A Sr. Account Director on AI, being yourself, and the things that matter most
When Erick was a kid, he had his career path completely figured out.
He was going to be a genie.
“The plan was simple: wish for more wishes, never run out, never work a day in my life,” he says. “I thought I’d outsmarted the entire concept. Nobody could talk me out of it either. I was fully committed to this being my future.”
The genie thing didn’t quite pan out. Instead, Erick became a Senior Account Director at General Assembly, where he’s spent the past seven years doing something his younger self probably didn’t account for, working very hard (and genuinely enjoying it).
For Erick, what makes the work meaningful has always come back to the same thing: the people.
“As a natural extrovert, I love engaging with people, forging meaningful connections, and empowering others to future-proof themselves.”
That instinct shows up everywhere in the way Erick talks about his life. Ask him what superpower he’d choose, and he doesn’t want to fly or read minds. He wants to be able to instantly make anyone feel comfortable in a room.
“I already love making people laugh and pulling in the shy kid who’s hanging back, so imagine doing that with a snap,” he says. “Nobody would ever have to feel invisible again.”
Making more time for what matters
Seven years into his career at GA, the way Erick works has changed quite a bit. These days, AI is built into the routine, but there’s a clear philosophy behind how he uses it—both at work and in his personal life. Erick lets AI make certain things easier so there’s more time and energy for what matters most.
In his personal life, that might mean help with meal prep or tracking his fitness journey. It’s also become one of his go-to tools for planning trips and maximizing his time wherever he’s visiting.
“I’ll ask it for hidden spots in whatever country I’m headed to, help me sort out an itinerary, or translate something on the fly,” he says. “It’s like a travel buddy that never gets tired of my questions.”
At work, the same philosophy applies. Erick uses AI as a thought partner to draft emails, clean up notes, or get ideas moving when he’s stuck, handing off some of the tasks that don’t need all of his attention so he can give more of it to the ones that do.
“I use it to save time on the boring stuff,” he says, “so I can spend more energy focusing on the people.”
For Erick, using AI isn’t about squeezing more productivity out of every available minute. It’s about being intentional with where he spends his time and attention—and making more room to be fully present for the people, places, and experiences that matter to him.
Being human is still the point
Ask Erick what AI will never replace and he doesn’t hesitate: “The feeling of being truly seen by another person.”
“AI can be helpful. It can even be funny. But it can’t sit across from someone and make them feel like they belong,” he says. “That comes from a human who’s actually paying attention, and you can’t fake that.”
And when asked what advice he’d give his younger self, Erick’s answer comes back to something similar.
“Stop shrinking yourself to fit in. The stuff you’re embarrassed about now is going to become the best part of you. You’ll spend years wishing you knew how to make friends and be yourself, and then one day it just clicks. People are drawn to you when you stop performing and start being real.”
“So relax. You’re not behind. You’re just early.”
Turns out, he didn’t need unlimited wishes after all. Although we’re guessing he’d still take them.