3 rules for using AI as an entrepreneur | Zachariah Stratford | TEDxSouthLakeTahoe
Zachariah Stratford shares his personal journey of overcoming failure and loss to embrace the power of artificial intelligence (AI), illustrating how AI can help entrepreneurs and businesses thrive in an increasingly automated world. Through his struggles of being replaced in business, he highlights how mastering AI can lead to greater opportunities and stability. His story serves as a guide for others to integrate AI into their business strategies, becoming irreplaceable in the face of technological change.Zachariah discusses the rising threat of AI replacing workers, as seen in various industries. A study found that up to 800 million workers might need to find new jobs by 2030, highlighting the pressure businesses and employees face. He shares his own struggles of being forced out of companies he built and the emotional toll it took on him, demonstrating the vulnerability of being "replaceable."Embrace AI to become irreplaceable. Zachariah explains how he leveraged AI to launch successful businesses, helping entrepreneurs integrate AI into their processes. By mastering the use of AI bots—intelligent automation tools—he found success, both personally and professionally.Three Laws for Using AI Bots:1. Master the Art of Asking Questions
AI is a tool that requires guidance. Understanding your business and its processes allows you to ask the right questions and prompt the AI effectively. AI supports you, but your expertise makes it shine.2. Hide Your Bots
The best AI tools are seamless and human-like. Zachariah warns against using bots in a way that feels impersonal or deceptive. Your human touch is your superpower—use AI to enhance, not replace, your relationships.3. Pull Your Biggest Lever First
Focus on the areas of your business that can benefit most from AI. Start with the tasks you're already good at and automate them. Gradually scale up, using AI as a rocket fuel to accelerate growth.Zachariah has helped thousands of entrepreneurs use AI to build their businesses, from automating social media management to streamlining customer service. He also partnered with one of the largest universities in Latin America to create an AI business certification program. As AI continues to reshape industries, those who integrate it into their businesses stand to gain a competitive edge.Entrepreneurs, take charge of your future by integrating AI into your business. Start small, focus on automation, and use AI as a tool to enhance your business and personal interactions.If you're an entrepreneur or business owner looking to stay ahead in the age of AI, Zachariah’s story and practical advice will help you understand how to leverage this technology without losing your humanity. ? TEDx & International Speaker | ? AI & Publishing Visionary | ? Bestselling Author & EntrepreneurI’ve been replaced. Three times.
Each time, I rebuilt, learned, and adapted—until I became irreplaceable.Now, I help entrepreneurs and thought leaders turn their ideas into bestselling books and AI-powered businesses. As the founder of The One Book Millionaire, I’ve helped publish over 100,000 titles and launched multiple AI-driven startups.My TEDx talk explores how AI is transforming the future of work and how you can embrace it to stay ahead.? AI Business & Publishing Expert
? Author of Published with Jarvis, The AI Author Cookbook, and The Brain Dump Method
? 30 Bestsellers Published in 2023
? Co-Founder of Millionario.AI & Creator of AuthorWizard.AI
? Partnered with a top Latin American university to launch one of the world’s first AI business certificationsWant to become irreplaceable? Let’s connect.
? www.TheOneBookMillionaire.com
? YouTube | Instagram | Facebook This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 13:48Can we reimagine our world with AI? | Joel Blit | TEDxUWAI isn’t just about automation; it’s an opportunity to rethink the world around us. Joel explores how AI helps us share and displace tacit knowledge, unlocking a future where we don’t just replace old processes but completely reimagine them. Now is the time to embrace this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dr. Joel Blit is an Economics professor, Chair of the Council on Innovation Policy, and a Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. A leading expert on innovation policy and strategy, he studies the role of multi-location firms in knowledge flow, the impact of patents, skilled immigration and innovation, and the future of work. His research has been featured in The Globe and Mail, CBC, and The Economist. Joel advises policymakers and industry leaders on AI’s transformative potential, including CEOs, Ministers, and G7 representatives. His framework for technological disruption has been adopted by a multi-billion-dollar financial firm for its AI strategy. A sought-after speaker, facilitator, and consultant, he delivers talks, workshops, and consulting services globally. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, he lives near the University of Waterloo with his wife and four kids. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 16:00Repenser l’éducation pour changer le monde en une génération! | Joanie Lacroix | TEDxVille Marie EDÀ travers son authenticité et sa lumière contagieuse, Joanie nous invite à prendre notre responsabilité individuelle et collective afin de bâtir le monde de demain. Réalisatrice, productrice, animatrice, entrepreneure sociale , Joanie Lacroix multiplie les initiatives pour changer le monde. C’est suite au décès de deux de ses enfants qu’ont émergé de grands éveils de conscience, et cette transformation a fait renaître en elle le désir d’inspirer l’être humain à créer le monde de demain. Elle est la fondatrice de Pastel Fluo, une plateforme de contenu qui a pour mission de nous inspirer de mille et une façons à être le changement que nous voulons voir dans le monde.