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Imagine standing at the edge of a technological revolution.

• AI surrounds you.

• Chatbots await your every command.

• Generative tools promise to solve all your problems.

But what if I told you the most successful innovators aren't using AI to replace their thinking? They're using it to amplify their unique perspectives?

This is exactly what one CEO we all know, Sam Altman, is doing. Here's how...

How does Sam Altman use AI?

Now you'd think as the CEO of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, that Sam Altman would use AI for pretty much anything, right?

But this couldn't be any further from the truth. In fact, his approach offers us a counterintuitive lesson about AI that most people miss.

Conversations as the source for your best ideas:

In a recent podcast episode with David Perell, Altman says that much of his writing comes from conversations. It's the conversations he has that act as a "generative process", producing a "jumble of ideas". But the act of then writing is what helps Altman refine any idea he has, or "grind it down to the essence", as he puts it.

So, Altman isn't using AI to think of ideas for him. Everything he writes and speaks about is his ideas, experiences, and perspectives.

As I always like to say: "AI is a tool, not a replacement for our authenticity and uniqueness". It seems Sam Altman and I are on the same wavelength here. But the question is; are you?

AI as an intelligent amplifier

Imagine AI as a high-powered microscope.

Ths is a key distinction because a microscope doesn't create the specimen. It reveals details you'd otherwise miss. It helps you see your existing ideas with extraordinary clarity.

For Altman, AI is that microscope. It doesn't replace his thinking. It enhances it.

Leveraging AI to amplify your thinking:

When you use AI, you should adopt this same approach.

Otherwise, it's as if you're forging someone else's work. Plus you're not improving your written communication skills either. If you rely on AI too much, they can even get worse!

So, here are three strategies I leverage to use AI as an amplifier:

1. Start with your perspective

Your most powerful ideas come from within, from your perspective and experiences.

So, before you hand the reins to AI, take a moment to shape your raw thoughts. Your unique perspective is what makes your work valuable. So, use AI to enhance your voice, not define it. To do this, make sure you:.

• Draft your core ideas manually.

• Use AI to refine, challenge, and expand those ideas

• Never let AI generate the initial concept.

Not only does this help you stay mentally sharp, but it also helps you keep your content unique and personal to you. So, you’ll find creating it like a reflective exercise too, which is a nice bonus!

2. Ask intelligent amplification questions

AI is only as smart as the questions you ask it. As I like to say, your output with anything you do is only as good as your input. This applies to AI, as it does to anything in your business or life.

If you ask poor questions like Patrick Star is below, then what do you expect?

So, if you want deeper insights, you need to go beyond surface-level prompts. Use questions that challenge assumptions, and different angles. What works well too is using AI to uncover hidden gaps in your thinking.

When taking this approach, instead of saying "write this for me", ask:

• "What potential counterarguments exist to this perspective?"

• "How might someone from a different industry approach this problem?"

• “What blind spots might I be missing?"

• "Are there any points that are unclear?"

This makes such a huge difference for me because where there are thoughtful questions, there are thoughtful answers.

3. Maintain intellectual ownership

Your voice is irreplaceable. To keep it intact, think of AI as an assistant rather than a replacement author.

This way you maximise the impact of AI tools by combining it's capabilities with your own critical thinking and creative input.

• Always review and critically assess AI-generated content.

• Treat AI suggestions as recommendations, not gospel.

• Always inject your unique voice into your writing.

When your voice shines through, people connects with you, not just the tech behind the scenes.

Wrapping it up:

AI is the ultimate thinking partner, but only if you stay in the driver’s seat. The best results happen when your ideas come first.

When you’re using AI, always have that anaology at the back of your mind. It’s a brilliant help for me, ad i’m certain it’ll have the same impact for you too.

Moral of the Story:

Creativity isn’t found in shortcuts. It’s created through ownership, curiosity, and clarity.

So, start with intention, amplify with precision, and finish with authenticity.

Now, go out there and create something amazing.

Until next week,

Ryan

P.S. It’s my birthday, I turn 24 today!