Sue Thomas slams lazy AI use in personal connection - 'I delete AI-written emails'
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 03 Jul 2025
One of Australia's leading personal development experts has called out what she says is becoming an epidemic of emotional laziness; people outsourcing genuine communication to artificial intelligence.
Sue Thomas, respected coach and Head of fast growing 'Jim's Life Coaching', said she immediately deletes emails written by AI and warns that relying on bots to handle human connection is not only misguided, it's damaging.
"AI has its place. It's brilliant for data analysis, logistics, automation, content development and even idea generation," Thomas said.
"But when people use it to do their thinking, writing or feeling for them, especially in moments that require empathy, respect or connection, it becomes cold, inauthentic and just plain stupid.
"Some of my clients have even tried to use AI to undertake their coaching homework in the hope that I won't notice, but I do. It is so obvious. I quickly explain to them that they need to do the work themselves because that is where real growth happens and transformational breakthroughs are forged."
Emotion cannot be outsourced
According to Thomas, many people are leaning too heavily on AI to carry emotional weight, drafting sympathy notes, business proposals, client emails and even apologies - and it shows.
"You can smell an AI-written message from a mile away. It's vague, overly polished and emotionally flat," Thomas said.
"It's like getting a hug from a robot. If you're trying to build trust, lead a team, win a client or mend a relationship, handing the job to ChatGPT is lazy and disrespectful. People want to feel seen, not processed."
AI is a tool, not a substitute for human presence
Thomas is quick to clarify that she's not anti-AI. In fact, she uses AI in her coaching business but only where it enhances, not replaces, human connection.
"I use AI to help organise my calendar, generate ideas and brainstorm strategies. It is helpful for content drafting as well. But when it comes to sending a heartfelt message to a client, introducing myself to someone, delivering feedback or responding to someone in distress, I do that personally," she said.
"Because that's what leadership is. That's what care looks like and that's what people remember."
The rise of 'emotionless efficiency'
Thomas believes the world is in danger of becoming so obsessed with productivity and speed that it's forgetting how to be human.
"Efficiency is not the same as effectiveness. You can send 100 AI-generated messages and still achieve nothing," she said.
"One well-written, emotionally intelligent, human message can change a life. That's the power of authenticity."
In-person interaction is irreplaceable
Thomas also urged professionals, business owners and leaders to stop hiding behind screens and algorithms when it comes to meaningful conversations.
"Have the meeting, make the call, show up in person," she said.
"In a world of automation, your presence is your competitive edge. Eye contact, tone, timing are so important and none of these can be replaced by a machine. People crave realness, especially now."
A wake-up call to individuals and businesses
Thomas said the careless overuse of AI is a wake-up call, not just for professionals, but for anyone who wants to build meaningful relationships and succeed in the human economy.
"AI is here to stay but if we lose our ability to connect person to person, heart to heart, we lose the very thing that makes us valuable," she said.
"Be smart and use AI for structure. When it comes to heart, use your own. Your personality is your superpower and it can only be activated when used authentically. Be real."
About Jim's Life Coaching
Jim's Life Coaching is a division of the Jim's Group, led by renowned coach and personal development expert Sue Thomas. Based on the transformational principles of Bob Proctor, the division offers powerful mindset coaching to help individuals and business owners unlock their potential, achieve clarity and live with purpose. Coaches work one-on-one with clients to improve performance, overcome mental roadblocks and create measurable change in both life and business. With a focus on authenticity, accountability and real-world results, Jim's Life Coaching is helping everyday Australians grow personally, professionally and financially through genuine, human connection.
About Jim's Group
Jim's Group was founded by Jim Penman in 1989 and now has some 5,550 franchisees in more than 50 divisions. It is the largest franchise chain in the Southern Hemisphere.