As artificial intelligence reshapes how we do business, companies face mounting pressure to adopt AI technologies quickly. But in this rush to innovate, many are overlooking a critical factor: the impact on their brand integrity. Here’s why we created StrongerBrands AI: as we learn to adopt AI, we can help others do so smartly and avoid bruising their brand.
Automation Overdrive: Letting employees use AI tools to churn out content without guardrails and proper oversight.
Complete Avoidance: Maintaining business-as-usual, with little or no plan for implementing AI efficiencies, potentially falling behind competitors.
Both paths can significantly damage your brand. That’s why we created StrongerBrands AI.
This was more than a technology failure: it was a leadership and accountability fail.
Deloitte Australia takes the spotlight on our Bruised Brand AI Fail. In September of 2024, it was discovered that an earlier report from the company was filled with AI-generated fabrications.
The report was to cover Australia’s “Robodebt”‑style automated welfare compliance systems.
Deloitte had used a chain of generative‑AI tools to create the 237‑page report. It included fabricated quotes, nonexistent academic references, and fictional judicial citations.
The company responded by acknowledging that they had used AI tools. Deloitte offered to partially refund the Australian government its AU$440,000 fee and committed to tightening Deloitte’s internal controls on AI‑assisted work, as reported in The Guardian.
Speed without verification damages credibility fast. Even as AI continues to improve, we can’t risk hard-earned trust for efficiency without accountability.
Your brand is about everything people experience when doing business with you. Every aspect of your business builds or bruises your reputation. It’s a slow-and-steady build that can be dented or destroyed by one misstep or poor judgment call.
We specialize in building brands and executing marketing initiatives for the industrial, manufacturing, and professional services sectors, and understand that credibility and consistency are critical to establishing trust.
A bruised brand in these sectors is more than a PR headache. It translates to lost bids, eroded trust, and a long-term hit to your bottom line.
Because we recognize how vital the brand is, we launched StrongerBrands AI for several reasons. StrongerBrands AI is our response to the pressure leaders are under to implement AI. Companies need to adopt AI, but they have to be smart about it.
Since late 2024, Matthew Kleist has been meeting regularly with AI professionals and has been continually sharing tools, tips, and AI guardrails with the Identity Creative team. Early in 2025, he was asked to give a seminar on AI to members of the Auburn Hills Chamber, and a growing number of people were reaching out to him with AI questions and concerns.
After seeing so many businesses make clumsy mistakes with AI, it didn’t take long for Matthew to pitch the idea to the Identity Creative team of starting a free online meetup for business leaders looking to implement AI effectively and build a stronger brand.
“What makes a creative agency a reliable resource to lead discussions around AI? We engage with experts, we use the tools, we observe wins and losses, we learn, and we communicate simply.”
– Matthew Kleist, COO, Identity Creative
We also take a few minutes for introductions and share LinkedIn profiles to stay connected.
In previous meetups, we’ve covered specific AI tools for sales teams, marketing campaigns, creative ideation, and time-saving. Still, we’re always reinforcing that the same sound principles that apply to people also apply to AI tools.
Yes, AI can save hours and help you accomplish more. That doesn’t mean it gets to make decisions for your brand.
As AI continues to evolve, so does our community. StrongerBrands AI is a growing network of professionals committed to responsible AI adoption.
“The group made me feel comfortable enough to ask questions, and I was impressed with the experience and shared knowledge of the AI pros in the meeting.”
“I’ve talked with people on both ends of the AI spectrum, from reckless abandon to total avoidance. Neither extreme will serve them. The StrongerBrands AI meetups have been a boon for attendees who want to stay ahead of their competitors without ruining their brand.”
AI won’t replace strong brands, but it will expose weak ones. It’s crucial to approach AI adoption strategically and with your brand integrity at the forefront.
If you’re responsible for your company’s direction, your department’s productivity, or simply interested in implementing AI without compromising your brand, StrongerBrands AI is for you.
How? Register for StrongerBrands AI (SBAI) Meetups Here (and get updates on meetup dates & times)
Cost: Online SBAI meetups are offered with no required fees
Catch up: If you’re just joining the conversation, you can catch up by listening to a few of our AI introductory meetups on YouTube.
In-Person Events: Our last in-person StrongerBrands AI meetup was a success, and we’re looking forward to hosting more. We’ll let you know when they’re happening!
StrongerBrands AI on LinkedIn: Join our SBAI group here to stay on top of events.
We created the room we wished existed.
Real companies are experimenting without a safety net. AI implementers and architects see where it works and where it fails. Marketers and operators need to be in the same conversation.
StrongerBrands AI exists to connect the dots.
AI is moving fast: it doesn’t mean that you need to take unwise risks to adopt it in your business. Join us at StrongerBrands AI, where we’re committed to helping you navigate this new frontier, steer clear of obstacles, and take your brand to new heights.