In this clip from ScaleX™ Insider, Brian Solis breaks down what leaders really need to understand about AI in 2026 — and why most people are approaching it the wrong way.

Rather than chasing tools or fearing disruption, Brian explains that AI is best understood as a thinking partner. One that helps founders test ideas, expand their thinking, and move faster without waiting for permission, funding, or technical expertise.

This conversation reframes AI not as technology to master, but as a mindset shift — one that rewards curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to learn in public.

KEY INSIGHTS

• AI is not a tool — it's a collaborator for thinking, testing, and learning

• Leaders must learn to articulate where they are and where they want to go

• You no longer need to hire before you experiment — AI lets you prototype ideas instantly

• The future belongs to those who can think, test, and adapt quickly

• Scaling today means scaling your imagination before scaling your team

THE CRITICAL LESSON

AI doesn't reward expertise — it rewards curiosity.

Brian explains that the biggest limitation leaders face is not technology, but mindset. Those who approach AI with a beginner's mind unlock far more value than those who try to use it as an efficiency tool.

The real power of AI lies in helping you become someone you couldn't be before — testing ideas, building tools, and exploring opportunities that once required entire teams.

PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR LEADERS

• Treat AI as a thinking partner, not a shortcut

• Use AI to test ideas before investing time or money

• Let AI help you explore possibilities, not just optimise tasks

• Build the habit of asking better questions, not finding faster answers

• Stay open — the moment you think you "know," you stop learning

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR FOUNDERS & SCALING LEADERS

Brian highlights that growth today is no longer about doing more — it's about thinking differently.

Leaders who succeed in the next decade will be those who:

• Embrace continuous learning

• Use AI to extend their capabilities

• Stay adaptable as tools, markets, and expectations evolve

• Approach uncertainty with curiosity rather than fear

AI is not the destination. It's the accelerator.

CONNECT WITH BRIAN SOLIS

🔗Website: https://www.briansolis.com 🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansolis

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DCL6RLV6