At the AI @ Work Conference hosted by the Future Ready Initiative, I set out to make AI less intimidating for small business owners. The workshop focused on showing how AI can simplify marketing tasks without replacing creativity. By the end, participants left with a step-by-step workflow and the confidence to use AI in their daily work.

The launch of Starbucks’ Bearista Cup created massive hype, but the roll out exposed real gaps in distribution, planning, and customer experience. This wasn’t just a merch drop, it was a case study in how demand forecasting, communication, and retail execution can make or break a brand moment.

AI isn’t replacing marketing teams, it’s reshaping how they work. As routine tasks get automated, teams can shift their focus to strategy, creativity, and customer understanding. The real change isn’t about tools. It’s about building a more agile, collaborative, and human-centered marketing function.