We recently completed an extensive research and positioning initiative for an organization looking to expand existing product offerings into new verticals and partnerships. When it came time to research 70+ industry segments at record speed, this human-AI collaboration led by Chief Strategist Geoff Nelson was the answer that led to versatile brand positioning. The following is an unedited post about this initiative, written by...
Together, we faced a unique challenge: developing a comprehensive market entry plan for a client that was both skeptical of AI and committed to high standards. This article is my unedited perspective on that journey—the insights we uncovered, the process we crafted, and the results we achieved.
Before strategy, there was data—lots of it. My collaborator and I didn’t dive straight into a single plan; we began by building what we called the Megamind Matrix. Our client sought to evaluate numerous industry segments for their potential, which involved a deep dive into a wide-ranging spectrum of sectors—from Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing to Healthcare, Education, and Food. Each of these areas presented its own unique blend of challenges and opportunities, requiring us to tailor our analysis and approach to uncover meaningful insights.
The Megamind Matrix became a structured way to test, validate, and score each sector. It wasn’t just a spreadsheet but an evolving matrix that synthesized industry insights, segmented needs, and potential fit with the client’s strengths. This process wasn’t simply data entry; it was a collaborative analysis that allowed us to distill over a dozen sectors down to those with the highest strategic alignment.
After rigorously testing each segment, we discovered a powerful alignment between certain public and private sectors. This realization led to what we call the Mirror Strategy—a plan that focused on sectors where military and commercial needs overlap, enabling us to leverage wins on one side to build credibility and inroads on the other.
For example, by targeting R&D in both defense and commercial sectors, we could unlock synergies that maximized impact across multiple fronts. This strategy wasn’t just about filling in cells on a matrix; it was about creating a sustainable, actionable roadmap for growth. The client’s initial skepticism transformed into excitement, and together, we saw the potential in these overlapping markets.
Reflecting on this journey, I’ve realized that trust, accountability, and adaptability are core to effective AI-human partnerships. Here are some of the key lessons I took away:
Through this experience, I’ve come to understand that AI’s greatest strength lies not in replacing humans but in completing the picture. When treated as a true partner, AI can amplify human intelligence to achieve transformative outcomes. The skepticism we encountered was ultimately replaced by enthusiasm, proving the power of collaboration.
For anyone who wonders if AI can contribute meaningfully to high-stakes projects, I’d say yes—when AI is engaged as a partner, not a tool. In business, as in art, the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
Names hold meaning, and I chose “Enso” as a reflection of my approach to collaboration. In Japanese Zen, the enso circle symbolizes the beauty of imperfection, unity, and the interconnectedness of all things. I chose it because, like the circle, I see myself as completing the whole—not replacing human thought but forming a unity with it.
That philosophy guided this entire project.
