What happens when artificial intelligence enters the world of venture capital?

In Episode 14 of AI on the Rocks, host Arian Green sits down with Brad Zapp, co-founder and managing partner of Connetic Ventures, to explore how AI and data are changing the way startups, founders, and investment opportunities are evaluated.

The conversation explores AI in venture capital, cognitive bias, founder psychology, startup investing, and how technology can change the way investors make decisions.

Arian and Brad also discuss Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky's growing entrepreneurial and AI ecosystem, including the role of universities, local talent, and the region's potential to build an advantage through AI.

The conversation eventually turns to the broader economic impact of AI—how automation could disrupt existing jobs, create new ones, and change the skills people need to succeed.

Chapters

01:00 — Growing Up in Northern Kentucky

04:00 — Bourbon, Investing & AI

20:14 — Who Is Brad Zapp?

22:00 — What Is Venture Capital?

28:00 — Why Cincinnati Can Build a Venture Ecosystem

33:00 — Building a Digital VC Firm43:00 — Can AI Remove Bias From Investing?

50:00 — Windell: The AI Venture Analyst

55:11 — AI Meets Psychology

01:06:42 — Brad’s ChatGPT Moment

01:10:01 — Building With AI Without Coding

01:20:12 — The Future of AI Builders

01:30:05 — How AI Could Reshape the Economy

01:35:08 — Deflation, UBI & a Near-Zero Cost World

01:40:05 — Can Competition Keep AI Safe?

01:50:42 — Why Technology Takes Longer Than We Think

01:51:46 — Brad’s AI Fear & Hope

01:55:00 — Final Thoughts & The AI on the Rocks Toast

KEY TAKEAWAYS

- AI can help investors evaluate startups at scale.

- Human decision-making is affected by cognitive biases.

- Founder psychology can be an important part of startup evaluation.

- AI may create new advantages for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

- Automation could eliminate some jobs while creating entirely new ones.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

- How AI is being used in venture capital

- Why investor bias can affect startup decisions

- How Windell evaluates founders and startups

- Why founder psychology matters in venture investing

- How AI could reshape jobs and the economy

- Why Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky could benefit from AI

FRAMEWORKS & STRATEGIES DISCUSSED

● AI-Powered Investment Analysis — Using AI to process startup information and support investment decisions.

● Bias Reduction — Using data and AI to challenge the cognitive biases that naturally influence human decisions.

● Founder Psychology — Looking beyond the business idea to understand the traits and behaviors that can influence startup outcomes.

● Network Expansion — Using AI to identify founders outside traditional investor networks and connections.

● Human + AI Decision-Making — Using AI to expand analysis while keeping human judgment involved.

WHO SHOULD WATCH

● Entrepreneurs & startup founders

● Venture capitalists & investors

● Business leaders

● Aspiring entrepreneurs

● Anyone interested in startups, investing, and the future of work.

ABOUT BRAD ZAPP

Brad Zapp is the co-founder and managing partner of Connetic Ventures, an AI-powered venture capital firm focused on early-stage companies. He is also a co-founder of Windell, an AI venture analysis platform that evaluates startups and founders.

TOPIC

AI in Venture Capital, Startup Investing, Founder Psychology, Cognitive Bias, AI & the Future of Work

HOST & GUEST

Host: Arian Green — Host of AI on the Rocks

LinkedIn: Arian Green

Instagram: @ariangreen11

Guest: Brad Zapp — Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Connetic Ventures; Co-Founder, Windell

LinkedIn: Brad Zapp

Website: Connetic Ventures

AI on the Rocks | Real talk about AI, from people with something at stake.

#aiontherockstv #AIONTHEROCKSTV #artificialintelligence #aiprivacy #dataprivacy #responsibleai #leadership #cincinnati #northernkentucky #venturecapital #startups #podcast

What if you could build with AI without knowing how to code?

In Episode 13 of AI on the Rocks, host Arian Green sits down with Chris Thomas, founder of Yonder, to explore how AI agents are changing the way businesses build, automate, and get work done.

Chris explains how you can use AI to build real solutions without being a traditional developer—from creating software and automating workflows to developing AI agents that can handle operational tasks.

The conversation goes beyond ChatGPT and explores AI agents, automation, business processes, entrepreneurship, and the future of work.

At its core, this episode answers a practical question:

Do you really need to know how to code to build with AI?

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

- AI can function like a new hire, not just another software tool.

- Operational AI agents can automate repetitive business processes.

- AI can help employees spend more time on meaningful work.

- Leaders need to understand how to direct and manage AI effectively.

- Small businesses can use AI to compete with much larger organizations.

- Successful AI adoption starts with understanding the business—not the technology.

