Beyond The Prompt - How to use AI in your company

In this discussion, John Waldmann, Founder and CEO of Homebase, reveals how his 10-year-old SaaS company transitioned to an AI-first approach. He shares insights on abandoning extensive documentation for faster prototyping and live demos, igniting a cultural shift within the organization. Waldmann delves into the challenges of leading change, the importance of pushing team members toward embracing AI, and the potential AI holds for small businesses. The conversation spotlights the balance between speed and quality, and how technology can fundamentally enhance team dynamics.

Joshua Wöhle, co-founder and CEO of Mindstone, dives into how AI can be a game-changer in organizations, particularly through the lens of HR. He discusses spotting high-leverage automation opportunities and using AI as a strategic partner to enhance workflows. Wöhle emphasizes that iteration unlocks AI's true value and highlights the shift from traditional SaaS to custom solutions for driving productivity. His insights on transforming non-technical teams into AI-savvy contributors make for a compelling vision of the future workplace and its evolving dynamics.

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former Wired editor, dives deep into the integration of AI in creativity and leadership. He shares how AI acts as a thought partner, enhancing both his work and personal pursuits, including marathon training. The discussion explores emotional connections with AI, the balance between automation and human skills, and the future of journalism. Thompson emphasizes the importance of maintaining our 'unwired' intelligence and cultivating meaningful human connections in an increasingly digital world.

Devin McNulty, founder of Funmentum Labs and the creator of Funware, shares his journey of integrating fun into serious business processes. He reveals how Funware uses AI to turn vague challenges into precise prompts, enhancing workshop creativity. Devin discusses engaging skeptical audiences with innovative techniques and emphasizes AI's role as a co-facilitator, sparking real interaction. The podcast also covers turning creative intuition into software, highlighting the future of AI in entrepreneurship and teamwork.

Mihir Shukla, CEO and Chairman of Automation Anywhere, is at the forefront of building autonomous enterprises with over 300 million AI agents. He discusses how AI can not only assist but actually perform tasks, like automating tax operations and enhancing customer service. Shukla emphasizes the urgent need to tackle the global productivity crisis through AI while sharing inspiring stories of workers transitioning to six-figure AI careers. He lays out strategies for organizations to embrace automation and the cultural shifts necessary for success.

Eric Porres, Global Head of AI at Logitech, is on a mission to transform a 7,000-person team into AI-fluent knowledge workers. He reveals his first 100 days, including training over 800 colleagues and emphasizing a culture of 'augmented intelligence.' Topics include practical frameworks for effective AI interactions, personalized teammates, and the importance of behavioral change over mere tool usage. Eric also discusses measuring success beyond stats, advocating for personalized workflows to foster deep engagement with AI.

Blair Vermette, the creative mind behind Rabbit Hole, shares his transition from AI skeptic to a viral sensation with his Adidas spec ad, 'Floral.' He discusses reinventing storytelling by breaking traditional structures, emphasizing the art of curation alongside creation. Blair unveils his unique approach to balancing human instinct with AI capabilities, and how self-initiated projects can redefine careers. He also highlights the importance of innovative video strategies and the emotional depth that AI can bring to content creation.

Berlin-based artist Boris Eldagsen, known for his groundbreaking work with AI-generated images, discusses his controversial decision to refuse a prestigious photography award. He introduces 'promptography,' a term for AI-created art, and emphasizes the crucial differences between traditional photography and AI. Eldagsen argues that AI enhances, rather than replaces, artistic freedom, while surprise plays a vital role in creativity. He stresses the need for clear definitions in artistic competitions, urging the art world to adapt to new paradigms.

Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek, an entrepreneur and AI expert, shares insightful strategies for future-proofing careers in an AI-dominated world. She emphasizes optimizing online profiles for AI searches and the importance of networking—70% of jobs arise from personal connections. Joan stresses financial preparedness, advocating for an emergency fund to handle potential job fluctuations. While AI can enhance personal branding, she highlights that authenticity remains key for meaningful connections, balancing technology with genuine human expression.

Nicholas Thorne, Co-founder of Audos and former Wall Street expert, discusses the transformative power of AI in entrepreneurship. Thorne highlights how AI is reshaping career paths and emphasizes the ‘Donkey Corn’ model for sustainable business growth. He stresses the importance of relationship capital and introduces the 5P framework for identifying market opportunities. The conversation also touches on starting small with AI applications and the significance of authenticity in building customer trust, blending innovation with genuine connection.