EVERYDAY ETHICAL AI

“As a mother of two pre-teen children and a solopreneur running my own business, I found Everyday Ethical AI to be exactly what its title promises: an accessible, thoughtful guide for families and small businesses. The books I’ve previously read about AI feel like they’re written for computer scientists or tech insiders, but this one speaks directly to people like me who want to understand AI without a degree in computer science.

The standout chapter for me was ‘Five Things We Can All Do’. It broke down the big, overwhelming questions into clear, practical actions: choosing and using AI tools wisely, protecting our personal data, seeking diverse voices when learning about AI, and, as a small business owner, creating my own AI usage policy to guide everyday decisions.

The book is full of advice I can put into practice immediately, whether that’s talking to my kids about how they use AI at school or setting boundaries for how I use AI tools in my business. I’d highly recommend this book to families navigating the new digital world and to solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want to harness AI confidently and responsibly.”

– Fleur Hull, Creator of The Substack Bookstore

“The most thoroughly researched, accessible guide to AI ethics I've encountered. Karen Smiley transforms complex technical and ethical issues into actionable insights for leaders. If you're implementing AI tools, this book isn't optional, it's required reading for doing it responsibly and successfully.”

— Joel Salinas, Leadership in Change

“I had the privilege of working with Karen Smiley at Wind River, and have continued to follow her journey through her AI6P Substack and as a guest on her AISW podcast series. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply she cares about Ethical AI that’s not just innovative, but also inclusive and human-centered.

What I admire most is how clearly she frames the real risks we need to address. In this book, she outlines five core ethical concerns. These aren't abstract ideas; she brings them to life with real-world relevance and urgency.

But what makes this book even more valuable is that she doesn’t stop at identifying problems—she shows us what we can do. She offers five thoughtful, practical actions we can take. These aren't checkboxes; they’re guiding principles for anyone who cares about responsible AI.

This book reflects everything I know about her — principled, curious, inclusive, and solutions-driven. Whether you’re in tech, policy, education, or simply want to be an informed voice in the AI conversation, this book will make you think, reflect, and act. I’m proud to support it — and to know the person behind it.”

– Lakshmi Veeramani, Chief Architect, GenAI CoE, Data & AI, NTT

“I participated in Karen's research interview, so naturally I wanted to see how she would make complex AI ethics understandable for everyone. Her book delivered more than I expected. This is not another exciting AI book full of hype, and it is not a heavy academic text either. It is a practical guide that treats readers like smart people who can make good choices. The way she connects data worker exploitation to environmental damage and then to our daily AI choices opened my understanding completely. If you want a book that respects your thinking while making AI ethics truly clear and accessible, you should read this one. Karen has accomplished what many authors struggle to achieve: she transforms complicated technical knowledge into wisdom we can actually use.”

— Pavan Vemuri, Director of Product Engineering, SDverse

“Karen Smiley knows AI and she’s on a mission to make it understandable (and safe) for the rest of us. With over 30 years in data and software and 14 U.S. patents to her name, Karen has seen first-hand how powerful technology can be when used wisely. She leads the SheWritesAI community, writes thought-provoking AI newsletters, and hosts the AI, Software, & Wetware podcast, which has listeners in more than 100 countries. Her debut book is an easy-to-understand guide that cuts through the hype and shows how AI affects our daily lives at home, work, and even in our small creative businesses. Karen’s book gives you the practical, no-jargon tools you need to make sure AI works for you, not the other way around.”

Kathy Gerstorff, Founder of the Indie Author Association

“Everyday Ethical AI is a down-to-earth guide that helps families, entrepreneurs, and small businesses make sense of AI without the jargon. It breaks down the real risks and shows you five simple steps to stay safe and smart with these tools. If you want to use AI confidently, at home and at work, while sticking to your values, this book is a great place to start.”

Amanda Loehle, Senior Director of Client Strategy, Software Mind North America