Artificial intelligence is becoming part of the infrastructure of modern professional practice, and it is already reshaping the competitive landscape. The question is no longer whether to use it. The question is what professionalism looks like now that it is here.
In this solo episode, Susan Guthrie shares two real conversations that capture the tension so many professionals are feeling right now. One colleague rejected a document because it "reads like AI." Another rejected a job...
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of the infrastructure of modern professional practice, and it is already reshaping the competitive landscape. The question is no longer whether to use it. The question is what professionalism looks like now that it is here.
In this solo episode, Susan Guthrie shares two real conversations that capture the tension so many professionals are feeling right now. One colleague rejected a document because it "reads like AI." Another rejected a job candidate because they failed to use AI to improve a basic follow-up email. Same technology. Completely opposite conclusions. So who's right?
Susan's answer reframes the entire debate. The issue is not whether AI touched the work. The issue is whether a thoughtful professional stands behind it.
This episode is part two of a two-part conversation. If you missed last week's companion episode, start there first: AI Just Changed Again. Here’s What Actually Matters with Susan Guthrie.
What You'll Learn
- Why AI use is not a character flaw, but poor judgment might be
- How blind rejection of AI is not a strategy, and neither is blind adoption
- What the evolving standard of professionalism actually demands from legal and ADR professionals today
- Why your judgment, not AI, is your true competitive advantage
- How to evaluate whether AI-assisted work genuinely reflects your standards before it reaches a client or colleague
Free Episode Companion Resource
Susan created the companion resource, The Professional Judgment AI Check, specifically for this episode. It is a practical framework designed to help legal and ADR professionals evaluate AI-assisted workflows before they ever reach a client, colleague, or public audience. Use it as a filter to make sure your AI-assisted work is accurate, ethical, confidential, and genuinely reflects your professional standards.
Download the resource here: https://susaneguthrie.com/podcasts
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The work we cover on the show, made practical enough to use this week.
Join The Practice Accelerator: susaneguthrie.com/accelerator
Upcoming Live Webinar with Susan Guthrie
The New Legal Frontier: AI-Driven Disputes and How You Can Lead Them | June 9th A forward-focused look at how AI is reshaping disputes, client expectations, and professional opportunities, and how you can position yourself as a leader in a rapidly changing environment.
Practice Playbook listeners save an additional 20% with code Susan20 at checkout. Register at https://susaneguthrie.com/webinars.
Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie
Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices.
Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following.
As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world.
Connect with Susan E. Guthrie
Website: https://susaneguthrie.com
Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/books
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie
Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast
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