How to Become a Much Better User of AI!
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AI generated documents are already sitting in your inbox and maybe even your next board packet, and that’s exactly why we wanted a grounded, practical conversation on how to get the most out of your AI usage and avoid the common mistakes. On this week’s episode of Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger is joined by Thiago Ferreira, founder and CEO of Elevate AI Consulting and an instructor of human-centered AI at the University of Miami, to break down what these tools can actually do for boards, managers, vendors, and residents.
Donna and Thiago dig into the real shift from traditional Google searching to “zero-click” answers, why AI can sound incredibly confident while still being wrong, and the simplest mindset that keeps you safe: trust but verify. Thiago shares quick wins you can try right away, like using global instructions in ChatGPT or Claude to control tone and formatting, enabling the right connectors, and getting just enough training to stop “scratching the surface.”
Then they get into the work community association leaders care about most: clearer communication and better decisions. Donna and Thiago workshop a stronger prompt for a special assessment letter, explain how to stop AI from making dangerous assumptions, and talk through where AI helps versus where it creates risk. Together, they also cover privacy and confidentiality, including how to turn off model training, and why fiduciary duty means the final call a Board makes can never be “AI told me so.”
Conversation Highlights:
- How AI has moved from science fiction into everyday life for community associations, including ChatGPT, Claude and other large language models.
- Practical ways AI can help boards, managers, residents and association vendors save time and work more efficiently.
- The difference between generative AI and the AI tools people have already been using for years.
- Three simple AI tools or tasks beginners can try to immediately see its value.
- AI vs. Google: when to use each and why the distinction matters.
- The basics of writing better prompts without needing to become a “prompt engineer.”
- How to improve a common prompt, such as drafting a letter to condominium owners about a special assessment.
- Using AI to help volunteer board members prepare for meetings, organize information and manage packed agendas.
- Using AI to help community association managers manage email while keeping communications accurate, professional and personal.
- How residents can use AI to become more informed and constructive participants in community governance.
- AI efficiencies for engineers, contractors, accountants, attorneys, insurance professionals and other association vendors.
Related Links:
- Article: Best Practices for Integrating AI in Florida Community Association Management
- Article: Note Taking Automation: Fast AI Efficiency Win
- Resource: FREE ChatGPT Power Hour Workshop
- Resource: Claude Power Hour Workshop
About Take It To The Board
Think you know what community association life is all about? Think again. Residents must obey the rules, directors must follow the law, and managers must keep it all running smoothly. Take It To The Board explores the reality of life in a condominium, cooperative or homeowners’ association, what’s really involved in serving on its board, and how to maintain that ever-so-delicate balance of being legally compliant and community spirited. Leading community association attorney Donna DiMaggio Berger acknowledges the balancing act without losing her sense of humor as she talks with a variety of association leaders, experts, and vendors about the challenges and benefits of the community association lifestyle.
If you’ve got a question, Take It To The Board with Donna DiMaggio Berger – We Speak Condo & HOA!
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