Practical AI Uses: Takeaways from WIFI’s Power Hour
By: Julie Borgognoni, Mannington Commercial marketing coordinator
As we kicked off 2025, I joined WIFI’s January Power Hour to explore a topic that’s been buzzing in every industry - Artificial Intelligence (AI). Hosted by Women in the Floor Covering Industry (WIFI), this session featured technology strategist Brent O’Guin and consultant Michelle Carpenter O’Guin from Modern Context, who shared insights on integrating AI into our professional lives.
Many people have mixed feelings about AI. Will it replace jobs? Will it make work less personal? It turns out, AI is here to support us, not replace us. As Brent put it, “We’re still the expert. We’re not passing off decision-making to AI. We’re still driving.”
AI as a Supportive Tool
The session emphasized that AI can enhance productivity without disrupting existing workflows. Studies show that knowledge workers using AI can be 25% more efficient and produce 40% higher-quality work - not just working faster, but smarter.
Practical Ways to Integrate AI
What I appreciated most was the real-world applications shared:
Content Creation & Editing: AI can refine emails, draft reports, and enhance communication.
Data Analysis & Decision-Making: AI helps process complex information and generate insights.
Project Management & RFP Evaluations: AI analyzes proposals, highlights key points, and optimizes workflows.
Brent’s advice stuck with me: “Don’t overthink how to use AI. Look at what you’re already doing and see where AI can make it easier.” That simple shift makes AI feel less intimidating and more like an ally.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
A key discussion point was data security. Brent warned, “Assume anything you put into free versions of ChatGPT is like putting it on your company’s website.” While AI is incredibly useful, professionals should be cautious and consider enterprise-grade solutions for sensitive data.
Biggest Takeaway: Start Small and Experiment
I learned that starting small, like using AI for tasks like summarizing meetings or drafting responses, is the best approach. As Michelle put it, “Encourage experimentation and integrate AI into what you’re already doing.”
AI isn’t some distant, futuristic concept - it’s already here, ready to help us work smarter. The key is to embrace it on our terms, and using it to enhance - not replace - our expertise.
Register for future power hours here!
Watch the recording here!