Summary
In this episode, AI architect and automation expert Michael Elliott cuts through the hype and shows business owners how to actually implement AI in a way that drives real ROI. Michael and Anthony break down why most leaders get lost chasing “shiny tools,” how to audit your calendar and workflow for automation opportunities, and why speed to lead is the number-one place to start if you want AI to make you money—not just noise. From turning inbound leads into 24/7 automated conversations, to eliminating manual data entry, to reactivating “dead” inquiries sitting in your CRM, this conversation is a tactical roadmap for using AI to remove bottlenecks, boost conversions, and future-proof your business. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by AI, this episode will show you how to start simple, go deep, and stop getting left behind.

Special Guest
Michael Elliott is an AI architect and automation strategist who helps companies integrate AI into their sales, operations, and data workflows. With a background in PPC, SEO, and performance marketing, Michael has worked with brands across the UK, Europe, and the US — including building fully automated revenue systems and AI-powered speed-to-lead engines that run around the clock. He specializes in identifying the biggest bottlenecks inside a business and designing AI systems that remove them, often saving hundreds of manual hours while increasing conversion rates and profitability. Michael also creates educational content on AI implementation, showing founders and teams how to move beyond prompts and into full-stack automation.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Importance of AI Simplicity
03:26 – Dealing with Shiny Object Syndrome
05:42 – The Calendar Audit: Finding Time for What Matters
07:04 – Improving Business Productivity with AI
09:48 – Human Adaptation to AI in Business
12:26 – Speed to Lead: The Critical Sales Advantage
14:58 – Cold Outreach vs. Inbound Inquiries
18:18 – Automation: From Lead Generation to Data Entry
22:40 – Overcoming Prompt Engineering Challenges
26:43 – Business Bottlenecks & the Necessity of AI
31:21 – The Urgency for AI Adoption & Final Thoughts

MICHAEL'S INFO:
Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/michaelelliott
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelelliottai/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelelliottai/

PODCAST INFO:
Website:
https://FutureFactory.live
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549
Amazon Music:
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory
FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1

ANTHONY'S SOCIAL:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3

Find great guests at PodMatch
https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast