You Don’t Need AI Training—You Need Courage to Start the Conversation
- Carl Fransen
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
Introduction: The Big Misconception
When people hear “AI,” they often think: I need training. I need technical skills. I need to become a programmer. This belief is holding back millions of professionals from unlocking the power of AI.
Here’s the truth: You don’t need training to use AI effectively.
In fact, being overly technical can be a handicap. Why? Because technical experts don’t have your deep knowledge of your job, your industry, and your challenges. That’s your advantage.
The Myth: AI Requires Technical Expertise
The common fear is:
“I don’t understand AI—it’s too complex.”
“I need to learn coding before I can use it.”
“AI will replace me if I don’t become an expert.”
This mindset is outdated. AI today is designed for conversation, not configuration.
The Reality: Your Knowledge Is the Superpower
AI doesn’t need you to write code. It needs you to ask the right questions. You already have what technical people don’t: context, experience, and insight into your work. That’s what makes AI powerful—when it combines its capabilities with your expertise.
Why Technical Skills Can Be a Handicap
A technical person might know how to build a model, but they don’t know your business processes, your customer pain points, or your creative vision. AI adoption isn’t about algorithms—it’s about collaboration. And collaboration starts with a conversation.
Examples of Mundane Conversations You Can Have with AI
Personal Mental Health: “I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately. Can you suggest three mindfulness exercises I can do in under 10 minutes?”
Relating to Your Teen: “My teenager seems distant. What are five conversation starters that don’t sound like an interrogation?”
Understanding Global Events (e.g., Gaza): “Explain what’s happening in Gaza in simple terms. Give me the historical context and the current situation in under 300 words.”
Learning a New Language: “Teach me five basic phrases in Spanish for ordering food at a restaurant. Include pronunciation tips.”
Takeaway: Courage Over Coding
You don’t need a course. You don’t need a certification. You need courage—the courage to open an AI tool and start talking. Ask it questions. Explore ideas. See where the conversation leads.
Call to Action
Today, take one step:
Have a conversation with AI.
Ask it something you’ve always wondered.
Plan a project. Brainstorm a solution.
You’ll be surprised at what happens when curiosity replaces fear.
