Can AI Help or Hurt You, Your Career or Your Planet?
Firstly to those readers of my previous blog article, and who tried to respond to my invite to reply. Apologies, I forgot to specify my reply Ghost blog settings correctly! You can reply to this now, if you'd like to re-send, or instead express exasperation. It was a human error. But at least you know though this blog isn't completely generated by an AI robot! 😄
So, Artificial Intelligence – a technology that everyone is now talking about. It was the first topic that my father-in-law brought up over the dinner table a couple of weeks ago, when back in Italy (.. and I had to do my best to respond to in Italian!). It is something that will no doubt have a profound impact on two themes I cover regularly – climate change and human capital development.
As with any game-changing technology, there are big risks and fears. A friend who works in the music industry, recently lamented to me over the potential impact. Already the "Spotify effect" has made it a difficult for artists to make a serious living. AI-generated music may end up nailing the coffin. Also, as my husband is finding in his search for a new role in the web-design sector, certain job roles are not quite as frequently available as the used to be.
But at the same time it presents an indisputable opportunity. In the start-up world, some highlight how launching a business has become significantly easier. Reflecting myself on starting Planet Positive Planning, would I have been able to launch this business part-time without the benefit of AI? AI has been an invaluable assistance in creating time efficiencies for numerous tasks – research, idea generation, emails, meeting notes, analysis, summarising data, and the writing and creation of marketing material.
At the same I don't see it as a full substitute. With writing, I'm conscious that it is the human story and human insight that most likely engages the reader. It is human taste that curates information and decides what is interesting to write about.
I also find enjoyment in having a platform to give a voice to my message on topics I'm passionate about. So I wouldn't want to submit completely to AI. But it has certainly been a useful tool in helping to dissolve "writer's block", to refine and to embellish, to make sure I do get words to paper (or screen). AI is the keen and willing assistant that helps me get this blog article out this week, instead of next. It helps me get my message out on a frequent basis, and for that I'm very grateful.
In considering implications, a key thing to keep in mind is distinguishing between the concepts of intelligence and wisdom. AI defines the difference as follows.
The difference between intelligence and wisdom can be summed up like this:
- Intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge — solving problems, analysing data, and processing information efficiently.
- Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge with good judgment, considering ethics, long-term consequences, and the well-being of others (including future generations and the planet).
ChatGPT, DeepSeek and proliferation of others provide us with Artificial Intelligence. But as of yet, have not achieved "Artificial Wisdom". Will that come further down the line though, through Artificial General Intelligence? Read on further, to hear some views on this, as well as four other questions. The responses include a combination of the views of others who have looked at this topic in greater depth, as well as some of my own.
Will AI replace my job?
AI has helped me launch my financial planning and coaching business part-time. Could it one day take over my role entirely?
Information and Tools
The traditional investment advice model was built on information asymmetry — advisers had deep financial knowledge that clients lacked. But as the internet made information more freely available, the value of advice shifted from simply knowing things to understanding how to apply them for the best outcome. AI is accelerating that shift.
Financial planners and investment advisers currently use specialised tools to generate cashflow projections. Now, AI-powered tools like ChatGPT can already create simple projections in seconds — see this article. Could this one day become a built-in feature of an automated meeting assistant? Quite possibly.
Guidance and Ingenuity
But financial planning and advice isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people. I originally thought that a key human advantage was our ability to ask the right questions, drawing from experience and wisdom. But even that can be trained into AI. What’s much harder to replicate is human connection — the feeling of being listened to, the nuance of real empathy, the ability to respond intuitively to someone’s concerns. That’s not so easily replaced.
Then there’s the question of ingenuity. AI can process vast amounts of data and generate ideas with complete impartiality, free from conflicts of interest. That’s powerful. But humans make sense of information differently. We can read between the lines, spot hidden patterns, and bring real-world context to ideas. The best approach might not be AI or human thinking — but a smart blend of both.
Agency
A key question isn’t just about the information AI provides — it’s about what we choose to do with it. As an entrepreneur, turning an idea into a business requires action. AI can validate a business case, but only humans can take the risk, rally and deploy resources — whether personal time, money, or external investment — and put them to work.
Various factors are leading to financial planning for the second half of life becoming in an increasingly complex thing to do, while the traditional investment advisory model is failing to adapt and risks becoming obsolete. This gap presents a pressing need for new, alternative ways to offer support. It’s a challenge I set out to attempt to address, with Planet Positive Planning. But there’s no shortage of other urgent problems to solve in the world today. With AI’s analytical power and human agency, we could potentially be on the cusp of a new "age of the entrepreneur".
