The AI Adoption Gap...Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back

“Y si me ven usando AI, ¿qué van a pensar?” 😱 ("If they see me using AI, what will they think?”)

That’s what a colleague told me recently when I asked if she was using AI tools like ChatGPT at work. She hesitated, not because she doubted AI’s capabilities but because she worried about how it would look. Would people assume she wasn’t smart enough to do things on her own? Would they question her expertise? Would they think she was taking a shortcut instead of putting in the work?

At first, I thought this was just her fear. But then I came across this eye-opening study, "Global Evidence on Gender Gaps and Generative AI", by Nicholas G. Otis, Solène Delecourt, Katelyn Cranney, and Rembrand Koning, which revealed that women across the world are significantly less likely to use AI despite having equal access to it. That’s when it hit me...this isn’t just one person’s hesitation. It’s a widespread trend that needs to be disrupted.

And let’s keep it real...this issue isn’t just about women. Over the past year, I’ve had so many conversations with diverse professionals, especially my fellow Latinos, who’ve confided their fears about AI. “What if I use it wrong?” “What if people think I don’t know my stuff?” And my personal favorite: “AI? No manches, that’s for tech people.” (“AI? No way, that’s for tech people.”)

But here’s the thing: avoiding AI isn’t playing it safe; it’s playing yourself. The more we hold back, the wider the gap grows. The people embracing AI are getting ahead faster, securing better opportunities, and future-proofing their careers. If we don’t flip the script, we risk:

• Falling behind as industries make AI skills non-negotiable. Many companies are already requiring these skills.
• Missing out on promotions and leadership roles while AI-powered colleagues work more efficiently.
• Allowing AI to be trained without our perspectives, reinforcing the same biases we already struggle against.

So today, we’re busting the myth that using AI is cheating. AI isn’t here to replace you. It’s here to amplify you.

This Week’s Insights:

• The myth that AI is “cheating” at work and why this mindset is holding people back
• The real risks of avoiding AI: from career stagnation to missed leadership opportunities
• How AI can be your career accelerator, not your competition
• Tools and strategies that make AI easy to integrate into your daily work
  
  

TRENDS

AI Adoption & The Gender Gap
Harvard Business School research confirms that women are using AI less, even when they have access to it. This hesitation, often fueled by concerns about bias and judgment, could lead to serious career repercussions.

The Myth: Using AI Means You’re Less Capable
Let’s get one thing straight: using AI doesn’t mean you’re less smart, less experienced, or less capable. It means you’re strategic. Would you refuse to use Google because you want to "figure it out on your own"? Would you type up a whole document on a typewriter when you have access to a laptop?

The truth is that those who leverage AI aren’t replacing their expertise. They’re enhancing it. The longer we let fear hold us back, the further behind we fall.

I think it’s important to reiterate, even at the risk of sounding repetitive, that resisting AI won’t just slow you down. It will limit career growth, widen pay gaps, and reduce leadership opportunities for women and diverse professionals. Companies that fail to embrace AI will struggle to stay competitive, and as long as AI is trained without our input, it will continue to reflect a narrow perspective that doesn’t fully represent our experiences or needs.

The Flip 🙃:  AI as Your Career Accelerator 

• Think of AI as a personal assistant, not a replacement.
• Start small and make AI work for you.
• Remember, the people who move ahead are the ones who adapt.

TIPS

AI isn’t here to replace you—it’s here to make your work easier, faster, and more impactful. The key is to start small and integrate AI into your workflow in ways that feel natural. Here’s how to get started:

• Start with AI tools that support what you already do—like ChatGPT for brainstorming, Speechify for listening to long reports, or Notion AI for automating notes and summaries.
• Ask AI better questions. The more specific you are, the better your results. (Check out the AI prompts I share below!)
• Normalize AI at work. Talk about how it helps you, just like any other productivity tool.
• Learn in small steps. You don’t need to master AI overnight. Just experiment for 5–10 minutes a day.

Remember, AI is only as powerful as the way you use it. Start with small wins, build your confidence, and soon, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.

TOOLS

🛠 Tool of the Week: Speechify

Too much reading, not enough time? Speechify converts text into audio, so you can listen to reports, emails, or articles while commuting, working out, or just avoiding screen fatigue. Productivity sin tanto rollo (“without all the hassle”).

I started using Speechify to habit stack by listening to research reports, emails, and articles while working out, running errands, or even doing food prep. At first, I wasn’t sure how much of it I’d retain, but I was shocked at how much more I was able to consume and learn without adding extra time to my day.

Now, I feel like I’m winning back my time, staying informed, upskilling, and still having space for the things I love. If you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, try integrating Speechify into your routine. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish.

🤓 AI Prompts to Get Started

How will you leverage AI this week?

Final Thought: Turn Fear into Fuel

I get it. Learning AI can feel intimidating. But playing small has never been our style. The best way to get ahead isn’t to wait for things to change...it’s to change with them.

Think of AI as driving a stick shift for the first time. (And yes, I know I’m dating myself, as some of you may have never driven one! It’s a car with a manual transmission. IYKYK! 😂) At first, it feels awkward, clunky, and a little intimidating. But the more you practice, the more second nature it becomes until, one day, you’re cruising along, wondering why you ever hesitated in the first place.

Your career isn’t slowing down, so why should you?

💬 What’s been your biggest hesitation with AI? Hit reply and let me know...I want to help.

Until next week, keep flipping the script and embrace the change.

Abrazos,
Monica Marquez

When You're Ready...

Here’s how I can help you and your organization take your leadership and professional growth to the next level:

Speaking: I deliver engaging, high-impact keynotes and workshops on AI-driven leadership, personal branding, career advancement, and transformation. Whether it's a corporate event, leadership summit, or industry conference, I bring practical insights and strategies that empower professionals to thrive in today's rapidly evolving world.

Learning & Development Consulting: I partner with organizations to design and implement learning experiences that drive real impact. From AI-powered career development programs to leadership training tailored for their talent, I help companies advance their workforce and create growth opportunities for high-potential professionals.

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