The Physics of Change: Inertia, AI, and Small Not-For-Profits

Ever noticed how much easier it is to stop a moving bicycle than a hurtling freight train? This observation links back to a principle in physics: inertia. It’s the same principle that illuminates why smaller not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) are uniquely positioned to leverage the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Inertia is the resistance of any object to any change in its motion. The more ‘mass’ an object has, the greater its inertia and, consequently, the greater the force required to change its motion. Now think about trying to stop a bicycle versus halting a freight train. The bicycle, with its significantly lesser mass, is much easier to stop or change direction than the colossal train.

Applying this principle to organisations, smaller NFPs are like bicycles—light, agile, and quick to respond. Larger corporations, in contrast, resemble freight trains—mighty and impactful, but often slower to adapt to change due to their sheer size and the processes they have in place.

As we delve deeper into the digital age, AI technology emerges as a critical driver of organisational change. But to leverage AI’s full potential, an organisation must overcome its inertia. Smaller NFPs, due to their size and adaptability, are better positioned to quickly adopt AI technology, incorporate it into their operations, and experience its benefits. The smaller the NFP, the less the inertia, the quicker the shift towards AI—this equates to a greater and faster impact.

Through our comprehensive weekly newsletter, we provide AI-driven insights and real-world use cases that help NFPs overcome inertia, embrace AI technology, and boost their impact. We’re not just about promoting AI; we’re about helping NFPs navigate the leap from ‘What if?’ to ‘How?’

If you’re a small or medium NFP ready to overcome inertia and maximise your potential impact with AI, we invite you to join us on this thrilling journey. Together, we can create a future where NFPs confidently leverage AI technology to drive innovation, efficiency, and a lasting positive impact on the communities they serve.

Let’s pedal fast into the world of AI. Remember, it’s easier to change direction when you’re a bicycle, not a freight train. Let’s embrace our agility, overcome inertia, and see just how far we can go.

Kyle Behrend

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