Time has always been the new currency
Changemakers, the pioneers of change, face enormous challenges today: the world demands that they not only think multidimensionally, but also act quickly. Whether in the area of circular economy, social innovations or managing sustainable companies - the ability to make informed decisions based on comprehensive information is a key skill.
However, the flood of information is increasing exponentially. Reports, studies and data are piling up, while the time available is stagnating or even decreasing. This is where the "Executive Summary Agent" comes in. This AI tool drastically reduces the time required to process complex information without compromising on quality. For changemakers, who often have to balance between strategy and operational implementation, this means more time for the essentials and a much more precise basis for decisions.
Artificial intelligence as a tool for change?
Changemakers are not just decision-makers, they are pioneers. Their work requires both quick results and a careful examination of complex issues. Access to high-quality information is essential - and this is where the problem arises: reading and analyzing extensive studies and reports and gaining actionable insights from them is a time-consuming process.
One of my clients, Basel Circular , an initiative to promote the circular economy in Basel SMEs, is an example of exactly this challenge. Their managers must continuously evaluate new reports and scientific papers in order to gain relevant insights for practice, for new services and offers. But how can they do this efficiently without overlooking essential details - or even neglecting their other management functions?
An astonishingly simple solution: The “Executive Summary Agent”
For me, the solution was to build a customized agent that could process, analyze and curate information based on my expertise. For me, the AI tool developed for Basel Circular is a prime example of how technology and human innovative spirit - or human pragmatism, depending on the case - can come together to solve a real (customer) challenge and create real, tangible benefits.
Methodically, I integrated the following principles into the AI agent:
Structured processes: The “Executive Summary Agent” works with a clear sequence of work steps. The “Chain of Thought” method ensures that even complex tasks are broken down into digestible steps.
Defined roles: The AI takes on predefined roles such as “research assistant” or “critical professor” in order to make the results as accurate and understandable as possible. I could also say that it successfully emulates the complexity of human decision-making systems.
Iterative quality: After the first draft, the results are automatically checked in different roles and iteratively revised in order to significantly increase the quality again. This is nothing other than the Pareto rule. The goal is to achieve 80% result (quality) with 20% effort (time input). This is only possible if the AI agent has a built-in iteration level.
A practical example: Basel Circular
Basel Circular now regularly uses the Executive Summary Agent to save valuable time and resources. The ability to summarize scientific studies more quickly and precisely leaves significantly more room for strategic thinking and operational decisions.
A concrete scenario: A 180-page study that would have originally taken 360 minutes to read is summarized in less than a minute by the "Executive Summary Agent". Not only are the essential content extracted, but findings are also critically reflected upon and recommendations for action derived. The AI agent enables information processing to be accelerated by a factor of x360 - a real game changer for changemakers.
Broader areas of application?
The benefits of the “Executive Summary Agent” naturally extend far beyond the circular economy. Whether in areas such as strategic planning, sustainable innovation or social transformation – the tool fundamentally enables a way of working that is not only faster but also more precise.
Checklist: How changemakers integrate the tool into their everyday lives
Step 1: Identify the most important reports or studies that need to be analyzed regularly.
Step 2: Define the relevant roles and work steps that the AI should perform for your specific requirements.
Step 3: Use the insights gained to improve your strategic decisions and communicate your vision more clearly.
Technology as a partner in change: AI tools for changemakers
For changemakers, the use of technologies such as the "Executive Summary Agent" is not a gimmick, but a necessity. It makes it possible to handle the flood of information without compromising on quality. The work is not automated, but rather supplemented.
Conclusion: The tool creates space for what really matters: strategic considerations, creative problem solving and the design of a better future. In a world that is becoming ever faster, time is the most valuable resource - and the ability to use it sensibly is a decisive competitive advantage.
If you are interested in using similar AI tools for changemakers in your own information processes and need support (no strings attached) to do it right – please get in touch.
Thank you for reading ❤️ Stay alert and critical, don't lose your sense of humor and be sure to forge alliances with other conscious changemakers!
Your Patrick Castellani, info@patrick-castellani.com
Bonus round: Professor Tüpfli
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