Latest news with #Darling
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
AI Guilt And Comms Professionals: Working With Expectation Overload
AI tools are changing how comms pros work—but not without emotional cost. Many feel a quiet sense of ... More AI guilt, wondering if using generative tools undermines their value. The reality: when used with discernment, AI elevates human judgment—it doesn't erase it. Recently, I spoke with Kelley Darling, a comms professional at a multi-division real estate firm in Washington, DC. She essentially does most of the comms herself. Darling has started using AI to keep up with demands across four distinct audiences. But she's wrestling with a feeling I expect is all too familiar: AI guilt among comms professionals. 'It makes my work sharper and more efficient,' Darling told me. 'But I wonder—would people still see the value I bring if they realized I have AI partners helping behind the scenes?' Darling's comment stuck with me. As someone who supports people designing and scaling thought leadership programs, I meet many communications professionals like Darling. They carry the full weight of brand voice, narrative coherence, and content strategy—often as solo contributors. The introduction of AI into their workflows was supposed to be a relief. But instead of reducing pressure, it often introduces a quiet, creeping question: Am I cheating? Let's name this feeling AI guilt. And let's unpack it. AI Guilt And The High-Wire Act of Modern Thought Leadership Communications professionals—particularly those shepherding thought leadership programs—have never had it easy. They must help surface big ideas, package them elegantly, channel them through diverse media, and measure the results. They must be both the wellspring of creativity and the guardrails of brand integrity. In many organizations, these professionals are not just the engine of thought leadership—they're its lone mechanic, driver, and GPS. It's not unusual for one person to play the role of ghostwriter, editor, strategist, and project manager across multiple teams and initiatives. Some also shoulder the emotional labor of working with subject-matter experts who don't quite understand the invisible lift that creating strategic content requires. It's no wonder the promise of AI is so tempting. AI tools like ChatGPT can offer relief: a sounding board for ideas, a fast draft, a rewriter, a tone checker. Used wisely, they multiply capacity and preserve energy for higher-order thinking. And in the world of thought leadership, where ideation can take time, and every sentence must pull its weight, that's no small gift. But what happens when the relief is tinged with guilt? Some of the guilt stems from old narratives: Real writers don't need help. If you were good at your job, you'd do it all yourself. Or worse: If the AI can do this, why do we need you? These beliefs ignore a simple truth—AI is not ideation. It's not judgment. It's not discernment or audience intuition or editorial strategy. Those are human strengths. AI assists with execution, not invention. For thought leadership professionals, the ideas are the value. The clarity and courage to frame an idea in a way that moves a market or sparks a conversation is still uniquely human. AI can help shape or smooth or structure, but it cannot originate with the same insight born from years of study, client work, and editorial rigor. Another source of guilt is the fear of being 'found out'—as if using AI is a shortcut or a crutch. But in a communications environment where you're expected to 'do more with less' year after year, it's not cheating to use the best tools. It's survival. And smart leadership will recognize that. AI Guilt And Transparency In fact, those building thought leadership functions inside organizations should be leading the charge in adopting AI—not hiding it. AI enables faster content iteration, testing of different angles for different audiences, and more frequent publishing without burnout. For firms investing in a thought leadership culture, that matters. Research by Bob Buday and others has shown that thought leadership is no longer a niche marketing function—it's a competitive strategy. Companies with strong thought leadership engines gain more traction with buyers, more trust in the marketplace, and more influence with clients. If comms professionals are tasked with building this strategic muscle, they deserve to use the best available tools to do so. Darling described how she is experimenting with AI to write a single newsletter differently for four employee personas. That's exactly the kind of work that moves content from noise to nuance. It requires understanding what matters to each audience, testing language, and being able to consider different variations quickly. AI supports her judgment—it doesn't replace it. To Conquer AI Guilt, Embrace the Tools And Own the Process The way forward is not to pretend you're not using AI. And leaders in companies should not be putting their employees in a position where they can't be open about it. The way forward is to use generative AI transparently, wisely, and strategically. As thought leadership becomes central to brand identity and differentiation, comms pros need space to think—not just execute. They need time to ideate, to frame, to test. AI can free up that space—but only if we stop apologizing for it. Let's rewrite the narrative: You're not less valuable because you use AI. You're more valuable because you use it well. In thought leadership, the real measure of value isn't how fast you write or how many words you produce. It's how clearly and originally you think—and how well you help others do the same. Using AI thoughtfully is not just acceptable—it's strategic. The best thought leadership professionals I know treat generative AI as a partner in the creative process, not a threat to their credibility. They use it to test their assumptions, to sharpen their hooks, to find new metaphors, and to get out of ruts faster. And yet, even those leading the charge may feel the tension between innovation and authenticity. That tension is a sign of professional integrity. It means you care about the quality of your work. It means you haven't outsourced your standards. Thought leadership, at its best, is a disciplined form of meaning-making. It's about surfacing ideas that aren't just smart, but useful—ideas that can reshape how people think, work, and lead. If AI can help you bring those ideas into the world with more precision and less burnout, I say you should use it. Comms and thought-leadership professionals need to stop whispering about the tools we rely on and start focusing on the value we create with them. Again, thought leadership is about thinking well and helping others do the same. If you're doing that with the help of AI, you're not falling short—you're showing the way forward. And there's no need for AI guilt in that scenario.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Why it's too early to get giddy about new Scottish Golf Women and Girls Strategy
