PROMPT This AI Challenge

Episode 1 - AI, Strategy & the Unfiltered Truth with Charles Hicks

Every episode of the PROMPT This podcast includes an AI Challenge for the audience.  Follow the instructions below to complete this episode's challenge.

The traditional corporate headshot is dead—or at least evolving faster than most executives realize. Forget the $500 photographer session, the half-day wardrobe shuffle, and the awkward fake smiles. AI image tools like Secta are rewriting the rules of professional identity, making it possible to generate dozens of high-quality headshots in minutes. And before you dismiss this as another “AI gimmick,” consider this: in today’s business landscape, your digital first impression is your actual first impression.

This episode’s AI Challenge shows you how to harness the power of AI headshot tools and put them to work in ways that drive real business impact. Try any of the tools below to get a feel for working with AI image technology.

Our guest, Charles Hicks, is a fan of Secta. We tried it out too and found it as easy as advertised. Yes, $49 feels a little steep for an AI test drive, but Clint was impressed, especially with how the AI trimmed 20 pounds off. And cheaper than booking a studio session.

How AI Headshot Tools Work

Platforms like Secta, StudioShot, ProfilePicture.AI, and Fotor use generative AI trained on millions of portraits. You upload a set of selfies...bad lighting, messy background, no problem...and the AI learns your features and structure. A couple hours later, you’ve got a full library of polished headshots ready for LinkedIn, websites, pitch decks, or press kits.

Unlike traditional photo shoots, you’re not stuck with one “look.” These platforms let you experiment with different styles like a corporate suit with blurred office background for your investor deck, casual-professional for your podcast bio, or something softer for social platforms.

Where AI Headshots Deliver Business Value

• LinkedIn & Professional Profiles
  A polished image boosts credibility and increases connection requests.

• Company Websites & Marketing Collateral
  Skip the dreaded “photo day” and maintain a consistent look across large teams.

• Thought Leadership & Speaking Engagements
  Journal editors and event organizers always ask for a headshot. Having fresh options avoids scrambling.

• Press Releases & Investor Materials
  A confident, consistent headshot strengthens credibility in decks and media coverage.

• Social Media & Networking Platforms
  Tailor your style to the channel—authoritative for LinkedIn, approachable for Instagram, sharp for X.
  
  

Comparing the Leading AI Headshot Tools

1. Secta
Best for: Executives and professionals who need premium, realistic portraits.

• Pros: High realism, wide style range, polished output.

• Cons: Pricier; requires a solid selfie set for best results.

2. StudioShot
Best for: Teams and enterprises needing consistent branding.

• Pros: Studio-quality results at scale, ideal for HR and marketing teams.

• Cons: Rigid styling, less casual flexibility.

3. ProfilePicture.AI
Best for: Freelancers balancing professional and casual use.

• Pros: Affordable, broad style range, quick turnaround.

• Cons: Quality can be uneven; some results look “AI-filtered.”

4. Fotor
Best for: Budget-conscious professionals and small businesses.

• Pros: Fast, inexpensive, doubles as a photo editor.

• Cons: Less polish and specialization compared to dedicated tools.  Takes longer to figure out for headshots.
  
  

Trying Out Secta

Since Charles likes Secta, Clint tested the tool firsthand. Signing up was simple (as was handing over the credit card details). The Professional Plan is $49 for over 100 headshots across seven different styles. Secta offers about 90 style categories (office, outdoors, studio) but you only get seven without paying extra. The upsells are obvious in using the tool, but not overwhelming.

The output? Mixed in general but impressive in the specific. A few images looked off—an oversized chin here, a too-youthful body there—but overall, the set delivered dozens of high-quality, realistic portraits. Enough to update Clint's picture in LinkedIn, press kits, and promptthis.ai website bio without hesitation.

Before Secta	After Secta

  

Final Thought

AI-generated headshots aren’t about vanity—they’re about speed, scale, and brand control. The right tool depends on your business needs: Secta for premium polish, StudioShot for consistency, ProfilePicture.AI for versatility, and Fotor for budget-conscious professionals. In a world where impressions are instant and digital presence drives trust, your headshot is your modern handshake. With AI, you decide how you show up—and you can do it today, not six months from now.