AI Knowhow

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AOL finally shut down its dial-up service—but the real story? Many companies are still treating AI like it's 1999. In this episode, the team explores what it takes to move from experimentation to transformation in the age of ambient AI. Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao dive into the biggest challenge facing leaders today: AI isn't just a tool—it's becoming the environment we work in. So why are so many organizations still "sneaking downstairs" to test it in isolation? Then, Pete Buer speaks with philosopher Dr. Pia Lauritzen. She explains that the real existential risk of AI is not extinction, but losing what makes us human. She argues that blindly optimizing for speed and output might cost us the deeper questions that drive true progress. All of that PLUS Pete has another edition of AI in the Wild. This week, he breaks down the latest MIT report on AI's impact on jobs: most displacement is happening in offshore and outsourced roles—for now. Plus, only a sliver of AI investments are delivering ROI, and that's mostly through efficiency, not innovation. If you're still piloting AI in a silo, this episode is your wake-up call. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2eoNu4WvsFc  Growing existing clients is 95% more profitable than chasing new deals. Get the Commercial Relationship Playbook and turn relationships into your most reliable growth engine: knownwell.com/relationshipplaybook

David Evans, founder of ArcSyne, shares his expertise in AI-powered scenario modeling to help leadership teams navigate market volatility. He dives into the evolving expectations of corporate boards regarding AI, focusing on ROI, risk, and organizational readiness. Evans emphasizes the importance of using actionable insights from AI to avoid strategic blind spots and rethink business structures. With real-world examples, he encourages professionals to enhance client retention and drive growth by leveraging existing relationships rather than just chasing new opportunities.

It's that time again—budget season. But how do you plan AI spending for a future that keeps shifting? Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack how leaders can budget for AI in 2026 without wasting spend or missing out. The takeaway? Don't budget for "AI"—budget for solving real business problems. From aligning with KPIs to adopting a 70/20/10 allocation model, they outline how to move from pilots to scalable, ROI-focused AI investments. Next, Pete Buer sits down with Alex Kelleher, CEO of Quantum Rise, who makes the case for thinking in products, not projects. He explains why agility, measurable KPIs, and shared risk models are redefining how consulting delivers AI value—and how your business can adopt the same mindset. Plus: A new segment, "What's Your Password (And Why Is It 123456)?", reveals how even global giants like McDonald's are still failing cybersecurity 101—and what AI-powered defenses can help you do better. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z8-16tvNw50  Visit Knownwell.com to see how your own company's data could be working harder for you.