The Long Game w/ Elijah Murray

James Owens is the Chief Technology Officer for Xactus. Over his nearly 30-year career, James has used technology to solve complex business problems, applying innovation to provide businesses with strategic differentiation and building high-performing technology teams. In this conversation, we explored his transition from software development to the mortgage industry, his experiences in process reengineering during the 2008 financial crisis, and his role in modernizing lending systems. We also discuss the cultural and technological shifts at Xactus, the creation of an internal AI chatbot named Zelda, and the future of AI technologies. EPISODE LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-owens-cmt-06262/ Website: https://xactus.com/ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:12 Intro and background 00:04:14 Shifting to the Mortgage Industry 00:09:31 Consulting and Process Reengineering 00:16:33 Process engineering vs. process improvement 00:21:57 Building a Credit Card Company in nine months 00:25:38 Comparison Between Startups and Large Corporations 00:28:04 Xactus 00:30:29 Understanding the Mortgage Industry 00:33:50 Shifting to a FinTech Culture 00:36:45 Empowering Change: Agile Cultural Transformation 00:41:32 Generative AI 00:44:57 Building and Implementing Zelda 00:51:27 AI and Technology Roadmaps 00:55:44 Future of AI and Personal Assistants 00:59:52 Conclusion CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Beth Nevins, the founder of Developa.io and a talent strategy expert, shares her insights on the evolving landscape of AI in the workforce. She discusses the necessity of adapting talent acquisition to meet the demand for AI skills and the dynamic challenges faced by startups. Beth emphasizes the importance of nurturing team culture and aligning leadership styles with organizational values to foster motivation. The conversation also touches on the balance between creativity and structure as companies scale, urging leaders to embrace technological change.

Joao is the CEO of CrewAI and a former AI Engineering Director, leading the development of AI Agent technology. In this conversation, we explored cutting-edge advancements in AI, focusing on key topics like multi-agent systems, the impact of transformer technologies, and AI applications in marketing and sales. EPISODE LINKS: Joao's Linkedin Joao's X CrewAI's website TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:12 Intro and background 00:01:04 Defining AI 00:02:48 The Shift to Transformer Models and GPT 00:05:14 Understanding Agents in AI 00:09:08 Code to Conversational Interfaces 00:12:13 Crew AI: A Framework for Autonomous Agents 00:14:02 Use Cases of Crew AI 00:18:12 Lowering the entry barrier to AI 00:20:18 Empowering Work with AI Agents 00:22:41 Business Use Cases and Crew AI Plus 00:26:06 Advancements in AI: Agent Frameworks and Industry Leaders 00:27:28 Crew AI's Unique Approach and Competitive Edge 00:29:36 AI: Vendor Agnosticism and Self-Improving Agents 00:32:03 Understanding AI Through Familiar Concepts 00:34:16 The Evolution of AI Technologies and the Rise of Multi-Agent Systems 00:36:48 The Potential of Fine-Tuned Models and Agents 00:40:32 Getting Started with Crew AI: Practical Steps and ROI 00:45:00 Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray Newsletter: https://elijahmurray.substack.com/

Jean Pierre-Louis is an accomplished global health and strategic leader passionate about leadership, philanthropy, and global health. In this conversation, we explored his entrepreneurial journey, resilience, and the power of purpose in entrepreneurship. EPISODE LINKS: Jean Pierre-Louis' LinkedinCapraCare websiteRockstarmoon website TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:13 Intro and background 00:01:15 From Haiti to the World 00:05:44 Entrepreneurial Journey, From Music to Public Health 00:09:07 Failure and Cultivating a Winning Mindset 00:14:08 Non profit vs for profit 00:17:40 Discovering Your Purpose 00:23:51 CapraCare: A Vision for Global Health 00:27:57 Community, Loneliness, and Advice 00:30:38 Closing CONNECT: Website: ⁠https://hoo.be/elijahmurray⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/elijahmurray⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray⁠ RSS: ⁠https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss⁠ Newsletter: https://elijahmurray.substack.com/

