As artificial intelligence has moved from the margins of academia into the centre of everyday life, there’s a growing demand for clarity, not just about how AI works, but about what it means. Lara Anderson, a strategist with over two decades of experience at the intersection of technology and business, is helping lead that conversation. Her new book, AI and I: A HUMAN-LED INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, offers a human-centred perspective on the future of intelligent systems.
The Human Story Behind the Code
Anderson’s journey with AI began in 1999, long before it became a buzzword. Over the years, she has led digital transformation projects across Europe and the US, witnessing firsthand how intelligent systems are reshaping everything from the workplace to the creative industries. But her interest in AI goes beyond the technical.
“AI isn’t just about algorithms and automation,” she explains. “It’s about the values, behaviours, and choices we embed into those systems.”
What prompted her to write AI and I was the growing disconnect between the pace of innovation and the public’s understanding of it. The book is not only an insightful guide but a reflection on what AI means for us as humans. Anderson believes that AI is best understood not as an external force, but as a mirror. One that reflects who we are and what we prioritise.
AI & Human Identity
A central theme of AI and I is the relationship between artificial intelligence and human identity. Anderson argues that AI challenges us to think more deeply about what it means to be human. As machines take on more routine tasks, we’re left to focus on what they can’t replicate: empathy, imagination, ethical judgment, and connection.
“The ‘I’ in AI and I is intentional,” she says. “It’s a reminder that we’re not passive observers in this story. We have agency. We’re the ones shaping what AI becomes.”
This is especially apparent in the creative industries, where AI is already influencing music, storytelling, design, and marketing. Anderson is clear: AI should be seen as a partner, not a replacement. It can support human creativity by generating ideas or accelerating workflows, but it lacks the emotional intelligence, lived experience, and cultural awareness that true creativity demands.
The book also addresses more complex questions about emerging technologies like agentic AI – systems that can make decisions independently. Anderson doesn’t downplay the challenges these developments pose, but she cautions against fear-driven narratives.
“Thoughtfulness, not fear, should be our response. Agency doesn’t mean absence of oversight. We can design these systems with transparency, accountability, and human values at their core.”
Who Is This Book For?
AI and I is designed for readers who may not have a technical background but want to better understand the growing role of AI in their work and lives. It’s a book for educators, creatives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and professionals from all industries.
“If you’re curious about how AI is changing the world, and what that means for your sense of purpose, this book is for you,” says Anderson. “Whether you feel excited or anxious about AI, both of which are valid responses, this book gives you the tools to engage with it meaningfully.”
Anderson’s multidisciplinary perspective, combining industry experience with a deep understanding of language and human behaviour, makes AI and I stand out from the typical AI literature. Above all, it’s a call to stay grounded, intentional, and human in an age of accelerating technological change.
At a time when AI headlines often stoke fear or blind enthusiasm, AI and I offers something rare: clarity with compassion. It’s a timely, necessary guide for anyone seeking to navigate the future with both eyes open.
AI and I: A HUMAN-LED INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE is available now on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/53LJk6Y
To learn more about Lara Anderson’s work, upcoming talks, and future publications, visit www.lara-anderson.com.
