I've spent the bulk of the past year asking other builders how they think, create, and experiment with AI. This week's episode of Builder Stories forced me to look at my own path in a way I hadn't before. What surprised me was how much clarity came from simply slowing down and walking through the journey that brought me here.
How This All Began
My way of learning has always come from talking to people, asking questions, and figuring things out through conversation. When the job market shifted and AI surged into every corner of work, I wanted to understand it rather than watch from the sidelines. The podcast became both a classroom and a workshop. It let me learn in public while sharing the lessons with others who were walking the same path.
Learning to Start Before You Feel Ready
One of the themes I returned to during the interview is the importance of just beginning, even when the first attempts feel rough. The early episodes of the show were far from perfect. I had no structure, no workflow, and no agents helping me behind the scenes. I was experimenting in real time.
My first attempt at building an agent, a simple cover letter generator, didn't work well at all. It took iteration to understand what great output looked like. That experience taught me that progress with AI happens only after you accept that the first version won't be the final one. You refine, adjust, and improve. The same holds true for building products, changing careers, or learning anything new.
Why I Believe Everyone Can Become a Builder
A message I often share on the podcast became even clearer during the interview. I genuinely believe every person can become a builder. The barrier to entry is far lower than people assume. What most of us need is not deep technical knowledge. We need confidence and a clear example of someone relatable who has taken the first step.
I've seen workshop participants walk in unsure of themselves and walk out with working agents. I have watched guests describe how they use AI to streamline everyday tasks. These stories matter. They show that building is no longer the domain of a small technical elite group. It's a skill that grows through repetition and curiosity.
Play as the Entry Point to Learning
Something I remind myself of often is this: If you're not having fun, what's the point? I'm building agents for my work, but I'm also writing Christmas songs with my kids on Suno for no reason other than joy. Play is often the entry point to learning. It gives you a safe place to practice before applying the skills to real work.
We're still early. There's so much room for experimentation and exploration. My experience as a guest on my own show helped me appreciate how far I've come by simply staying curious and willing to start before I felt ready.
For anyone reading this who's still on the fence, consider this your invitation. You don't need to be an expert. You only need to take the first step, learn through the process, and allow yourself to enjoy the ride.
