How I use AI

I think it matters to be open about how I use AI. In short, it supports the work. It doesn't do the work. Used well, it's an accelerant and a useful thought partner, but the thinking and the craft stay with me.

Your data isn't training AI.

My work is original.

Operational

AI doesn’t run my business. My AI operating system, which I call Silver, is built on Claude and personalised to how I work. The Prepared CEO is my methodology, which supports my business operations. Silver handles project management, meeting notes, preparation and technical support, with access to my Notion content, calendar and email only where I've approved it. Because it helps manage my email, it will see everyday messages as they arrive, but I'll only share confidential project material with AI if you've agreed. I'll always tell you if a call is being transcribed, and you can say no.

Content

AI doesn't write for me. Once a piece is mostly written, I use AI to edit and tighten. That applies to client work and to everything I publish myself. I use ChatGPT as a cross-check. My content is stored in Notion, where Silver helps me organise and manage it.

Creative

AI doesn’t design for me. Most of my work starts on paper. The finished work is then created by me, mainly in Adobe's suite (which has AI built in), using licensed image libraries and vector resources. I sometimes use AI to help visualise rough ideas, but no AI-generated imagery goes into final work, so there's no question over who owns what you've commissioned.

Collaboration

AI shouldn't be giving the feedback either. When you review my work, I'd like feedback from you, or someone on your team who knows the subject, rather than running it through AI and passing it on. If you'd like to use AI in the review, let's agree that up front. It can help, but it's no substitute for someone who knows what good looks like.

Ask Dave

Ask Dave is a public AI where you can ask questions about branding. Dave searches content I've written and published, using my methodology and my voice to provide answers. Your questions aren't stored, and nothing you type is used to train AI.

TLDR

• No AI is being trained on anything I supply to it.
• Nothing is sent, written or created without my say-so, and everything is checked.
• If you’re using AI, then let me know how.
• If you have your own AI policy, I'll work to it.
• If you'd rather AI wasn't used on your project, just tell me.

I write about using AI, so I hold myself to the same standard.

This isn't a contract, just an honest account of how I work. Reviewed regularly. Last updated September 2026.