AI Policy + Use
I’m being transparent about my process and my AI usage — where it shows up, where it absolutely does not, and how, exactly, I use the medium. Learn more about how I employ AI at www.KellieAdkins.com/new-blogs
I use AI in my process from thought to page in my public-facing posts and blogs on this website.
Mostly, that looks like transcribing my audio notes (on the front end) and adding keywords and SEO optimization (at the back end). Very rarely, I use AI to generate images like the one above.
I do not use AI to write or compose my work, to write or compose my social media posts, or to write or compose my articles. Likewise, all comments or messages coming from my social accounts are me —or an actual support team member.
Even so, most of my work is flagged as AI-generated (see below, with timestamps showing when the original work was created).
I have thoughts about why that is:
First, I was trained in academic writing and am a student of philosophy; thus, “if [this], then [that]” construction is hard-wired into my thinking and writing process.
Next, for context, as a youth, my preferred author was Edgar Allan Poe (famously verbose with an astonishingly rich and emotionally evocative vocabulary), and I challenged myself to expand my vocabulary in a similar style. [Stephen King’s On Writing later shape-shifted my particularly verbose writing style—with dubious efficacy, as this list evidences].
Then, I am trained in a particular style of ontological inquiry that involves intensive visualizations, layered mind-maps, and a rigorous system of logical and philosophical tenets, generally organized by itemized, numbered, or mnemonic lists. The systematic organization of knowledge packets into digestible, preservable sound bites—for the purposes of memorization and retrieval—is built into my own intelligence: AND/ALSO superintelligence (computers, AI, LLMs) frameworks are designed to mimic this process. To put a fine point on it: the machine thinks like me because it was designed in the image of critical, logical thinkers. We had the same teachers. We use the same cognitive framework.
Also, I spent years writing on the internet (blogging since 2008); thus, I am part of the community of creatives whose collective works were stolen by the AI companies — they called this theft “training data.”
Next, I am a voracious reader. I know very few individuals who read as much (or as expansively) as do I and that isn’t a value statement; it’s a historical fact. I used to keep count of the books I’ve read. I stopped after reaching 10,000 (in high school). I’ve read 2-3 books every month since then —and no, I’m not telling you how long ago high school was! But I will tell you that I’ve had my nose buried in a book, or several, on the daily, since learning to read in 1985 (you do the math).
Lastly, I spent time working in tech— training the AI (LLM’s) we all now rely on. One cannot export one’s brain to the machine for as long as I did without it impacting both ways.
I use AI to assist with coding —then a human reviews the code.
I do not rely on AI for coding and data security. That is a human’s job.
I use AI to build back-end supports for my own purposes —not to run my business.
I do not use agentic AI to run the back end of my business. I’m picky about privacy, and don’t trust a bot to manage important or delicate details. That is a human’s job.
I do use AI to create mind maps of my business to share with possible collaborators (like this); to create writing assessment rubrics to ensure my writing fits my audience (I write curricula for a variety of audiences); to create tools for my clients to project their revenue in alternate business models (like this); to build scalable solutions to intractable problems in certain industries (like this); to build tools that solve public health problems disproportionately affecting women, children, and marginalized individuals (see below).
I use AI to build apps and virtual reality spaces to support survivors of trauma in their healing—then a human reviews the code.
I do not support, endorse, or enjoin outsourcing therapeutic work or relying on agentic AI to deliver therapeutic sessions. I do support the use of AI, or AI-created tools, to deliver in-the-moment resources or supportive tools between sessions.
I'm transparent about where I use the medium— and, just as importantly, where it never touches my work.
AI doesn’t touch my research meant for publication or my client’s sensitive information. Full stop.
AI doesn’t touch my emails, client conversations, or editing process (all typos, odd phrases, and dangling participles are my own). I’ve opted out of Gemini in my Google workspace and do not use Notion or AI transcription without explicit consent: if a client requests a transcription or recording of our calls, I first disclose that use of AI, then get their opt-in in advance.
When I do use AI, I use paid, enterprise-level tools with the strongest data privacy agreements currently available (they explicitly do not train on my data). Even then, I treat the medium like what it is: a very smart but inexperienced college freshman that makes a lot of mistakes and comes with deep biases and possible nefarious purposes.
