The AI CEO with Seema Alexander

“If your focus group still needs pizza and a two-way mirror, you’re already outdated.” In this episode of The AI CEO I sit down with Felipe Restrepo—CEO & co-founder of Odaptos—to unpack the first ‘empathy-enabled’ AI that reads micro-expressions, voice tone, and body language to predict a purchase eight seconds before it happens. We talked about: • Why 90 % of customer truth is non-verbal—and how to capture it • Slashing research costs from $40K focus groups to a $400 AI sprint • The “camera-amnesia” signal that tells Odaptos you’ve forgotten you’re on film • Building a content engine straight from raw customer interviews (good-bye writer’s block) • The REAL future of AGI (hint: EQ > IQ) and which human skills become priceless • Ethical lines, biased data, and why regulated banks jumped in first Whether you’re a product lead at a Fortune 500 or a bootstrapped founder chasing product–market fit, this conversation will change how you think about research, marketing, and the next wave of AI. ⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro — “Feelings vs. Words” 01:36 From France to Techstars: The origin of Odaptos 03:49 Emotions = Customer Experience Currency 08:05 Why focus groups fail (and what replaces them) 10:32 Industrializing research with AI 20:03 Case studies: Banks, insurers & 100× ROI 29:34 What emotional AI looks like in 2025 35:11 Secret sauce: Predicting a buy 8 s early 38:07 Building a moat in the age of copy-paste AI 42:16 Turning interviews into blogs, decks & ads 47:41 Zero-UI futures & “research agents” 53:36 Human skills that matter in 2030 57:26 Ethics, regulation & the path to EQ-GPT 1:04:43 Rapid-fire + final takeaways 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS Emotion > Opinion – People love products for how they feel, not what they do. Affordable at Scale – 20 interviews for $400 means weekly iterations, not annual bets. 8-Second Window – Odaptos spots the precise moment intent flips to action. Content Flywheel – Customer voice → AI summary → ready-to-post copy in minutes. EQ-GPT – The next intelligence leap isn’t bigger models, it’s emotionally aware ones. 🌐 LINKS & RESOURCES • Odaptos (Felipe’s company) – https://odaptos.com • Virgent AI (our show sponsor) – https://Virgent.ai • Felipe on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipelebrun/ • Seema Alexander on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander 🙌 CONNECT WITH ME Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander Newsletter + consulting – https://www.disruptive.ceo/ ⭐️ ENJOYING THE SHOW? If this episode sparked an aha-moment, tap 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and leave a one-sentence review—helps us land more game-changing guests like Felipe!

Jerome Johnson II, Director of Solutions Architecture at AWS, dives into the pressing issues surrounding AI security. He emphasizes the urgent need for high-growth companies to prioritize AI infrastructure protection. Topics like the risks of agent-based threats, the necessity of AI governance, and the importance of protecting data integrity are thoroughly explored. Johnson also discusses the evolving landscape of digital identity theft, deepfakes, and proactive strategies that businesses can implement to navigate the AI-first future.

