The promise of AI and automation is compelling do more with less, streamline work, free up time, impress clients. But in reality, the space is messy, overwhelming, and full of tools that overpromise and underdeliver.
As a digital coach, I live and breathe these tools daily. I explore, test, build, and teach automation across industries. And yet, even I find myself in cycles of frustration: too many platforms, inconsistent quality, complex logic, high costs, half-finished features. If I’m not 100% confident using these tools, how can I guide others who are less tech-savvy?
This isn’t just imposter syndrome. It’s a real reflection of the current landscape and a call to shift how we approach tech enablement.
The reality: Too many tools, too little clarity
Every week, another “game-changing” tool enters the scene. AI builders, workflow tools, integration layers, automation dashboards… each one promising to be the missing link.
But here’s the truth:
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Many are optimised for demos, not delivery.
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They lack interoperability, stability, or polish.
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They assume a level of logic fluency that most people don’t have.
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They often require painful workarounds to actually do what they say.
So we waste hours testing, configuring, debugging, just to maybe save time later. That’s not a great trade-off. And for most of our clients, it’s simply not worth it.
The shift: From knower to navigator
The breakthrough for me came when I stopped trying to be the expert who knows it all and instead embraced being a navigator. My value isn’t in knowing every tool inside out. It’s in:
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Asking better questions
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Exploring patterns
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Translating technical complexity into practical clarity
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Curating reliable paths that clients can actually follow
Once I made this shift, everything got lighter. I no longer had to master every platform. I just needed to create systems that helped me (and others) learn, test and teach effectively.
A better way: The “Test, Trust, Teach” loop
Here’s the simple framework I now use to turn learning into leverage:
- Test
I set aside time to experiment with a new tool or automation each week. But I start small: one clear use case, one objective. No pressure to make it perfect, just to learn. - Trust
If it works well, I save it. I document what I did (in my knowledge hub with screenshots). I make it replicable. That way, I’m not starting from scratch next time. - Teach
Then, I turn it into a quick demo, micro-training, or template. It becomes something I can show to clients, share with my team, or reuse in future projects.
This approach builds confidence over time; for me and the people I coach. And it keeps my tools and training aligned with real-world needs, not shiny features.
The system: Tiering your automation tools
To reduce confusion, I now group tools into tiers based on technical skill and use case. Here’s the simplified model:
| Tier | For whom | Examples | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Non-tech users | Zapier, Encharge, Make (basic) | Forms, CRM updates, email flows |
| 2 | Semi-technical | Google Scripts, Airtable, Notion AI | Custom logic, dashboards |
| 3 | Power users (me) | Power Automate, n8n, OpenAI API, Apps Script, webhooks | Multi-layered automation |
By focusing on just a few tools in each tier, I simplify what I need to know and what I need to teach. I don’t need to be an expert in 20 tools. I can be confident in an open and honest 3 tier approach.
The role: Clarity over control
What clients really need is confidence, not complexity. They’re not looking to master AI or build their own automations. They want to trust that:
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There’s a system that works
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They system is tested it
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I can help them apply it simply, safely, and sustainably
So now I focus less on the tools and more on the journey. I help people define their goals, map workflows, and understand enough about the tech to make good decisions.
If you’re feeling behind, you’re actually ahead
The fact that you are aware of the confusion, the trade-offs, and the gaps means you’re paying attention. You care about quality. That alone puts you ahead of most.
What you might call “imposter syndrome” could actually be expert empathy, the ability to see where others will struggle before they do. That’s a gift. And it’s exactly what makes you a better guide.
Want to build your own automation stack?
I’m building simple frameworks, training, and visual maps to help others navigate the noise of automation. If you’re interested in learning, testing, or teaching automation in a more human way, let’s talk.