Every idea, argument, and turn of phrase is mine. I built an accessible process, employing AI for transcription, product development, and online visibility because 1) I'm a verbal, nonlinear thinker, and 2) I used to pay for the work I now use enterprise-grade AI to do faster, and 3) because I think an honest answer to "did you use AI" deserves more than a “yes” or “no.”
Pictured below: a few receipts.
The image below refers to a essay I wrote for publication on Substack. I uploaded the first draft to a Google doc from the transcription. It was edited (by me) to read like a narrative, not a rambling voice note to the Universe.
No AI was used in the essay except for transcription from an audio note: it was flagged as 67% AI.
Break all the Business Rules...and Thrive?
Calling all Female Founders and Mindful Leaders: The rules don't apply for you because they were never meant to. You're a trailblazing change-maker who believes business is a vehicle for powerful good and world-changing ideas. Break the Business Rules to Thrive and join me in doing Business as Unusual | Kellie Adkins, Holistic Business Coach
The “Rules” of business-as-usual say…
Work long hours
Hustle harder than everyone
Be everywhere on the internet
Market with sleazy high pressure tactics
Launch shoddy programs …
Then upsell when they don’t deliver results (cue the “from 6-to-7 figures expert advice”)
Sacrifice your talents to “prove your worth”
Undercharge for your services to “stay competitive”
Undercharge because you’re a woman/minority/neurodivergent in business
I don’t want to live (or run my business by) those rules anymore.
There are more important things to prioritize than hustle culture.
Democracy is being threatened around the world.
AI is coming for our jobs and affecting our brains.
Racism is experiencing a global resurgence.
Misogyny seems to be the new(again) standard.
A history of violence against women is no longer a barrier to nomination (or election) to the highest levels of government in the United States.
No longer is it gauche to attack someone based on their beliefs, racial identity, or gender: online or in person.
Which is why NOW is not the time to play by the rules: their rules.
Now is the time to toss out the rule book and get rebellious.
Now is the time to be the change.
Mindful, yes.
Not quiet. Not demure.
Let’s ignore the rules and embrace business-as-Unusual.
Business as Unusual says…
Honor your body’s needs to build a business that doesn’t burn you out
Center in your strengths for optimal productivity and less overwhelm
Be intentional and strategic with your online presence
Market with trauma-informed, ethical approaches that honor agency
Craft thoughtful services and programs that demonstrate your expertise
Invite people into deeper work instead of chasing internet fame
Price to prosperity and sustainability not to fund a “4 hour work week”
Encourage referrals and repeat business through generosity and excellence
Own your place in the marketplace and name that privilege
Break all the Business-as-usual rules (they were never meant for you anyway)
Business as Unusual says your business (or mission-driven organization) is a vehicle for social good and commerce.
Business as Unusual says you get to decide how to structure your services, offers, and products.
Business as Unusual says Take. Up. Space. Especially in those spaces (IRL and in the digital sphere) where you, and those like you, are underrepresented.
Business as Unusual says toss the fear-based marketing and trigger-laden sales tactics: emphasize being of value and generating real connections with the people your business serves.
Business as Unusual says you don’t need to do what everyone else is doing. Write a book. Develop a Course. Lead a Retreat. Start a Podcast. Start a Revolution. You’re the boss for a reason :)
Business as Unusual says there is a season for everything. Honor your seasons.
Business as Unusual = Permission to break all the rules and to ….
⚡️ Expand your business for the greater good
⚡️ Place better boundaries to avoid burnout
⚡️ Cultivate the radical focus that elevates your influence
⚡️ Rise to your own, values-driven standards for success
⚡️ Break all the 'business rules' (except your own Rules for Business + Life Alignment)
If you identify as a Rebel with a Cause, I’d love to invite you into Third Jewel —a growth catalyst and leadership circle community to support your exponential expansion (WITHOUT sacrificing your values).
Join fellow Atypical Founders and Mindful Trailblazers who want to guide their next evolution with the power of intention, community, and strategic action to do more work that matters.
