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Do I have to be friends with my co workers to get ahead? Should I take the promotion even if I hate the job? Is my salary big enough or am I getting screwed? Do I have to choose between having a family and having a career? I've been laid off now what do I do? I'm Melissa Franks, and I've spent the last 25 years building my corporate career and a family to along the way, there have been bumps and bruises and some epic going down in flames of glory moments. My journey up the corporate ladder found me forging new ground without a safety net. Through my real life stories, experiences, and special guests on the show, I take the mystery out of how to succeed in the corporate world. I'm going to spill all the tea about how decisions are really made, how to tell who the hidden influencers are, and how to realize your full potential while enjoying the process at the same time. Each week, we will dive into a topic where I will share the good, the bad, and the ugly of my experiences and what we can all learn from them. You will walk away each week with a clear set of next steps to take action and improve your circumstances. We are going to speak frankly and freely about when it's time to opt in or to opt out. Opt In is a place where you can come to get practical, actionable advice to propel your career and your life in the direction you want. Work with me: www.melissafranks.com/offers

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AI Won’t Save Your Business, It Will Save Your Time: How to Use AI the Right Way in 2026

December 24, 2025 • Melissa Franks

AI has exploded in the business world, and most founders are still confused about how to actually use it. In this episode, Melissa breaks down what AI is good at, where it completely falls apart, and how small business owners can integrate it without chaos, overwhelm, or bad decisions.

Drawing from decades of experience in machine learning and automation (long before “AI” was a buzzword), Melissa shares the four categories of work AI excels at, the strategic functions it will never replace, and why your operational foundations matter more than any tool.

You’ll learn:

The real emotional and operational challenges founders face with AI
What AI can actually do well: admin, content support, customer ops, light analytics
The human functions AI will never replace: strategy, prioritization, leadership, accountability
Melissa’s Founder–COO–AI Triangle for using AI the right way in 2026
A simple readiness checklist before integrating any AI into your business
The biggest integration mistakes small businesses make and how to avoid them

Melissa closes with a reminder:

AI isn’t a system—it’s a tool. If you’re overwhelmed, you don’t have a tech problem. You have an operations problem.

Ready to build stronger systems and integrate AI the smart way? Book a consultation at https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservices

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