She Gave Her Team Permission to AI… You Won’t Believe What Happened Next | Laura Seuschek, COO of WiseWire What actually happens when a COO tells her entire team: “You’re allowed to experiment with AI”? In this episode of The AI CEO Podcast, host Seema Alexander sits down with Laura Seuschek, Chief Operating Officer of WiseWire, a trailblazing edtech company reshaping how content is designed, delivered, and optimized using AI. Over the past two years, Laura has helped lead WiseWire through an intentional AI adoption journey—building internal capabilities, setting bold KPIs, and challenging her team to reimagine their roles. The result? Increased creativity, reduced operational costs, and a new level of team engagement. 🎯 What you'll learn: How to create a culture of AI experimentation—without chaos Why AI doesn’t make employees lazy, it makes them leaders The measurable impact of automation on team productivity and cost savings What every mid-sized company needs to know before scaling AI 🧠 If you're a founder, COO, or functional leader navigating AI integration, this episode will give you a practical playbook—and inspiration to act.   🌎Reach out to Laura Seuschek LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-seuschek Twitter https://twitter.com/lauraseus?lang=es Wisewire https://www.wisewire.com/for-teachers/   🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Virgent AI: www.Virgent.ai LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en 📌Make sure to check out Virgent.ai https://virgent.ai/ and WiseWire https://www.wisewire.com/ 👉 In this episode (00:00) Coming Up Next (00:31) Welcome to the AI CEO Podcast (01:12) Introducing Laura WiseWire (03:03) The Impact of AI on Employee Productivity (06:24) Laura's Background and Journey (09:01) Wise Wire's Evolution and AI Integration (12:23) Implementing AI: Challenges and Strategies (16:21) Prototyping and Experimentation with AI (29:15) Operationalizing AI for Cost Savings and Efficiency (35:34) Building a Culture of Innovation (40:24) Startup Mentality in Established Organizations (41:27) AI's Role in Content Alignment (44:07) Cost and Efficiency of AI in Education (45:37) Shifting Employee Mindsets for AI Adoption (51:46) Transparency and Ethical Use of AI (01:00:08) Future of Learning and AI Integration (01:05:02) Empowering Learners with AI (01:18:45) Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.  #AIAdoption #AITransformation #AIinBusiness #AIAutomation #AIIntegration 🎤 Production Studio: Legacy Sessions 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

In this episode of The AI CEO Podcast, Seema Alexander—AI strategist, business futurist, and co-founder of Virgent AI—sits down with Rob Richardson, founder of Disruption Now and MidwestCon, to explore what true leadership looks like when AI knows more than you do. 🧠 Topics Covered: Why clarity—not knowledge—is the new differentiator What “artistic intelligence” means in an AI world The role of AI in government (real case study!) How CEOs should balance automation vs. people Why trust—not tools—is your most critical asset 💡 “If you’re reading this in 3 years, it’s already too late.” —Rob Whether you're an AI-curious founder or already building AI-first orgs, this episode will reshape how you lead, hire, and build in the era of autonomous intelligence. 🎙️ Hosted by Seema Alexander Founder of Virgent AI | Host of The AI CEO Podcast | AI Keynote Speaker & Workshop Host I Strategic Growth Advisor to Founders & Mid-Market CEOs 📅 Don’t forget to subscribe, drop a comment, and share this episode with a leader who needs to hear it. 🔗 MidwestCon: https://midwestcon.com 🌐 Learn more about Virgent AI: https://virgent.ai 🎧 Also on Apple Podcasts & Spotify #AICEOPodcast #SeemaAlexander #RobRichardson #AILeadership #EmergingTech #FutureOfWork #AIandBusiness #Automation #TrustInAI 🎙️ The AI CEO Podcast Where business leadership meets the future. Hosted by Seema Alexander, AI strategist, futurist, and co-founder of Virgent AI, The AI CEO Podcast is the go-to show for founders, CEOs, and business leaders ready to lead boldly in the age of artificial intelligence. Each week, Seema sits down with top AI experts, visionary executives, and disruptive founders to decode what’s actually working in AI—beyond the hype. From enterprise adoption and autonomous agents to the future of work, trust, and transformation—you’ll hear candid conversations that blend strategic insight with practical action. No jargon. No fluff. Just real talk about how to build, scale, and lead in an AI-powered world. 🎯 Perfect for: Non-technical CEOs and founders Corporate innovators and strategists Operators navigating the next wave of disruption From AI-curious to AI-powered—this is your playbook. 🎧 Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and more. 🔗 Learn more: https://virgent.ai #AICEOPodcast #AILeadership #FutureOfWork #AIandBusiness #SeemaAlexander    