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... After the distinct feeling of giddiness in the Ayrshire air earlier in the week, it was a timely reminder that an ambitious bid by Scottish Golf to help deliver success in the women's professional ranks and also grow the women and girls' game in the sport's birthplace will not happen overnight. On the back of a new Women and Girls Strategy being announced by the governing body on the eve of the $2 million ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open at Dundonald Links, it would have been perfect if a home player had been up on the leaderboard along with the likes of Lottie Woad and Nelly Korda over the weekend in the LET and LPGA co-sanctioned event. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sean Connery's sons Stephane, left, and Jason, right, pictured with Lorna McClymont and Hannah Darling at the launch of the new Scottish Women's Professional Transition Programme | Nick Mailer Photography | Nick Mailer Photography Even better if it had been Hannah Darling or Lorna McClymont, the first two players to benefit from an exciting new partnership with the Sean Connery Foundation to support Scotland's top female amateurs as they move into the professional ranks. Alas, Darling and McClymont missed the cut along with Kelsey MacDonald and Kylie Henry while Gemma Dryburgh had to dig deep to be involved in the final two rounds. It was disappointing effort from the home hopefuls, but, at the same time, underlined the task facing the likes of Darling and McClymont as they bid to make headway in their new careers. In fairness, Dryburgh has shown what is achievable on the global stage, having overcome a rude awakening to life on the LPGA to become a winner on the top circuit in the women's game, as well as playing in the Solheim Cup. Given that, it's pretty sad, really, that she doesn't have a sponsor on either her bag or hat at the moment when she is flying the Saltire on the game's biggest stages in the US in particular but also in the Far East. Compared, of course, to Darling and McClymont, Dryburgh has a bit of experience under her belt. This was Darling's professional debut while McClymont is just halfway through her rookie season in the paid ranks. For both, this was a first major appearance and, though obviously exciting, the fact it was on home soil created additional pressure. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Yes, of course, it would have been gutting for both Darling and McClymont that they made early exits, but it's by no means the end of the world. This was about gaining experience more than anything else and what matters most is that they feel better prepared when a similar opportunity comes round again. The immediate aim for both will be to make their presence felt on the LET Access Series and, in fairness, McClymont has not only looked comfortable on that stage but the LET and Sunshine Ladies' Tour as well after handling her first Q-School test really well at the end of last year. Darling aims to visit both the LPGA and LET Q-Schools later this year and there can be no denying that the Sean Connery Foundation support should allow her to concentrate on playing golf, something she's shown she is very good at since first picking up a club around a decade ago. Yes, that new Women and Girls Strategy should be welcomed, with the aim to have 38,000 female golf club members in Scotland by 2035, as well as raising the female workforce - paid and voluntary - at clubs to 30 per cent by the same time. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hannah Darling missed the cut on her pro debut while Curtis Cup team-mate Lottie Woad lifted the title in the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open at Dundonald Links | Getty Images However, as last week illustrated, it might prove a tad tougher to get those role models at the top echelons of the game - competing against the likes of Woad and Korda, for instance - to inspire those newcomers and let's not forget that Catriona Matthew's incredible achievements on the global stage seemed to go unnoticed by lots of people at the time. Woad's win at Dundonald Links on her professional debut, coupled with her other incredible exploits over the past couple of years, will certainly have inspired a new generation of girl golfers in England and here's hoping the Scottish kids who were there last week will also feel equally energised. It was certainly a treat for them to see Korda, the world No 1, teeing up in the event for the first time and, once again, it was a cracking tournament at a venue that has become a perfect fit for this event and also in terms of the test it provides as an AIG Women's Open warm up. It also happens to have one of the best clubhouses in Scotland! Two big weeks ahead for Scottish male professionals If the odd eyebrow was raised about just six home players teeing up in the Genesis Scottish Open earlier in the month, then here's hoping the same people recognise the opportunities being teed up for players flying the Saltire over the next two weeks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Recent D+REAL Czech Challenge winner David Law leads a 22-strong home contingent into battle in this week's Farmfoods Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A at Schloss Roxburghe near Kelso | Getty Images A total of 22 players are in the field for the Farmfoods Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A, which is taking place this week at Schloss Roxburghe in the Borders. Recent HotelPlanner Tour winner David Law spearheads the Caledonian contingent along with Daniel Young and Euan Walker, with spots also having been secured by both Tartan Pro Tour and Tartan Tour players. Oh, and amateurs, too, with Connor Graham teeing up in the event along with his big brother, Gregor. Then, in next week's Nexo Championship, a DP World Tour event, a 14-strong Scottish contingent will be heading into battle at Trump International Golf Links at Menie Estate near Aberdeen. Connor Syme and Calum Hill, both winners on the main tour this season, will be aiming to shine on home soil along with Ewen Ferguson, Grant Forrest, Richie Ramsay and Scott Jamieson, while it is great to see Martin Laird, a four-time PGA Tour winner, committing to his first appearance in Scotland since 2018. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Pink Villa
