The Biggest Mistake People Make With AI

AI is changing the way we work, learn, build businesses, and make decisions. But can AI actually replace good thinking? In this episode of Technically Human, I’m joined by Leo Hoar, founder of the UXR Institute, to talk about how students, professionals, business owners, and startup founders can use AI in a smarter and more intentional way. Leo shares his journey from academia and English literature to UX research and entrepreneurship, and explains why human skills like critical thinking, communication, research, emotional intelligence, and learning how to learn are becoming even more important in an AI-driven world. We discuss the impact of AI on education, entry-level jobs, career transitions, startups, solopreneurship, and the future of work. Leo also shares why AI should be used to expand and refine your thinking, not replace it entirely. If you are using AI for work, school, career growth, or starting a business, this conversation will help you think more clearly about how to use AI as a tool while still developing your own judgment, creativity, and decision-making skills. In this episode, we discuss: How AI is changing the workplace and education Why critical thinking matters more than ever The difference between using AI as support and letting AI think for you How AI can help founders, startups, and solopreneurs move faster Why human teachers, researchers, and thinkers still matter How Leo moved from English literature and academia into UX research What UX research is and why it matters for better products and experiences Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction to Leo Hoar and today’s conversation on AI 04:00 — Why human skills matter more in an AI-driven world 06:00 — AI, jobs, layoffs, and the changing workplace 10:00 — How to use AI without replacing your own thinking 18:00 — AI in education and why teachers still matter 22:00 — AI, startups, and the rise of the solopreneur 27:00 — Experimenting, prototyping, and building with AI 30:00 — Leo’s work with the UXR Institute and what UX research means 34:00 — Career transitions, learning new skills, and final takeaways Connect with Leo Hoar UXR Institute: https://uxrinstitute.com or on LinkedIn. Thanks for watching Technically Human. If this conversation helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who is thinking about how to use AI more intentionally.