AI in Advertising: How Your Energy Shapes Your Perspective
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to disrupt industries, professionals in advertising face a new frontier. AI has transformed how we analyze data, understand audiences, and even create content. For many in the advertising world, AI brings mixed emotions, from excitement about new possibilities to anxiety about being replaced.
If you’re leading in the advertising industry, it’s essential to understand not just the technology but how your energy and mindset shape your response to AI’s role in your business. Using iPEC’s Energy Leadership framework, we can explore seven distinct ways advertising professionals may view AI—each reflecting a different level of energy. Along with those views, let’s explore what people might say at each level.
Level 1 – Fear of AI: “It’s Going to Replace Me”
At the first energy level, individuals in advertising may feel powerless and threatened by AI. The mindset at this level is driven by fear and self-doubt. Here’s what you might hear from someone operating at this energy level:
“AI is going to make me irrelevant.”
“I’m worried there’s no place for me in this new world.”
“There’s nothing I can do to keep up with AI.”
This is a reactive mindset, where fear of change dominates, and AI is seen as an unstoppable force that will replace human creativity.
Level 2 – Resistance to AI: “It’s the Competition”
At this energy level, frustration and resistance surface. People at this stage view AI as a direct competitor, creating an us-versus-them mentality. They might express anger about AI’s growing presence in advertising. Common phrases might include:
“AI will never replace human creativity.”
“It’s stealing the art out of advertising.”
“This technology is undermining the value we bring to the table.”
There’s an air of defiance and frustration here, where AI is seen as an adversary that must be resisted.
Level 3 – Rationalizing AI: “I Can Learn to Work Alongside It”
At Level 3, a more rational and accepting mindset begins to take hold. Here, professionals are willing to learn how to integrate AI into their work, even if they’re not fully convinced of its benefits yet. Some common thoughts at this level include:
“I guess I can find ways to work with AI.”
“It’s not ideal, but maybe I can use AI to handle the less creative tasks.”
“I’m not thrilled about it, but I need to adapt to stay relevant.”
This level involves taking responsibility and seeing AI as something that can be leveraged rather than resisted, though there’s still some hesitation.
Level 4 – Collaborating with AI: “It Helps Me Focus on the Creative Work”
At this stage, advertising professionals start seeing AI as a valuable ally. They embrace it for its ability to streamline tasks and enable more creativity. People at this level might say:
“AI takes care of the busy work so I can focus on big ideas.”
“It’s freeing me up to do what I do best—be creative.”
“With AI handling data, I can zero in on crafting impactful campaigns.”
There’s a collaborative mindset here, where AI is viewed as a tool that enhances creative potential, allowing human talent to shine.
Level 5 – Seeing AI as an Opportunity: “AI Opens New Doors for Innovation”
Level 5 represents a major shift in mindset, where AI is seen as an exciting opportunity. Advertising professionals at this energy level fully embrace AI as a powerful tool that can drive innovation. You might hear things like:
“AI is opening up entirely new ways to connect with audiences.”
“This technology is helping us create more personalized and effective campaigns.”
“AI is giving us the edge we need to push boundaries in advertising.”
The outlook here is one of optimism and possibility, where AI is viewed as a game-changer in the industry.
Level 6 – Flowing with AI: “We Can Create Something Better Together”
At Level 6, individuals move beyond collaboration and into synergy with AI. The energy at this level is high and dynamic, allowing for seamless integration of AI into the creative process. People here might say:
“AI and I are in sync—it’s like a creative dance.”
“This technology is helping me innovate in ways I never imagined.”
“Together, AI and human creativity can produce incredible results.”
This level is characterized by a flow state, where AI and human creativity work together harmoniously to create something new and exciting.
Level 7 – Transcending with AI: “AI Is Part of Creative Energy”
At the highest energy level, AI is no longer seen as a separate tool. Instead, it is viewed as part of the universal creative energy. This perspective transcends the idea of competition or collaboration, recognizing AI as a neutral force that facilitates boundless creation. Here’s what someone might say at Level 7:
“AI is just another form of creative expression.”
“There’s no limit to what we can create together.”
“AI and human insight are both manifestations of the same creative energy.”
This level reflects pure creation, where AI is part of the broader creative process, enabling advertising professionals to tap into limitless potential.
Evolving with AI in Advertising
Your relationship with AI in advertising isn’t static. By applying Energy Leadership, you can consciously shift from fear and resistance to opportunity and limitless creation. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or you’re already working alongside it, recognizing where your energy levels lie can help you navigate this rapidly evolving landscape with confidence.
By aligning your energy with the opportunities AI presents, you can lead the charge in transforming the future of advertising. If you’re looking to explore how to elevate your leadership and tap into new levels of creativity and innovation, let’s connect. Together, we can chart a course that allows you to thrive in this exciting new world.