📌Make sure to check out Virgent.ai https://virgent.ai/ and BootupStudios.ai https://www.bootupstudios.ai/ In this episode of the AI CEO Podcast, Seema sits down with Chandler Malone, CEO of BootUp Studios, to discuss the disruptive impact of AI on the labor market and the burgeoning opportunities for entrepreneurs.  We explore various topics including the ethical implications of AI, the evolving role of non-technical founders, and the necessity for personalized education in the AI age. Chandler outlines his latest venture, an AI-enabled venture studio designed to support new entrepreneurs. From the democratization of tech tools to the importance of reading and writing skills, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to stay ahead in the rapidly changing landscape of AI and entrepreneurship.  🌎Reach out to Chandler Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chanoouttathere/?hl=en Twitter https://x.com/chanoouttathere Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandler-malone-1a398392 👉 In this episode (00:00) The Looming AI Disruption in Entry-Level Jobs  (00:32) Introduction to the AI CEO Podcast (01:20) Meet Chandler Malone: CEO of Boot Up Studios (02:12) The Power of AI for Young Entrepreneurs (03:04) Building Credibility and Community with Technology (04:09) Chandler's Entrepreneurial Journey (06:32) From Venture Capital to EdTech (07:07) The Impact of AI on Agriculture (08:49) Launching a Software Company in Event Ticketing (11:25) Navigating the Tech Hiring Landscape (18:44) The Rise of Generative AI in Test Prep (22:10) The Future of AI-Driven Businesses (24:21) The Role of AI in Entrepreneurship (33:09) The Concept of Vibe Coding (38:45) The Changing Job Market and AI's Impact (40:21) AI's Impact on the Labor Market (40:42) Empowering Individuals with AI Tools (41:55) The Future of Business and AI (45:59) The Role of Education in the AI Era (47:59) Challenges and Opportunities in EdTech (48:20) The Importance of Reading and Writing (50:41) AI Tools for Entrepreneurs (51:49) The Future of AI in Business (01:05:14) Boot Up Studios and the Future of Entrepreneurship (01:10:45) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts  🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Virgent AI: www.Virgent.ai Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here. 🎤 Powered by Legacy Studio & Virgent AI 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

Gerald Kierce, CEO of Trustible AI, discusses the vital role of AI governance in business. He shares how organizations can leverage AI governance as a revenue strategy to enhance growth and customer trust. Gerald emphasizes the importance of AI literacy for employees and outlines the challenges of implementing effective governance frameworks. The conversation also touches on the future impact of AI on labor and innovation, showcasing real-world examples of effective AI integration and the necessity of balancing innovation with responsible practices.

Peter Swain, a futurist and coding prodigy since age six, delves deep into how AI is reshaping business models rather than just performing tasks. He uses a Monopoly analogy to illustrate the drastic changes CEOs must embrace in this post-normal world. Swain discusses agentic systems and the rise of solopreneurs in response to job shifts. He also warns about the hidden dangers of inaction within companies, emphasizing the need for creative human input even in an AI-driven landscape. His insights on wealth disparity and community engagement are thought-provoking and essential for future leaders.

Cenk Sidar, Founder and CEO of Enquire AI, is a trailblazer in blending artificial intelligence with business insights. He discusses the critical role of human expertise in the AI era, introducing the intriguing idea of 'last mile experts.' Sidar shares how his company evolved from political consultancy to an AI-driven digital expert network. He dives into the challenges startups face in enterprise sales and the need for founder-led trust-building. The conversation also touches on AI's societal implications, exploring both its benefits and challenges.

