🧭 THIS WEEK AT AI SECOND ACT
Howdy, back from the land of farms, kangaroos, wineries, pubs, crazy cost of living and incredible real estate prices, that is Australia. Today -
What is the highest value and quickest wins you can get from AI right now? Ignore all the details and hype, and just get great advantages!
If you’re enjoying this newsletter, please share it! Forward this to a friend/colleague and have them subscribe at aisecondact.com/subscribe. Thanks!
👉 You can also just hit "Reply" and let me know what you want more (or less) of, or use the poll to give feedback.
My goal is to make this as valuable and practical as possible as we navigate the new AI era. 🚀
🧰 AI NEWS + LEARNING
Here are a few things I found recently:
AI predicting the future and comparing predictions to humans - super interesting and as with almost all aspects of life, AI will certainly be used to try to improve prediction accuracy
Google released Gemini 3 - seems pretty good from first views - basically catching up if not slightly exceeding other products on the market
Google released skills program - great resource for further learning
OpenAI released ChatGPT 5.1 - smarter and more conversational as they say… Am sure a small, delta improvement over 5.0, perhaps a little nicer responses
🗺️ FEATURED INSIGHT
The 6 Highest-Value Things AI Gives Mid-Career Professionals
1. Less Grind, More Output
Drafts, slides, notes, emails — all faster and cleaner.
Turn this into a polished first draft with structure, bullets, and a clear recommendation — in my voice.Why it matters:
You get hours back each week.
That compounds.
2. Sharper Thinking & Better Decisions
AI gives you instant second opinions, stress tests, blind-spot checks.
Here’s the decision I’m making: <paste>. Challenge it. What am I missing? What would a CFO/CEO push back on?Why it matters:
Your value is judgment. AI multiplies it.
3. Faster Learning Without the Overwhelm
Complex topics become simple. You can learn anything 10x faster.
Explain this concept to me in simple language and give me three examples relevant to a Director/VP.Why it matters:
You stay relevant without studying for hours.
4. Executive Presence on Demand
AI makes you look more prepared, more articulate, more strategic.
Rewrite this to sound clear, confident, and executive-ready. Short sentences. Strong verbs.Why it matters:
Perception drives promotion. This boosts both.
5. Real Influence (Without Being a ‘Content Creator’)
AI turns your insights into posts, updates, decks, newsletters — in minutes.
Turn this idea into a LinkedIn post in a friendly, experienced tone. Add a simple hook.Why it matters:
Visibility → opportunity → optionality.
6. A Realistic Path to a Second Act
AI lowers the barrier to building something on the side — writing, coaching, tools, mini-products, newsletters.
Give me 3 simple side project ideas I can ship in under 30 days based on my background and interests.Why it matters:
You create leverage outside your employer.
This is how mid-career reinvention starts.
If you’re mid-career, these six things matter more than anything else AI can offer.
No gimmicks. No hype. Pure leverage.
Weekly AI strategies for operating executives
— Brett
👉 Hit “Reply” and share your experience — I read every one!