On July 17th, members of the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce gathered for an engaging Business Breakfast that explored the rapidly evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern businesses. Presentations by Michael Drobnis, MBA of OptfinITy, and Reza Ghafoorian, MD, JD of Perla, Inc., offered attendees practical tools, thought-provoking insights, and a fresh perspective on how organizations can leverage AI effectively.
Practical Applications of AI in Everyday Business
Michael Drobnis walked attendees through tangible ways AI is already reshaping the workplace. From marketing automation and customer service chatbots to AI-driven scheduling and meeting assistants, Michael highlighted how small businesses can increase efficiency, improve customer experiences, and free up valuable staff time. He demonstrated real-life tools—such as AI chatbots for instant customer support and platforms like Calendly, Otter, and HubSpot Scheduling—that can streamline processes without major investments. His presentation also touched on the potential downsides of AI, such as maintaining the human touch in customer interactions and ensuring data security.
Click here to view Michael’s presentation slides.
AI as a Leadership Opportunity, Not Just Technology
Reza Ghafoorian offered a different lens on AI, emphasizing that its success depends as much on leadership as it does on technology. He noted that many executives feel unprepared to guide AI initiatives, with a lack of clear implementation roadmaps and usage guidelines often creating barriers. Reza outlined six forces that can drive or block AI adoption, including cultural, ethical, and regulatory considerations, and stressed the importance of involving staff early, clarifying roles in human-AI partnerships, and addressing fears with training and transparency. He also shared how Perla’s AI-powered solutions help long-term care facilities streamline compliance and credential management.
Click here to view Reza’s presentation slides.
The session left attendees with actionable strategies and a broader understanding of how AI can transform business operations—from increasing productivity to reshaping leadership approaches. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or looking to refine your current systems, the insights shared at this event offered a valuable roadmap for the future.