By Stuart “Zero” Preston
Helping companies that do good do even good-er.
A Morning of Practical AI and Grateful Community
I recently had the chance to speak at The CATALYST at the Gilbert Chamber. We gathered to explore one goal: helping business owners get their time back through AI tools that support their systems, not replace them.
We had about 25 people in the room. Many were returning from previous AI talks, which I appreciated. Others joined for the first time, curious about how AI could help without adding stress or complexity.
Thank you to Nicole Charmoli, the Gilbert Chamber, and the Town of Gilbert for creating this space. The hospitality and energy in the room made it easy to share and connect.
Why Time Still Feels Limited
We started with a shared problem. Most business owners are doing too much themselves. Not because they want to, but because they feel like they have to.
Tasks like follow-up emails, meeting summaries, calendar planning, and content creation pull focus away from leadership and strategy. These are important tasks, but they don't always need your full attention.
This is where AI becomes useful. When used with care, it takes the repeatable parts off your plate so you can lead the work that matters most.
Tools That Help Without Taking Over
I introduced several tools that fit into existing systems like weekly planning, SMART goals, and theme days – concepts shared by Karen Camblin of Guild Mortgage at a previous CATALYST session on Time Management. Each one is simple to use and supports your voice, not someone else’s.
AI Tools That Save Time and Energy
- Otter.ai: Record meetings and get summaries with action items
- Reclaim.ai: Protect time for deep work, admin, and rest
- ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini: Draft content, organize tasks, rewrite goals
- BrandAI: Create consistent content in your own tone and voice
- Canva Magic Write / Copy.ai: Generate fast visuals and clear copy
- Lindy.ai: Delegate small admin tasks using voice or chat
We used live examples to show how these tools can:
- Rewrite a vague goal into a SMART one
- Sort a task list using the Eisenhower Matrix
- Suggest a better daily plan from a handwritten schedule
- Build a week of content from one idea
None of this requires a background in AI. It only requires a willingness to try something that respects your time.
Try One Step This Week
If you're wondering where to start, try one small shift:
- Record your next call with Otter.ai
- Use ChatGPT to reflect on your week with three questions:
- What worked well?
- What should I change?
- What matters most this week?
- Let Reclaim.ai block a few hours for focused work
These are small steps. But they open up space for the work only you can do.
Thank You, Gilbert
To everyone who attended today, thank you. Your attention, questions, and presence made the session stronger.
If you'd like to discuss AI for your business, please reach out.. Also, here are the slides: https://bit.ly/ai-catalyst-jul...
Thank you again to the Chamber, the Town, and all the businesses working to build something good here.
Stuart Preston
Founder, Cingularis