All Feelings Are Valid: What I Hear Most About AI
ChatGPT Shopping, Ads and SORA 2
In every AI training session I lead, I begin with a simple reminder:
All feelings about AI are valid.
Excitement. Curiosity. Frustration. Fear.
They’re all welcome in the room.
Because before we talk about prompts or productivity, we need to talk about people.
And how they’re really feeling.
Here’s what I hear most often:
“I don’t have time to learn something new.”
You’re not alone. Most professionals feel stretched thin already.
The idea of learning AI on top of everything else can feel like one more demand, not a solution.
But here’s the shift:
AI isn’t one more thing. It’s a better way to do what you’re already doing.
When used intentionally, it can draft first passes, summarize long documents, brainstorm ideas, or automate tasks that usually drain time and energy.
The learning curve is real, but the payoff is reclaiming hours you didn’t think you could get back.
“There are too many tools. I don’t know where to start.”
Absolutely true, the AI landscape is overwhelming.
And when things feel overwhelming, the easiest thing to do is nothing.
But you don’t need to master everything. You don’t even need to explore ten tools.
Start with one problem you’re tired of solving manually and find one AI solution that helps.
That’s enough to get momentum.
You don’t need to be an expert; you need to be curious.
“I feel guilty for using AI. Or I judge others who do.”
This one’s important.
Some people feel like using AI is cheating. Like it makes them lazy.
Others feel judged, especially if they’re getting help from a tool when someone else is “doing it the hard way.”
But here’s the truth:
Using AI doesn’t make you lazy. It makes you resourceful.
It’s no different than using a calculator for math, formulas in Excel or Google Maps for directions.
The goal is better outcomes, not doing everything manually just because we always have.
And if we’re going to build an AI-positive culture, we have to shift out of guilt and judgment and into learning, collaboration, and support.
“I’m worried about bias.”
You should be.
AI reflects the data it’s trained on and sometimes that data carries historical or systemic bias.
But that’s exactly why we need thoughtful humans in the loop.
Bias isn’t a reason to avoid AI altogether, it’s a reason to use it responsibly, question it when needed, and stay involved in shaping its output.
“I’m worried about hallucinations.”
Another fair concern.
Sometimes AI generates content that sounds confident but isn’t accurate.
That’s why we teach people how to spot-check AI results, prompt better, and stay in control.
AI is a fast collaborator, not a flawless source. Think of it as a co-worker who’s fast and creative, but sometimes needs fact-checking.
“I’m worried about energy use.”
This concern comes from a place of care, and it’s valid.
Yes, large AI models require energy and so do emails, streaming, and nearly everything digital we rely on daily. Streaming is worse than AI right now.
The good news?
There’s growing innovation in sustainable AI infrastructure and model efficiency. NVIDIA is working hard towards this.
We can stay informed and intentional without swinging to extremes.
“I’m worried about jobs.”
This is the one that lingers.
And this is where leadership communication matters most.
When leaders are vague or silent, fear fills the gap.
That’s why I encourage every leader I work with to be crystal clear:
We’re not rolling out AI to replace you. We’re rolling it out to support you.
To eliminate busywork.
To unlock creativity.
To reduce burnout.
To help teams focus on high-value, human-centered work.
Yes, roles will evolve.
But evolution doesn’t mean elimination.
The future isn’t humans or AI, it’s humans with AI.
In every room I walk into, I see people who care.
They’re not just asking what AI can do, they’re asking what it means for their work, their values, and their future.
That’s a good thing.
Because progress with empathy and responsibility? That’s the kind of AI adoption that sticks.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, cautious, curious, or even conflicted, you’re not alone.
All feelings are valid.
Let’s talk about them and move forward together.
Shopping + Ads in ChatGPT: We Knew This Was Coming
My response to the poll above: Shopping fine, Ads Not a fan!