Trust
And then, of course, there’s trust. Financial planning isn’t just about making calculations — it’s about making life-changing decisions. However good technology gets, would you fully trust an AI to guide you when the stakes are high? Given the finance industry’s reputation, some might argue AI offers a refreshing neutrality.
But in the end, when it comes to personal aspirations and financial security, reassurance from a trusted human adviser remains invaluable. Decisions aren’t just technical; they involve personal values, emotion, long-term impact, and a broader sense of purpose. That’s something AI, no matter how advanced, may always struggle to truly comprehend.
These are a few reflections about my own job — but hopefully they’ve sparked some useful insights for you as well, when reflecting on yours.
Is AI good for the environment?
AI is often seen as a futuristic hero, solving humanity’s biggest problems with lightning-fast calculations. But when it comes to the environment, the answer isn’t so straightforward. On the one hand, AI is helping us tackle climate change in some truly innovative ways. On the other, it’s also part of the problem — like that one friend who gives great life advice but leaves their lights on all night.
The Hidden Environmental Cost of AI
Let’s start with the not-so-green side of AI. While we often think of digital technology as sleek and immaterial, the reality is that every internet search, social media scroll, and AI-generated response leaves behind a carbon footprint. The IT sector already accounts for about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions — and that number is set to rise as AI adoption skyrockets.
Take data centres, for example — the silent giants powering our digital world. These massive facilities use an eye-watering 352 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity per year — that’s about as much as some entire countries. And they’re thirsty too. A single medium-sized data centre can guzzle as much water as three hospitals just to stay cool.
And then there’s AI itself. Training large-scale AI models consumes massive amounts of energy. Even simple AI-powered searches and chatbot interactions require far more computing power than traditional digital processes. So, while AI might be helping us optimise energy use in some areas, it’s also contributing to a growing demand for electricity.
The Bright Side: AI as a Climate Ally
But before we cancel AI’s eco-friendly credentials altogether, let’s look at the other side of the coin. AI isn’t just another energy-guzzling tech — it’s also a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
For starters, AI is helping us track, predict, and mitigate environmental risks faster than ever before. It’s mapping deforestation in real-time, identifying pollution hotspots in the ocean, and even predicting extreme weather events — giving communities valuable time to prepare.
And then there’s the question of waste. AI-powered systems like Greyparrot are transforming waste management, analysing billions of discarded items to improve recycling rates. Meanwhile, smart AI-driven grids are optimising renewable energy use, making wind and solar power more efficient and predictable.
Even data centres — the very things responsible for AI’s energy footprint — are starting to become part of the solution. Companies like Deep Green are repurposing the free heat generated by data centres to good societal use, from warming swimming pools to heating social housing. Encouraging the mindset of treating heat as a resource to monetise, may mean accelerated demand for data centres leads to accelerating the decarbonisation of heating. Meanwhile Google is pushing for modular nuclear reactors to power AI operations cleanly and reliably. Again rising demand for data centres could lead to an acceleration of development of this clean energy technology — advancements that may have far-reaching benefits beyond AI.
So, Where Does That Leave Us?
AI is neither an environmental saviour nor a villain — it’s a tool. Whether it becomes a net positive or negative depends on how we develop, regulate, and integrate it into our energy systems.
The challenge ahead? Making AI more sustainable by improving the efficiency of data centres, shifting towards renewable energy, and ensuring that AI’s benefits outweigh its environmental costs. In the meantime, next time you ask AI for help drafting an email or planning your finances, just remember — it’s working hard in the background, but so is your electricity smart meter.
Are We on the Brink of Artificial General Intelligence? Should I Be Worried?
It’s a question that sparks strong and often conflicting opinions.
Steve Newman explores two possible timelines — one slow, one fast — acknowledging just how much uncertainty surrounds AI development. Meanwhile, Will Lockett takes a more skeptical stance, arguing that AGI isn’t just far away — it’s fundamentally impossible with today’s technology.
Two Diverging Timelines
Newman sees AI developing along one of two paths. In the slow scenario, progress starts to hit a wall. The strategy of making models bigger and feeding them more data stops yielding the same dramatic improvements. Challenges in reasoning, long-term memory, and real-world application persist, and without major breakthroughs, AGI remains a distant goal.
In the fast scenario, however, things accelerate rapidly. Advances in synthetic data, algorithmic improvements, and AI-driven research push AI toward AGI within the next decade. If AI starts improving itself, and breakthroughs start piling up, we could be looking at a radical transformation much sooner than expected. But even in this scenario, Newman concedes that AGI depends on a series of unpredictable breakthroughs.
