AI & Data Driven Leadership

In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the CTO at The Washington Post, Joe Croney. Joe shares insights on ethical AI deployment, building trustworthy AI-powered tools like “Ask The Post,” and the challenges of SEO and audience ownership.

He discusses the evolving roles of engineers and journalists, the importance of computer science education, and the future of SaaS. Both emphasize human-AI collaboration, the need for critical thinking, and the ongoing societal and career impacts of AI innovation.

Check out Joe's work HERE.

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the President at New Jersey Innovation Institute, Michael Johnson. Michael explains NJII’s venture studio model, which partners with corporations to build startups, and highlights their use of AI to drive internal efficiency and support small businesses.

He shares success stories, addresses challenges in team building, and emphasizes AI as an enabler rather than a job replacer.

Check out Michael's work HERE.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Co-Founder and CTO at YourCTO, Balki Kodarapu. Balki shares real-world examples of AI integration, emphasizes the continued importance of engineering fundamentals, and offers advice on balancing leadership with personal well-being.

Check out Balki's work HERE.

Connect with Balki on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Leadership Expert, Author, Podcaster, and Executive Advisor at Infinite Leaders, Sonja Price. Sonja discusses the integration of AI in workplaces, the importance of emotional intelligence, and maintaining strong company culture as organizations scale.

She highlights the need for conscious leadership, ethical AI use. Sonja emphasizes that despite technological advances, human connection, trust, and ethical stewardship remain at the heart of effective leadership and the future of work.

Check out Sonja's work HERE.

Connect with Sonja on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Fractional CISO and Partner at TechCXO, Terry Ziemniak. Terry discusses how small and mid-sized companies can meet stringent security requirements when selling to large organizations, the risks of data leakage with generative AI tools, and the importance of governance, frameworks, and user education.

He emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between innovation and risk management, utilizing frameworks such as NIST, and integrating people, processes, and technology to safeguard organizations.

Check out Terry's work HERE.

Connect with Terry on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Director of Analytics at Merkle, Benjamin Filip. Benjamin shares real-world examples, including a telecom project that doubled marketing ROI, and highlights AI’s strengths in automating tasks but stresses the need for human expertise. The conversation covers AI’s limitations, adoption challenges, data reliability, and the future of jobs. Both emphasize thoughtful, responsible AI integration, cautioning against overreliance and underscoring the importance of expert oversight in data-driven decision-making.

Check out Benjamin's work HERE.

Connect with Benjamin on LinkedIn HERE.

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In this episode of AI & Data Driven Leadership, Dean Guida speaks to the Growth and Transformation Programme Director and Speaker at The Change Hive, Yemi Oluseun. Yemi shares her five-pillar retention framework, discusses the role of AI and data analytics in optimizing customer journeys, and explains how she supports VC and PE-backed firms with systemization, cash flow management, and market expansion.

Yemi covers practical retention strategies, the importance of process clarity before adopting new tech, and how roundtables and focused marketing channels can drive sustainable business growth.

Check out Yemi's work HERE.

Connect with Yemi on LinkedIn HERE.

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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.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE