The Dime The Lyft Playbook for Cannabis: Building Trust Through Tech ft. Ashwin Raj
What happens when a Silicon Valley exec who helped Lyft rewrite the rules brings that same playbook to cannabis?
This week we sit down with Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, to break down how disciplined tech thinking and first-principle strategy can reshape a fragmented industry.
In this episode:
• How Lyft’s regulatory battles mirror cannabis today
• Why listening — not speed — builds trust and loyalty
• How data, discipline, and adaptability will drive the next era of cannabis tech
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ashwin Raj and LeafLink
02:02 Ashwin's Journey to the Cannabis Industry
04:29 Navigating Challenges in the Cannabis Space
07:19 Listening to Customers: The Key to Success
10:05 Addressing Pricing Challenges
13:11 Building Trust with Customers
14:15 Balancing Competing Customer Needs
16:25 Strategic Focus and Resource Allocation
19:45 Long-Term Vision for LeafLink
21:03 The Role of Technology in Cannabis
23:05 Identifying Customer Needs
26:53 Overcoming Industry Challenges
30:45 The Impact of AI on LeafLink
32:01 The Future of the Cannabis Industry
36:10 The Role of Hemp in the Cannabis Market
42:04 Building Trust with Retailers
45:11 AI and Future Innovations at LeafLink
Summary
In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney interview Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, who shares his journey from the tech industry to the cannabis space. Ashwin discusses the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of listening to customers and building relationships with both clients and team members. He highlights the role of technology and efficiency in driving growth and the impact of the hemp industry on the cannabis market. Ashwin also touches on the need for regulatory clarity and the potential of AI in enhancing LeafLink's offerings.
Guest Links:
- https://www.leaflink.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaflink/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashwinraj/
Our Links
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At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.
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