In this episode of the AI Interconnect podcast, Stacey Schultz, president of Educate, shares her journey into education and the innovative approaches her organization takes to transform K-12 schools. She discusses the importance of community engagement, the role of AI in education, and the challenges schools face in implementing meaningful change. Stacey emphasizes the need for a human-centered approach in education, the significance of partnerships, and the vision for a future where schools serve as community hubs that foster holistic development for students.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stacey Schultz and Educate

01:14 Stacey's Journey into Education

06:51 Educate's Unique Approach to Educational Consulting

08:21 Partnerships and Day-to-Day Operations in Schools

11:28 Moving Beyond Buzzwords: Real Change in Education

15:53 Current Trends in K-12 Education

21:22 AI's Role in Transforming Classroom Practices

30:05 Challenges in Implementing Change in Schools

36:05 Growing Educate: Business Challenges and Partnerships

41:32 Barriers to Equity and Innovation in Schools

46:08 Vision for K-12 Education in 2025 and Beyond

Takeaways

Stacey's journey into education began with community initiatives.

Educate focuses on partnering directly in classrooms for impactful change.

Real change in education requires understanding community mindsets.

AI is transforming classroom practices and teacher engagement.

Schools need to leverage technology while maintaining human connection.

Creating safe spaces for discussion is crucial for educational change.

Accountability measures in education often miss the mark.

Educate's partnership with ChangeForce enhances their capabilities.

Barriers to equity in education often stem from a tool-first approach.

The future of education should focus on whole-person development.

Keywords

education, K-12, AI, equity, innovation, coaching, professional development, community, change management, teaching

In this episode of AI Interconnect, host Laurent Cochet speaks with Winka Dubbeldam, founder of Archi Tectonics, about her journey in architecture, the integration of sustainability and technology in design, and the challenges faced in the architectural profession. Winka shares insights on the evolution of her firm, the impact of generative design tools, and the future of architecture in relation to AI. She emphasizes the importance of responsible building practices and the need to incorporate nature into urban environments. The conversation concludes with a discussion on innovative projects on the horizon and quickfire questions that reveal Winka's thoughts on beauty, materials, and the future of architecture.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Architectural Innovation

01:41 Winka's Journey into Architecture

05:08 Philosophy and Evolution of Architectonics

08:39 Integrating Sustainability and Technology

12:40 Generative and Parametric Design Tools

15:07 Managing Scale and Collaboration Across Borders

24:08 Challenges in the Architectural Profession

28:18 Merging Architectures: A Collaborative Journey

29:48 Optimism in Architecture: Embracing Change

32:18 The Role of AI in Architectural Design

37:37 Innovative Building Solutions for the Future

41:31 Quickfire Insights: Architecture and Design Perspectives

44:18 Sustainable Practices: A Call to Action

Takeaways

Winka Dubbeldam transitioned from art to architecture for a multidisciplinary approach.

Her philosophy evolved to focus on innovation and architectural theory.

Sustainability and technology are fundamental in her architectural practice.

Generative design tools enhance the design process and client experience.

Managing complex projects requires effective communication across teams.

The architectural profession faces challenges related to liability and contractor capabilities.

AI is viewed as a tool to enhance design, not replace the architect.

Affordable housing can be achieved through innovative materials and methods.

Nature should be integrated into urban planning to offset construction impacts.

The future of architecture involves collaboration with biologists and manufacturers.

Keywords

architecture, innovation, sustainability, technology, design, urban planning, generative design, architectural education, AI in architecture, future of architecture

In this episode of AI Interconnect, Laurent Cochet speaks with Andrew Seelye, president of GPod Americas, about the innovative approaches to modular infrastructure and high-performance design. They discuss the challenges in the construction industry, the importance of sustainability, and how GPod is rethinking how we build in various environments. Andrew shares insights on the urgency for better solutions in housing and infrastructure, the role of technology and AI in construction, and the future directions for GPod as they aim to improve the quality and efficiency of building processes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Modular Infrastructure and GPOD

02:12 The Evolution of GPOD and Modular Design

06:53 Challenges in Construction and the Need for Innovation

13:00 Understanding GPOD's Modular Solutions

20:00 Market Demand and Project Types for GPOD

23:38 The Shift Towards Modular Construction

29:36 Urgency in Infrastructure Needs and Relocatability

34:27 Real-World Applications and Maintenance of Modular Systems

37:31 Navigating Challenges in Scaling G-POD

44:26 The Role of Technology and AI in Construction

51:05 Future Directions for G-POD

01:02:27 Communicating Possibilities in Construction

Takeaways

G-Pod focuses on modular design to improve construction efficiency.

