In a recent LinkedIn post, Andrew Bolis explores the current landscape of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the marketing industry, particularly highlighting the dichotomy of reactions and the imperative for adaptation. Bolis frames the widespread “AI panic” as a significant, albeit sometimes overblown, reaction to rapid technological advancement.
The Duality of AI Reactions
Andrew Bolis identifies two prominent camps within the marketing community reacting to AI. One group, characterized by Bolis as “Ryan,” represents those who feel threatened by AI, fearing job displacement. These individuals, as described by Bolis, may have a traditional background, such as film school, and are now seeing their roles challenged by AI capabilities. The other group, personified by “Aunt Tota,” consists of those who are actively leveraging AI, quickly integrating it into their workflows to create new forms of advertising and content.
“Everyone in marketing is either Ryan or Aunt Tota: Ryan went to film school ↳ Lost his job to AI ↳ And is told to join a Skool community”
According to Andrew Bolis, this division highlights a fundamental tension: the rapid pace of AI development versus the traditional pace of industry adaptation. He points out the irony that those feeling displaced are often advised to join online communities, while those already profiting from AI are too busy to offer such guidance.
The Unavoidable Truth: Adapt or Be Left Behind
At the core of Bolis’s message is the urgent need for professionals to embrace AI rather than resist it. He posits that AI’s integration into various sectors is not a matter of seeking approval but a force of change that demands a response. Andrew Bolis argues that the industry is experiencing a seismic shift, forcing a re-evaluation of existing skills and strategies.
“AI isn’t asking permission. ↳ You either adapt or get left behind.”
Bolis observes that the proliferation of online courses and communities promising to teach AI skills is a direct consequence of this industry-wide upheaval. As he notes, this surge in educational offerings is a natural reaction when an entire field undergoes such a rapid transformation.
Analysis of Industry Response
Andrew Bolis uses the analogy of “Ryan” and “Aunt Tota” to illustrate the contrasting responses to AI. Ryan’s situation, where he is displaced by AI and then directed to a community to learn how to cope, underscores the reactive nature of some within the industry. Conversely, Aunt Tota’s proactive approach – creating AI-powered ads and being too occupied to teach – exemplifies the forward-thinking adoption of the technology.
“And, of course, the “join my community” responses are everywhere now. That’s what happens when an entire industry shifts overnight.”
Bolis credits “Maxfusion AI” for capturing this dynamic effectively, suggesting their work encapsulates the tension and accuracy of the current situation. His post serves as a call to action for marketers to acknowledge the inevitability of AI and to actively pursue strategies for adaptation, rather than succumbing to panic or denial.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Andrew Bolis on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on November 18, 2025 | View original post on LinkedIn →