By Jeana Goosmann, Founder, CEO, and Practicing Attorney, Goosmann Law Firm
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a Silicon Valley buzzword anymore—it’s reshaping how companies across the Midwest operate. From farms to financial firms, manufacturers to law practices, AI is unlocking new levels of efficiency and insight. But like any tool, its power depends on how it’s used.
✅ CEO Wins with AI
- Data-Driven Decisions: Smart leaders are using AI dashboards to cut through the noise—turning sales trends, customer data, and supply chain numbers into clear strategies.
- Boosting Productivity: AI is taking on routine tasks like scheduling, reporting, and even first drafts of documents, freeing up teams to focus on higher-value work.
- Customer Experience: Chatbots and predictive analytics are helping Midwest companies deliver faster, more personal service without ballooning headcount.
- Risk Management: From spotting contract risks to predicting market shifts, CEOs are leaning on AI to make better, safer calls in real time.
❌ CEO Fails with AI
- Shiny Object Syndrome: Some leaders jump into AI tools without a plan—wasting money on tech that doesn’t solve their real problems.
- Lack of Human Oversight: AI can’t replace judgment. CEOs who “set it and forget it” risk errors, compliance issues, or worse—brand damage.
- Data Blind Spots: AI is only as good as the data it’s fed. Inaccurate, incomplete, or biased data leads to flawed results that can hurt more than help.
- Ignoring the Legal Side: From privacy laws to intellectual property risks, CEOs who skip legal review before rolling out AI tools may find themselves exposed.
The Bottom Line
In the Midwest, we’re seeing a growing divide: CEOs who treat AI as a strategic partner are gaining a competitive edge, while those who treat it as a shortcut are stumbling.
At Goosmann Law Firm, we help businesses not only adopt AI—but do so safely, strategically, and with the right guardrails in place. Because AI doesn’t just need to be powerful; it needs to be legal, ethical, and aligned with your long-term goals.
📌 CEO Checklist: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Say Yes to AI
- What problem am I solving? – Make sure the tool addresses a real business challenge, not just a trend.
- Is my data reliable? – AI outputs are only as strong as the inputs—bad data equals bad decisions.
- Who’s accountable? – Assign human oversight so the tool supports, not replaces, leadership judgment.
- What are the legal risks? – AI can create privacy, intellectual property, and compliance challenges—call your lawyer before you roll it out.
- Does this align with my strategy? – AI should serve your long-term goals, not distract from them.