AI Knowhow

Max Gabriel, CEO of Augmented AI, dives into the fascinating world of AI and its impact on the software landscape. He discusses how AI agents are reshaping the SaaS model, urging companies to rethink their technology strategies. The conversation also touches on the varied pace of AI adoption across industries and the significance of tailoring AI solutions to specific business needs. Additionally, they examine how AI is transforming search capabilities and the competitive shifts in digital marketing as new tools challenge established giants like Google.

Pete Buer, CEO of NordLight, and his partner Courtney Baker dive into the world of AI-driven commercial management systems. They discuss how these systems turn scattered data into actionable insights, enhancing client success in professional services. The conversation covers the crucial elements for implementing an AI-powered operating system and the transformative potential of AI in managing client relationships. They also react to breaking news regarding OpenAI's shift towards nonprofit control, reflecting on its implications for the future of AI.

Trust is crucial for AI adoption, and security is a key aspect of building it. The podcast delves into various AI security challenges like data poisoning and prompt injection. Listeners learn essential questions leaders should ask when evaluating AI vendors. Practical checklists are shared, especially for non-technical leaders. Furthermore, a compelling discussion is sparked by Salesforce's claim about the future of workforces and AI's growing role in customer service. The evolving responsibilities of leadership in the AI-driven era are highlighted too.

Is it really possible to eliminate client churn in professional services? Knownwell's CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao dive deep into the myths surrounding unavoidable churn and why too many companies accept it as inevitable. They challenge this mindset, exploring how AI-driven insights can shift businesses from resignation to proactive client retention strategies. Special guest Peter Kang, co-founder of Barrel Holdings, joins Pete Buer for a revealing conversation about "silent churn" — when clients slip away without warning. Kang shares how systems thinking, deeper client engagement, and recognizing early warning signs are key to building resilient agency relationships. And why when you start to hear, "All is good" over and over, alarm bells should start going off in your head.  In "AI in the Wild," Pete Buer breaks down new research from the Pew Research Center highlighting the gap between public and expert perceptions of AI’s future — and what it means for businesses today. Ready to rethink your churn strategy? Visit www.knownwell.com to see how Knownwell’s AI platform can help you keep more of the clients you’ve already earned. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_KKLpnZsU0o 

As AI becomes more integrated into everyday business and personal life, the biggest question leaders face is: when should we rely on AI and when must the human touch prevail? In this episode, Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker joins CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to explore the fine line between AI augmentation and human intuition. The team uses a recent LinkedIn post from Ethan Mollick as a leaping off point to unpack how leaders can responsibly scale with AI while keeping people empowered, not replaced. In the post, Mollick shares the results of a recent study that shows students who use AI as a tutor benefit from it, whereas those who use AI to do their work for them end up faring worse on standardized tests. Special guest Richard Lin, CEO of Anyreach.ai, speaks with Pete Buer about how AI voice agents are transforming customer service and sales. Lin reveals how cloning the “top 1%” of reps isn’t about replacement, but about elevating consistent performance while keeping humans in the loop to label, train, and improve AI systems. In our news segment, Pete dives into the fascinating world of AI therapists. A recent study shows that bots can actually help patients with anxiety and depression, raising the provocative question: are people more honest with machines than humans? See how Knownwell’s platform empowers your team with actionable insights. Visit Knownwell.com.  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Wolf Ruzicka, SVP of Strategic Advisory at Solvd and author of 'AI Driven', discusses how businesses can thrive in the age of digital Darwinism. He outlines a five-step roadmap to transition from AI novice to AI-native, focusing on reclaiming digital destiny and maximizing unstructured data. The importance of executive education and innovative concepts like intelligent RFP matching are highlighted. In a related discussion, the implications of Deutsche Telekom’s new AI phone for user experience and productivity are also explored.

The flowers are blooming, the pollen is popping, and Courtney’s wondering why corporate spring break isn’t a thing (seriously though). While the AI Knowhow Team hits pause on the regular lineup, they're gearing up for something fresh, live, and full of Knownwell goodness. On April 15th, Courtney Baker and David DeWolf are going live on LinkedIn to peel back the curtain on what’s new at Knownwell. If you're a professional services leader - or just someone who wants to ditch the guesswork and start driving business with data - this is your backstage pass to see how our native AI platform is evolving. To register, make sure to visit https://www.linkedin.com/events/7313305362961453125/. 

Jeff Gallimore, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Excella, shares his expertise on leveraging AI hackathons to enhance software delivery. He discusses best practices for integrating clients as judges and forming cross-functional teams, creating a bridge from prototypes to production. The conversation highlights the significance of cultural buy-in and strategic alignment for successful innovation. Plus, insights on how non-engineers can contribute to AI advancements using accessible tools like Canva and prompt engineering make this chat a must-listen for innovators.

Logan Kilpatrick from Google DeepMind shares insights on redefining AI beyond chatbots, emphasizing the importance of UX. He discusses Gemini's advancements like long-context reasoning and multimodal capabilities. Logan illustrates how smarter, human-centered AI experiences enhance education and business. The conversation highlights the shift towards asynchronous, reasoning-driven systems, and why leaders must embrace innovative concepts like compounding intelligence. Exciting developments in AI promise to unlock new potentials for diverse industries, moving away from traditional interactions.

The best leaders don’t wait for problems to arise - they anticipate them before they happen. But how do you shift from a reactive leadership style to a proactive one? AI might just be the key. In this episode, host Courtney Baker is joined by Knownwell CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao. Together, they explore how AI enables leaders to foresee challenges, manage risks, and reclaim time for strategic decision-making. From AI-driven notifications that predict client or employee concerns to tools that help leaders focus on what truly matters, they uncover how AI is reshaping leadership itself. Special guest Jess Hall, Chief Growth Officer at OpsCanvas and member of Knownwell’s AI Advisory Board, sits down with NordLight CEO Pete Buer to tackle one of the biggest hurdles in AI adoption: trust. Drawing from her experience in product strategy and AI ethics, Jess shares a powerful framework for building trust in AI systems, explains why AI skepticism mirrors the early days of automated elevators, and offers practical steps for businesses to create AI-powered products that people feel safe using. Plus, in our AI in the Wild segment, we put AI itself on the spot. Can AI tell us how to turn raw data into actionable insights? You might be surprised by the answer. Want to stop reacting and start leading with AI? Visit Knownwell.com to see how our platform helps executives like you stay ahead. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N5pD5rh5hRs