AI Knowhow
Knownwell
AI Knowhow is a podcast tailor-made for business leaders navigating the transformative world of artificial intelligence. In this evolving landscape, adapting the way we steer our businesses is not just about maintaining a competitive edge, but also aligning our AI strategies with our core values and vision.
Each week, Courtney Baker teams up with Knownwell executives David DeWolf, Mohan Rao, and Pete Buer to bring you dynamic, insightful, and actionable episodes that are crafted to assist executives in translating this groundbreaking technology into viable business solutions. Our mission is to aid you in maneuvering through this AI-centric world, offering guidance and clarity on the changing dynamics of the workspace.
Every episode includes experts, scholars, and practitioners specializing in AI implementation and ethics. We also hear voices from diverse fields to present a rounded picture of the potential opportunities that AI brings to the table. And, of course, we also feature visionary executives who will share their success stories of using AI to revolutionize their businesses.
Brought to you by the team at Knownwell: www.knownwell.com/podcast
Each week, Courtney Baker teams up with Knownwell executives David DeWolf, Mohan Rao, and Pete Buer to bring you dynamic, insightful, and actionable episodes that are crafted to assist executives in translating this groundbreaking technology into viable business solutions. Our mission is to aid you in maneuvering through this AI-centric world, offering guidance and clarity on the changing dynamics of the workspace.
Every episode includes experts, scholars, and practitioners specializing in AI implementation and ethics. We also hear voices from diverse fields to present a rounded picture of the potential opportunities that AI brings to the table. And, of course, we also feature visionary executives who will share their success stories of using AI to revolutionize their businesses.
Brought to you by the team at Knownwell: www.knownwell.com/podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 33min
The Widening AI Value Gap
Josh Payne, Founder and CEO of CoFrame, shares insights on harnessing AI for business success. Only 5% of companies truly benefit from AI, and Josh breaks down why. He explains the significance of integrating AI into existing workflows instead of isolated experimentation. His company’s self-improving systems rapidly optimize website conversions. Josh highlights common pitfalls in AI adoption and emphasizes the need for C-suite involvement to drive results. Practical tips on focusing on high-impact workflows and leveraging top-of-funnel experiments round out the conversation.
9 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 23min
The Rise of the AI Operating Partner
Pete Buer, CEO of NordLite, shares insights on AI as a transformation partner in professional services. He breaks down Cognizant's rollout of Claude AI, emphasizing its strategic value. The conversation then shifts to investment strategies in AI hardware, highlighting Kevin Rose's tips for avoiding socially intrusive tech. Buer discusses how AI can enhance consultants' roles, enabling them to focus on judgment and storytelling instead of mere analysis, while cautioning against the pitfalls of AI-led mediocrity.
18 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 25min
The AI Reset: When to Pause, When to Pivot, and When to Double Down
David DeWolf, CEO of KnownWell, and Mohan Rao, Chief Product and Technology Officer, dive into the challenges of navigating AI projects. They discuss the alarming trend of failed AI pilots and how leaders can identify when to pause or pivot. Mohan draws on Seth Godin's concept of 'The Dip' to highlight distinguishing temporary setbacks from true limitations. The duo warns against overwhelming initiatives and stresses the importance of targeted strategies aligned with business outcomes while balancing short-term results with long-term learning.
6 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 25min
Build vs. Buy in the AI Era
The age-old debate of build versus buy takes on new urgency in the AI landscape. Discover why vendor-led projects often triumph, driven by focused problem-solving. Insights from new MIT research reveal critical strategies for success, emphasizing human ingenuity over mere technology. Dive into the revolutionary implications of faster, smarter models for professionals, and learn how to align solutions with business needs. Lastly, our hosts stress that the key to AI implementation lies in starting with the problem, not the technology itself!
22 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 36min
Building Organizations That Get Smarter With AI
In this engaging discussion, guest Jason Malicki—a marketing consultant specializing in AI-driven strategies for professional services—explores the shifting landscape of authority in an AI-first world. He emphasizes that while authority remains vital, firms must adapt their approach to build trust through human presence. Jason shares five tactics for visibility in AI-driven searches, urging organizations to focus on original research and brand-building. The conversation highlights the importance of transforming companies into learning organizations that evolve alongside AI.
45 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 32min
The End of Best Practices: Why AI Demands a New Playbook
Andy Sitison, CTO of Share More Stories, dives into the transformative power of AI and its ethical implications. He emphasizes the need for human-centered AI that augments employees rather than replaces them. With insights on using storytelling over traditional dashboards, Andy highlights how to tap into deeper emotional drivers. He also addresses the importance of safeguarding authenticity and trust in AI use, urging leaders to create a center of excellence for responsible AI adoption. It’s a compelling conversation about adapting practices for an AI-driven future.
10 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 33min
Commercial Intelligence in Action: A Deep Dive into the Knownwell Platform
Explore the emerging threats to client loyalty that can impact revenue. Discover how the Knownwell platform offers real-time commercial intelligence to enhance decision-making. Learn about preparing for unexpected client calls and uncovering growth opportunities. Dive into the mechanics of the Knownwell score and the actionable insights it provides for managing client relationships. Gain insights on balancing portfolio energy and leveraging people intelligence to strengthen teams and boost performance.
26 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 23min
From Curiosity to Core Strategy: Looking Back on Two Years of AI in Business
Celebrating a milestone, hosts explore how AI has transformed from mere curiosity to a business essential, emphasizing the need for ROI. They discuss surprising real-world applications, like Wendy's drive-thru, and question why an AI-first consumer device is still missing. Reflecting on open-source adoption and Apple's approach to AI, they highlight missed opportunities and lessons for the future. With humor and insight, they share key takeaways and hopes for the next phase of AI evolution.
39 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 38min
Finding the Next Advantage When Everyone Has AI
Philippe Wellens, CEO of Clio AI and former head of international data science at C3 AI, dives into the intricacies of deploying conversational AI agents. He reveals why 95% of AI pilots fail and shares insights on orchestrating AI with effective guardrails. The discussion also explores how competitive advantages now hinge on proprietary data and rapid learning cultures. Plus, the hosts dissect why agile AI-native companies are outpacing traditional giants, reshaping leadership strategies in the process.
29 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 30min
The Middle Management AI Crunch
Pia Lauritzen, a philosopher and Forbes columnist, dives into AI's existential and ethical challenges. She discusses whether AI will replace middle managers or make them more human, promoting critical thinking over mere automation. The conversation highlights the resurgence of mentorship and apprenticeships as vital for future leadership. Lauritzen emphasizes the need for human oversight in AI decision-making, warning against allowing machines to tackle our deepest existential questions. Cultivating a questioning culture could be key to adapting effectively in an AI-driven world.
