Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are driving change in how businesses operate, but one consulting firm shows that the true magic happens when AI works hand in hand with human expertise. Within this frame, Adriana Lacy is not just running a full-service communications and creative firm, she is reimagining what’s possible for businesses of all sizes. As the founder and CEO of Adriana Lacy Consulting, she’s helping smaller businesses scale their operations in ways that were previously only accessible to larger organizations.
From digital strategy and website development to graphic design, paid advertising, and more, her team has mastered the art of unlocking growth potential. Lacy embraces artificial intelligence as a powerful partner in transformation. Her firm uses technology to bring enterprise-level solutions to businesses that once considered such tools out of reach.
For Lacy, success lies in merging the precision of AI with the creativity and nuance only humans can provide. In our conversation, she opens up about striking this delicate balance with practical examples, talks about her AI tools driving her results, and her vision for a future where consulting seamlessly combines technology and human ingenuity.
To begin with, how would you explain AI and machine learning to someone without a technical background?
AI and machine learning are like teaching a computer to learn from examples, similar to how we humans learn from experience. A real-world example would be how Netflix recommends shows you might like. It learns from what you’ve watched before and the types of shows you typically watch during certain times or seasons. Then it uses these patterns to suggest new shows you might enjoy, just like how a friend who knows your taste in movies might make recommendations.
The key difference from traditional computing is that AI systems aren’t just following rigid rules – they’re learning and adapting based on the information they receive, much like how humans learn from experience.
That’s a great example! But many people end up relying too much on AI. How can they balance using it to improve performance without overdoing it?
Think of AI as a powerful assistant, not a replacement for human judgment. Use it to enhance your work by automating repetitive tasks, generating initial drafts, or brainstorming ideas – but always review, refine, and add your own expertise to the output. Set clear boundaries for when you’ll use AI (like research or first drafts) and when you won’t (like final decision-making or creative direction). Remember that AI is best at augmenting your capabilities rather than completely taking over tasks.
A practical tip is to establish a workflow where AI handles the time-consuming groundwork, freeing you to focus on the uniquely human elements like strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and creative insights that AI can’t replicate. This way, you’re leveraging AI’s strengths while maintaining your professional expertise and judgment.
Interesting! Can you share a real-life example of how your AI tools, Chime and InsightFlow, helped you solve a problem?
InsightFlow’s automation tools can transform data processing and analysis by quickly turning raw numbers into clear visualizations and insights. Similarly, on Social Chime, our AI writing assistant can help streamline social media content creation by generating initial drafts while leaving room for human creativity and brand voice refinement.
How do you evaluate the quality of the outputs from your AI tools, Chime and InsightFlow?
For us, the key is implementing a robust quality assurance process – checking outputs for accuracy, consistency with brand voice, and practical effectiveness. This involves human review, testing against established metrics, and measuring real-world impact. Most importantly, our AI outputs align with our business goals and maintain high standards for accuracy and value.
Generative AI is expansive and constantly evolving. What do you do to keep up with the latest trends and updates in generative AI?
Reading trusted industry publications like Digiday, TechCrunch, and following AI coverage in respected news sources like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times provides valuable insights into the evolving AI landscape. These publications offer a mix of technical developments, practical applications, and critical analysis of AI’s impact on various industries.
The key is looking at AI developments through multiple lenses – both technical and practical business applications. Trade publications often explore real-world implementations and challenges, while mainstream media coverage can highlight broader trends and ethical considerations.
