An infographic titled 'The Three Types of AI Resistance' visually presents three personas hindering AI adoption: 'The Dismissers' with a skeptical man and the quote 'AI is just hype'; 'The Catastrophizers' with a worried individual flanked by a warning symbol and the quote 'AI will replace me'; and 'The Magical Thinkers' showing a pointing hand and a GPT speech bubble with the quote 'AI will fix everything.' Each type is placed against a distinct gradient background transitioning from purple to pink to orange, with bold black and white icons and headings.
Essays

The Three Types of AI Resistance (And Why They’re Costing You Millions)

“Our developers think AI is just fancy autocomplete. Our executives think it’ll solve everything overnight. And everyone in between is convinced they’ll be replaced by a robot next week.” This was what a fellow CTO shared with me last month. Three months into their AI transformation, they had all the technology figured out, but their people were falling apart. After consulting with dozens of Swiss … Continue reading The Three Types of AI Resistance (And Why They’re Costing You Millions)

Nicolas Hoferer
Illustration attaching AI vs. AI First approach
Briefs

AI First: It’s About a New System, Not Adding AI Features

Many add “AI” but are they building it right?AI First isn’t just a cool phrase.It means building software in a totally new way, from the inside out.Simply adding AI features to old software is like putting a new engine in a car with old, weak wheels, it just won’t work well. Why is AI First so important?Because real AI needs a different foundation Totally Different … Continue reading AI First: It’s About a New System, Not Adding AI Features

Nicolas Hoferer
Essays

AI Pilots Fail? It’s often the Workflow, not the Tech

AI is developing very fast, with new tools coming out all the time. Companies are excited to use them and are starting many pilot projects. But here’s something I see too often, AI pilots stop working, not because the AI itself is bad, but because nobody thought about how it fits into the actual workday. Testing AI on simple tasks is one thing, but using … Continue reading AI Pilots Fail? It’s often the Workflow, not the Tech

Nicolas Hoferer
Briefs

AI is not just a normal IT project. It changes how people work and companies operate

Many CIOs are just busy fixing servers and budgets and are stuck in meetings that lead nowhere.So culture work gets pushed aside, and AI is something everybody talks about, but in the end AI ideas never grow until it’s too late, and a startup disrupts the space. Companies need someone who takes care of both the tech and the people, let’s call that person a … Continue reading AI is not just a normal IT project. It changes how people work and companies operate

Nicolas Hoferer
Briefs

AI Isn’t Just the Future – It’s Our Now. Be AI First or Be Left Behind

In pursuing the transformation of business through technology, I wholeheartedly embrace the “AI First” mindset. This isn’t just about leveraging the latest AI tools; it’s about a fundamental shift in how we think and how companies operate. I see the integration of AI not just as a necessity but as an opportunity to blend proven strategies with groundbreaking innovations. It’s more than adopting AI solutions; … Continue reading AI Isn’t Just the Future – It’s Our Now. Be AI First or Be Left Behind

Nicolas Hoferer
A young adult at a forest crossroads, contemplating multiple paths. One path is clear, others overgrown. The scene symbolizes decision-making, individuality, and the excitement of forging a unique journey, with sunlight creating a hopeful atmosphere.
Essays

Choosing Your Own Path in Life

Sometimes, life feels really overwhelming.When it does, I often look at how other people handle their stress, and how they live their lives.But then I wonder, are their ways even right for me?I don’t want to follow the crowd.I want to live differently.I want an asymmetric life. So, maybe it’s okay to feel stressed and overwhelmed.Maybe it’s just part of trying to do something extraordinary. … Continue reading Choosing Your Own Path in Life

Nicolas Hoferer
A tightrope walker gracefully traversing a high wire, with a vast and majestic landscape in the background. The sky above is partly cloudy, suggesting a hint of uncertainty, while the sun casts a warm glow on the scene. This image represents the delicate balance between ambition and happiness, and the courage required to navigate the journey. A tightrope walker gracefully traversing a high wire, with a vast and majestic landscape in the background. The sky above is partly cloudy, suggesting a hint of uncertainty, while the sun casts a warm glow on the scene. This image represents the delicate balance between ambition and happiness, and the courage required to navigate the journey.
The Nic Letter

The Paradox of Ambition

Welcome to today’s letter. In this issue: The Double-Edged Sword of Ambition Ambition is an integral part of human nature, a driving force that compels us to innovate, create, and reach for the stars. It pushes us to scale new heights, break barriers, and explore the unknown. It fuels our dreams and aspirations, igniting the passion that drives our actions. While ambition can be a … Continue reading The Paradox of Ambition

Nicolas Hoferer