The AI Report Live with Liam Lawson

Connect with Saket Srivastava: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saket-srivastava-84069711/👉 Asana CIO Saket Srivastava joins Liam Lawson to unpack why the future is about **collaboration over autonomy** in AI. He shares how Asana’s Work Graph underpins AI features like Smart Chat, AI Studio, and the new **AI Teammates** (with human-in-the-loop checkpoints and enterprise controls), and explains the evolving role of the CIO from back-office technologist to strategy co-creator. Saket gets specific on IT–HR partnership for AI transformation, surveying employee readiness, building an internal AI council, balancing experimentation with measurable impact, and coaching teams through change. They also tackle job displacement realistically, discuss building an AI-first culture, and end with Saket’s personal motivations, strengths, and where he’d improve.📚 Chapters00:00 Welcome & setup01:31 What Asana is & the CIO role04:39 How the CIO role changed from 2024 → 202506:11 What makes a great CIO (three-level framework)09:15 What are Asana AI Teammates?12:42 Why autonomy isn’t the goal; context, checkpoints, control14:48 Asana’s AI suite (Smart Chat, AI Studio, Teammates)15:04 The Work Graph model & “pyramid of clarity”18:31 Human-in-the-loop in practice (IT ticketing, campaign strategist)20:50 Natural-language collaboration & explainability22:01 Where AI Teammates underperform & the data hurdle25:30 Change management & the IT–HR partnership29:08 Baseline survey: excited-but-stuck employees32:14 Bottom-up innovation + top-down direction33:39 AI council, show-and-tells, and grassroots adoption36:12 Balancing innovation with impact (don’t kill experiments with ROI)37:24 Addressing fear vs. optimism; why leaning in matters40:08 Generational readiness & learning paths43:03 The future of work: augmentation over dystopia44:31 Saket beyond tech; problem-solving DNA46:45 Strengths & what he’d improve as a leader48:59 Why Saket does what he does📰 Join the Newsletter: [https://newsletter.theaireport.ai/subscribe]⭐️ Get Enterprise Training: [https://www.upscaile.com/corporate-training]

Josh Furstoss, founder of Spinout Studios and former CEO of Incued, shares a riveting journey from cleaning up in a grocery store to spearheading tech startups. He discusses the eye-opening lessons from his early corporate life and his passion for financial transparency in fintech. Josh explains the unique potential of the Midwest for robotics innovation, emphasizing niche markets and the importance of founders with deep knowledge. He also reflects on redefining success and how technology creation is his artistic expression.

Cory B, founder of BluMOSA and Linked Agency, specializes in scaling operations and virtual assistant teams. In this conversation, Cory shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of personal branding and team culture. He discusses how he rapidly scaled to 36 virtual assistants using AI and efficient systems. Reflecting on risk management, he highlights the balance of being self-focused for effective leadership. Cory also expresses optimism about AI’s role in enhancing work efficiency and opening new entrepreneurial doors.

Sophie Theodorou, an AI consultant and TikTok creator, shares her inspiring journey from teaching to content creation, highlighting how authenticity and simplicity helped her gain over 100K followers. Jett Miller from DTC House discusses strategies for scaling TikTok campaigns and the importance of using personal experiences in content. They delve into the rise of AI influencers, the challenges of creating authentic videos, and why brands must rethink their marketing in the AI age. Together, they reveal trends and the future of content creation.

Othmane Khadri, founder of Earleads and an AI startup veteran, shares insights on the struggles and strategies of entrepreneurship in the AI landscape. He delves into why 95% of AI implementations fail due to disorganized data and emphasizes the importance of finding unique niches for early-stage startups. Othmane discusses hiring for ownership and the value of uncapped pay tied to company performance. He also highlights personal routines and cultural perceptions influencing entrepreneurial success. His journey illustrates betting on oneself in a rapidly evolving market.