OpenAI just rolled out shopping inside ChatGPT. You can now browse and buy directly in the app, no clicks out to another site. The first wave is Etsy sellers, but Shopify and others won’t be far behind.
And ads? They’re coming too. Honestly, I knew this the minute OpenAI hired Instacart’s CEO. She’s the one who turned Instacart into both a retail and ad machine. Same playbook, new stage.
My Take
Not surprised. This was always going to happen, subscriptions alone won’t fuel growth at this scale.
Big opportunity. SMBs can get in early and show up where customers are already searching with intent.
But also a risk. If ads get pushy, they’ll erode trust fast. As someone who is paying for ChatGPT, I don’t want my conversations cluttered with promotions.
This is the shift: ChatGPT isn’t just a productivity tool anymore. It’s turning into a commerce platform. That changes how we think about customer discovery, advertising, and engagement in an AI-first world. https://openai.com/index/buy-it-in-chatgpt/
What is SORA 2 by OpenAI?
SORA 2 rolled out yesterday. Instead of being tucked inside ChatGPT, it’s a separate app where you can create, share, and remix short videos powered by AI. Think of it as a creative playground: you type an idea (or record a quick cameo of yourself), and Sora 2 brings it to life with realistic video, synced audio, and cinematic effects.
The experience is intentionally social and scrollable, much like TikTok, you browse a feed of AI-made clips, drop into other people’s creations, and experiment with your own. OpenAI says the focus is on creativity, play, and storytelling, not just passive scrolling.
For now, Sora 2 is launching first as an iOS app in the U.S. and Canada, with web access coming at sora.com. https://openai.com/index/sora-2/ It looks like fun. I have downloaded the app and am waiting on an invite code. 😉
2025 AI Adventures
October
October 7 Cincy AI from 3-5 EST at UC Digital Futures building. SOLD OUT. In person only. This is our two year anniversary! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cincyai-for-humans-tickets-1505053398229?aff=oddtdtcreator
October 8 Cincy SHRM from 8-9:30 AI for HR https://www.cincyshrm.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1917353&group=
October 14-16 MAICON Will I see you there?
October 23 Interact for Health AI for Nonprofit session SOLD OUT!
October 31 Max Technical Train Intro to AI virtual live class with me from 9-12 EST. https://maxtrain.com/artificial-intelligence/general-artificial-intelligence-and-business-applications/introduction-to-ai/
Coming to Chicago and Boston this month.
November
November 4 AI in Healthcare Cincinnati Summit
8:30am - 1:30pm, 1819 Innovation Hub, 2nd Floor
Who Should Attend? Healthcare system leaders, healthcare startups, physicians, clinics, public health officials - anyone interested in learning more about how AI will impact healthcare!
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1692580065539?aff=oddtdtcreator
November 4 Cincy AI from 3-5 EST at UC Digital Futures building. In person event. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1505080499289?aff=oddtdtcreator
November 5 WITCon Cincinnati Conference (Women in IT or Tech Conference) 8-5 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cincinnati-witcon-2025-thrive-forward-shape-tomorrow-tickets-1334418996139
I love answering your AI questions. Feel free to message me.
Where AI and inspiration collide!
Kendra Ramirez
KendraRamirez.com
We provide AI Speaking and Training, AI Readiness Assessments, AI Strategy, AI roadmap and implementation, and AI Coaching for small to mid-size businesses and nonprofits.
**For those new to my work, I have been in tech my whole career. Over 15 years of running my digital agency (website, social media, and lead generation) and 7 years of helping businesses navigate AI. Over the past two and a half years and, I’ve had the privilege of leading over 160 training and speaking sessions, empowering businesses to embrace the transformative potential of AI. My passion lies in simplifying complex technologies to help organizations grow, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
I am so excited that you are on this journey with me! Thank you! 🤗
I have been writing weekly about AI here for over two years. You can search all of my enewsletters here if you are looking to brush up on a certain topic. kendratech.substack.com