Third Jewel: a boutique leadership circle for female founders + mindful leaders
See you there,
Kellie
Grow your Healing or Coaching Business Beyond one-to-one Sessions
Through this device and its connection to the internet, you have access to millions of teachings that provide insight into better health, greater well-being, and more purposeful living.
Before the digital age, this type of learning was layered beneath circles of privilege and kept behind ivory towers.
It is a wonder to have access to this once-cloistered information—and all at your fingertips.
Digital courses democratize access (to an extent). Read more at www.KellieAdkins.com/new-blogs
An Epistle on Expansion
Or, making the case for growth even if you’re not maxed out on 1x1 services (yet)
Dear Reader:
As a fellow 1x1 service provider for most of my career (Yoga Therapist, Wellness Coach, and Business Coach), I humbly offer the following case for expanding your work beyond the bounds of 1-to-1 or premium services as early in your career as possible.
Indeed, this applies whether you’re building your private client practice or currently maxed out with private clients.
As you read this letter, consider the wonder of these words reaching through the ether to greet your eyes on the magical fantastical creation you now hold.
Through this device and its connection to the internet, you have access to millions of teachings that provide insight into better health, greater well-being, and more purposeful living.
Before the digital age, this type of learning was layered beneath circles of privilege and kept behind ivory towers.
It is a wonder to have access to this once-cloistered information—and all at your fingertips.
Digital courses democratize access (to an extent).
In time, it is my hope, that more healing, helping, and self-development teachings will be shared even more widely for more meaning, engagement, and well-being outside the circles of privilege of higher education, whiteness, able-bodiedness, and neurotypicality.
In my view, sharing the skillset you’ve carefully curated over the duration of your career is an act of social justice: widening and improving access to powerful healing and helping tools the world needs.
All humans need these tools, not only those who can afford to pay a premium rate for your one-to-one services. Even more so if you serve an underserved community that is hard to reach.
I know you don’t do the Work for fame, money, or bragging rights.
You do it for the mission
You do it because it changed your life
You share this Work for a healthier, happier, and kinder world
There are more people who need what you are sharing—and the world needs your insight.
This letter is an invitation, yes, and it’s also a rallying cry.
If you’re a healer, helper, or change-maker and you AREN’T on fire about lighting up (more of) the world with your gifts…maybe there’s a good reason.
But if that reason is that you don’t know where to begin…
Let’s start together, right now.
In your 1-to-1 services, you provide a safe container for clients to facilitate their own transformation. Your clients come to you with frustrations, pain, suffering, and problems…and your valuable work provides a solution.
There are so many “problems” your work solves.
Think of a few right now. Then:
Pick one and dig deep, and..
Think of the people who need that problem solved …right now.
What do they need to get that problem solved?
How can you provide a solution in the most effective, time-sensitive way—that isn’t 1-to-1?
People have pain that you know how to reduce, symptoms your support helps them in resolving or mental barriers your techniques breakthrough.
You can only reach so many as a 1x1 service provider because your time and energy are finite.
What if…
You create a resource, a guidebook, a mini-class, a workshop, an on-demand training they can access focused on that specific issue?
You don’t have to deliver a massive group course, create a clunky membership site, or become internet-famous to expand your work in a mindful way.
What if…
You deliver a single, targeted solution in a way that feels aligned with your goals and your values: that specific people will benefit from again and again.
a mini-book
an on-demand guide
a curated course
a private podcast
a signature talk
a protocol
a series class
a Retreatshop
Expanding a small portion of your work to a wider audience allows more people to benefit from your gifts while allowing you to honor your commitment to equity, inclusion, and access.
What, then?
Need more ideas? Join us in the Kula for my full idea brain dump today plus a special invitation to a new way to work with me (hint: DIY is soooo last year. DIT is where it’s at!).
Kula Conversations // WHY IT'S TIME TO CREATE YOUR COURSE ALREADY! The ins and outs of course creation, Kula Conversation-style, today at 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific).
You'll learn ...
Where to begin (it isn't where you'd expect)
How to structure for maximum results (and client rave reviews)
Why you want to do it now (and your first action to take!)
See y’all there!
xo,
Kellie Adkins, MS, C-IAYT
Business Alignment Coach + Yoga Therapist
Founder | the Wisdom Method
