AI Knowhow

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.

It’s easy to launch an AI proof of concept. It’s hard to turn it into a solution people actually enjoy using and continue to use over the long haul. In this episode, Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker teams up with CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack the real-world challenges of operationalizing AI. From starting with the right problem to mastering change management and workflow integration, they share practical strategies for bridging the gap from prototype to production. Pete Buer kicks things off with a look at a Columbia University/New York-Presbyterian AI breakthrough that detects hidden heart disease with 77% accuracy—and how early detection applies to industries far beyond healthcare. Then, Pete sits down with Jim Garrity, Chief Client Officer at SingleStone, to explore his delightfully BORING AI framework. They discuss why targeting unglamorous but business-critical processes can unlock major value, how insurance underwriters are speeding decisions with AI, and why professional services retention is all about avoiding single-threaded relationships and spotting growth opportunities early. Explore how to stop flying blind and start harnessing AI for what it does best before it’s too late. Visit www.knownwell.com to get a guided tour of the platform. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/U8KG0iPUPNU 

Why do firms silently bleed customers, and how can AI help stop it? In this revealing episode of AI Knowhow from Knownwell, CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao lift the curtain on the biggest Knownwell platform update yet. They explore how AI can detect hidden signals across departments, sometimes before the metrics even move, and why ignoring 90% of the noise is just as critical as surfacing the right 10%. Using a playful analogy involving Courtney and Mohan's beloved Oura Rings, the team illustrates how contextual clues in client relationships can predict major issues before they explode. David and Mohan explain how Knownwell’s new features proactively identify fires, budget pressures, and executive turnover to help firms avoid disaster. In this week’s “AI in the Wild,” Pete Buer breaks down a controversial Microsoft memo that makes AI usage mandatory and raises deeper questions about critical thinking, tool diversity, and performance reviews. Plus, in part two of his interview, Matt Stauffer, CEO of Tighten, shares why AI hasn’t radically changed his software team's structure—and how seeing AI as a junior developer helps separate hype from reality. His take? AI shines in grunt work but still needs human oversight to deliver excellence. Explore how to stop flying blind and start harnessing AI for what it does best before it’s too late. Visit www.knownwell.com to get a guided tour of the platform. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9MYYHhcU3cA 

Client churn may be inevitable, but what if your relationships were strong enough to resist it? Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to dissect how AI can help build resilient, multi-threaded client relationships. They explore why single-threaded accounts are risky, how AI can map relationship networks, and the ways it enables proactive value delivery through real-time insights and signals. Special guest Matt Stauffer, CEO of Tighten, sits down with Pete Buer to share how professional services firms can responsibly integrate AI. Matt warns against AI maximalism and discusses the real ROI behind building AI tools—advising companies to start with the business problem, not the shiny tech. All of that, PLUS Pete unpacks insights from LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky on how to AI-proof your career.  Want to turn insights into action? Download Knownwell’s white paper, “AI-Powered Strategies for Scaling Professional Services,” at www.knownwell.com/scalingwhitepaper.  Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/geeqPMhGRcY 

Jeff McKay, Founder and CEO of Prudent Petal, brings insight into the evolving landscape of professional services affected by AI. He discusses his IC Triad model, which emphasizes the crucial alignment of marketing, sales, and delivery in the face of AI advancements. The conversation touches on how organizations can adapt their structures to maintain competitiveness. McKay also highlights the importance of human connection and expertise, even as AI reshapes traditional roles, encouraging proactive engagement for tangible growth.

Accenture's rebranding to 'Reinvention Services' hints at deeper shifts in professional services, as they grapple with margin pressures and the need for differentiation. The discussion highlights that AI is transforming from a toolkit to an operational backbone for companies. Experts emphasize that continuous reinvention is essential, urging smaller firms to adapt strategically. The integration of AI demands rigorous structural changes and the abandonment of silos, prompting businesses to rethink their approach to technology and strategy.

Discover how businesses can unlock growth by nurturing existing clients rather than chasing new ones. Experts discuss the significance of net revenue retention as a key growth factor. The conversation shifts to Meta's ambitious quest for artificial general intelligence, prompting questions about the future of technology and business strategies. Enjoy a fun draft of must-have AI tools for 2025, revealing both indispensable resources and those that may fade away. This engaging discussion blends serious insights with light-hearted banter about the evolving landscape of AI in professional services.