AI First with Adam and Andy

In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, author and tech thinker Steven Johnson shares the surprising origin story of Google’s NotebookLM. Learn how a writer’s personal obsession with note-taking turned into a viral AI-native product now transforming enterprise workflows.

AI First: A Playbook for Future-Proofing Your Business and Brand in the AI Era is officially out, and the world of AI has moved fast since we submitted the manuscript nine months ago. In this special launch-day episode, Adam Brotman and Andy Sack bring listeners behind the scenes to reflect on what has changed, what didn’t make it into the book, and what leaders need to be thinking about right now.From Sam Altman’s viral blog post The Gentle Singularity to the rapid rise of reasoning models, autonomous agents, and early signs of economic disruption, this episode is a candid look at how fast the AI landscape is evolving.Topics discussed include:Why we’ve crossed the threshold into the AGI eraThe real-world impact of reasoning models and AI agentsWhy AI-related job disruption is already startingThe need for AGI Horizon Councils and AI R&D labsHow shifting consumer behavior is challenging Google’s dominanceWhat we would add to the playbook todayThis episode serves as a real-time epilogue to the book and a preview of what’s next for AI-first leaders.

Fresh from the floor of the Food on Demand Conference in Las Vegas, Adam Brotman and Andy Sack unpack what’s top of mind for today’s restaurant leaders. In this episode, they reflect on the slowdown in digital growth, rising consumer price sensitivity, and the evolving challenges facing operators in 2025.They also explore how AI is transitioning from hype to practical application, powering smarter decisions in areas such as guest feedback, menu optimization, and operational efficiency. With insight, clarity, and candor, Adam and Andy offer a timely recap of where the industry is headed and what brands can do right now to unlock sustainable growth.

Commercial Real Estate brokerage is a $100B market, yet still stuck and manual as ever.In this episode, Joe Lee, CEO and founder of Locate.ai, shares how his company is using predictive AI and generative AI to transform the way national enterprises transact and expand into brick-and-mortar.  From boosting store sales by 15% and increasing broker throughput by 3x, Joe breaks down what it means to truly be an AI-first company in an antiquated industry. 

In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, we sit down with Matt Britton, Founder & CEO of Suzy, to explore how AI is transforming the way businesses operate. Matt shares his personal “aha” moment with AI, how he applied those insights to revolutionize his company, and why he believes CEOs must lead the charge in AI adoption—or risk getting left behind.We dive into Suzy’s AI-driven evolution, the challenges of integrating AI in a fast-moving company, and the mindset shifts executives need to stay competitive. Matt also offers a three-step framework for identifying business problems AI can solve and explains why speed is the new competitive advantage in today’s AI-first world.If you’re a business leader looking to future-proof your company, this episode is packed with actionable insights on leveraging AI for real business impact.Topics Covered: Matt’s journey from social media pioneer to AI-first CEO How he built a personal AI assistant before applying AI to SuzyOvercoming legal, engineering, and cultural roadblocks in AI adoption The biggest mistake companies make with AI (and how to avoid it) Why AI is bigger than mobile and social media—combined

In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, the hosts dive into a dynamic conversation with Nick Soman, CEO of Decent and an AI-first leader. They explore how Nick leverages multiple large language models to act as an "Iron Man suit" for his business, enabling his team to punch above their weight and unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation. The discussion highlights the transformative potential of AI, from revolutionizing industries like healthcare to empowering startups with tools once reserved for top-tier consultants. In the follow-up commentary, Adam and Andy debrief their conversation with Nick Soman, CEO of Decent, exploring how AI empowers leaders and businesses to accomplish much more with much less. They discuss the two "aha" moments of AI adoption and its ROI for companies of all sizes. With a focus on healthcare, they highlight how AI’s ability to analyze vast data and provide personalized insights can revolutionize industries. The episode underscores the critical need for AI literacy to unlock its transformative potential.

In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, we sit down with Andrew Katz, Chief Marketing Officer at Athletic Brewing, to explore how AI is reshaping marketing in the CPG industry. Andrew shares his hands-on approach to integrating AI into daily workflows, the role of GenAI in creative ideation, and the challenges of navigating the attention economy.We dive into:How AI is optimizing marketing decisions and media spendWhy consumer sentiment is still hesitant about AI-generated creativeThe future of AI in brand awareness and product positioningLessons for CPG executives looking to embrace AI

In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, Fred Crosetto, founder of AMMEX, reveals how a traditional company became a global AI innovator. From automating HR with a 68% self-service rate to transforming supply chain and marketing processes, Fred offers a masterclass in leadership during technological disruption.Topics include:Breaking down barriers to AI adoption in non-tech companies.The strategic role of data readiness in unlocking AI’s potential.Balancing innovation and cultural alignment in global operations.Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or industry leader, Fred’s journey will inspire you to act on the transformative power of AI today.

Jeff Bussgang, a Harvard Business School professor and venture capitalist, dives into how AI is revolutionizing startups and entrepreneurship. He discusses the incredible efficiency AI tools can bring, making founders up to 10x more effective. The conversation highlights the rise of AI agents, their impact on the workforce, and the evolving competition between startups and established companies. Bussgang emphasizes the need for founders to adapt quickly to this AI-first landscape, integrating AI into their business strategies for success.

Join hosts Andy Sack and Adam Brotman as they sit down with Hugh Weber, President of Business Operations at Seattle Sounders FC, to explore how AI is reshaping sports management. Hugh dives into the team’s AI journey, revealing game-changing strategies, cultural shifts, and key lessons from integrating AI into operations. Hear firsthand about the productivity boosts, decision-making insights, and the challenges of embracing innovation in a fast-paced industry. Plus, Andy and Adam’s post-episode commentary delves into the future of AI—unpacking agentic AI, text-to-action capabilities, and strategic planning for businesses looking to harness AI’s full potential. Don’t miss this compelling conversation about the present and future of AI in sports and beyond.