The AI CEO with Seema Alexander

Angela Virtu joined Kogod's IT&A Department as a Professorial Lecturer in 2023. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses covering topics such as introduction to technology, data analytics, machine learning, and coding. Prior to joining our faculty, she built AI & ML solutions that bridged theoretical advancements with their practical, ethical applications. She was able to drive business impact on these solutions by empowering organizations to integrate them seamlessly into the business’ current operations. In today’s episode, we delve into the changing landscape of AI, touching on effective ways to quantify ROI beyond traditional metrics like time savings and productivity. Angela shares her insights on the evolution from traditional AI to modern AI agentic workflows, emphasizing the need for responsible integration into business operations. Topics covered also include the use of AI in marketing, sales, and customer service, the implications of generative AI, and the potential for AI agents to transform the future of work. The conversation highlights the importance of human involvement to ensure quality and ethical utilization of AI technologies. Angela also stresses the need for students and professionals to adapt to these changes by cultivating soft skills and collaborative capabilities. This episode provides valuable insights for CEOs, founders, and industry leaders on staying ahead in the fast-evolving world of AI. 👉 In this episode (00:00) Introduction to the AI CEO Podcast (01:44) Guest Introduction: Angela Virtu (02:31) Angela's Journey into AI and Business (04:41) Explaining Neural Networks (06:57) Traditional AI vs. Current AI Landscape (07:33) AI in Startups and Data-Driven Decisions (15:47) AI in Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service (41:58) Proactive Customer Service with AI (43:17) Generative AI: A New Era (52:13) Understanding AI Agents (53:19) The Future of Work with AI Agents (01:00:56) AI's Impact on the Workforce (01:18:00) The Role of Education in AI (01:19:51) Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🌎Reach out to Angela Virtu LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-virtu American University https://www.american.edu/kogod/faculty/avirtu.cfm 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander 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.   🎤Podcast Studio: Legacy Sessions 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

Revolutionizing Legacy: How Stanley Black & Decker is Winning with AI with Matt Griffiths In this episode of the AI CEO podcast, host Seema Alexander sits down with Matt Griffiths, VP of AI and Data at Stanley Black & Decker, to explore the current and future impact of AI on enterprise. Matt shares his journey from working with data on shop floors to leading the AI initiatives at Stanley Black & Decker and provides valuable insights into the transformative power of AI.  They discuss the use of generative AI, responsible AI governance, and the importance of data in driving innovation. Key themes include the integration of structured and unstructured data, the potential of AI agents, the necessity of human oversight, and the future of work in an AI-driven world. If you are seeking a playbook to help you accelerate adoption of AI in your company, this interiew showcases how ahead of the game Stanley Black & Decker is due to the leadership of Matt Griffiths and his executive peers compared to many in their industry and enterprises in general. Listen in to find out how they did it and what's next. This episode is essential listening for leaders looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI.👉 In this episode (00:00) Introduction to AI in Business (01:02)  Guest Introduction: Matt Griffiths (02:59) Traditional AI Use Cases (05:34)  The Evolution of Data Utilization (06:02)  Generative AI and Unstructured Data (08:03)  Data Lakes and Real-Time Insights (09:48)  Generative AI in Decision Making (12:17)  Personalization and Predictive Maintenance (14:12)  Stanley Black & Decker's Brand Portfolio (16:29)  Adopting Generative AI: Challenges and Strategies (19:37)  Educating Executives on Generative AI (23:49)  Everyday AI vs. Game-Changing AI (26:33)  Internal Adoption and Training (29:38)  Role-Playing with Generative AI (32:12)  The Future of Business and AI (32:54)  Decentralization in Data and AI (33:46)  Empowering Everyday Use Cases (36:45)  AI Agents and Their Potential (39:16)  Human in the Loop: Ensuring Trust (49:18)  Responsible AI: Policies and Practices (55:27) The Future of Work with AI (01:01:01) Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses Reach out to Seema Alexander Website: www.Virgent.AI Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander/   🌎Reach out to Matt Griffiths LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattrgriffiths Twitter https://x.com/mattrgriffithshttps://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/  

