By Steve “The Doctor” Meek | Talk To Th3 Doc Podcast | Fulcrum Group
Podcast Doc-umentary – Episode 102 of Talk To Th3 Doc, Kellye Kamp, AI Strategy Expert and Founder of SourceKamp, joins Steve Meek to explain how business leaders can unlock real ROI with practical AI, even without a tech background.
Let me tell you something that’s become crystal clear: technology doesn’t transform businesses—people do. And if you’re the executive leading a small or mid-sized organization here in DFW, that means you are the sculptor. The chisel might be AI, cybersecurity, or managed IT services—but the vision? That’s all yours.
In my latest episode of the Talk To Th3 Doc podcast, I sat down with AI strategy expert Kellye Kamp from SourceKamp to talk about how SMBs can use generative AI without needing a Ph.D. in computer science—or a Google-sized budget. And let me tell you: this wasn’t your typical “tech talk.” It was a wake-up call for business leaders who think tech is someone else’s problem.
So, I want to unpack the biggest takeaways from that episode—and share a little small town Texas wisdom on why leading technology initiatives isn’t just for IT people. It’s yours too.
Stop Waiting for Perfect Timing. Just Get on the Track.
Kellye put it best when she said, “You don’t need to be technical to take advantage of AI.” What you do need is curiosity, clarity, and the courage to start small. Generative AI isn’t some spaceship on a launchpad—it’s a power tool already in your toolbox. And for SMBs, it’s creating real results:
🩺 SMBs using AI-powered assistants are reporting ROI within 2–4 months.
🛠️ Businesses that adopt GenAI see, on average, a 20% boost in productivity—sometimes more.
📉 One small business cut customer service costs by 30% just by implementing AI chat tools. Do you get lots of questions on the same stuff? Could you benefit, too?
The ROI here is real, but so is the risk of doing nothing. As I tell clients periodically, inertia is either the best or worst thing you can follow.
The Executive Role in AI: Architect, Not Operator
Too often, business leaders abdicate tech decisions to their IT folks. Don’t get me wrong—we love IT people (we are IT people!)—but no engineer can know your clients, workflows, or culture like you do.
The truth is, your voice matters more than the tools.
You don’t need to be fluent in anything technical. You do need to be the clearest voice in the room on what matters most to your business. AI tools are only as good as the problems they’re pointed at. That’s why we say: at Fulcrum Group, we co-create success with our clients—you bring the knowledge of your business; we bring the expertise to translate that into technology.
How We Do It: The STARPower Way
At Fulcrum Group, we help our clients go beyond ticket resolution and into transformation. Our SPOT Managed IT Services and STARPower innovation framework help you unlock the ROI that tech should be delivering—without guesswork, jargon, or break-fix drama.
Let me give you an example. We had a manufacturer here in DFW frustrated by double-entry, outdated sales processes, and a sales team that sounded more like frustrated IT help desk staff. We guided them through a STARPower session, uncovered the root issue (disconnected systems and missed automation), and rolled out a simple AI-enabled tool that cut hours off their quoting process. Today, they’re spending more time with customers—and less time typing into spreadsheets.
That’s the kind of stuff we live for.
The “AI for All” Mindset (With Guardrails)
One thing Kellye emphasized that also stuck with me: not all AI tools are created equal. There are privacy risks, security concerns, and just plain ol’ snake oil out there. Is it just me or does EVERYTHING now seem to include AI in it? That’s why we help clients vet AI tools with our security-first approach.
We’re seeing increased demand for:
- Data governance for organizations (remember file retention policies for paper files, you need it for digital documents)
- Managed detection and response (MDR)
- Compliance-ready AI adoption for HIPAA, CJIS, and others
As your technology partner, we make sure your innovation doesn’t come at the cost of your reputation or regulatory standing.
Where Should You Start?
Simple. Start with you.
✔️ Ask better questions of your team.
✔️ Start using GenAI in your own day-to-day decisions (we will make sure you have access to Copilot Chat, as it is free to start).
✔️ Get your leadership team together and talk about your top 4-7 processes.
And if you're not sure where to begin, schedule a free technology strategy session with us. We’ll walk you through how your current stack stacks up—and where AI or automation could shave hours (and costs) off your operations.
As Kellye said, “Just go play and go use it.” It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being purposeful.
Final Thought: You Are the Differentiator
Let me leave you with this: your business doesn’t need the fanciest tools—it needs a leader willing to lean into discomfort, get curious, and drive intentional change. The tech is there. The opportunity is there. All that’s missing? Your green light.
We’re here when you’re ready.
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📞 Want help leading your team into the AI future with confidence? Reach out to us at sales@fulcrumgroup.net, or call (817) 337-0300.
🎙️ Subscribe to the Talk To Th3 Doc Podcast for more stories, strategies, and Southern wisdom from business leaders right here in DFW.
