#103 Human in the Loop: Smarter AI Adoption with Nicole Leffer

In this episode of Always Be Testing, host Tye DeGrange sits down with Nicole Leffer, an AI consultant, speaker, and founder of her own AI consultancy helping marketing teams and organizations understand, adopt, and integrate generative AI tools effectively. With a background as Head of Marketing for a B2B SaaS company, Nicole began experimenting with AI tools in 2021—long before the ChatGPT boom—and has since become a trusted voice in AI strategy, training, and implementation.

Nicole shares her journey from early AI adoption in marketing to launching her consultancy, offering practical insights for brands navigating this fast-evolving landscape. The conversation explores how AI can transform marketing workflows and team productivity, why organizations should start with one tool before expanding, and the risks of “cognitive offloading” or trusting AI too much. Nicole emphasizes the importance of maintaining human oversight, communication, and critical thinking, while debunking common misconceptions about AI’s limitations and potential.

They also discuss how to train teams to use AI responsibly and creatively, the role of experimentation and continuous learning in the AI era, and why smaller, agile teams often see greater success with implementation than larger, more rigid organizations. Beyond strategy, Nicole shares her creative side—her passion for travel, music, and using tools like Sunno to compose songs—illustrating how AI can enhance both professional workflows and personal expression.