📌Make sure to check out Virgent.ai https://virgent.ai/ In the inaugural episode of the AI CEO Podcast, host Seema Alexander, co-founder and President of Vigent AI, speaks with Jesse Alton, CEO and partner at Virgent. We discuss the transformative role of AI in business, emphasizing the importance of AI literacy for leadership and employees, the need for responsible AI, and the opportunities AI brings for innovation and efficiency. The conversation touches on the potential of AI agents in automating routine tasks, the ethical and regulatory considerations for AI deployment, and the future of work. We stress the importance of creating intentional, ethical, and high-impact AI solutions that bring real value to businesses and their customers. 👉 In this episode (00:00) Introduction to the AI CEO Podcast (01:09) Meet Your Host: Seema Alexander (01:33) Rebranding and the Importance of AI in Business (02:14) Introducing Jesse Alton and Virgent AI (02:52) The Journey into AI and Magic ML (05:35) Understanding Interoperability and Early AI Development (08:28) The Formation of Virgent AI and Its Mission (13:58) The Economic Impact of AI by 2030 (15:38) Navigating AI Adoption and Safe Implementation (31:10) The Role of AI Agents in Modern Business (42:28) The Future of AI Agents and Business Transformation (46:21) Harnessing Data for Machine Learning (46:47) Creating and Fine-Tuning Your Own AI Model (50:35) AI in Customer Service: The Future of Chatbots (53:25) Understanding Vector Embeddings (57:08) The Role of AI in Enhancing Productivity (01:05:45) The Future of Work: AI-Driven Job Market (01:11:33) Upskilling and AI Literacy for Employees (01:22:05) Responsible AI: Ethics and Regulations (01:32:37) Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🌎 Reach out to Jesse Alton, CEO of Virgent AI LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmetaverse  Instagram @mrmetaverse https://www.instagram.com/mrmetaverse/ 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Virgent AI https://www.virgent.ai LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander   Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here. Product Studio: Legacy Session (based out of DC) 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

In this episode of the 'From Spaghetti to Growth' business podcast, host Seema Alexander interviews Adam Phillips, Managing Director at Techstars. They discuss the realities of seeking venture capital, building relationships with VCs, and the journey of transitioning from being a lawyer to a startup founder and eventually a key player at Techstars. Adam shares his personal experiences of growing up with immigrant parents, his transition from law to entrepreneurship, the lessons he learned from his edtech startup, and his insights on current trends in AI and health tech. The conversation highlights the importance of evaluating VCs critically, understanding the burden of taking investment, and the future potential of AI in everyday life. Connect with Adam Philips, Managing Director, Techstars Website https://adamhphillips.com/LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhughphillips Techstars https://www.techstars.com/ 👉 In this episode   (00:00) The Reality of VC Relationships (01:16) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (01:45) Adam Phillips' Background and Career Journey (02:48) From Law to Entrepreneurship (06:47) The EdTech Startup Experience (10:50) Lessons Learned and Moving On (17:00) Transition to Accelerator and Fundraising (22:22) Inside Techstars and Investment Insights (28:40) The Future of AI: Interfaces and User Experience (30:30) AI's Role in Business and Innovation (39:32) AI in Healthcare: Personalization and Opportunities (42:21) Navigating the AI Landscape: Trust and Customization (47:39) The Impact of AI on Society and Ethics (55:28) Venture Capital: Is It Right for Your Startup? (01:01:13) Building Relationships with VCs (01:04:20) Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Virgent AI  https://www.virgent.ai 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.   🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

In this episode of the From Spaghetti to Growth business podcast, host Seema Alexander speaks with Haley Bryant, Principal of Hustle Fund. The conversation explores the dynamics of venture capital, strategies for scaling startups, and what it takes to achieve growth in competitive markets. Haley shares insights from her journey as an operator and investor, highlighting the importance of customer journey mapping, productization, and content marketing. Seema and Haley also delve into the role of venture capital, emphasizing the significance of  execution, resilience, and strategic decision-making---and a deep dive on AI. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating the startup landscape. 🌎Reach out to Haley Bryant LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleymbryant Website https://www.haleymbryant.com/Hustle Fund https://www.hustlefund.vc/team Twitter https://twitter.com/haleymbryant?lang=en 👉 In this episode   (01:17) Meet Haley Bryant & The Hustle Fund Story (03:22)  Defining Hustle and Execution (05:42)  Haley's Entrepreneurial Background (07:10) The Apple Experience (12:51)  Scaling a Startup (19:27)  Journey Mapping for Growth (23:57)  Accidental Angel Investing (28:47)  Introducing the Venture Fellowship (29:36)  Qualifying for the Venture Fellowship (30:58)  Hustle Fund's Investment Thesis (33:18)  The Importance of Founder Conviction (37:06)  Advice for Founders Seeking Funding (41:51)  Understanding the Differences in Business Growth (45:11)  The Future of AI and Investment Opportunities (51:50)  Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander VIRGENT AI www.VirgentAI.com 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. 🎤Legacy Sessions (DC Studio) 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting  

