“What’s the business that could put you out of business—and why aren’t you building it first?”

That simple challenge triggered a mindset shift that turned one leader’s entire model upside down. He realized he’d been treating AI like a glorified search engine, when what he really needed was a thought partner.The results speak for themselves: tripling revenue in the middle of a funding freeze, launching five new companies in just two months, weaving AI into the fabric of his culture, and even designing an AI clone of himself called Todd AI to exit day-to-day leadership of his company. Along the way, he discovered breakthroughs not just in business, but at home—like using a “seven-minute AI commute” to be more present with his family. Today’s AI-Driven Leader is Todd Schmiedeler, Founder and President of Thumbprint Consulting.