Founder Story: Humanising AI & Automation and Breaking Through the Technology Overwhelm Barrier with Mike Garde, MD of MG Performance Coaching, on a Mission to Democratise AI & Reduce Anxiety for Small Businesses

Send us a text Remember when Technology felt like it was meant to make our lives easier? For many Small Business owners today, AI and Automation have become sources of anxiety rather than solutions. Enter Mike Garde, who"s on a personal mission to change that narrative. Mike isn"t your typical Tech Consultant. With 30 years of Software Engineering experience, he could easily overwhelm you with jargon – but that"s precisely what he refuses to do. "I want to democratize AI and automation for small businesses," he shares, explaining how larger Companies have already harnessed these tools while smaller operations remain paralized by complexity. During our conversation, Mike reveals the fascinating personal journey that shaped his approach. Growing up with a mother who battled anxiety and introduced him to positive thinking, and witnessing his father"s extraordinary resilience during family tragedy, Mike developed a philosophy of continuously expanding beyond comfortable boundaries. "I"ve just been doing it so many times now. It"s just a natural thing to progress, to push outside the boundaries I may feel confined in at any particular time," he reflects. What truly sets Mike apart is his integration of the "Three Principles" coaching philosophy with practical tech implementation. He sees our perception of technology as fundamentally shaped by our thoughts: "If we"re in a good mood, the world looks a better place generally, and same as if we"re looking at things with fear, as in AI or anything, the world looks like a more fearful place." This perspective allows him to guide business owners through their tech anxiety toward practical solutions. The highlight of our conversation comes when Mike demonstrates AI in real-time, conducting a conversation with ChatGPT that showcases both the capabilities and limitations of current technology. It"s a perfect illustration of his hands-on approach to demystifying these tools. Whether you"re a tech enthusiast or someone who breaks into a cold sweat at the mention of artificial intelligence, Mike"s insights offer a refreshingly human perspective on our digital future. Connect with him at www.mgperformancecoaching.com to discover how AI can work for your business without the headaches. Tune in next week for more stories of "Distinction & Genius" from The Good Listening To Show "Clearing". If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different "series strands" at "The Good Listening To Show" website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk Twitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don"t forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!