The AI-Driven Leader

Josh Wand, the Founder and CEO of ForceBrands and PINATA, reveals how he uses AI to enhance leadership rather than diminish humanity. He illustrates how AI helps him craft bulletproof letters of intent in record time, transition quarterly planning into biweekly sprints, and assess talent culturally and skill-wise. Wand shares insights on refining prompts through dialogue and developing a future-self persona to gain personal insights. His approach emphasizes integrating AI as a strategic thought partner for clearer decision-making and deeper human connection.

Todd Schmiedeler, Founder of Thumbprint Consulting, shares his expertise in utilizing AI to address the massive challenge of tracking grants for workforce investment boards. He reveals how a 20-minute AI solution transformed weeks of manual work into an efficient process for identifying funding opportunities. Todd discusses the importance of timely grants and the role of Salesforce as a data backbone. The conversation also touches on innovative tools like Browse AI and Zapier, enabling teams to streamline their workflow and focus on building crucial funder relationships.

Todd Schmiedeler, Founder and President of Thumbprint Consulting, shares his journey of transforming his company through AI. He discusses a pivotal mindset shift that allowed him to see AI as a strategic partner rather than just a tool. Todd reveals how he tripled revenue during funding freezes, launched five new companies, and integrated AI into his company culture. He even created an AI clone named Todd AI to streamline operations and enhance productivity, ultimately making him more present at home.

The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for leaders to embrace AI rather than delegate it. Exciting stories unfold as six leaders share their transformative journeys with AI, revealing breakthroughs and innovative strategies. The CRIT framework is introduced as a way to tackle real challenges using AI. Insights emerge on using AI to synthesize complex knowledge and drive strategic thinking, especially in high-stakes scenarios like debt restructuring. Ultimately, it's about collaboration, asking the right questions, and not needing to be an AI expert to lead effectively.

The podcast explores how AI can elevate leadership from tactical to strategic thinking. Jeff Woods discusses the potential threats of flawed thinking over competitors and shares a CEO's crisis where AI provided a lifesaving strategic prompt. The CRIT framework enhances interactions with AI, allowing for innovative problem-solving. Listeners learn the importance of asking better questions and how collaboration is essential in mastering AI for growth. The focus is on transforming leadership practices by leveraging AI as a thought partner.