Navigating the AI Wave: A Guide to Authentic Business Growth

Navigating the AI Wave: A Guide for Authentic Business Growth

Back in February, when I first set out on my independent journey after leaving my role as General Manager at Arby’s, I hadn’t fully committed to resurrecting Stigma Marketing & Development. But one thing was clear: I needed to get ahead of the artificial intelligence (AI) curve. The existing and potential impact of AI is impossible to ignore. And so, I dove in. The moment the Marketing Destigmatized blog launched, I knew AI would have to be a topic to explore. From my initial encounters with ChatGPT two years ago while in the MBA program at the University of Montana—using it in its early days to help develop suicide prevention material—to now, AI has shifted from a curios tool to a reality central to business. Since then, I’ve prioritized obtaining certifications and coaching clients on using AI in ways that …

AI Llama Art - Business & Recovery: Authentic Lessons from the Startup Process

Business and Recovery: Authentic Lessons From The Startup Process

As someone who’s been in the trenches of both personal growth and professional development, I want to share a genuine update on what’s happening behind the scenes at Stigma Marketing & Development. It’s been a journey of growth—not just for the business, but for me personally. I don’t hide my history with alcoholism, at least not as much anymore. One-on-one, in private, I could easily talk about my recovery and confidently navigate the conversation. Looking back, I was getting more comfortable with it for many reasons: time, growth, and getting over the shame that drove me to alcohol in the first place. Yet, starting Stigma wasn’t exactly a black-and-white, clean decision. What was a clear decision was to leave my GM position at a fast “craft” food restaurant. Several things were going on then: Navigating the Messy Reality of Career …