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Who is Madhampatty Rangaraj's second wife Joy Crizildaa? Meet costume stylist who has worked with Thalapathy Vijay, know their age difference
Madhampatty Rangaraj, the actor and chef known for being the judge of Cooku with Comali, has made the headlines for personal reasons. The actor-chef recently tied the wedding knot to Joy Crizildaa and just hours later also announced they are expecting their first child. However, there is a lot of curiosity around who Joy Crizildaa is. Who is Joy Crizildaa? Joy Crizildaa is a costume designer and celebrity stylist known for working in Tamil cinema. According to a report by Nettv4u, Joy was born on August 28, 1988. Following her schooling, she obtained a degree in Visual Communications in Chennai. While she was pursuing her studies, Crizildaa worked as an intern at Star TV and later on went to work on Captain TV. During her days as a producer, she understood her passion for fashion, which led her to become a costume designer. Interested in designing, she pursued a diploma in Fashion Designing and began working in Tamil cinema with the movie Rajathandhiram. Following her debut venture, she worked in Thalapathy Vijay starrer Jilla and designed outfits for him in the movie. After her work in the Vijay-Mohanlal starrer, Joy Crizildaa has worked with several actors like Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa Murali, and Vishal, styling them. Over the years, Joy has worked as a costume designer in movies like Darling, Rekka, Miruthan, Velaikkaran, and many more. Initially planning to become a film director, she did not manage to find success in the field, diverting her complete focus to the field of fashion. Apart from being a designer, she is also an entrepreneur and once started an Indian fashion design brand called Signature. Moreover, Joy Crizildaa is said to have previously been married to Ponmagal Vandhal director JJ Fredrick in 2018, later divorcing in 2023. What is the age difference between Madhampatty Rangaraj and Joy Crizildaa? Joy Crizildaa was born on August 28, 1988, and is set to turn 37 this year. On the other hand, Madhampatty Rangaraj was born on April 2, 1983, making him 42 in 2025. They have an age difference of 5 years.
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Lottie Woad sits one off the lead at Women's Scottish Open
As for Lottie Woad? Well, she just takes it all in her stride. In her first start as a new recruit to the professional ranks, the supremely talented 21-year-old moved herself into early contention on day one of the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open at Dundonald Links. Flung into the marquee group with the world No 1, Nelly Korda, and box office hit, Charley Hull, Woad revelled in the occasion and marked a new era in her blossoming career with a sprightly five-under 67. There's nothing to this pro lark, eh? 'I don't think so,' said Woad, who finished a shot behind the pacesetting Charlotte Laffar. This game is never easy, of course, but Woad continues to ride a wave of confidence that has built up over a prolonged period of achievement. A winner of the Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship in 2024, Load went on to finish in a share of 10th as an amateur in the AIG Women's Open last summer. The Surrey youngster continued those amateur dramatics in the Irish Women's Open at the start of July and won by six shots before finishing in a tie for third in the fourth major of the women's campaign, the Amundi Evian Championship. Her switch to the paid game was inevitable. On a pleasant Ayrshire day, it was just business as usual for Woad amid all the hype and hoopla. 'I try and ignore it as much as possible,' she said after a sturdy round that featured six birdies and just a solitary dropped shot on the tricky 17th. 'When I was teeing off, I didn't expect to see so many people. I have high expectations for myself. I'll definitely take this (score).' Any early nerves were swiftly settled with a birdie on the second hole. 'I holed a nice 15-footer, and I was away from there,' she added. While Woad finished among the early frontrunners, Hannah Darling, the talented Scot who is also making her pro debut at Dundonald and was a Curtis Cup team-mate of Woad, had to settle for a two-over 74. It was still a spirited effort, though. A double-bogey and a triple-bogey could've completely knocked the stuffing out of her but Darling dug in and picked up three birdies on her closing fives holes to repair some of the damage. 'I'm proud of how I bounced back,' said Darling, who racked up a host of prizes during a terrific amateur career. 'I was very nervous on the first tee. Really happy to only make contact with the ball and then I was off.' Darling's dad won't forget his daughter's pro debut either. 'Oh, man, I hit a shot, and it was fine and the wind started taking it and I look up and he's walking right towards it and it clocked him in the back of the neck,' added Darling of clattering faither. 'Apparently, he was fine but I was just a bit worried about him. My dad is like, 'no, you just take care of yourself, I'll be fine'. Classic parent. I'm glad he's okay.' Korda, making her first appearance in the Women's Scottish Open, was lurking ominously on the leaderboard after a four-under 68 while Ireland's Leona Maguire finished a shot better off on 67 after a rousing start to her opening round. 'I holed out with a 9-iron on our first hole of the day, so I couldn't have asked for a better start,' said Maguire of her eagle-two. Laffar, meanwhile, had a slightly different start to the day but ended it at the top of the leaderboard. 'I started with a bogey but sometimes it goes that way and you relax into it,' she said after a fine 66. 'It was an amazing day.' Lauren Couhglin, the defending champion, opened with a 69 while the aforementioned Hull posted a 71. Aberdeen's Gemma Dryburgh, a winner on the LPGA Tour in 2022, struggled to a 78.
