The AI Revolution: How I Break Boundaries after 25 years in business

It's 1973, and I'm lying on my back in the yard, the warm sun beaming down on my face as I daydream about my future self. Even as a child, I imagined a strong, independent woman who helped others and taught new things. In my imagination, I had a robot assistant who worked alongside me, helping accomplish big things.

What I didn't know then was that I was neurodivergent—highly dyslexic with ADHD. School was challenging, but in "the world according to Kelly," anything was possible. When someone told me I couldn't do something, it only made me try harder.

Fast forward 50 years, and here I stand as a business owner celebrating my 27th year. Running a business with what used to be called a "severe learning disability" hasn't been easy. I've always had assistants and a decent-sized team to handle day-to-day operations. I never thought I could go it alone.

Then, three years ago, the world shut down, and I had to pivot. When AI burst onto the scene like a thunderstorm, I was initially frightened. But as I began exploring this technology, I realized something deliciously ironic: AI wasn't the job-stealing villain of sci-fi nightmares—it was the unexpected ally I'd been drawing in my childhood sketchbook of dreams.

For a neurodivergent mind like mine, AI has been nothing short of revolutionary. It helps organize scattered thoughts, improves communication, and creates structure where there was chaos. This technology has allowed me to work more efficiently and focus on what I do best—being creative and strategic.

This personal journey led me to explore how AI can revolutionize businesses of all types, especially those owned by women who often juggle more hats than a Broadway costume department.

The Plot Twist We Didn't See Coming

As women business owners, we've always had to be resourceful, adaptable, and forward-thinking. The AI revolution offers us an unprecedented opportunity to level the playing field, compete with larger organizations, and create more sustainable work-life integration.

The most exciting aspect of AI is not that it replaces human creativity and intuition—it's that it enhances these uniquely human qualities by handling the routine, repetitive tasks that drain our energy and time. This allows us to focus on what we do best: building relationships, solving complex problems, and bringing our unique vision to life.

My childhood dream of having a helpful assistant to handle the details while I focus on the big picture has, in many ways, come true through AI. And that potential is available to all of us who are willing to explore its possibilities.

Remember that AI is a tool, not a replacement for your expertise and human touch. The businesses that will thrive in this new era are those that find the perfect balance between technological efficiency and authentic human connection.

In the end, perhaps the most delightful irony is this: in an increasingly digital world, AI might just be what helps us become more human.