In this episode, Seema interviews Marc Steren, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of University Startups. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of adopting emerging technologies before consumer readiness, emphasizing the need to get consumers to buy into a vision while solving immediate problems. Mark shares his entrepreneurial journey, beginning with a failed attempt to launch a mobile ticketing company, through his experiences in the hospitality industry, to his current work in empowering under-resourced and special education learners through AI and entrepreneurial mindset. Key takeaways include the importance of taking risks, continuous learning, understanding and solving consumer problems, and the critical role of a supportive board. The episode also highlights Mark's work in education, transitioning planning for career and college readiness, and the application of AI in enhancing both internal processes and user experiences. Connect with Mark University Startups https://www.university-startups.com/about LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcsteren Email msteren@university-startups.com  👉 In this episode   (00:00) Introduction to Technology Adoption Challenges (01:22)  Meet Mark Starr: Entrepreneurial Journey Begins (02:44)  Early Entrepreneurial Ventures and Lessons (03:54)  The Birth of a Mobile Ticketing Company (09:22)  Navigating Emerging Technologies (13:06)  The Importance of Consumer Education (19:19)  The Role of a Board in Business Growth (22:07)  Transition to Hospitality and Operational Insights (24:25)  From Entrepreneurship to Education (26:32)  Celebrity Investors and Entrepreneurial Success (26:41)  Coffee with Margarita: A Strategic Discussion (27:09)  The Hustle and Strategic Thinking in Entrepreneurship (28:42)  Innovative Solutions from Young Entrepreneurs (29:30)  University Startups Initiative: Empowering the Next Generation (30:06)  The Birth and Growth of University Startups (32:14)  AI in Education: Enhancing Learning and Career Pathing (46:21)  The Power of Niche Markets and Unique Methods (51:18)  Advice for Founders in the Spaghetti Phase (52:13)  Conclusion and Contact Information 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander 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.   🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

📌Make sure to check out FinDigital https://www.builtbyfin.com/   In this episode of the 'From Spaghetti to Growth,' business podcast host Seema Alexander speaks with Marcus Finley, CEO of FinDigital, about the transformative potential of AI. They discuss strategies for leveraging AI in startup innovation, to enhance team capabilities, and create impactful tech products. The dialogue spans Marcus's journey from nonprofit work to tech entrepreneurship, emphasizing AI's role in business growth. if you are a founder curious about AI and how to create custom products and innovations of your own, this is a great episode for you to listen in to. This episode offers strategic insights and real-world examples, serving as a valuable guide for integrating AI into operations to drive significant growth and impact.  👉 In this episode (01:26) Creating Your First AI Product (02:55) Marcus Finley's Journey into Tech and Entrepreneurship (04:46) Challenges and Strategies in Product Development  (15:24) The Importance of Customer Focus and Market Research (21:44) Navigating Growth and Technology Debt (39:31) Balancing Innovation and Practicality (41:28) Navigating Emerging Technologies (42:53) Understanding AI Costs and Implementation (44:59) Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency (47:39) Choosing the Right AI Partners (49:49) AI in Business Growth and Strategy (01:04:46) AI's Impact on Various Industries (01:14:02) Ensuring AI Accessibility for All Communities (01:16:53) Conclusion and Future Prospects 🌎Reach out to Marcus Finley LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusafinley FinDigital https://www.builtbyfin.com/ 🌎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.  🎤 Podcast Studio: Legacy Sessions (DC) 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

  📌Make sure to check out UPACE https://rachel-koretsky.squarespace.com/   In this episode of 'From Spaghetti to Growth,' host Seema Alexander, president of Virgent AI and co-chair DC Startup Week, explores the entrepreneurial journey of Rachel Koretsky, the CEO of UpACE and co-chair of DC Startup Week. Rachel shares insights on how she grew her startup from zero to nearly 5 million users, discussing the challenges of being a non-technical founder, securing pilot programs, and pivoting business strategies. The episode delves into the intricacies of building a SaaS platform for community rec centers, the importance of understanding customer needs, and leveraging technology for member engagement. In addition, the two co-chairs also have some bonus content as they discuss the growth trajectory and vision of DC Startup Week, emphasizing the significance of community and support in the entrepreneurial ecosystem --and their upcoming 9th annual conference from October 21-25 in Washington DC Metro area. 👉 In this episode (01:19) Meet Rachel Koretsky: CEO of Upace (02:05) Rachel's Entrepreneurial Journey (04:07) Identifying and Solving the Initial Problem (07:12) Challenges of a Non-Technical Founder (09:20) Building the First Client Base (16:24) Leveraging University Resources (21:51) Navigating the Impact of COVID-19 (26:07) Utilizing Predictive Analytics for Growth (29:55) Challenges of a Non-Technical Founder (31:11) Finding the Right Technical Partner (32:30) Trusting Your Gut in Business Decisions (33:26) The Journey to Finding a CTO (34:11) Empowering Female Founders (35:24) The Importance of Community Support (38:47) The Birth of DC Startup Week (45:24) The Vision for DC Startup Week (48:32) Advice for Aspiring Founders (55:19) Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🌎Reach out to Rachel Koretsky LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelkoretsky Website https://rachel-koretsky.squarespace.com/new-index 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/ Production Studio: Legacy Session