À travers la série documentaire de Pastel Fluo, Joanie va à la rencontre d’humains qui osent vivre et penser autrement. À travers son parcours, elle découvrira des humains qui, de par leur sagesse, leur authenticité, leur audace et leurs actions, viennent inspirer et transformer le monde chacun à leur façon. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 21:12Making the Impossible Possible: Using Science, Discipline and Perseverance | Marjorie Dixon | TEDxUWWhat if failure wasn't a setback, but a step forward? Dr. Marjorie Dixon has used challenges, rejection, and adversity as fuel to build a world-renowned fertility clinic. In her talk, she shows how adopting a scientific approach to life can help you turn the impossible into possible by embracing experimentation, lifelong learning, and perseverance. Dr. Marjorie Dixon is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist with a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. In 2016, she founded Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health, Canada’s leading fertility and IVF center, where she serves as CEO and Medical Director. Dr. Dixon was honored with the 2022 Mathias Gysler Award and featured in the Globe & Mail’s Quantum Shift Class of 2019. She received the RBC Canadian Women of Influence Momentum Award in 2018 and is recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. Dr. Dixon has appeared in Time, Vanity Fair, Flare, and more, and regularly contributes to Cityline, advancing conversations on women’s reproductive health. A McGill University graduate, she completed Obstetrics and Gynecology training at the University of Toronto and specialized at the University of Vermont. Dr. Dixon is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and a member of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 16:37Understanding pain and osteoarthritis | Rachel Almaw | TEDxUWChronic pain isn’t just a physical experience; it’s shaped by uncertainty, control, and the context of our lives. Rachel introduces a new way to map the pain experience, inspired by her mother’s journey with osteoarthritis and late-stage cancer. By embracing the "odd chances" life throws our way, we can better navigate obstacles, both in healthcare and beyond. Rachel Almaw is an MSc student at the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Health. Her research focuses on the pain experience of those living with osteoarthritis, with a particular interest in the intersection of race and health. She has conducted research on a national and international scale, giving her a broad perspective on health disparities.Rachel is passionate about advocacy, striving to bring awareness and change to systemic issues in healthcare. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact by advocating for a change in Canada’s approach to data collection and research to create a more equitable healthcare system. Her goal is to bridge the gap in healthcare access and ensure that every individual receives the care they deserve. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:57Reclaiming the Lost Art of Listening | RACHANA SINGH | TEDxKharadiIn today’s BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible) world, where noise and distractions dominate, the art of listening is gradually fading. This speech invites the audience to reflect: when was the last time they intentionally paused to truly listen—to themselves, their children, their partner, or their colleagues? By sharing key insights and compelling data, the speech will illuminate the transformative power of listening. Simple, actionable techniques will be provided to help the audience enhance their listening skills immediately, fostering deeper connections and greater understanding in both personal and professional relationships. Rachana, a corporate leader and social impact advocate with 23+ years of experience, specializes in building high-performing teams and fostering client synergy. As a C3 Coach (Clarity, Courage, Connection), motivational speaker, and author, she’s empowered 500+ professionals. A Master Certified Leadership Coach, she inspires individuals and organizations to lead with courage, care, and purpose. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 14:10How can we bridge the Leadership Gap? | MAYANK NAIDU | TEDxKharadiIdea : 'Bridging the Gap' The idea is about creating new leaders and enhancing leadership skills of individuals in all streams of academia and across industries. The Idea is worth sharing for as it can transform lives of people by empowering them with knowledge, skills and analysis of the existing gap in their respective domain and solutions on how to bridge the gap to achieve professional and personal life goals as Leaders . Today, World needs Leaders in all spheres be it in Academia, Industries , Government run organizations and more... The idea will have a global impact and can create thousands of success stories and make this world more beautiful. Smedley Distinguished District Director, TI, with 20 years of experience as a Leadership Coach, Business Storyteller, Strategist, and IT Technocrat. Featured in *The Times of India*. Honored at the Hall of Fame Awards for exceptional leadership, leading 100+ clubs and 5200+ individuals in Toastmasters International across diverse professional and academic backgrounds. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
