Want to bring AI into your small business but don't know where to start? Stuart MacDonald and Tom Bush sit down with Ray Waite, founder of Lighthouse Force and a coach in the Accelerate Columbus program, to break down the reality of practical AI adoption. Ray explains why adopting AI before standardizing your manual processes only makes a "faster mess," how to use the 70/30 rule to automate busywork while protecting high-value human creativity, and why the "un-automate test" helps overcome team resistance.
Guest: Ray Waite, MS, PMP, Founder, Lighthouse Force
In this episode:
• Why you must standardize workflows before adding AI
• Fast AI wins: automated quotes and email workflows • Overcoming data fear and protecting client privacy
• The two buckets: 70% grunt work vs. 30% differentiated value
• The "un-automate" test for legacy processes
Connect with Ray:
LinkedIn: / raywaite
Lighthouse Force: https://lighthouseforce.com
Email: ray@lighthouseforce.com
Recorded live at Columbus AI Week (Sept 10–11, 2026), produced by the Enterprise Technology Association with JobsOhio: https://www.joinaiweek.com/columbus
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The actual reality of AI in the real world. Hosted by Tom Bush, CEO of Actual Reality Technologies, and Stuart MacDonald, award-winning magician and AI consultant.
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