The conversation about AI has shifted. What used to sound like science fiction now sounds like a business plan. Across industries, leaders are moving from asking if they should use AI to figuring out how it can make them faster, smarter, and more competitive.
For 1West CEO Kunal Bhasin, the answer is simple: treat AI like a teammate, not a trend.
“At 1West, we use AI as a tool for speed and sharp thinking,” he says. “ChatGPT helps us brainstorm, refine messaging, and remove friction in our day-to-day work. Our engineers turn to Claude for heavier technical and code-based tasks that strengthen the solutions we offer small businesses. We’re not chasing hype, we’re using AI to push our creative edge and respond faster to the real needs of entrepreneurs.”
Bhasin’s approach is pragmatic. His fintech marketplace has delivered more than $500 million to more than 10,000 small businesses, using proprietary technology to connect borrowers to more than 50 lenders. For his team, AI isn’t a disruptor. It serves as a pressure valve.
From Concept to Cash Flow
Across sectors, executives are finding that the real power of AI lies in its focus. Retailers are using predictive algorithms to reduce inventory waste. Builders are testing AI planning tools that flag cost overruns before they happen. Consultants and agencies are using AI transcription and writing tools to condense hours of meetings into actionable briefs.
Success starts with a clear purpose. “AI should solve a real problem,” Bhasin notes. “We are exploring AI to address practical challenges like staffing constraints and knowledge sharing. For instance, Zoom’s AI features help us automatically capture meeting highlights, so nothing important gets lost and everyone knows their next move. It’s a simple shift, but it saves time and reduces misalignment.”
That kind of practical gain is where AI delivers its quiet revolution. It’s not replacing people. It’s removing clutter so people can focus on growth.
Caution in the Cloud
In an age of automation, trust has become a business strategy.
“In customer-facing areas, especially when handling sensitive financial data, we’re intentionally cautious,” Bhasin says. “Trust is everything in lending, and we believe AI should enhance human connection, not replace it.”
That philosophy applies across industries. Whether it’s finance, healthcare, or consumer products, customers still expect empathy and accountability. Leaders who deploy AI with transparency are the ones building brand equity.
The Metrics That Matter
AI hype is easy to buy into. Value is harder to measure.
Bhasin recommends a 30-day test for every new tool. “If a tool doesn’t simplify your operations or improve performance, it’s not a smart investment,” he says. “Business leaders should ask if it saves time, increases output, or reduces costs in meaningful ways. Key metrics to watch include hours saved per task, lead quality, conversion rates, and any reduction in your software stack. Compare before and after. If the value isn’t obvious or the tool slows your team down, it’s not a fit.”
That kind of disciplined thinking separates growth companies from distracted ones. AI is evolving fast, but so is the noise surrounding it.
The New Human Advantage
For all its complexity, AI works best when it amplifies what makes people irreplaceable.
AI is great at pattern recognition, but at the end of the day, it can’t replace empathy or experience. The best businesses use it to clear the noise so humans can focus on what really matters, serving the client.
The next generation of business leaders won’t win because they use AI. They’ll win because they know why they use it.