AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not a silver bullet. Many entrepreneurs get caught up in the allure of automation and data-driven decision-making, only to realize that AI is just a technology—not a comprehensive business strategy. When used correctly, AI can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experiences, but overconfidence and blind adoption can lead to wasted resources, ethical dilemmas, and poor execution.

This session, led by seasoned entrepreneur Eric Veal (MBA, MS Information Systems, UW Foster School of Business) and copywriter Angela Starson, will provide a reality check on AI in business. They’ll share critical tips and tricks to help startups leverage AI effectively while avoiding the 5 most common pitfalls:

• Becoming Overly Dependent
• Using AI for a Single Use Case
• Getting Stuck on a Single AI
• Assuming Too Much
• Prompting Poorly
• ...

The tech ecosystem offers incredible opportunities to integrate AI in business, but it’s essential to use it strategically, not blindly. This session will arm startup founders with a grounded, practical approach to AI, ensuring they make smart, sustainable decisions without getting seduced by the latest buzzwords.