In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Founder and CEO at Renewed Minds Consulting, Jake Schaefer. Jake discusses the psychological challenges leaders face, including loneliness, resistance to change, and the need for authentic leadership.

He explores practical strategies for managing organizational change, fostering supportive peer networks, and addressing employee concerns about AI. Jake emphasizes empathy, clear communication, and aligning values with behavior to create resilient, adaptable organizations in the evolving workplace.

Check out Jake's work HERE.

Connect with Jake on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Simpro Group, Jason Penkethman. Jason discusses how AI-driven tools are streamlining administrative tasks for technicians, improving data quality, and enhancing operational efficiency.

He highlights the importance of user trust, human oversight, and balancing innovation with real-world needs. Jason also shares insights on team management, AI adoption challenges, and the future impact of AI on the trades industry, emphasizing that technology should augment—not replace—skilled professionals.

Check out Jason's work HERE.

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the CPO at Zendrop, Alexander Blinov. Alexander discusses how AI powers features like store building, product description optimization, translation, ad copy generation, and customer support.

He shares insights on managing product teams, prioritizing customer needs, and leveraging AI to boost efficiency and product quality. Alexander also offers advice for aspiring product leaders, emphasizing customer obsession, team empowerment, and data-driven decision-making in building successful products and adapting to the evolving software landscape.

Check out Alexander's work HERE.

Connect with Alexander on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Co-Founder at Rhythm Systems, Patrick Thean. Patrick shares his journey from early success at Oracle and founding a top-ranked software company to helping CEOs overcome execution challenges.

He introduces his “Think, Plan, Do” Rhythm methodology, emphasizing disciplined strategic planning, accountability, and consistent operational rhythms. Patrick explores the evolving role of AI in business, the importance of upskilling teams, and how leaders can avoid common pitfalls by establishing clear goals and regular reflection habits for sustained organizational success.

Check out Patrick's work HERE.

Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to Tom Gegax, the Chairman at the Gramercy Fund, and Executive Producer and Co-Director with Confessions of a CEO. Tom discusses his documentary Confessions of a CEO, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and balancing profit with social responsibility.

He explores the impact of AI on business, the importance of mentoring, and creating positive workplace cultures. Tom shares insights from his career, emphasizing leading with empathy, continuous learning, and putting people first for long-term business success.

Check out Tom's work HERE and HERE.

Connect with Tom on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Vice President of Commercial Marketing at Intel, Nuri Cankaya. Nuri shares insights on quantum breakthroughs, the challenges of AI training data, and the transformative potential of combining quantum computing with AI.

He also explores open-source AI models, the importance of transparency, and the future impact of AI on businesses and jobs. Nuri emphasizes responsible AI development, the need for regulation, and the societal implications of advanced AI, concluding with advice for companies to embrace AI-driven innovation.

Check out Nuri's work HERE and HERE.

Connect with Nuri on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Senior VP of Research and Development, and Executive Director of The Mind Science Center at Target Training International Success Insights, Ron Bonnstetter. Ron discusses his research on brain imaging, decision-making, and the emotional factors influencing our choices.

He explores the intersection of neuroscience and AI, the complexities of free will and intuition, and recent advances in brain-machine interfaces. Ron also highlights the importance of self-awareness, the limitations of AI, and his upcoming book on critical life events.

Check out Ron's work HERE.

Connect with Ron on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Managing Partner of AI First Principles, Anthony Franco. Anthony shares lessons from building and exiting multiple businesses, discusses the realities and hype of AI in entrepreneurship, and explores how to operationalize AI using frameworks like First Principles and the Wiser Method.

He discusses challenges such as trust in AI, intellectual property concerns, and evolving business models. Anthony also talks about his podcast "How to Founder," which aims to help entrepreneurs navigate business challenges.

Check out Anthony's work HERE.

Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Senior Pricing Advisor and CEO of WillingnessToPay, Ulrik Lehrskov-Schmidt. Ulrik discusses the impact of pricing strategies on business growth.

Ulrik shares insights from his experience with companies like Microsoft, emphasizing value-based pricing, customer understanding, and the shift toward credit-based models. He explores the challenges of long-term versus annual contracts, the importance of ongoing pricing adjustments, and current trends influenced by AI. Ulrik also introduces his book, "The Pricing Roadmap," and invites listeners to connect for more resources on effective pricing strategies.

Check out Ulrik's work HERE.

Connect with Ulrik on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Entrepreneur in Residence at Open Strategy Partners, Robert Douglass. Robert explains how using open source tools, sharing resources, and engaging with open source communities can drive innovation and cost savings.

He introduces the Model Context Protocol (MCP), a new framework that enhances AI-driven marketing tasks. Robert covers the benefits of open source strategies, the evolving digital landscape, and the importance of community collaboration. Robert also shares practical insights and encourages businesses to embrace open source approaches for more effective, flexible marketing.

Check out Robert's work HERE.

Connect with Robert on LinkedIn HERE.

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