Brennan McDonald's Newsletter

Brennan McDonald's Newsletter

The AI control trap (and how to escape it)

Your teams are already using AI. Here's how to catch up →

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Brennan McDonald
Jul 10, 2025
∙ Paid

This week, I’ve been researching the control paradox.

The Control Paradox in 60 Seconds

  • Your bureaucracy operates at human speed, AI at machine speed

  • Your teams are already using AI (with or without your permission)

  • More control = less innovation. Tradeoffs are real.

  • Four governance models work: destination-setting, boundaries, machine governance, and shape-shifting

  • Start small, fail fast, scale what works, and disrupt yourself before your competitors do

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