Human First, AI Second: How Creative Agencies Can Use AI to Deepen Storytelling and Streamline Sales
There’s no shortage of AI talk in the agency world right now. But while many conversations focus on speed and automation, what if AI could actually help us connect more deeply, tell better stories, and sell more authentically?
That’s exactly what we explored in a recent episode of Agency Darlings™ with Patrice Poltzer, founder of My Story Pro—and former agency owner turned AI-driven content strategist.
Patrice brings a refreshing perspective: AI isn’t about replacing humans. It’s about amplifying what we do best.
Le Chéile helps creative agencies like you use AI to connect more deeply—not just move faster.
Here’s what we learned from her journey—and how you can apply it to your own agency.
The Shift from Automation to Humanization
Too often, AI gets framed as a shortcut. But Patrice sees it differently: a tool that uncovers human insight.
By using AI to gather audience data, analyze tone and behavior patterns, and even uncover untapped emotional drivers, you can craft stories that resonate more deeply—and sell more powerfully.
“AI should help us tell better stories, not just write more content,” Patrice shared. “It’s about going deeper, not faster.”
Real Business Lessons from a Pivot Point
Patrice’s evolution didn’t come from a textbook. It came from real life—relocating to Portugal, facing burnout, experimenting with a product that didn’t quite land, and choosing to pivot anyway.
Her story is a reminder to all founders: pivots often start with vulnerability.
She let go of what wasn’t working.
She leaned into experimentation.
She embraced AI—not as a threat, but as a growth tool.
How to Use AI Strategically in Your Agency
Here are some of the standout takeaways from the episode—especially for creative agency owners thinking about how to evolve without losing authenticity:
1. Use AI to Gather Insights for Storytelling
Instead of guessing what will land with your audience, use AI tools to analyze psychographics, track patterns, and surface emotional drivers. These insights fuel more targeted, emotionally resonant messaging.
2. Let AI Handle the Heavy Lifting
Patrice doesn’t use AI to create from scratch—she uses it to clear the clutter. That means using it for:
Data analysis
Drafting rough ideas
Automating parts of the sales process
So you can focus on what you do best: strategy, creative direction, and relationship-building.
3. Build Custom Tools to Streamline Sales
Patrice is experimenting with AI-driven tools to make high-ticket sales more personalized, not less—from smart chatbots to intelligent lead filters that help qualify prospects before a call even happens.
4. Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Use Case
Trying, testing, and iterating is the name of the game. Patrice's story proves that you don’t need a perfect plan to get started with AI—you just need the courage to try something new.
Embrace Change, Stay Human
As creative agency founders, we’re in a unique position: we have both the intuition and the tools to lead this new era of storytelling.
Patrice reminds us that success isn’t about keeping up with every tech trend—it’s about staying rooted in your values, experimenting bravely, and using technology to enhance connection, not replace it.
Want to hear more? Tune into the full Agency Darlings™ episode with Patrice Poltzer for a candid, insightful take on AI, storytelling, and navigating big pivots with purpose.
About the Author
Meredith Fennessy Witts,
Founder & Strategic Growth Advisor at Le Chéile
and Co-Host of Agency Darlings
With a background in financial and operational consulting and a successful track record of founding and scaling her own agency, Meredith brings deep expertise in strategic growth for indie creative and digital agencies.
Her company, Le Chéile, helps agencies scaling toward and beyond 1M+ in revenue to rightsize teams and payroll, increase founder pay, scale offers and packages and more. She helps clients to achieve their goals while clarifying their business strategy and finances.
She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.