Brian Hollins, founder and managing partner of Collide Capital, joins us to discuss his path from growing up in Washington D.C. to attending Stanford and Harvard, and eventually founding a venture capital firm focused on equity and opportunity. In this conversation, we explored key topics like the impact of AI on startups, leadership strategies, and supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. EPISODE LINKS: Brian Hollins' Linkedin Collide Capital The Takeoff institute TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:12 Intro and background 00:03:42 The eye opening experience of travel 00:06:53 Drive 00:10:12 Hard Work to Working Smarter 00:12:41 Ruthless Prioritization 00:17:13 Time and energy audit 00:23:19 Intentional growth 00:26:11 Takeoff Institute 00:27:36 Advice for startups, AI and founder market fit 00:35:39 Realities of Entrepreneurship 00:39:06 AI : Adoption, Fatigue, and Strategic Use 00:44:11 AI best practices: Be familiar 00:48:40 Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Ryan Coyne is the CTO of Serhant, an innovative real estate company. In this conversation, we explored the integration of technology with human-centric values in the real estate sector, focusing on key topics like personal branding, brand authenticity, and using technology to enhance customer interaction and business resilience. EPISODE LINKS: Coyne's Linkedin Business Insider: So Expensive SERHANT.Simple SERHANT.Shop TIMESTAMPS: (00:00:12) Intro and background (00:01:49) Innovating Real Estate with Technology (00:03:43) The Human Element Beyond Technology in Real Estate (00:07:22) Streamlining Real Estate Technology Solutions (00:12:04) Ego in entrepreneurship and Customer Service (00:16:08) Role of AI in an established company (00:21:12) dapting to AI and change (00:24:40) Serhant Simple (00:29:27) Human + AI (00:32:50) Organizational Culture shift for Agility (00:33:28) Leadership, Forgiveness, and Growth (00:41:10) Navigating entreprenurial Uncertainty (00:46:49) Personal Branding in entrepreneurial success (00:54:46) Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Gerry Gadoury, a seasoned business leader, discusses how his background as a United States Marine Corps Sergeant has shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. This conversation covers the transition from military to civilian leadership, the importance of building a personal brand, and the strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. EPISODE LINKS: Gerry Gadoury's Linkedin Destination Employer: Attract, Recruit, and Retain the Top Talent in Your Market Destination Employer Website House of Lies The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People TIMESTAMPS: (00:00:12) Intro and background (00:03:21) From Marines to Business (00:05:55) Founder Coaching: Why and How (00:09:18) Entrepreneurship: Glamorized vs. Reality (00:12:20) Brick and mortar vs. hyperscale (00:19:03) Personal Branding and Networking (00:27:44) EFG Framework (00:35:06) School of Hard Knocks (00:37:30) Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Dani Grant, CEO of Jam and former Tumblr blogger, joins us to discuss her journey in tech, highlighting her experiences from securing her first job through a cold email to founding Jam. This conversation explores the essence of networking, strategic communication, and persistence in the tech world. We dive into topics such as the importance of timing in fundraising, AI integration strategies, and the power of storytelling in business growth, providing a comprehensive overview of Dani's approach to building long-term relationships in the tech community and her vision for the future of software. EPISODE LINKS: Dani Grant's Linkedin Jam.dev Website Hackers of NY Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Huval Noah Harari This is Marketing by Seth Godin Lennys Newsletter TIMESTAMPS: (00:00:12) Intro and background (00:04:28) PM to Founder through cold emails (00:06:49) The Value of Go-to-Market Experience (00:07:35) Product Focus to Distribution Mastery (00:11:20) Personal Branding in Founder-Led Sales (00:14:46) The Long Game (00:19:18) Navigating relationships and emotions as founders (00:22:06) Jam.dev's success, AI and fundraising (00:24:21) VC Pitch: Practical Tips for Founders (00:29:39) Creating Urgency in Fundraising (00:34:47) AI in Startup Pitches and Operations (00:37:39) Traction (00:39:24) The Journey Ahead for Dani and Jam.dev (00:40:20) Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Jeff Kennedy, the VP of Sales and Partnerships at Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, joins us to explore the nexus of real estate and technology. Our discussion delves into the vital role of strategic partnerships, shifts in startup approaches towards indispensable solutions, and the transformative potential of AI and blockchain in the real estate sector. Jeff also emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships in the digital age. EPISODE LINKS: Jeff Kennedy's Linkedin NAR Reach Moderne Ventures TIMESTAMPS: (00:00:13) Intro and background (00:02:11) The Changing Landscape of Startup Funding and Market Needs (00:06:49) Need-to-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves (00:11:23) AI: the end result vs a feature (00:14:09) AI Hype vs. Value in Startups (00:17:27) Strategic Tech Wins for Businesses in Slowdowns (00:20:27) The best time to launch startups (00:21:40) The Harsh Reality of Startup Failures and Pivots (00:24:22) Venture Capital, Investment Strategies (00:27:14) The Value of Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystems for Startups (00:31:52) The Importance of Community and Peer Support for Startup CEOs (00:34:04) Envisioning the Future of Real Estate and Technology (00:36:38) Human Connection in the Age of AI (00:40:12) Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Nick Lashinsky is an Enterprise Software Sales/GTM Leader with 10+ years in Silicon Valley. In this conversation, we explore the fusion of technical expertise and sales strategies, focusing on key topics like AI's impact on startup growth, venture capital strategies and trends. EPISODE LINKS: Nick Lashinsky's LinkedIn Valid Signal PathAI Otter.AI TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:18 Intro and background 00:02:09 Bridging Engineering and Sales 00:04:49 Problem solving and product market fit 00:07:20 Navigating the VC Landscape 00:12:26 AI's Impact on Startups and Venture Capital Trends 00:15:57 Innovating with AI: From Startups to Enterprise Solutions 00:18:19 AI's Impact on Customer Support and Privacy Concerns 00:21:17 Human + AI vs Full AI 00:23:49 AI, evolution of user experience expectation 00:25:58 AI Tools, Enhancing Thinking for a Better World 00:33:00 AI, Learning from the Past for a Better Future 00:37:23 Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss