Most people aren’t creators. They’re editors. They tend to come from a place of defining what they like by declaring what they don’t like. Process of elimination.

It’s not their fault. It’s likely what they’re paid to do. Or they were talked out of being creative at some point by a parent, teacher or other mentor. So here we are.

But they are often placed in roles that include working with those who are creative and responsible for figuring out the voice of their company or organization, something that can be shapeless and changing and overwhelming. Yikes!

People are falling in love with AI because it bridges gaps and answers needs, creative and otherwise. It helps make the vague concrete. Specific reasons include:

• Convenience & Efficiency - AI-powered tools automate mundane and time-consuming tasks, making life easier. Whether it’s AI-driven personal assistants (like ChatGPT, Siri, or Google Assistant), automated scheduling, or smart home devices, AI enhances productivity and streamlines daily routines. This solves the “extra pair of hands” problem.

• Creativity & Personalization - AI is transforming creativity with tools that generate art, music, writing, and even code. AI-powered recommendation systems (like Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon) tailor content based on personal preferences, making experiences more enjoyable and engaging. This helps solve the “blank page” problem for both creator and consumer.

• Problem-Solving & Innovation - AI is revolutionizing industries by solving complex problems in medicine, finance, and science (among others). From diagnosing diseases faster to predicting market trends and optimizing logistics, AI is helping humanity push boundaries. This goes toward defining the “how far?” and “how fast?” problem.

For most people, something is better than nothing. Going from zero (the blank page) to one (something to react to) is a step in the right direction. It’s a start.

But then…what? What’s the journey from one to two once the ball is rolling? What direction do you head in? What happens when you want something that’s not only strategically sound but fresh and unique?

This is where using AI in an ethical, human-centric way can change the game and boost creativity. Here are some thoughts on how to do that:

• Mindful Integration - AI should enhance human work rather than replace meaningful roles, focusing on augmentation rather than elimination, aligning with organizational values and prioritizing well-being, fairness, and inclusivity.

• Responsible Practices - AI systems must be transparent and accountable, allowing users to understand decisions while avoiding biases that could reinforce exclusion.

• Reflective Practices - Continuous feedback loops and impact assessments ensure AI tools enhance human creativity and efficiency rather than limiting autonomy, improving user experience and problem-solving capabilities.

• Organizational Reasoning - Aligning leadership, employees, and customers on AI’s role prevents automation from undermining human contributions.

• Resilience Building - Adaptive AI strategies ensure technology remains a tool for empowerment rather than dependence by evolving with user needs. Scenario planning helps anticipate challenges, preventing unintended consequences.

But none of the above is a substitute for genuine creative thinking, that spark that creates the memorable, the shareable, the unique and the magical. It’s the companion to it. It’s the fuel for it.

AI is a tool. In real life, you don’t pick the tool before you know the task at hand. And you use the tool, not the other way around. AI simply creates an output depending upon your input and the reference material it has access to.

Beginning with the end in mind and sensitivity toward others is the right balance. When it comes to finding your voice, you will blend in at the beginning. That’s normal. Zero to one. But with the right tools, training and time, you will sing your authentic song for others to hear.

Who doesn’t want all the help they can get to do that?