Let’s get one thing straight — I’m not an AI expert.
I don’t write Python in my free time. I don’t build models in my garage. And I haven’t yet trained an AI to automate my grocery list (although, give me time).
But like many of you in the payments, tech, or digital leadership space, I’ve been incredibly curious about this wave of AI everyone’s talking about — especially Generative AI.
So, between managing work, chasing deadlines, and finding new use cases in my world of payments, I’ve been diving into courses, blogs, and real-world examples to understand how this tech can actually help in what we do.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far — not as an expert, but as a curious learner. With some sarcasm, of course. Because what’s a blog without it?
First Off: What’s the Difference Between Generative AI and Machine Learning?
Let’s break this down without turning it into a thesis.
- Machine Learning is the clever analyst in the room. You give it a mountain of data, and it tells you what’s likely to happen. Think: fraud detection, credit scoring, customer churn predictions.
- Generative AI, on the other hand, is the intern who shows up with three unsolicited logo options, a product jingle, and an entire blog post. It doesn’t just analyze — it creates.
The difference?
ML = “Tell me what’s next.”
GenAI = “Here’s something new I made — hope you like it.”
And what does GenAI create?
Practically everything:
- Marketing copy
- Email responses
- Product descriptions
- Code
- Images
- Business ideas (some of them questionable)
- And yes, even poetry — if that’s your thing
All it needs is a prompt. No coffee. No bathroom breaks. No Friday afternoon slumps.
AI Isn’t the Threat. Ignoring It Might Be.
Let’s kill the drama.
Generative AI isn’t here to take your job. But someone who learns how to use it to be more efficient, creative, and data-savvy? That person just might get promoted while you’re still resizing fonts in PowerPoint.
We’re not in a “man vs machine” standoff — we’re in the golden age of “man + machine.”
Used right, AI can:
- Write first drafts of documents
- Help you personalize marketing at scale
- Draft client proposals
- Speed up product mockups
- Summarize hours of customer feedback into usable insights
As someone working across cards, acquiring, loyalty, and alternative payments, I see GenAI playing a real role in:
- Designing smarter onboarding journeys
- Improving customer service scripts
- Rapid prototyping of new product flows
- Sales enablement content and pitch decks
- Even analyzing campaign data (so we can stop relying on “gut feel”)
Basically, it’s like having an intern, strategist, and copywriter — all in one — that works 24/7 and doesn’t ask for snacks.
But Beware: AI Hallucinations Are Real
Before we start building altars to GenAI, here’s a warning: it lies.
Not intentionally — it just sometimes gets too confident and starts making things up. This is what the cool kids call “AI hallucination.”
It might say your product was launched in 2017 when it was actually 2021. Or create a stat that sounds believable but doesn’t exist. Or worse, cite reports that were never written.
So the golden rule?
Trust… but verify.
Always apply human judgment. The tool is impressive, but it’s not a mind reader (yet).
Want to Learn About AI Without Feeling Overwhelmed?
If you’re like me — curious but allergic to tech jargon — here are some great LinkedIn Learning courses I’ve found helpful:
🧠 What Is Generative AI?
A breezy, jargon-free intro that won’t make you reach for a dictionary.
📊 AI for Business Leaders
Great for understanding the “why” behind AI without needing a technical background.
💡 How to Use ChatGPT for Work
Practical tips that can make your daily grind easier — from writing emails to brainstorming strategy docs.
⚖️ Ethics in the Age of Generative AI
Because just because AI can do something doesn’t always mean it should.
Note: You’ll need LinkedIn Premium to access these, but if you’re serious about learning and leadership, it’s worth it.
Final Thought: Curiosity > Expertise
You don’t need to become a prompt engineer overnight.
But staying curious? That’s your superpower.
Ask questions. Play with tools. Try small pilots in your team. Figure out how AI could help — not replace — your core strengths.
Because the real value of Generative AI isn’t just in what it creates…
…it’s in what you can create with it.
So, What’s Next?
If you’re exploring AI in your role — in payments, fintech, banking, or any fast-evolving space — I’d love to hear from you.
👉 Have you tried using GenAI in your day-to-day?
👉 Any surprising (or hilarious) use cases?
👉 What are you learning that’s changed your perspective?
Let’s share, laugh, and learn together.
#GenerativeAI #Payments #DigitalLeadership #AIForBusiness #LearningMindset #Fintech #Visa #Mastercard #CuriousNotReplaced