The Founder’s Unfair Advantage with Chris Winfield

In this episode, we covered how founders can stand out in the online world. We talked about using AI naturally. We aimed to build true, lasting connections. We talked to Chris Winfield. He is an expert in branding, visibility, and AI marketing. His advice? Be real, be strategic, and don’t expect AI to do all the work.

AI Isn’t a Shortcut—It’s a Starting Point

Chris explained that AI is great—but only to a point. He uses the 80/20 rule: let AI do 80% of the work, but the last 20% must come from you. That’s where your personality, voice, and clarity come in.

I liked his analogy: “Call in Steve Jobs.” When AI provides messy or bloated content, ask it to rewrite it as Steve Jobs would. That simplification changes everything.

“Use AI for 80% of the work, but keep at least 20% human. That last 20% is what makes your content connect.”

— Kevin Henrikson

Be Curious and Keep Digging

We talked about the power of being a generalist. With the right prompts, anyone can explore new areas quickly. I often dive into over 10 rabbit holes each day just by chatting with tools like ChatGPT. Asking good questions matters more than being an expert at the start.

Real Relationships Still Matter

Chris had a helpful tip: if you're starting a business, just use your phone for support. Check your contacts. Ask, “Can this person help me or connect me to someone who can?” This simple question can help you raise money, find new hires, and grow quickly.

One story he shared? A founder was struggling to land a book deal. One link to Chris led her to a six-figure deal and millions in consulting.

Imperfection Wins

We also discussed the power of low-fi content. In a sea of polished AI posts, authenticity shines. Videos that are raw and spontaneous often get more views than fancy ones.

Chris thinks short clips will be key for visibility in 2025. They are even more effective when others share them.

Your Unfair Advantage: You

Chris’s biggest takeaway? Your unfair advantage is yourself. Not AI. Not software. You. Show up. Make the call. Post the thought. Record the video. Even if it feels uncomfortable.

“Your voice, your story, your clarity—that’s the real multiplier. AI can help, but it can’t replace connection.”

— Kevin Henrikson

5 Key Takeaways

Use AI Wisely: Let it get you 80% of the way. Always add your voice at the end.
Simplify Like Steve Jobs: Ask your AI tool to think like someone who simplifies.
Use Your Network: Don’t forget the people in your contacts. Start there.
Authenticity Beats Polish: Raw, messy content is more engaging than polished AI junk.
You Are the Advantage: Founders who show up consistently are the ones who win.

Final Thoughts

Visibility isn’t just a trend—it’s a system. In 2025, the winning founders will be those who build trust widely. They will make each post clear. They will combine AI help with personal ties.

“Don’t rely on vibes. Build a system. Use AI to move fast, but always bring your full self to the table.”

— Kevin Henrikson

If this changed your view on branding, marketing, or building in public,

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🎧 Listen to Episode 19 here: