Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic in the technology industry, and beyond, for quite some time now. People are leveraging AI to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and drive innovation, both professionally and for hobbyist ventures. Wes Bunch, CEO of Bridgehead IT, gets numerous questions daily around how he uses AI. Here, we will provide valuable insights into how the CEO of one of San Antonio’s largest technology firms uses Microsoft Copilot, an AI-powered tool, both for his own work and for his clients.
Personal Use of Microsoft Copilot
Wes Bunch acknowledges that while the tool is not perfect, it is reminiscent of the early days of the Internet. Just as the Internet was a game changer in the mid-nineties for those with the right mindset and expectations, Microsoft Copilot offers significant potential for those who approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Copilot has become a must-have for Wes, from attending virtual meetings in his absence and taking notes, to helping him efficiently manage a full Outlook inbox to finding the right gift idea for a friend’s birthday.
Client Use of Microsoft Copilot
For his clients, Wes encourages the use of Copilot as a starting point to learn how to use generative AI. He emphasizes the importance of educating clients and making the technology accessible. The Microsoft Copilot Scenario Library is a resource he finds particularly helpful. This library provides use cases by vertical market, helping clients understand how AI can be applied in their specific industries.
The Evolution of AI Tools
Wes further points out that the Microsoft Copilot Scenario Library is a dynamic resource that evolves over time. It is not uncommon to find typos or areas that seem incomplete, but these imperfections should not discourage users. Instead, he encourages users to view the library as “pregame material” that improves weekly. New features are added, errors are corrected, and users can learn something new with each visit. He emphasizes that this is not an area to get left in the dust on. Getting in early and learning the fundamentals will make its naturally fast-paced innovative rate of change far easier to digest as it evolves.
Avoiding the Hype Trap
As a counter to the point above, Wes also cautions against the pitfalls of buying into AI technology too quickly based on hype. Solidifying practices around a technology that is still evolving at warp speed can hinder a company’s ability to remain nimble. It is crucial to wait until there is a clear business case with a well-defined return on investment, just like any other IT project, before going all in.
Mindset for Success
A key takeaway from Wes’s approach is the importance of having the right expectations. He advises users to approach AI tools with an open mind and a focus on learning rather than critiquing. This mindset allows users to fully explore the potential of AI and adapt to its evolving nature.
The Takeaway
The use of AI by tech company CEOs like Wes Bunch demonstrates the transformative potential of these tools. By leveraging AI for both personal productivity and client solutions, CEOs can drive innovation and stay ahead in the competitive tech landscape. The Microsoft Copilot Scenario Library serves as a valuable resource for understanding and adopting AI, provided users approach it with a mindset of continuous learning and improvement.