Swathi Young is a formidable force in the technology industry. An adept leader with over 20 years of experience across organizations such as Amtrak, Sungard, GE, and Oracle, she is also a crusader on the forefront of change with regards to machine learning, AI and emerging technologies. The conversation delves into real-world use cases in healthcare, fintech, professional services, and public sector, illustrating the profound impact of AI on operational efficiency, cost reduction, and strategic planning. We discuss challenges such as data privacy, security, and the complexities of implementing generative AI in enterprise environments. Swathi also shares her passion project with the United Nations, leveraging AI to drive sustainability and solve global challenges. Through this in-depth discussion, listeners gain actionable insights into adopting AI responsibly to innovate and thrive in an evolving technological landscape. 👉 In this episode (00:00) Introduction to AI and Human Creativity (01:04) Introducing Today's Guest: Swathi Young (02:09) The Future of AI and ML in the Next Five Years (03:25) Consumer and Enterprise Adoption of AI (04:10) Public Sector Adoption of AI (04:44) Disruption in Workflows and Industries (07:23) Swathi Young's Background and Journey (09:50) Early AI and ML Projects (15:42) The Importance of Domain Knowledge in AI (20:40) Human-in-the-Loop AI Systems (21:33) Generative AI Use Cases: Legal and IT Help Desk (34:03) Challenges in Real-Time AI Implementations (36:04) Building Smart AI Solutions (38:04) Building Custom Solutions with Cloud and Generative AI (39:21) Data Management: Structured vs. Unstructured Data (43:48) Cost Considerations for AI Implementation (51:44) Challenges in AI Implementation: A Real-World Use Case (55:44) AI in Public Sector and Sustainability (01:08:41) United Nations and AI for Sustainability (01:12:35) Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🌎Reach out to Swatchi Young YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8s69t8fdrR6a-h78yZKqw LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/swathiyoung 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Virgent AI https:www.virgent.ai Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en   Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.   🎤 Production Studio: Legacy Sessions (Adams Morgan, DC) 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

The AI CEO: Trust Issues — Building AI That Won’t Break the Business | Jess Szmajda (Amazon, Axios, Capital One) Can you really trust AI? In this episode of The AI CEO Podcast, we sit down with Jess Szmajda—former CTO of Axios, General Manager at Amazon, and current VP of Engineering at Capital One—to explore how forward-thinking leaders can adopt AI safely without sacrificing security, privacy, or public trust. Jess shares lessons from her real-world experience building and deploying AI at scale, including: How to build trusted AI systems from the ground up The difference between bias in AI and bias in prompts Reducing hallucinations with guardrails and system prompts  Why she only trusts AWS Bedrock for enterprise-grade privacy  How to leverage AI agents in workflows without risking your business Whether you’re a CEO, founder, or product leader, this conversation will reshape how you think about trust, safety, governance, and AI’s role in business transformation. 🔒 Don’t let AI break your business—learn how to build it responsibly.  ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:00 Can We Trust AI? 04:00 Guardrails, Bias & System Prompts 12:00 Lessons from Axios HQ & Smart Brevity 21:00 Reducing Hallucinations in AI Agents 29:00 Privacy, Data, and Enterprise Guardrails 35:00 AI Agents vs. Interns: Why It’s a Trust Problem 44:00 What CEOs Need to Know NOW 54:00 Final Thoughts — 🎙️ Hosted by Seema Alexander, Founder of Virgent AI & Co-Chair of DC Startup & Tech Week   🎧 Subscribe for more CEO-level convos on AI, business transformation & responsible innovation 📍 Podcast Studio: Legacy Sessions (Adams Morgan, DC) 🔗 Explore more: https://www.virgent.ai 📬 Business inquiries: info@disruptive.ceo — ✅ Stay Connected 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seemaalexander 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/SeemaAlexander 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander/ 🌐 Website: https://www.virgent.ai / https://www.disruptive.ceo — 🎬 Watch More Episodes AI in Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjR5vKgcTW0 Shark Tank Insider Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aagh7YKHnsg Disruptive Brands with Maha Abouelenein: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIx5TaADMk8 🎥 Playlists Full Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLohO9RT6Hiy8xpJS79KIrlZJeKc2EblYT Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLohO9RT6Hiy9dvWDaDsr6LFckxZ3CiLOt —   🔔 Like this episode? Subscribe and turn on notifications to never miss a conversation with the leaders shaping the AI-powered future. 👉 www.   #AI #EnterpriseAI #TrustInAI #AIPrivacy #TheAICEO #JessSzmajda #SeemaAlexander #Guardrails #AITrust #ResponsibleAI #VirgentAI #AIAgents