Integrating AI & Critical Thinking Into Business Success with Dr. Bo Bennett, PhD

Amber Stitt
Jun 24
4 min read

Navigating Innovation, Critical Thinking, and AI with Dr. Bo Bennett: Insights from Pathways with Amber Stitt

In today’s fast-evolving world, innovation and adaptability are more important than ever. On a recent episode of the “Pathways with Amber Stitt” podcast, Dr. Bo Bennett—entrepreneur, author, social psychologist, and self-professed lifelong learner—opened up about the lessons of his diverse career. From building a multimillion-dollar company to harnessing the power of AI in publishing, Dr. Bennett’s journey offers practical wisdom on navigating growth, embracing technology, and sharpening our critical thinking.

Catching the Right Wave (and Missing a Few)

Dr. Bo Bennett’s journey began with a combination of curiosity, grit, and great timing. In 1994, fresh out of college and armed with computer experience, he started a web hosting company at a time when few had even heard of the World Wide Web. That bold step landed him an exit deal worth $20 million in 2001, right before the dot-com bubble burst. The success wasn’t without setbacks: because much of the payout was in company stock that ended up worthless, he “only” saw about $12 million. The experience laid the groundwork for a crucial lesson—staying resilient through daily struggles and seeing the big picture.

But not every wave was captured. Dr. Bennett openly admits missing the rise of social media—not out of ignorance, but disinterest. “Honestly I thought it was kind of stupid,” he confessed. While the opportunity passed him by, he resolved not to let emerging trends slip away again. AI, he concluded, was a revolution he couldn’t miss.

The Science of Success: From Motivation to Critical Thinking

Raised in an entrepreneurial family, Dr. Bennett was steeped in motivational wisdom from names like Tony Robbins and Zig Ziglar. But as he matured, he grew interested in the science beneath the slogans, feeling drawn toward philosophy, logical fallacies, and psychology. That drive led him to pursue a PhD in social psychology, shifting his focus to critical thinking—a skill he credits with transformative power in business, politics, and personal relationships.

He explains critical thinking as “the ability to carefully and systematically process information,” as opposed to simply accepting (or rejecting) what fits our preferences. In a landscape flooded by information, fostering a habit of thoughtful skepticism—slowing down, questioning sources, examining arguments—is more vital than ever. Dr. Bennett recommends actively looking for cognitive biases and logical fallacies, especially when bombarded by rapid-fire media.

The Promise and Ethics of AI in Publishing

Dr. Bennett stands at the forefront of AI’s creative revolution. Through BookBud.AI, he helps aspiring authors go from idea to published book, complete with cover and narration—sometimes in just a few hours. As he notes, AI isn’t just automation—it’s a way to amplify creativity and help people share their stories who might not otherwise have the means or time.

Of course, with new technology comes skepticism. Is it ethical to publish AI-written content? Dr. Bennett offers a nuanced view. He suggests that transparency—such as using pseudonyms for AI-generated books—can address concerns about authenticity. He encourages creators to see AI as a collaborative tool rather than a threat, noting that human ingenuity and storytelling still matter, especially for nuanced, or highly creative work.

For narrators and writers anxious about AI replacing their roles, Bennett recommends adaptation over resistance. Focus, he suggests, on what humans do best: emotional resonance, storytelling, and bringing unique perspectives to bear—while leveraging AI as a partner for productivity and new opportunities.

Why Everyone Should Share Their Story

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or simply someone with a unique perspective, Dr. Bennett believes in the power of sharing your story. A published book, he says, is “the most advanced business card” you can have—not just for credibility, but as a vehicle for ideas. Thanks to AI, the barriers to authorship have never been lower.

Key Takeaways

Don’t let fear or skepticism keep you from engaging with new technology—opportunities favor those who adapt.
Critical thinking is your best defense in the age of information overload. Slow down, question, research, and analyze before accepting what you see or hear.
AI can democratize creativity—if we use it ethically, transparently, and thoughtfully.
Everyone has a story to tell, and now there are more ways than ever to share it with the world.

To learn more about Dr. Bo Bennett’s work, visit ArchieBoy.com or his personal site at www.BoBennett.com. And for more illuminating conversations, be sure to follow “Pathways with Amber Stitt.” Let’s take action together!