I felt behind on AI (even as a tech CEO)—here’s my confession

Sometimes we need a fresh start, whether it’s with a conversation, a project, or a new approach to technology. In fact, I just had an eye-opening experience that I want to share with you.

I had a great chat with an old friend from the marketing world this week about AI. Her comment struck me: “Your role just seems really technical.”

My response? There are two things happening:

1. Yes, as CEO of a software company, I need some technical knowledge.

2. But the “technical bent” she perceives comes mainly from how much time I spend learning and using AI.

Here’s the truth: It doesn’t feel technical to those who are trying it. It only seems technical to those watching from the sidelines.

Even as a “technical CEO,” I constantly feel behind. Another colleague with both marketing expertise and technical curiosity told me the same thing today: “When I actually feel caught up, I worry I’m missing something and should be looking for what’s new.”

Whether you’re just starting with AI or diving deep into cutting-edge concepts like agentic AI or MCP (the current hot topics), the only way to improve is to do it. I can’t stress this enough—you need to invest the time.

We recently launched Ephor.ai and are releasing features so rapidly that there’s something new every time I log in. The tools within Ephor are making my life easier in practical ways—like reviewing legal documents, which I’ve been doing extensively this week. The tool has helped me clean up and clarify contracts substantially.

And this isn’t “technical” work—it’s simply learning to use a tool as designed.

As a leader, you must get hands-on. AI isn’t going away—it’s here to stay. You’ll need to learn to read and use it, just like you learned to use spreadsheets early in your career.

The good news? I’m still not great at complex functions in Google Sheets. But with the internet and AI, I can simply ask how to do something, and it gives me the detailed formula. The barrier to entry has never been lower.

A curious shift: I’m spending less time on LinkedIn these days. My AI education comes primarily from Twitter/X and through hands-on experimentation with tools. There’s a constant state of productive overwhelm because there’s so much to try.

You can’t try everything, but getting your hands dirty will reveal opportunities. So here’s my challenge: try just ONE of these five tools this week.

Start with Ephor.ai and let me know what you think—send me an email with your experience. The platform is only getting better and more sophisticated every day.

Let’s Make Magic Happen,

K-Slow

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed is normal, but taking that first step isn’t as technical as it seems. FIO (Figure It Out) and see what’s possible!