AI is supposed to be the future, but the numbers tell a different story. OpenAI spent $9 billion last year to generate just $4 billion in revenue. Every ChatGPT prompt costs more than it makes. Generative AI scales in reverse—more users mean higher costs, not lower. Big tech is pouring billions into AI infrastructure, yet products like Copilot and Gemini have underwhelming user numbers.

So where is the money coming from? And how long before investors start asking the same question?

In this episode of AI for Founders, we break down the economics of generative AI, the unsustainable costs, and why this industry is starting to look like the next dot-com bust.

Listen in as we discuss an eye-opening article by Ed Zitron, who argues there is no AI revolution—just a lot of hype and a massive financial drain.

Subscribe for more deep dives into AI and its impact on business and technology.

Description:In this episode of What It Do, Ryan and Jason dive deep into the realities of scaling businesses to 9 figures, the hidden drama behind big exits, and the power of strategic decision-making. Ryan shares why he traded in his pickup truck for an electric spaceship and how it reflects a bigger lesson in smart business moves.Jason breaks down his fractional executive model, revealing key insights on pricing consulting services, avoiding AI rabbit holes, and staying in your zone of excellence. Plus, Ryan shares a sales call horror story that tested his patience and the exact strategy he used to handle a wild negotiation.🚀 What you'll learn in this episode:The real cost of scaling to 9 figures (it’s more than just money)Why more commas = more drama in businessThe biggest mistake consultants make when pricing their servicesThe AI pitfall that can waste weeks of your timeHow to create high-value webinars without calling them “webinars”A sales call gone wrong—and the perfect response to an outrageous demand🔥 If you're a founder, consultant, or anyone looking to scale smarter, this episode is a must-watch. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more game-changing insights!📍 Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Welcome to What It Do02:15 - Selling for Three Commas 💰 (What It’s Really Like)06:30 - Why Ryan Traded His Pickup for a Spaceship 🚀10:45 - How to Scale a Business the Smart Way15:00 - The Fractional Executive Model & Pricing Strategy20:20 - AI Productivity Hacks—And the Trap to Avoid26:40 - The Sales Call That Pushed Ryan to the Edge 😡30:55 - The Secret to High-Impact Webinars (Without Calling Them Webinars)36:00 - Closing Thoughts & What’s Next#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #StartupSuccess #ScalingUp #WhatItDo

Key Takeaways:

The Leader’s Dilemma: The hardest leadership challenges are often internal—when you are your own obstacle.

Lessons from a Music Career: Ryan shares a story of being cheated in the music industry and how an emotional reaction led to a regrettable outburst. The real lesson? Learning to manage emotions instead of letting them control the moment.

Anger as a Poison: Holding onto resentment and past injustices can be like poisoning yourself while expecting the other party to suffer.

Buddhist & Martial Arts Wisdom: Mindfulness, Vipassana meditation, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teach that controlling anger leads to better decision-making and personal growth.

Naming Your Emotions: Giving emotions or impulses a name (like “Derek” for bad ideas or “Steve” for overexcitement) helps disassociate from them and regain control.

Language Shapes Reality: Just as cultures with more words for colors can see more shades, refining the language around emotions and leadership challenges can lead to better self-awareness and solutions.

AI as a Tool for Growth: AI and technology should enhance the human experience by helping us recognize patterns, solve problems, and refine our understanding—just like expanding our emotional vocabulary. Final Thought: When faced with challenges, the key for a leader is not to make the situation worse. Anger and emotional outbursts rarely lead to positive outcomes. Instead, staying calm, processing emotions productively, and taking a long-term approach to conflict resolution will always serve you better.

