Augmenting people with AI and building the future featuring Matt Rastovac of Respell
Dec 7, 2023
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AI expert, Matt Rastovac, discusses building AI-powered workflows with Respell, educating customers about breakthrough technology, transitioning into a CEO role, and unique talent evaluation. They explore the empowering aspect of automation, the potential implications of AGI and automation, and the role of talent in AI development. They also discuss Respell's talent acquisition strategies, the difference between horizontal and vertical AI solutions, and the benefits of the ODF program for starting a company.
AI has the potential to revolutionize automation by offering proactive and intelligent solutions.
Different types of hires are essential for vertical and horizontal solutions in AI automation.
Building a talented team and fostering a culture of openness are crucial for startup success.
Deep dives
Respell: Automating Knowledge Work with AI
Respell is a company focused on automating knowledge work using AI-powered workflows and agents. They aim to assist individuals and teams in being more effective by offering an AI-first, no-code workflow builder. Their goal is to break traditional conceptions of automation and explore the potential of AI automation on a broader scale. They believe that automation should contribute to human flourishing and enable people to focus on creative and fulfilling tasks.
The Evolution of Automation and AI
The podcast episode discusses the evolution of automation and AI, particularly in relation to workflow automation. It highlights the progress made in reactive automation before the advent of AI and how AI has the potential to revolutionize automation by offering more proactive and intelligent solutions. The conversation explores the shift from manual work to automation and how AI can be used to augment human capabilities, especially in research, analysis, and generation tasks. It also touches upon the anxieties and expectations surrounding the development of AI and the need for education in understanding its potential.
Hiring for Expertise and To-Do List Impact
The podcast delves into the importance of hiring the right people for specific roles, considering whether they are to-do list growers or to-do list shrinkers. It emphasizes that expertise hires are crucial for vertical solutions, especially in industries with regulations or specific domain knowledge. On the other hand, horizontal solutions require individuals who can identify and solve common problems across different industries. The discussion also highlights the significance of screening candidates' ability to engage in healthy debates, handle stress, and have a team-oriented mindset. Lastly, it delves into the challenges of navigating horizontal solutions compared to vertical ones.
Building a Talented Team and Embracing Openness
The podcast episode discusses the importance of building a talented team and fostering a culture of openness in a startup. The speaker highlights the significance of hiring generalists who are multi-disciplinary and passionate about the company's vision. They emphasize the value of having team members who are curious, willing to push back, and highly motivated. The episode also explores the role of the founder in being a cheerleader for the company and actively engaging in distribution efforts. The speaker emphasizes the need to put the product out there, gather feedback, and constantly iterate. Additionally, they stress the importance of having a good filter for advice, as not all advice may be relevant or applicable to every startup's unique context.
Balancing Experience and Motivation in Hiring
The podcast episode delves into the topic of hiring and the balance between hiring experienced individuals versus those who are highly motivated and growth-oriented. The speaker discusses the value of hiring underdogs and individuals who may lack experience but possess an innate ability and hunger to succeed. They highlight the importance of loyalty to the company's vision, passion, and curiosity. The speaker shares their preference for candidates who are driven, proactive, and willing to challenge ideas and processes. Furthermore, they emphasize the need for leaders to recognize when their current team members may not be a good fit and when hiring for excellence is necessary. Finally, the speaker advises founders to surround themselves with top-caliber individuals who care about their success and offer support throughout the startup journey.
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For this episode of the Deep End, Matt Rastovac dropped by On Deck co-founder Julian Weisser's house in SF to talk all things AI and his experience as a second-time founder.
With his new company Respell, Matt is building AI-powered workflows and agents to assist on tasks enabling individuals and teams can be more effective than ever before. During our conversation Matt shares how he thought through building the first version of Respell, how to educate potential customers about breakthrough technology, and what he’s learned about sales.
Prior to Respell, Matt was the co-founder and CTO of Atmos a vertically integrated solution for building a custom home. Matt shares what he learned at his first company, how he’s transitioned into the CEO role at his second one, his unique and compelling method of hiring and evaluating talent, and much more.
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