The construction industry faces significant challenges, including bureaucracy and labor issues.

Sustainability and minimal environmental impact are key goals for G-Pod's designs.

Modular solutions can be rapidly deployed and are flexible for various environments.

There is a growing demand for innovative construction solutions due to climate change and disaster resilience.

Communication and education are crucial for clients to understand the possibilities in construction.

Technology and AI can significantly enhance project planning and execution.

G-Pod aims to create relocatable infrastructure to address urgent needs in various sectors.

The partner ecosystem is vital for G-Pod's success and innovation.

The construction industry must raise standards and improve communication with clients.

Keywords

modular infrastructure, G-Pod, construction innovation, sustainable design, relocatable infrastructure, disaster resilience, AI in construction, hospitality design, high-performance buildings, environmental impact

In this episode of AI Interconnect, Laurent Cochet interviews Sal Patalano, Co-Founder & CEO of ARCBuild, a company focused on sustainable modular housing. Sal shares the genesis of ArcBuild, driven by a global housing crisis and his personal experiences with housing insecurity. The conversation explores the integration of technology in housing solutions, the misconceptions surrounding prefabricated homes, and the challenges faced in the modular housing sector. Sal discusses the regulatory landscape, supply chain management, and the importance of empathy in business. He also shares his vision for affordable communities and the ambitious goals for ArcBuild's future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to ArcBuild and Its Vision

01:47 Genesis of ArcBuild: Addressing Global Housing Issues

05:14 First Projects and Validation of the Concept

08:28 Integrating Technology in Modular Housing

13:03 Common Misconceptions About Prefabricated Housing

15:20 Challenges in the Modular Housing Sector

18:12 Navigating Regulations and Supply Chain Management

21:35 Client Journey and Production Capacity Challenges

25:07 The Role of AI in Future Operations

26:32 Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Speed and Efficiency

30:47 The Future of Construction Tech: Sustainability and Speed

35:13 Envisioning Affordable Communities of the Future

39:38 Moonshot Goals: Scaling Manufacturing and Community Development

43:53 The Power of Empathy in Business Leadership

Takeaways

The idea for ArcBuild was born from a global housing crisis.

Sal's personal experiences with housing insecurity drive his mission.

Modular housing is often misunderstood as mobile homes.

ArcBuild aims to reduce construction time significantly.

Technology integration is key to sustainable housing solutions.

Regulatory compliance for modular homes is similar to traditional builds.

Empathy is crucial for success in business.

Sal emphasizes the importance of loyalty within his team.

The future of housing includes smart technology and sustainability.

ArcBuild aims to create affordable communities with integrated services.

Keywords

ArcBuild, Sal Patalano, modular housing, sustainable living, AI in construction, affordable housing, technology integration, housing crisis, prefabricated homes, construction challenges

In this episode of AI Interconnect, Joe Aamidor, founder of Aamidor Consulting, shares insights on the evolving landscape of commercial buildings, the impact of technology and innovation, and the challenges faced by operators and investors. He discusses the importance of understanding market dynamics, the role of data in decision-making, and the need for a strategic approach to digitalization. Joe emphasizes the significance of recognizing the unique pain points across different building types and the necessity for companies to adapt to changing regulations and market demands. The conversation also touches on the future of commercial building innovation, the risks of fragmentation in the market, and advice for executives and founders in the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Smart Building Technology

03:05 The Evolution of Commercial Buildings

06:01 Regulatory Changes and Market Dynamics

09:06 The Role of Data in Building Management

12:13 Challenges Across Different Building Types

15:01 Innovation and Market Fragmentation

21:06 Signs of Successful Product Deployment

25:07 AI and Automation in Building Management

30:06 AI and Machine Learning in Investment

31:29 Investor Perspectives on Climate Tech and Prop Tech

33:02 Market Dynamics: Overcrowded and Underfunded Segments

36:16 Operator Mindset: Digitalization in Commercial Real Estate

41:02 Assessing Technology Needs and Capabilities

43:18 Future Trends in Commercial Building Innovation

46:19 Risks in a Fragmented Market

48:40 Advice for Executives and Founders

49:59 Quickfire Insights and Predictions

Takeaways

Commercial buildings significantly impact the environment and climate.

The regulatory environment for buildings is becoming more complex.

Buildings are evolving into talent attractors rather than just cost centers.

Data collection and analysis are becoming more accessible and essential.

Investors are looking for efficient scaling in the smart building space.

The market for smart building technology is highly fragmented.

Successful companies understand the long sales cycles in the industry.

AI can streamline data management and operational efficiency.

Understanding real estate fundamentals is crucial for technology adoption.

The future of commercial building innovation will focus on diverse value propositions beyond energy savings.