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Hey everyone, In this video, we’re exploring the top reasons people feel uneasy about AI right now—plus some hope to balance the fear. Let’s dive in:Rapid ChangeTools evolve so quickly that it’s tough to keep up. One day’s breakthrough can feel outdated by the next, making everyone anxious about “falling behind.”Job DisplacementExperts warn that a big chunk of jobs could be automated. From freelancers to full-time workers, many worry they’ll be replaced if they don’t adapt fast.Data & PrivacyAI systems are built on massive pools of personal and creative work. Who profits from all that data, and how safe is it once uploaded?Concentrated PowerTech giants and governments may hold too much control, fueling conspiracy theories and distrust. When big players steer the conversation, it leaves everyone else feeling powerless.Misinformation OverloadConflicting headlines and hype make AI feel like a constant whiplash. Sorting fact from fiction is exhausting.Robotics FearsFrom drones in conflict zones to humanlike robots, people see unsettling previews of a sci-fi future. It’s not always comforting.Existential DreadTalk of “true” AI surpassing human intelligence raises questions about where we fit. Yet many believe humans remain the key factor at the core of AI’s progress.Skill GapsImplementing AI can feel daunting. There’s real worry about lacking the know-how—or wasting money on overhyped solutions.Bottom Line:Yes, there’s anxiety—but there’s also a huge opportunity. By focusing on realistic, small wins and keeping humans in the driver’s seat, we can harness AI for positive change. Thanks for watching, and stay tuned for more insights on AI’s unfolding impact.

In this episode, we explore the tension between two approaches to productivity and fulfillment:

1. The Satisfaction of Incremental Progress

   • Celebrating the joys of disciplined, step-by-step progress.
   • Why checking off tasks can feel so rewarding.
   • How consistent small wins can build momentum and confidence.

2. The Allure of the Big Leap

   • Imagining what it would be like to skip the tedious work and go straight to “the holy land” of accomplishment.
   • The concept of achieving sudden “enlightenment” in our work and daily tasks.
   • Potential pitfalls of looking for shortcuts and bypassing the foundational steps.

3. Balancing Both Worlds

   • Weighing the comfort of routine versus the excitement of new possibilities.
   • Can scheduling time to contemplate (or attempt) a leap forward lead to breakthroughs?
   • What you might gain—and what you might lose—when you decide to jump ahead.

4. Reflections & Next Steps

   • Why it might be worth experimenting with different approaches to task management.
   • Questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to stick to the process or reach for a bold leap.
   • How to maintain happiness and fulfillment—whether you’re crossing off tasks or shooting for the stars.

What It Do
Each week, Jason Katz and Ryan Estes share their “Rose” (wins), “Thorn” (challenges), and “Buffalo” (surprises) to stay accountable.

Highlights
• Business Frameworks – Jason reveals his five-stage Capability Model (Firefighter → Repeater → Preventer → Optimizer → Innovator) and a personal Transformation Journey.
• Sales & Closing – Ryan dives into the power of empathetic, quick closes that respect buyers’ time.
• Time Management – Both discuss saying “no,” prioritizing the essential, and avoiding burnout.
• AI Insights – Ryan’s take on “DeepSeek” shows the rise of efficient small language models challenging Big Tech.

Resources
• Essentialism by Greg McKeown
• Mailreach.co (email deliverability)
• BuiltWithAI.io (custom AI solutions)

Remember: Do Less, But Better.

5 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Episode Summary:
In this episode of What It Do, the hosts dive into their vision for 2025, sharing weekly reflections using a creative framework called "the rose, the thorn, and the buffalo." They set the tone for what the podcast offers—real-time insights into building personal brands and businesses. With a candid look at their successes, challenges, and goals, listeners are invited to join the journey, learning and growing together in the entrepreneurial space.

In this episode, we dive deep into OpenAI’s groundbreaking new product, Operator, and explore how it’s redefining the way we interact with AI. From booking travel to ordering groceries, this AI assistant is more than just a tool—it’s a glimpse into the future. Here’s what you’ll learn:

Join us for this fascinating conversation about how AI is reshaping our world, one task at a time.

In this episode, we dive into a powerful tool for navigating intrusive thoughts: Metta meditation, also known as loving-kindness meditation. If your mind feels like a relentless gang of thoughts pulling you into the past or future, Metta can help you reclaim your peace. Here's what you'll take away:

Through relatable stories and practical tips, this episode offers a compassionate guide to cutting through mental noise and finding rest. If you’ve ever felt like sleep is a distant dream, tune in to learn how to use Metta to soothe your restless mind.

Take a deep breath, grab your mental switchblade, and join us on this journey toward intentional peace.