Even if AGI breakthroughs remain unpredictable, the potential risks make it a critical issue that demands serious attention. The organisation 80,000 Hours emphasises the lack of substantial investment in AI safety strategies to mitigate existential threats to the human race. While also stressing the need to rethink AI governance under the Trump administration, adapting messaging and policy approaches to fit the shifting political landscape.
The Skeptical View
Lockett, on the other hand, rejects the idea that AGI is anywhere close — or even possible with current AI methods. He argues that today’s AI systems, like OpenAI’s GPT models, are just pattern replicators. They generate text and responses based on probability, not true understanding or reasoning.
No matter how impressive their outputs might seem, Lockett insists that they lack the core ingredients of real intelligence — intuition, independent thought, and the ability to learn in a human-like way.
He also warns that the hype surrounding AGI isn’t just misleading — it’s dangerous. Tech leaders, he argues, are exaggerating AGI’s proximity to boost their companies' value and secure investments. This “age of unreality,” as he calls it, is being driven more by financial speculation than by actual technological progress.
The Broader Implications
These contrasting views highlight just how uncertain the future of AGI really is. Newman offers a structured, measured approach, considering both rapid breakthroughs and a slower, more incremental trajectory. Lockett, meanwhile, serves as a necessary reality check, urging people not to get swept up in AGI hype.
Regardless of which timeline proves correct, the implications of AI’s continued progress are massive. If AGI does emerge quickly, we could see entire industries transformed and a fundamental reshaping of the global workforce. While this might lead to incredible productivity gains, it also raises serious ethical and regulatory concerns.
If Lockett is right, then the focus should be on improving existing AI applications rather than chasing an elusive dream. Policymakers, businesses, and researchers need to prepare for either scenario, ensuring AI development serves society rather than fueling speculation.
Conclusion
The debate over AGI’s arrival is far from settled. Newman lays out a framework for evaluating AI’s trajectory, while Lockett offers a skeptical, no-nonsense critique.
Whichever perspective turns out to be right, one thing is clear: AI is advancing, and its impact will be significant. The challenge now is to navigate these changes thoughtfully — balancing ambition with realism and ensuring that AI development is grounded in both technological realities and ethical considerations.
Is OpenAI too big to fail?
- OpenAI’s Dominance and Financial Backing
OpenAI has positioned itself as a leader in the AI industry, attracting unprecedented investment, including Microsoft’s $13 billion and the massive $500 billion Stargate project — one could question with OpenAI's exclusive role in this could be considered a "US government bail-out by stealth"? With such substantial financial backing, the company appears well-insulated against immediate failure at least. - Unsustainable Costs and Profitability Issues
Despite its dominance, OpenAI faces mounting challenges in profitability. The company spends eye-watering amounts on training its models (see article), and its models are becoming increasingly expensive to run. If these costs continue to escalate without a viable revenue stream, OpenAI’s long-term sustainability is in question. - DeepSeek’s Disruption and Market Impact
The emergence of DeepSeek, a significantly cheaper and more efficient AI model, challenges OpenAI’s market position. Built for just $6 million, DeepSeek has exposed inefficiencies in OpenAI’s approach, wiping $1 trillion off the American tech stock market and raising concerns about whether OpenAI’s closed-source model is viable. - The Shift Toward Open-Source AI
DeepSeek’s success highlights a growing trend toward open-source AI, which allows for more efficient and cost-effective development. OpenAI’s closed-source approach prioritises proprietary control but may struggle to compete with the innovation and adaptability of open-source models. - Investor Hype vs. Business Fundamentals
Much of OpenAI’s valuation is driven by hype rather than solid business fundamentals. Sam Altman’s focus on pushing AGI narratives fuels speculation, but with diminishing returns on AI advancements, investors may eventually lose confidence, leading to a potential financial reckoning. - The OpenAI Exodus
A major red flag is the departure of key figures like Mira Murati, John Schulman, and Barret Zoph, who left to form Thinking Machines Lab. Their exit suggests internal concerns about OpenAI’s direction, particularly its high-risk leadership and financial instability. - Regulatory and Geopolitical Risks
OpenAI operates in an environment of increasing regulation and geopolitical tension. The U.S. government’s restrictions on AI chip exports to China indicate a volatile landscape that could further complicate OpenAI’s operations and global competitiveness. - The AI Arms Race and Sustainability
OpenAI’s business model relies on ever-increasing computational power, but as AI training costs skyrocket, sustainability becomes an issue. If the company cannot find a breakthrough in efficiency, its reliance on continuous investment may not be feasible long-term. - A Potential Bubble Burst?
