The Can-Use Reality in Action

1. The Independent Contractor Who Leveraged AI to Change an Industry
   A Melbourne contractor had no big firm behind him, no legacy infrastructure, just his ability to harness AI as a strategic force. With Power BI, he read the market faster than competitors. With Azure’s voice capabilities, he crafted interactive communications that engaged at scale. With AI-enhanced Outlook, he outperformed entire sales teams in personalised outreach. What happened next? His vision and AI mastery landed him deals connecting two tech giants, the Australian Government, and a progressive consulting partner. The “can use” beat the “can’t use.”
2. Greg: The Independent ServiceNow Recruiter Who Proved Agility Wins
   Greg isn’t a recruitment agency; he’s a solo operator who embraced AI. Specialising in placing ServiceNow talent with companies reshoring work, Greg understood that the gig economy rewards those who move fast. AI-powered candidate sourcing, real-time analytics through Power BI, and automated personalised outreach made Greg 10× more effective than traditional recruiters relying on legacy methods. While others were stuck using industry-wide trends, Greg pivoted to skill-based placements—using AI tools to navigate a workforce evolution that companies hadn’t even realised they needed yet.
3. Microsoft’s AI Accelerants Are Changing the Game for SMBs
   Under James Cunningham at Microsoft Australia, AI is reshaping business competitiveness. A Brisbane-based boutique wasn’t competing with industry giants—until AI changed the equation. Power BI revealed actionable insights. Azure’s voice tools automated high-touch customer interactions. Outlook’s AI-enhanced communication allowed personalised reach at an unheard-of scale. The result? 500% growth in just 6 to 12 months. The boutique didn’t win because it had more capital. It won because it could use AI.

What Are Tech Companies Doing in This Space?

Innovators like ServiceNow are actively shifting their strategy—not just enhancing internal systems but using AI to bridge gaps in developing nations. ServiceNow.org is empowering local governments and nonprofits to digitalise operations, bringing efficiency and structure where outdated workflows slowed progress.

The Hard Truth:

It’s easier for companies to find solutions within skilled individuals who “can use” AI than to rely on broad industry expertise. Over six months—even 12 months—the “can’t use” will be passed over for the ones who can adapt, scale, and anticipate change.

A special nod to those pushing this transformation forward:
• @Evgueni (Revity): Your pioneering AI work proves human potential expands when people embrace technology.
• @GregThorpe (ServiceNow): Your success as an independent recruiter shows AI-powered agility outclasses traditional models in workforce strategy.
• @JamesCunningham (Microsoft Australia): Your leadership in AI integration is proving that business growth is no longer about size—it’s about capability.
• @Jenny McAllister (Government): Your advocacy for progressive policy ensures AI accelerators empower individuals without leaving ethical concerns behind.

Final Thought

Three months ago, I had never used Python or BI Power Tools. AI Copilot guided me, challenged me, and gave me the scripts to access data that used to take hours—no more scrambling for old lists or relying on outsourced labor. I became self-reliant.

The divide is real—and the winners will be those who “can use” AI effectively.

I intend to be among them