Scotsman
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
'Dad would be so proud' - Sean Connery Foundation support for Scottish golfers
Timely boost for Hannah Darling and Lorna McClymont on eve of ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hannah Darling and Lorna McClymont have been given the chance to shine on home soil in this week's ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open through significant new support from the Sean Connery Foundation. Darling, who is making her professional debut, and McClymont, who made the switch to the paid ranks earlier this year, have both secured invitations for the $2 million event at Dundonald Links. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sean Connery's sons Stephane, left, and Jason, right, pictured with Lorna McClymont and Hannah Darling at the launch of the new Scottish Women's Professional Transition Programme | Nick Mailer Photography In a timely boost, it has been announced that they are being supported in their new careers through a partnership between Scottish Golf and the Sean Connery Foundation, which was set up in 2022 to honour the memory of the James Bond star and golf fanatic. Part of a new Women and Girls Strategy, which was launched at Dundonald Links on the eve of world No 1 Nelly Korda making her debut in the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open, the Scottish Women's Professional Transition Programme will initially see Darling and McClymont receive support over the next five years. 'It gives me a bit of a foundation moving forward,' said Darling, a two-time Scottish Girls' champion who was inside the top 20 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking when she decided to start the next chapter in her career. 'The people behind it have identified an area where they can really help us. 'With me and Lorna being the first to receive it, it's really nice. We can start our pro careers on the front foot almost and not worried about not making enough money to play the week after. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The Sean Connery Foundation are stepping into that really well and it's exciting for us all. We played in the pro-am with them and that's what they said. They just wanted to make sure that we were set and go focus on playing golf rather than worrying about the finance or any of the stress that comes with it.' Though McClymont, who played on a winning Curtis Cup team along with Darling at Sunningdale last year, has done a good so far in that respect, the Stirling University graduate admitted this support is a huge boost. Jason Connery takes part in the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open Pro-Am at Dundonald Links watched by Hannah Darling | Nick Mailer Photography 'I think it just takes such a weight off, which definitely helps,' she said. 'You're just able to go out feeling free and not worry too much because, at the end of the day, if you have stuff like that in your mind, then you're not going to be able to perform to your best.' Darling and McClymont were joined at the launch by Scottish No 1 Gemma Dryburgh, who also came through the amateur ranks and has gone on to win on the LPGA Tour and play in a Solheim Cup. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It is massive,' she said of the new programme. 'I was lucky enough, ten years ago now, to get some funding from Scottish Golf, which was so helpful. When you are starting out in the pro ranks, it is hard to get sponsors and the expenses suddenly rack up because you are having to pay for everything. 'So it is going to be perfect for Hannah and Lorna and they are the people for it. It's amazing what the Sean Connery Foundation is going to do for them. 'They can just focus on the golf rather than worrying about how much a flight is going to cost for the next week or can I afford a caddie, all that kind of stuff that you don't have to worry about when you are an amateur. Gemma Dryburgh speaks with the media prior to the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open 2025 at Dundonald Links |'It is great for them that they can kick on in their careers and not worry about the money aspect of it. Yeah, I am looking forward to seeing how they get on. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's also about inspiring the next generation. I looked up to Catriona Matthew my whole amateur career and at the start of my professional career, so it is fantastic to see Lorna and Hannah pushing on as well. Hopefully they can now start inspiring kids.' The new programme has come on the back of Scottish Golf being able to send squads out to the Bahamas over the past two years through receiving support from the Sean Connery Foundation.