In this special episode of the From Spaghetti to Growth podcast, host Seema Alexander recaps her transformative experience attending VeeCon 2024, a conference hosted by Gary Vaynerchuk. Seema shares her businewss insights and memorable moments from the event, which featured a diverse lineup of speakers including entrepreneurs, technologists, and entertainers. Key highlights include talks by Will Guidara on 'unreasonable hospitality,' Howie Mandel's emerging tech holograms, Nick Cannon's viewpoints on hustle, and Will.i.am's exploration of AI in creative spaces. Seema also reflects on building community through GaryVee’s inspiring VeeCon, networking with impactful individuals, and the importance of integrating new knowledge into personal and professional growth. Ending with T Pain's performance, the episode underscores the continual evolution and commitment of the VeeFriends community. 👉 In this episode (00:17) Gary Vaynerchuk and VeeCon Overview (02:16) The Birth of VeeFriends and Community Building (05:22) Experiences and Insights from VCon (06:31) Personal Reflections and Key Takeaways (08:27) Pre-VeeCon Events and Networking (13:03) Highlights from VeeCon Speakers (14:44) Unforgettable Moments and Lessons (35:52) AI and Longevity: A New Partnership (38:36) Jay Shetty and Bob Pittman: Insights and Reflections (40:24) Cody Sanchez: Investing in Boring Businesses (42:02) Mike Posner: Lessons from a 3000-Mile Walk (47:19) Lewis Howes: The School of Greatness (52:19) Tom Ferry: How to Make $20 Million A Year for Three Decades (58:25) T-Pain and the VCon Experience (01:00:29) Community and Networking Highlights (01:05:01) Concluding Thoughts and Future VeeCon Announcements 🌎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. Podcast Studio: Legacy Sessions 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

📌Make sure to check out Rasa (Indi via https://www.rasa.co/ In this episode of the From Spaghetti to Growth podcast, host Seema Alexander interviews Sahil and Rahul, co-founders of Rasa, a fast-casual Indian restaurant chain. They delve into their transition from corporate careers to entrepreneurship, fueled by their immigrant backgrounds and family influences. The discussion covers strategic choices in location selection and funding, the effects of COVID-19, and maintaining a robust company culture. Additionally, they explore their innovative use of AI and technology to streamline operations. This episode offers valuable insights into resilience, innovation, and the dynamic challenges of the fast-casual dining industry. 👉 In this episode (01:33) Meet the Co-Founders of Rasa (01:53)  The Vision Behind Rasa (02:54)  The Journey of Rasa's Co-Founders (04:00)  Cultural Perceptions and Indian Cuisine (07:49)  The Rise of Indian Culture (12:34)  From Corporate Jobs to Entrepreneurship (23:13)  Navigating the Pandemic (29:05)  Fundraising Challenges (31:26)  Investor Relations and Building in the Open (32:48)  Pitching and Brand Awareness (34:07)  First Restaurant Opening Challenges (36:21)  Choosing the Right Location (39:11)  Growth Strategy and Team Building (44:14)  Leadership and Company Culture (53:30)  Embracing Technology and AI (01:00:42)  Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (01:05:08) Future Vision for Rasa 🌎Reach out to Sahil Rahman and Rahul Vinod Sahil Rahman IG https://www.instagram.com/_sahilrahman/ LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahrahman Website https://sahilrahman.com/about/ Rahul Vinod LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulvinod IG https://www.instagram.com/rvinod/?hl=en 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander 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.     ✅ About Seema Alexander. Welcome to my channel, Seema Alexander"! I'm your host—Seema Alexander, President of Virgent AI, co-chair of DC Startup Week, and creator of the U.N.I.Q.U.E. MethodTM. In each episode of the From Spaghetti to Growth" podcast, I have unfiltered conversations with successful founders, CEOs, and experts. We discuss their personal business journeys and strategies that took them from chaos to growth and everything in between.  Suppose you are an entrepreneur seeking strategies to take your business to the next level, incorporating the future of AI into your business, and turning your spaghetti into growth. In that case, this is the podcast for you. Now, let’s start growing! For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:  📩 Email: info@disruptive.ceo    #businessgrowth #entrepreneurship #inc5000 #yellowtailtech #scalingbusiness #techcareers © Seema Alexander   Podcast Studio: Legacy Sessions (Washington DC) 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting