I get a lot of messages from smart people asking the same question.

Founders. CMOs. Consultants.

"How do I start with AI?"

Here's the honest version of what worked for me. 

The Ferrari Framework

I think of AI as a supercar. A Ferrari.

I've never driven a Ferrari. But if I had one, I'd want to understand: 

↳ What can it do? 

↳ How do I drive it well? 

↳ Where am I going? 

↳ Am I enjoying this ride?

That's the framework. Four components.

1. Capabilities

2. Skills

3. Use cases

4. Mindset

You need all four to get the most out of AI.

1. AI Capabilities: Know what your Ferrari can do

This is where most people go wrong.

AI capabilities are doubling every seven months. What didn't work last year might work now. What feels impressive today will soon feel basic.

Here's how I think about it: 

↳ This is the worst AI you'll ever use. 

↳ Don't limit yourself to what the models couldn't do before. 

↳ Stay curious. Adapt continuously.

Start with AI assistants, not tools. Tools are just layers on top of models. Go straight to the source.

↳ ChatGPT: the leader, best all-round 

↳ Gemini: strong on image generation 

↳ Claude: exceptional for writing 

↳ Perplexity: built for research

Your Ferrari can drive. It can't fly. If you're trying to make it fly, the problem isn't the car.

Check yourself. Do you know…

• How to create a custom GPT, a Gem or a Claude Skill?

• When to use ChatGPT Agent?

• The difference between an agent and automation? 

If yes, you've got the capabilities covered.

2. AI Skills: Learn how to drive

Even great drivers need to learn a new car.

AI skills to build: 

↳ Prompt engineering 

↳ Context engineering 

↳ How to QA AI output 

↳ How to spot hallucinations 

↳ How to cross-check and evaluate

The only way to learn is by doing.

3. AI Use Cases: Pick your destination

I see people who know AI capabilities and have solid AI skills. But they never invest time identifying use cases.

Two moves: 

↳ Learn from existing use cases. Can you apply or reinvent them? 

↳ Look at your own workload. What's not working? What could be faster?

I use the AI Value Framework to think about this:

Productivity Wins 

↳ Same workflow, but AI handles some steps. 

↳ Example: AI drafts your blog post or checks grammar.

Operational Transformation 

↳ Completely re-engineer the workflow. 

↳ Example: Build a knowledge base of your content. AI writes from it.

Innovation 

↳ Think outside the box. New products. New formats. New experiences.  

↳ Example: An AI avatar that answers customer questions using your content. 

Productivity wins are the easy entry. 

Operational transformation is where revenue grows. 

Innovation is where the big opportunities live.

4. AI Mindset: Get ready for the ride

AI helps you scale yourself.

It enhances your strengths. It compensates for your weaknesses. Use it.

This is an incredible car that anyone can afford. But if you stay in the fear zone, you lose time and momentum. The less you engage, the less competitive you become.

Fear of change is natural. You're stronger than that.

↳ Start small: learn one capability and one skill.

↳ Pick one use case.

↳ Dedicate two hours a week to learn and implement.

Embrace it. Make AI your friend.

It can be playful. It can make work more joyful.