silent consequences of your AI decisions? If you can name them, you can protect them. Are they your employees? Customers? Communities?
What story will people tell about your leadership five years from now? This is the moment to think about the story that matters. Be honest. Will you be remembered as part of the problem, or part of the solution, for the future of AI?
Mission Debrief
How did it go? What did you uncover about yourself through that exercise?
AI is a tool that is shaping our society, regardless of how afraid or confused the general population may be. Fear is a natural reaction, but not helpful because it causes paralysis and invites panic. It’s also an easy emotion for others to manipulate. Instead of fear, choose curiosity. Ask “what would have to be true” for AI adoption to be successful.
Start there.
Stay tuned for Post #21. It will conclude these first 20 posts and include free downloadable “20-Point AI Adoption Checklist.”
Editors Note: In my first Substack post, I wrote about starting with “why.” As I wrote, researched and edited these posts, I have never been more convinced that now is the time we can build the foundation for responsible AI adoption, governance and security.
Along the way, I’ve met some incredible people whose insight, clarity and conviction made my own voice stronger. If you are interested in hearing some of those voices, please check out:
Mel Robbins Podcast, best selling author
You can choose a positive AI interpretation or a negative AI interpretation, but why not empower yourself with a positive one?
What if it all works out? I love this idea. If you try to automate without a clear purpose, you'll just amplify slop 🤷♂️ Those who succeed will be the ones who align their intention and build with conviction.