The Future Isn’t AI Automation — It’s AI Augmentation (with Michael Himmelfarb)

GenX built the systems everyone’s now trying to automate — and that’s exactly why we’re built for what’s next. In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Himmelfarb, one of the original corporate escapees, to talk about why the real opportunity with AI isn’t automation…it’s augmentation. Michael shares how he rebuilt his consulting business by combining AI efficiency with human judgment, creativity, and experience — proving that the GenX advantage lies in knowing how to apply wisdom to new tools. You’ll learn: How to blend AI with your experience to create faster, smarter offers Why augmentation beats automation for consultants, advisors, and fractionals How to sell outcomes, not titles — and why buyers care more about value than ever Why your corporate scars, empathy, and critical thinking are your new superpowers If you’re a GenX pro still in corporate (or newly escaped), this conversation will show you how to use AI to amplify your expertise — not replace it. Guest Michael Himmelfarb — Pricing & product marketing strategist helping companies modernize pricing/packaging with AI-augmented consulting. Connect on LinkedIn and mention this episode for his 48-hour sprint details. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhimmelfarb/ Resources mentioned • Anthropic’s “automation vs. augmentation” idea (discussion) • Shout-out: Naveen Aggarwal (technical enablement/automation support) For GenX Escapees Grab the Escapee Starter Kit: https://stan.store/thecorporateescapee  Join Escapee Collective Plus: https://escapee-collective.circle.so/checkout/escapee-plus-subscriptions  Chapters • 00:00 Welcome back, OG Escapee + today’s focus • 01:29 From fractional CMO to pricing & packaging specialization • 03:53 The buyer shift: clarity, speed, and specific problems • 04:22 The 20/80 idea: what humans do that AI can’t • 07:40 Automation vs. augmentation (and why it matters) • 10:33 Hybrid delivery: standardized outputs + human judgment • 12:25 Human superpowers: creativity, prediction, empathy • 14:09 Beyond pricing: applying the model across functions • 15:45 Productized sprints → recurring revenue possibilities • 17:23 Big-firm disruption and the GenX advantage • 19:33 Learning curves, iteration, and avoiding “prompt pack” hype • 26:13 Focus, trade-offs, and building a simple offer • 30:28 Shout-outs & resources + workshop idea • 31:30 Michael’s ask + how to connect If this episode hit home Share it with a fellow GenX pro, leave a quick review, and DM Brett if you want the link to the free Starter Kit PDF or details on Michael’s sprint.