If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career as a technologist, writer, and occasional AI whisperer, it’s this: authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of every meaningful project. Whether I’m helping someone strategize their next book, exploring the latest AI innovations, or diving into storytelling with a decorated veteran, my approach to consulting is casual, conversational, and deeply rooted in getting to the core of what matters most.
Here’s the kicker, though: it’s not about trying to force ideas into neat little boxes or showing off the latest tech for tech’s sake. The magic happens when we let a conversation unfold naturally. That’s where the gold is. Let me walk you through how my method works—and why it delivers some of the most authentic results you can get.
Conversations > Formal Meetings
Let’s be honest: formal meetings can feel stiff, forced, and, well, boring. You get agendas, PowerPoint slides, and the kind of sterile energy that sucks the soul right out of the room. That’s why I avoid them whenever possible. Instead, I lean into casual conversations that feel more like a cup of coffee with a friend than a strategy session.
Take a recent call I had with Abiud Montes, a decorated Marine Corps veteran and motivational speaker. We didn’t start with rigid objectives or a script. We just talked—about everything from Trump’s Stargate project to China’s latest AI model, DeepSeekR1. Before we knew it, we were diving into how he could leverage his life story to write a compelling book and expand his online presence. Authenticity doesn’t come from rigid structure; it comes from letting ideas flow naturally.
Start Where You Are, Use What You Have
Every client I work with is sitting on a treasure trove of untapped content—they just don’t realize it yet. I’m talking about their old speeches, blog posts, photos, videos, and even the random stories they tell in conversation. All of that is raw material for building something amazing.
In Abiud’s case, we started by pulling transcripts from his YouTube videos and dropping them into tools like NotebookLM, an AI that helps organize and contextualize information. This gave us a clear picture of his narrative—his Marine Corps service, his work as a firefighter, and his impact on the community. Once we had all this content in one place, we could start piecing together a strategy to tell his story in a way that resonates.
The “Hero’s Journey” Blueprint
Here’s the thing: everyone loves a good story, and every good story has a transformation. This is what I call the “Hero’s Journey Blueprint.” You don’t need to be a Hollywood screenwriter to apply it—it’s universal.
For Abiud, this meant diving into his early life, his struggles, and his path to becoming the person he is today. His wife, Lina, brought up details that Abiud might not have thought to share: his parents’ divorce, moving out at 16, being essentially homeless, and finding stability in the Marine Corps. Those aren’t just facts—they’re emotional touchpoints that connect with an audience on a human level.
By letting these details surface naturally in conversation, we uncovered the emotional arcs that will turn his book into something people can’t put down.
Let the Tech Serve the Story
AI is an incredible tool, but it’s just that—a tool. The real value lies in how you use it. My approach isn’t to let AI dictate the narrative but to make it work as an assistant that enhances authenticity.
For instance, I use AI to transcribe conversations, summarize themes, and even draft content. During our session, I showed Lina how she could use AI to streamline her magazine project for the Florida Powerboat Club. By automating repetitive tasks like organizing photos and matching names to boats, she could focus on the creative aspects of the magazine.
The same goes for writing a book. AI can help organize and refine, but the heart of the story always comes from the person telling it. Authenticity is what separates a good project from a great one, and AI can’t manufacture that—it can only amplify it.
Content Is Everywhere—Capture It All
If you’re not recording your conversations, speeches, or random thoughts, you’re leaving value on the table. I tell everyone I work with: content is everywhere. Every talk you give, every chat with a friend, every offhand story—it’s all potential material. Capture it, transcribe it, and turn it into something meaningful.
With Abiud, we realized he had a ton of valuable content just sitting there, unused. Testimonials, videos, and even casual anecdotes about his service and speaking engagements—all of it could be repurposed into blogs, articles, or even the foundation of his book.
The process doesn’t have to be complicated. Start recording. Use simple tools to organize your content. Let the stories unfold naturally. Then, when it’s time to create, you’ll have everything you need.
The “Everyday Publishing” Challenge
One of the most transformative things I suggest to my clients is this: publish something every day. Whether it’s a blog post, a short video, or even a tweet, consistency builds authenticity and trust. It also keeps you engaged with your audience and top of mind for new opportunities.
Abiud has so much to offer—not just stories from his past but insights on current events like the Stargate initiative and the rapid evolution of AI. By sharing his thoughts on these topics, he positions himself as both a storyteller and a thought leader. That’s how you turn casual conversations into a platform for influence.
Why Casual Works
At the heart of it, my casual consulting method works because it’s human. It’s not about putting on a show or pretending to have all the answers. It’s about listening, asking the right questions, and creating a space where people feel comfortable sharing their authentic selves. From there, it’s just a matter of organizing and amplifying what’s already there.
The result? Content that resonates. Projects that feel real. And, most importantly, a process that’s as enjoyable as it is effective. Because when you let authenticity lead, the results speak for themselves.
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