Ben Billups, Founder of Breaker and a B2B email expert, dives into the future of email marketing and the rise of newsletters in the digital age. He explains how AI is revolutionizing communication, making the case for ethical marketing and compliance in email. Ben shares his journey from agency work to building a SaaS platform, highlighting innovative lead generation strategies and the importance of audience ownership. He also discusses the implications of AI on business and offers predictions on tech trends reshaping the landscape.

Manthan Patel, an AI and lead generation expert, shares his inspiring journey into content creation and the world of startups. He discusses the transformative power of altruism and self-improvement while leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT. Exploring cold outreach strategies, he emphasizes the importance of human connection in high-ticket sales. Patel reveals his secrets to gaining over 100,000 LinkedIn followers in ten months and the significance of audience psychology in lead generation. His insights motivate those entering the AI industry to embrace their potential.

In this engaging discussion, Sabahudin Murtic, an AI-focused solopreneur and LinkedIn content creator, shares his unique journey in entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the significance of balancing AI with critical thinking and the value of building a personal brand. Sabahudin details his experimentation with AI tools, client relationships, and creating offers that resonate. He provides actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs to identify demand before building, highlighting the importance of networking and community support in achieving success.

Ethan Reeves, co-founder of Orbit Marketing, dives into the revolution of email marketing and the significance of newsletters in building trust and authority. He candidly discusses the challenges of developing AI products, debunking the myth that creating software is easy. Reeves emphasizes the importance of storytelling in marketing, the joy of connecting with audiences, and the necessity of adaptability in a competitive SaaS landscape. He also shares insights on the future of his platform, Orbit Flows, aiming for impactful innovations in content creation.

🔗 Connect with Chris hereIn this podcast episode, Chris Raulf shares his extensive journey in the SEO industry, starting from his early days in 1996 to the present, where he emphasizes the transformative impact of AI on search engine optimization. He introduces the concept of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and discusses the importance of E-E-A-T principles in creating valuable content. Chris also contrasts white hat and black hat SEO strategies, explains the shift from traditional SEO to content marketing, and highlights the evolving landscape of search engines and content distribution. He addresses the implications of AI on search traffic and shares insights on micro SEO strategies and the role of directories and featured profiles in enhancing online visibility. Finally, Chris reflects on the future of SEO and the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing environment, driven by his passion for the field.TakeawaysChris Raulf transitioned into SEO after years in marketing roles.Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is a new term gaining traction.E-E-A-T principles are crucial for ranking high in search results.White hat SEO strategies comply with Google's guidelines, while black hat strategies do not.The shift from SEO to content marketing is significant in today's landscape.Search engines are evolving to index content from various platforms.AI is changing how search traffic is generated and managed.Micro SEO strategies involve creating superior content using AI insights.Directories can enhance visibility if they rank well in search results.Continuous learning is essential to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving SEO landscape.TitlesThe SEO Journey: From 1996 to TodayGenerative Engine Optimization ExplainedSound bites"I just decided after reading a horoscope.""Search everywhere optimization is the new SEO.""Impressions go up, clicks stay the same."Chapters00:00 Introduction to SEO and Chris Raulf's Journey02:58 Understanding Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)05:52 The Importance of E-E-A-T Principles in SEO08:32 Navigating Domain Authority and Trustworthiness11:18 Content Creation: Quality Over Quantity14:14 Transitioning from SEO to Content Marketing16:54 The Evolution of Search Engines and User Behavior19:29 Search Everywhere Optimization: A New Approach22:22 The Impact of AI on Search Volume and Traffic25:14 Micro SEO Strategies and AI Integration28:27 Creating a Hybrid Content Strategy31:39 Maximizing Content Value Through AI Tools33:02 Understanding Robots.txt and LLM.txt35:42 Leveraging Featured.com for Personal Branding38:58 The Role of Directories in SEO43:12 International Perspectives on SEO Trends47:03 The Future of AI in SEO50:41 Continuous Learning in a Rapidly Evolving Field55:37 Passion for SEO and Its Impact on Career