Mindset Before Machines: How to Start Thinking Like an AI-Savvy Entrepreneur
Sam Thurmond has always been a roll-up-your-sleeves, pen-and-paper kind of guy. He’d rather handwrite notes than fiddle with complicated tech tools, and if something required more than basic setup, chances are he passed on it. His wife, Jaclyn, often jokes that she’s the tech department in their home—and Sam would be the first to agree.
But something shifted.
Not because Sam suddenly became a gadget guy. Not because he magically fell in love with automation. But because he realized that in order to lead, grow, and continue to serve his community and business well, he needed to change something deeper than a system.
He needed to change his mindset.
And in this solo episode of The Freq Show, he opens up about exactly what that looked like.
Changing the Channel on Resistance
Sam isn’t alone in feeling hesitant around AI. So many of us are navigating a fast-moving digital world that feels overwhelming and unfamiliar. But what makes this story different is the honesty in how he describes the journey—not polished, not perfect, but open and real.
He shares how, despite his initial aversion to anything overly technical, he enrolled himself in what he calls YouTube University. He didn’t set out to become an expert. He just wanted to understand enough to not get left behind.
What he discovered was surprising: AI isn’t magic. It’s logic.
And more than that, it was something he could actually grasp and apply.
“I’m not super tech-savvy,” Sam admits, “but if I can do this—if I can learn and implement AI into my business—so can you.”
Why Mindset Matters More Than the Machine
Sam’s experience highlights something powerful: it’s not about mastering every tool. It’s about embracing a new way of thinking. A way of staying open, adaptive, and curious.
For Sam, the biggest shift wasn’t in learning what AI could do—it was believing that it had something valuable to offer. And more importantly, believing he could engage with it in a way that felt aligned with his values.
This isn't about becoming robotic or losing the human touch. It’s about making more space for the human touch—by letting the machines handle what they do best.
He shared how implementing just one AI voice agent—using his own voice and prompts—radically improved his real estate investing business. Instead of making 20 calls in a day, the AI version of himself could make 70 in under an hour. With ease. With consistency. Without losing his tone, his style, or his control.
Steps to Start Thinking Differently About AI
Sam isn’t pitching software or giving out tech tutorials. What he’s offering is something far more generous: mindset mentorship. From one regular human to another.
Here are a few of the simple, practical mindset shifts that helped him move from resistant to ready:
1. You Don’t Need to Be an Expert—Just Curious
The goal isn’t to understand every acronym or system. You just need a working knowledge of what’s out there and how it might help. Curiosity leads to clarity.
2. Let the Tools Work For You, Not Define You
The AI voice agent in Sam’s business sounds just like him—because it’s based on him. You can keep your voice, your values, and your tone—technology doesn’t erase your humanity. It can amplify it.
3. Start With What’s Already Working
You don’t have to rebuild your business. Just look at what’s already working and ask: “Could this be easier?” Chances are, there’s a tool that can support you.
4. Know the Landscape of Your Industry
Even if you’re not ready to dive in, know what others in your field are doing. Understanding the trends helps you stay current and make smarter choices when you're ready.
5. Practice Adaptability
Sam reminds us that in any new setting—whether it’s a new business, community, or tool—there’s always a learning curve. Don’t let unfamiliar language or features scare you away. You’ve done this before in other parts of life. You can do it here too.
A Message to the Tech-Averse Entrepreneur
This episode isn’t about tech—it’s about empowerment.
Sam’s message is simple: AI is here. It’s not something to fear. It’s something to explore.
It’s easy to feel like technology is racing ahead without us. But when we take just one small step toward understanding it, we reclaim our agency. We become better equipped to lead, to grow, and to keep serving from a place of grounded confidence.
And ultimately, this isn’t about replacing people. It’s about freeing people up to do more of what they’re best at—connecting, building, creating, and showing up with heart.
Sam’s hope is that his experience makes the whole idea feel less intimidating—and more human. Because if someone like him, who used to dread tech setup and relied on handwritten notes, can find purpose in this new frontier… anyone can.
Final Thought
There’s no getting around it—AI is a part of our world now. But that doesn’t mean we have to lose ourselves to it. We can bring our full selves into it. Our voice, our values, our frequency.
That’s what Sam’s doing. And that’s what this episode invites you to do too.
The machine matters—but mindset comes first.
