As I sat down with Danny Robles , founder and chief strategist of Intentify, I was struck by his passionate vision for humanizing AI. Our conversation revealed powerful insights into how we can shape a more intentional and inclusive future with technology. You can find our entire conversation here.
The Human-Centered Approach to AI
Danny’s “Humanize AI” movement is built on a crucial insight: We need to humanize AI for people and humanize people for AI. This bidirectional approach recognizes that as AI becomes more integrated into our lives, we must consider both sides of the human-AI relationship.
“We need a humanized AI for the human, but we also have to do the reverse for the AI,” Danny explained.
This perspective stems from Danny’s background in design thinking and human-centered design. He emphasizes putting people at the center of technological innovation rather than chasing the latest tools or trends.
Bridging the AI Adoption Gap
A key challenge Danny highlighted is that AI innovation is outpacing adoption. Many leaders underestimate how quickly they need to adapt, thinking they still have time to figure it out. Danny cautions against this complacency:
“If you’re sitting on the sidelines and saying, I still got some time, and I don’t need to worry about this right now, I think that’s the biggest mistake.”
Instead, he advocates for taking proactive steps to intentionally integrate AI into your work and life. This doesn’t mean diving in headfirst but starting with small, practical use cases that align with your goals and values.
The Power of Bringing Everyone into the Room
One of Danny’s most impactful experiences involved facilitating a workshop for a large mining company introducing autonomous vehicles. By bringing together diverse stakeholders – from drivers to executives – they could create a shared understanding and uncover insights that siloed conversations had missed.
“If you just started with a human first, you could solve almost anything in this world.”
This approach of “bringing everyone into the room” – physically or digitally – is crucial as we navigate the complexities of AI adoption. It ensures that diverse perspectives and lived experiences inform how we design and implement these powerful technologies.
Cultivating Digital Citizenship
Our conversation took an unexpectedly personal turn as we discussed our shared experiences as first-generation Americans. Danny beautifully articulated how technology opened up a new sense of identity for him:
“I’m a human citizen. I’m a world citizen. These labels, these passports will come and go, but my ability to connect with everyone on the planet has now become accessible.”
This idea of digital citizenship—of belonging to a global community enabled by technology—offers a powerful framework for considering AI’s potential to connect and empower people across traditional boundaries.
Embracing Our Unique Stories
One inspiring takeaway from our conversation was the value of our individual stories and perspectives. In a world increasingly shaped by AI and algorithms, our unique human experiences become even more precious.
“If I can lean into my story, that makes me unique. That’s what makes my story valuable.”
As leaders and innovators, we are responsible for bringing our whole selves – including our cultural backgrounds, personal journeys, and diverse viewpoints – to conversations about AI and the future. This is how we ensure that the technologies we create truly serve and enhance the human experience.
Moving Forward with Intention
Danny’s work with Intentify and the Humanize AI movement offers a roadmap for navigating the AI revolution with purpose and empathy. By centering on human needs, fostering inclusive dialogue, and valuing diverse perspectives, we can create a future where AI enhances rather than diminishes our humanity.
As we move forward, let’s challenge ourselves and the AI builders to make these technologies more accessible, transparent, and aligned with human values. The future of AI is not predetermined—it’s up to us to shape it with intention and care.
What steps are you taking to humanize AI in your work or life? How can we better integrate diverse perspectives into AI development and adoption? Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
