When you think about getting ahead as an entrepreneur, most of us picture working long hours, doing the gritty work, and hoping that hard work alone will get us there. But what if the real key isn’t just about how hard we work but how open we are to adapting—especially in a world that’s changing at light speed? That’s what I took away from my recent conversation with Hana Omori, founder of AI Marketing Flow. Talking with her didn’t just give me a new perspective on AI; it made me rethink the entire approach we take toward change.
Hana’s story isn’t your typical polished “tech CEO” tale. She didn’t have a grand plan or a crystal-clear roadmap for conquering AI. Her approach was much more gritty and organic—she got curious, dove in, and figured it out as she went. It’s refreshing, really, especially in a world where everyone seems to be waiting for the “perfect time” or “full expertise” before making a move.
Why AI Isn’t a Threat—It’s a Boost for What We’re Already Good At
I’ll admit it: I’ve been skeptical of AI. The hype, the jargon, the endless talk of automation taking over—it all felt a bit… forced. But Hana had a way of explaining it that was different. For her, AI wasn’t some looming shadow waiting to steal jobs. It’s a tool, one that amplifies what you’re already good at. Think of it as an extra set of hands to help you reach higher, not a replacement for what you do best.
“AI isn’t here to replace us,” she said. “It’s here to take what we’re good at and help us do more of it—faster, smarter, better.”
What I realized is that if you’re already skilled in your field, AI can be a game-changer. It won’t do the work for you, but it’ll help you work faster, letting you build on what you’re already good at and stay relevant in a world that’s always moving. But if you’re hoping it’ll just hand you success on a silver platter, you’re missing the point.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Think of AI as an Accelerator: If you’re bringing something valuable to the table, AI can take that and amplify it, giving you a competitive edge without cutting corners.
- No Magic Solutions Here: AI isn’t going to save you if you’re not bringing your own skills and effort. It’s a tool to build on, not a crutch to lean on.
- Focus on Skills First, Tools Second: Instead of worrying about what AI can do to replace jobs, think about how it can make you better at what you already do. The skills are still the foundation.
Get in the Mud: Waiting for Perfection is a Waste
What hit home for me with Hana’s story was that she didn’t come into the AI world by getting a fancy degree or spending years “studying up.” She jumped in, got her hands dirty, and started learning on the fly. There was no waiting for everything to be perfect. There was no, “I’ll wait till I know enough.” She didn’t see a perfect path; she just saw an opportunity and took it.
“I didn’t have a clear-cut path to AI, I just started tinkering and figuring it out. The plan came together as I moved forward.”
Her approach makes you wonder: how many of us are sitting on potential because we’re waiting for all the lights to be green? Spoiler alert: they never will be. Hana’s journey into AI was messy, and that’s what made it powerful. It’s a great reminder that action doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, it usually isn’t. You learn by doing, by adapting, and by rolling with the punches.
What I Learned from Her Experience:
- Don’t Wait for a Perfect Plan: Perfection is just a fancy way to procrastinate. Start now, and refine as you go.
- Lean into What You Know: Hana already knew SEO, so she used that to give her a foundation in AI. You don’t need to reinvent yourself to start in a new direction—just build on what you already have.
- Embrace the Messiness: Jumping into AI wasn’t a seamless process for Hana, but it was worth it. The learning is in the doing.
Reflections from the Interview
Hana didn’t just “learn AI.” She kept evolving, pushing the edges, and figuring out how to keep herself relevant in an industry that’s constantly shifting. It’s easy to stay in our comfort zones, especially when we get good at something. But Hana’s story reminded me that staying comfortable is the quickest way to get left behind. To really thrive, you’ve got to keep moving, keep adapting, and keep a little bit of that beginner’s mindset.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Stay Curious, Stay Hungry: Hana’s curiosity led her from SEO into AI, and that’s what keeps her evolving. If you’re not curious, you’re not growing.
- Push Past Comfort: It’s tempting to stay in our safe zones, but growth doesn’t happen there. If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re probably not advancing.
- Leave Room to Experiment: Hana didn’t just jump into AI and pick one thing to focus on. She tested the waters, experimented with different applications, and found what worked.
- Build on What You’ve Got: If you’re good at something, find ways to bring that into your next endeavor. Hana’s background in SEO gave her a unique edge in AI.
- Look Forward, Not Back: Instead of clinging to what was, Hana embraced what’s next. She’s constantly adapting, which is how she stays relevant in a fast-moving world.
Final Thoughts
If you’re here reading this, there’s probably something inside of you that’s itching for more. Maybe you’re eyeing a side hustle or thinking about diving into a new industry, or maybe you’re just tired of the same old routine. Either way, Hana’s story is proof that you don’t need a perfect plan to make a change—you just need to take that first step. Don’t let fear or the need for “perfect timing” hold you back. Start somewhere, adapt, and remember that even mistakes are part of the process.
CONNECT WITH HANA OMORI:
Website:https://aimarketingflow.com/