Keywords

AI, commercial buildings, technology, innovation, decarbonization, digitalization, smart buildings, product strategy, investment, market trends

In this episode of AI Interconnect, host Laurent Cochet speaks with Vak Sambath, co-founder and CPO of Bestia.ai, about the transformative role of AI in real estate transactions. They discuss the challenges faced by the industry, the importance of data hygiene, and how Bestia aims to streamline processes through automation. Vak shares insights on the entrepreneurial journey, the significance of continuous learning, and the need for privacy and security in handling sensitive data. The conversation highlights the future of AI in real estate and Bestia's roadmap for innovation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Real Estate

01:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey and AI's Impact

09:20 Bestia's Unique Approach to Real Estate Transactions

10:33 Navigating the Real Estate Pipeline

17:36 The Role of AI in Document Management

21:58 Challenges and Opportunities in the Real Estate Sector

27:41 AI as a Collaborator, Not a Replacement

30:21 Data Privacy and Security in Real Estate

34:29 Case Study: Bestia's Impact on Clients

34:49 Optimizing Business Processes

39:26 Customer-Centric Product Development

45:12 Navigating the Real Estate Landscape

49:22 Breaking into Legacy Industries

52:32 The Importance of Continuous Learning

Takeaways

AI is leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs.

Bestia combines data expertise with transaction expertise.

Real estate transactions are often bogged down by manual processes.

Data hygiene is crucial for accurate real estate transactions.

AI can assist in document management and automation.

The real estate industry faces skepticism towards new technologies.

Privacy and security are paramount in handling sensitive data.

Bestia aims to streamline the real estate process for agents and clients.

Continuous learning is essential for entrepreneurs.

Building a product starts with understanding customer needs.

Keywords

AI, real estate, automation, data management, Bestia, entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, privacy, security

In this episode of AI Interconnect, host Laurent Cochet speaks with Eric Holder, founder of HolderComm about the intersection of AI, strategic communication, and marketing. Eric shares his journey from real estate to SEO and cloud computing, and how he pivoted to focus on AI as it became more accessible. The conversation explores the evolution of AI in business, the challenges of messaging in a fast-paced environment, and the importance of practical applications of AI. Eric emphasizes the need for companies to approach AI incrementally and thoughtfully, while also discussing the significance of personal relationships and grounding in the tech industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI Interconnect and Eric Holder

01:49 Eric Holder's Journey into Strategic Communication

02:35 The Evolution of AI in Marketing and Communication

08:01 AI's Impact on Real Estate and Business Efficiency

14:24 Holder Communication: Filling Market Gaps

18:56 The Growth of HolderCom and Its Vertical Services

25:40 Current Trends in AI and Business Strategy

30:28 Navigating Messaging Challenges in Tech

35:00 The Role of AI Agents in Business

38:51 Understanding Agentic AI and Its Future

45:48 Applied AI: Practical Applications and Insights

49:11 The Shift in Marketing and Hiring Practices

55:42 Legacy and Personal Values in Business

Takeaways

AI is transforming how businesses communicate and operate.

Understanding the problem is crucial before implementing AI solutions.

Messaging challenges arise from the need to address specific audience needs.

Generative AI can lead to homogenous content if not used creatively.

AI agents can serve as personal assistants to enhance productivity.

Applied AI should focus on practical applications rather than hype.

Incremental steps in AI adoption can lead to significant improvements.

Disinformation in the AI space can mislead businesses.

Building a knowledge base is essential for effective AI implementation.

Personal relationships and grounding are vital in the tech industry.

Keywords

AI, strategic communication, marketing, Holder Communication, generative AI, messaging challenges, agentic AI, applied AI, business strategy, technology trends

• Eric Holder AI

• HolderComm

• agentic AI podcast

• AI strategy for SMBs

• AI storytelling and marketing

• practical applied AI

• AI podcast 2025

• how to build custom AI agents

• generative AI consultant

• real-world AI use cases

In this episode of AI Interconnect, David Mandel, managing partner at Emerging Ventures, shares his journey from operator to investor in the tech space, particularly focusing on AI and emerging technologies. He discusses the founding of Emerging Ventures, the challenges of deal flow, and the impact of AI on startup fundraising. David emphasizes the importance of execution in startups and shares insights on navigating the current investment landscape, including the challenges posed by the rapid evolution of AI. He also highlights the blind spots in VC culture and offers advice for founders looking to build successful companies in 2025.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI Interconnect and David Mandel

01:34 David Mandel's Journey into Venture Capital

09:08 The Origin of Emerging Ventures Capital

12:15 Navigating Deal Flow and Investment Filters

21:25 The Impact of AI on Fundraising and Startups

30:04 Building AI Products: The Quick Turnaround

32:10 Challenges in Fundraising and Investment

34:28 Focus on Execution: The Key to Investment

36:40 Investing in Deep Tech and Niche Solutions

44:10 The Future of AI: Trends and Predictions

45:14 Blind Spots in VC: The FOMO Loop

49:00 Advice for Founders: Building in 2025

Takeaways

David Mandel transitioned from operator to investor in tech.

