Will AI Recommend You or Replace You? AI SEO Evolution for Expert Visibility
Wed Jan 14 2026
If you’re a consultant, coach, or thought leader who relies on reputation, referrals, or content to win business, AI is already changing how people find and trust experts.
In this episode, Antonio Rothenbach sits down with Andi Simon, corporate anthropologist, CEO of Simon Associates Management Consultants, and host of On the Brink with Andi Simon, to explore how AI search is reshaping visibility, credibility, and authority.
Search is no longer just about ranking on Google. Today, tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity summarize, recommend, and sometimes decide who the “preferred expert” is before a prospect ever clicks a link.
This conversation dives into:
How AI search actually works today
Why content alone is no longer enough
How AI decides who to trust and cite
The human side of AI adoption and resistance
What consultants can do now to stay discoverable and relevant
This episode is especially relevant for consultants, advisors, and leaders who want to future-proof their visibility as AI becomes the front door to expertise.
Key Topics & Timestamps
(00:00) Why AI is changing how trust and credibility are built
(01:10) Meet Andi Simon and her background as a corporate anthropologist
(05:00) Why humans resist change and how that affects AI adoption
(08:30) How AI search differs from traditional Google SEO
(11:00) How Andi uses AI as a collaborator, not a replacement
(15:00) What makes content discoverable by AI tools
(18:30) FAQs, authority signals, and AI-driven visibility
(22:00) A simple way to test what AI already knows about you
(26:00) Content repurposing as an AI visibility strategy
(30:00) Why leadership and culture determine AI success
(36:00) Final advice for consultants navigating AI-driven change
About the Guest
Andi Simon is a corporate anthropologist, CEO of Simon Associates Management Consultants, award-winning author, speaker, and host of the podcast On the Brink with Andi Simon.
With over two decades of experience helping organizations adapt to major shifts, Andi brings a unique lens to AI adoption by focusing on human behavior, beliefs, rituals, and leadership. Her work helps leaders and organizations see what’s often right in front of them so they can move forward with clarity and confidence.
About the Host
Antonio Rothenbach is the host of The AI Agency Journey and the founder behind Ibero AI and Belt Course. He works with consultants, leaders, and organizations at the intersection of AI, Operational Excellence, and leadership to turn AI from a buzzword into practical business impact.
Resources & Links
Andi Simon on LinkedIn
Simon Associates Management Consultants: https://simonassociates.net
Andi Simon’s books, podcast, and speaking: https://andisimon.com
Antonio Rothenbach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-rothenbach-99685110/
Subscribe & Follow
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The AI Agency Journey on your favorite podcast platform and follow along for more conversations with consultants, operators, and leaders navigating AI-driven change.
New episodes explore real lessons learned at the intersection of AI, leadership, and operational excellence.
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If you’re a consultant, coach, or thought leader who relies on reputation, referrals, or content to win business, AI is already changing how people find and trust experts. In this episode, Antonio Rothenbach sits down with Andi Simon, corporate anthropologist, CEO of Simon Associates Management Consultants, and host of On the Brink with Andi Simon, to explore how AI search is reshaping visibility, credibility, and authority. Search is no longer just about ranking on Google. Today, tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity summarize, recommend, and sometimes decide who the “preferred expert” is before a prospect ever clicks a link. This conversation dives into: How AI search actually works today Why content alone is no longer enough How AI decides who to trust and cite The human side of AI adoption and resistance What consultants can do now to stay discoverable and relevant This episode is especially relevant for consultants, advisors, and leaders who want to future-proof their visibility as AI becomes the front door to expertise. Key Topics & Timestamps (00:00) Why AI is changing how trust and credibility are built (01:10) Meet Andi Simon and her background as a corporate anthropologist (05:00) Why humans resist change and how that affects AI adoption (08:30) How AI search differs from traditional Google SEO (11:00) How Andi uses AI as a collaborator, not a replacement (15:00) What makes content discoverable by AI tools (18:30) FAQs, authority signals, and AI-driven visibility (22:00) A simple way to test what AI already knows about you (26:00) Content repurposing as an AI visibility strategy (30:00) Why leadership and culture determine AI success (36:00) Final advice for consultants navigating AI-driven change About the Guest Andi Simon is a corporate anthropologist, CEO of Simon Associates Management Consultants, award-winning author, speaker, and host of the podcast On the Brink with Andi Simon. With over two decades of experience helping organizations adapt to major shifts, Andi brings a unique lens to AI adoption by focusing on human behavior, beliefs, rituals, and leadership. Her work helps leaders and organizations see what’s often right in front of them so they can move forward with clarity and confidence. About the Host Antonio Rothenbach is the host of The AI Agency Journey and the founder behind Ibero AI and Belt Course. He works with consultants, leaders, and organizations at the intersection of AI, Operational Excellence, and leadership to turn AI from a buzzword into practical business impact. Resources & Links Andi Simon on LinkedIn Simon Associates Management Consultants: https://simonassociates.net Andi Simon’s books, podcast, and speaking: https://andisimon.com Antonio Rothenbach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-rothenbach-99685110/ Subscribe & Follow If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The AI Agency Journey on your favorite podcast platform and follow along for more conversations with consultants, operators, and leaders navigating AI-driven change. New episodes explore real lessons learned at the intersection of AI, leadership, and operational excellence.