Some analysts argue that OpenAI is part of a speculative AI bubble, where valuations are inflated based on promises rather than practical applications. If the industry cools and investors seek tangible returns, OpenAI’s current trajectory may prove unsustainable. - Conclusion: Too Big to Fail — For Now
While OpenAI holds a dominant position, its future is uncertain. It is backed by massive investments and entrenched in the AI ecosystem, but financial sustainability, competition from open-source models, and leadership challenges could threaten its long-term success. If the AI hype collapses, OpenAI may not be as invincible as it seems.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Please be aware that an investment strategy that is appropriate for one person, may not be appropriate to another, including yourself. Past performance is not indicative of future results. In tailoring your own personal investment strategy it is recommended to speak to a qualified professional.
How can I practically use AI to my benefit?
Artificial intelligence has moved beyond just being a futuristic concept — it’s now a powerful tool that solo entrepreneurs can use to streamline their businesses, boost productivity, and even unlock new opportunities. The key to benefiting from AI is understanding its practical applications and selecting the right tools to integrate into your workflow. So, how can you use AI to your advantage?
One of the most common applications for AI among solo entrepreneurs is content creation. AI-powered writing assistants like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Jasper, and Copy.ai help generate blog posts, social media captions, and email marketing copy in minutes. These tools can save time and provide creative inspiration while ensuring consistency in brand messaging.
Another major area where AI is making a difference is customer service automation. Solo entrepreneurs often don’t have the resources to hire a full-time customer support team, but tools like Drift, Intercom, and Freshdesk provide AI-driven chatbots that can handle customer enquiries, book appointments, and offer basic troubleshooting around the clock.
For those in e-commerce, AI helps optimise sales and marketing. Platforms like Shopify Magic and Adzooma use AI to generate product descriptions, analyse sales data, and automate ad campaigns. AI-powered recommendation engines, such as those used by Amazon and Etsy, can also be implemented to provide personalised product suggestions for customers, increasing conversion rates.
AI is also invaluable for data analysis and decision-making. Tools like Tableau, Looker, and MonkeyLearn help entrepreneurs analyse customer trends, monitor business performance, and gain insights from large datasets. Instead of manually combing through spreadsheets, AI can identify patterns and suggest actionable steps to improve business operations.
In the realm of graphic design and branding, AI tools like Canva, Runway, and MidJourney are game-changers. Entrepreneurs without a design background can create stunning visuals, logos, and marketing materials in minutes with AI-powered suggestions and templates.
AI also enhances personal productivity and time management. Tools like Motion, Notion AI, and Trello’s AI integrations can help automate scheduling, organise tasks, and optimise workflows. Many entrepreneurs use AI-driven virtual assistants like Reclaim.ai and x.ai to handle meeting scheduling and reminders, freeing up time for more strategic work.
For those involved in financial management, AI-driven bookkeeping and expense tracking tools like QuickBooks, Fyle, and Expensify simplify accounting tasks. They automate expense categorisation, track invoices, and provide insights into cash flow, helping solo entrepreneurs stay on top of their finances.
AI is also being used for business plan creation, helping entrepreneurs outline their strategy, analyse market trends, and generate forecasts. Tools like Upmetrics, LivePlan and BizPlanner use AI to assist in structuring business plans, ensuring clarity and a strong foundation for new ventures.
Another valuable application is meeting notes transcribing. Tools like Otter.ai, SOFI and Fireflies.ai automatically transcribe meetings, interviews, and brainstorming sessions, making it easy to review discussions, extract key takeaways, and stay organised without manually taking notes.
One emerging AI application is video and audio editing. Entrepreneurs creating video content can use tools like Synthesia, Descript and Pictory to automatically transcribe, edit, and enhance videos with AI-powered features, making content creation more accessible and efficient.
Ultimately, AI is not about replacing human creativity and intuition but enhancing them. By leveraging AI-powered tools in strategic ways, solo entrepreneurs can work smarter, scale faster, and focus on high-value tasks that drive business growth. The key is to experiment with different AI applications, find what integrates well into your workflow, and use technology as an enabler rather than a replacement for your unique expertise.
These tools are provided as examples of what’s available in the evolving AI landscape, not as explicit product recommendations. At Planet Positive Planning, we have a community of clients, many of whom run their own businesses. One of the benefits of this network is the ability to share first-hand experiences and personal recommendations on new services that have proven valuable. If you're interested in learning more, feel free to reach out!
Copyright Planet Positive Planning Limited. Contact me by email at neil@planetpositiveplanning.com. Planet Positive Planning Limited is a service sector trading company, providing "educational financial services" and regulated by the Competition and Markets Authority and Registered in England and Wales number 15759784. As defined by PERG8.26 of the FCA Handbook, these services do not require FCA regulation. Registered office address 2 Joshua Pedley Mews, London, E3 2ZE, United Kingdom. Information Commissioner's Office reference number C1531204.
