CEO>: "When do you think we can turn down new hires by turning up AI? How can we utilize AI strategically to gain a competitive edge?"

Pick a persona and empathize with him/her:

1. What's your gut reaction to the CEO's email? (one word, a phrase)
2. What pressure do you feel now—personally or politically?
3. How does the call for "strategic AI" threaten or play into your current approach to success? Do you feel a conflict?
4. What would need to change—around you or inside you—for you to respond with confidence?

Be realistic and capture key ideas on a flipchart.