Artificial intelligence is redefining how companies approach content creation, marketing, and strategy—but it’s not about replacing the human element. As a business owner myself, I’m deeply committed to helping organizations streamline their operations and scale while preserving the very culture that sets them apart. That’s why I was happy to offer my perspective in The CEO Magazine article, “Reshaping Your Content Team in the Era of AI” alongside other professionals like John Armstrong, David Fouse, Matt McQueen, Carlos Diggs and others.
“Adjusting to this reality means being intentional and deliberate about building the right team and the right culture.”— Samantha (Kenney) Riel
“Company culture isn’t just snacks in the kitchen or how many paid time off days employees receive,” she said. “Those who enjoy the strategy behind their content, or finding creative ways to micro-target audiences, will thrive. Those who want to punch a clock will struggle – or be left behind entirely.”
In today’s fast-moving environment, AI should be viewed as a powerful ally in content and operational strategy, rather than a replacement for the creativity and strategic thinking your team brings to the table. At Balsam&Cedar, we specialize in helping businesses leverage this synergy between human expertise and AI-driven efficiency to achieve sustainable growth.
Below are a few key takeaways from our conversation—and why they matter to you as a business owner:
Strategic Implementation Over Quick Fixes
AI can accelerate processes and boost productivity, but it doesn’t solve every challenge. It’s crucial to align AI tools with a broader growth strategy so your team stays focused on delivering value.
Human Insight is Irreplaceable
Even the most advanced AI can’t replicate intuition, empathy, or brand storytelling. The strongest results come from combining AI-driven data insights with human creativity and judgment.
Culture & Team Dynamics Matter
As I shared in The CEO Magazine, success with AI requires an intentional approach to team-building. Fostering a culture that embraces innovation while preserving core values ensures smooth adoption and long-term gains.
Continuous Learning & Adaptation
AI technology evolves quickly, and staying ahead means investing in ongoing training and professional development for your people. This adaptability is what keeps you competitive and helps your organization scale effectively.
This conversation is so important because the future of content (and business as a whole) hinges on our ability to adapt without losing the authentic connection we have with our customers. Adopting AI thoughtfully can help you expand your reach, optimize operations, and strengthen your team’s impact—all while retaining the uniqueness that makes your organization thrive.
I highly recommend reading the full article for more insights from me and other experts. Click here to access it.
A big thank you to Dustin Siggins and The CEO Magazine for featuring my perspective. Here’s to embracing AI as a powerful partner in growth—without ever compromising on the human-first mindset that truly drives sustainable success. If you’re looking to scale your operations effectively, I invite you to reach out to Balsam&Cedar. Let’s build the right team, the right culture, and the right strategy together.