Emerging Ventures focuses on seed stage B2B tech startups.

Execution and traction are key factors in investment decisions.

Deal flow can be overwhelming for investors.

AI is rapidly changing how startups are built and funded.

Fundraising is one of the hardest challenges for VCs.

Investors should be cautious of FOMO in the market.

Founders should focus on solving real problems, not just trends.

Keywords

David Mandel, Emerging Ventures, venture capital, AI, startups, investment strategies, deal flow, fundraising, technology trends, founder advice

In this episode of AI Interconnect, host Laurent Cochet speaks with John Lee, founder and CEO of Anewgo, about the transformation of the home buying experience through technology and AI. They discuss the challenges faced by buyers in the traditional home buying process, the innovative solutions Anewgo offers, and the future of AI in real estate. John shares insights on how Anewgo is reimagining the home buying journey to make it more engaging and efficient, while also addressing the needs of builders in the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Reimagining Home Buying for a Digital Generation

06:32 The Broken Traditional Home Buying Experience

12:08 Bridging the Gap for Builders

15:16 The Nugo Experience for Home Buyers

25:04 Integrating AI for Smarter Home Buying

29:02 Macro Trends Driving Change in Home Building

31:01 The Role of AI in Real Estate Transformation

37:01 Envisioning the Future of Nugo

45:01 Expanding Horizons: Beyond Single Family Homes

50:06 Lessons Learned and Future Directions

Takeaways

Anewgo aims to revolutionize the home buying experience.

The traditional home buying process is often frustrating and complex.

AI can streamline the home buying journey for both buyers and builders.

Buyers want a personalized experience when purchasing a home.

Anewgo allows buyers to design their homes online in real-time.

The integration of AI can help match buyers with their ideal homes.

Home builders are slow to adopt technology but are beginning to change.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards digital home buying.

Anewgo's platform provides valuable insights for builders based on buyer behavior.

The future of home buying will be more automated and personalized.

Keywords

PropTech, home buying, AI, automation, real estate, digital experience, Anewgo, home design, buyer experience, technology in real estate. Ai InterConnect Podcast

In this episode of the EI Interconnect podcast, host Laurent Cochet speaks with Jack Illes, managing partner at Smart City Labs. They explore the intersection of cities, infrastructure, and immersive technology, discussing Jack's journey from real estate to urban development, the founding of Smart City Labs, and its mission to integrate technology into urban planning. Jack shares insights on digital innovation districts, the challenges of technology adoption in real estate, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation also touches on the future of urban development and the role of technology in bridging the digital divide.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Smart City Labs and Jack Illes

01:21 Jack Illes' Journey and Influences

03:43 The Birth of Smart City Labs

08:20 Core Mission and Unique Approach

10:14 Digital Innovation Districts Explained

12:24 A Day in the Life at Smart City Labs

15:31 Emerging Trends in Urban Development

20:32 Challenges in Technology Adoption

30:01 Navigating Stakeholder Dynamics

36:05 Engaging New Audiences in the Arts

37:27 The Vinyl District: Reviving Hollywood's Musical Heritage

39:50 Digital Twins and Virtual Experiences in Storytelling

42:55 Enhancing Real-World Experiences with Technology

45:11 Future Trends in Urban Development and Technology

49:06 Smart City Labs: A Vision for Global Impact

52:18 Urban Design: Lessons from Smaller Cities

55:02 Outdated Thinking in Urban Development

56:21 The Importance of Diverse Information Sources

58:27 Understanding Perspectives in Urban Development

59:20 Community-Centric Development for Future Generations

Takeaways

Jack Illes has a background in real estate and urban planning.

Smart City Labs aims to redefine public spaces through technology.

The cognitive twin is a key tool for visualizing urban assets.

Community engagement is essential for successful urban development.

Digital innovation districts can enhance connectivity and collaboration.

Technology should be integrated into real estate to add value.

Understanding stakeholder perspectives is crucial for project success.

The digital divide is a significant issue in urban areas.

Smaller cities may be easier to manage and innovate.

The future of urban development will rely on technology and community involvement.

Keywords

Smart City Labs, urban development, immersive technology, cognitive twin, digital innovation, community engagement, infrastructure, real estate, technology integration, civic tech