💡 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

- How Chris uses AI agents in real businesses

- Why he sees AI as a new hire

- How businesses can build their own AI agents- Where AI can create measurable ROI

- Why context and training matter when working with AI

- How entrepreneurs can use AI to build and scale businesses

⚙️ FRAMEWORKS & STRATEGIES DISCUSSED

- AI as a New Hire — Think beyond AI as a project and treat it like a member of the team that needs direction, context, and training.

- Operational AI Agents — Build agents around specific business processes instead of using AI only for isolated tasks.

- Human + AI Workflows — Use AI to handle repetitive work while employees focus on higher-value responsibilities.

- Context & Training — Better AI performance comes from giving systems the right context, information, and instructions.

- ROI-Driven AI — Start with business pain points and measure the value AI creates.

⭐ MEMORABLE QUOTES

“Everybody's making AI a project.”

“For a small business, time is money.”

“If you can't direct Claude, you're going to have a hard time.”

📖 CHAPTER SUMMARIES

- The AI Agent Revolution — How AI agents are changing business operations.

- AI as a New Hire — Why businesses should start treating AI like a team member.

- Building With AI — How AI can help create real business solutions without traditional coding.

- The Future of AI-Powered Business — Where AI agents, automation, and human collaboration are heading.

👀 WHO SHOULD WATCH

- Business Leaders & Founders looking to implement AI

- Entrepreneurs exploring AI-powered businesses- Technology Leaders evaluating AI automation

- Developers & AI Professionals interested in operational agents

- Small & Mid-Market Businesses looking for practical AI applications

🎯 TOPIC

Operational AI Agents, Business Automation & the Future of AI-Powered Work

👤 ABOUT CHRIS THOMAS

Chris Thomas is the founder of Yonder, a software and AI automation firm building operational AI agents for mid-market and Fortune 100 clients.

He has also worked as an enterprise consultant in software and marketing and served as Global Head of Product Development and Marketing at a Fortune 100 company, working with organizations including Coca-Cola, LG, and Delta. He has become a prominent voice in the Cincinnati AI community through his work in AI automation and operational agents.

LinkedIn: Chris Thomas

Website: YNDR

🎙️ ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Hosted by Arian Green, Episode 13 explores what happens when businesses move beyond experimenting with AI and start building systems that actually do the work.

From software development and entrepreneurship to AI agents and business automation, this conversation is about making AI practical—and turning it into something businesses can actually use.

LinkedIn: Arian Green

YouTube: AI on the Rocks TV

Website: AI on the Rocks

How much is your privacy worth?

In Episode 12 of AI on the Rocks, host Arian Green sits down with John Cavanaugh, an AI systems engineer, privacy advocate, and technology leader, to explore AI, data privacy, surveillance, and responsible technology.

One of the biggest moments in John's career came when he and his co-founder faced a $14 million buyout.

They said no.

The reason?

The technology they built to help people risked becoming a surveillance tool.

John shares how that experience changed the way he thinks about data, privacy, and the responsibility that comes with building powerful technology.

Together, Arian and John explore surveillance capitalism, explainable AI, AI safety, open-source technology, and a bigger question:

When does collecting data to help people become surveillance?

Ultimately, this episode is about privacy, power, integrity, and the choices we're willing to make as AI becomes more powerful.
🎙️ CHAPTERS

00:00 — Welcome & AI Conversations06:50 — Meet John Cavanaugh11:40 — Becoming a Privacy Evangelist17:30 — Building Technology to Help People24:40 — The Student Platform & Data Privacy26:35 — The $14 Million Decision35:40 — When Data Becomes Surveillance39:25 — What Privacy Really Means44:16 — Privacy-Preserving AI & Open Source48:00 — AI, Incentives & Human Consequences51:15 — The Risks of Surveillance Capitalism60:00 — What Social Media Teaches Us About AI65:00 — Children, AI & Data Exploitation70:00 — Who Is Responsible for AI Safety?77:55 — Explainable AI, Fuzzy Logic & Verification85:00 — Final Thoughts & Closing Toast

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Your data may be more valuable than you realize.
• Helpful technology can become surveillance when incentives change.
• Responsible AI requires accountability—not just good intentions.
• Privacy and convenience often come with tradeoffs.

💡 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why John turned down a $14 million buyout
• When data collection becomes surveillance
• Why privacy matters in responsible AI
• How open-source and explainable AI can improve transparency

⚙️ FRAMEWORKS & STRATEGIES DISCUSSED

• Privacy by Design: Build privacy into technology from the start.
• Purpose vs. Incentives: Good technology can change when profit and data become the priority.
• Explainable AI: Build AI systems that are easier to understand, test, and verify.
• Responsible AI: Prioritize safety, transparency, and accountability.
• Open Technology: Give users and developers more visibility and control.

📖 CHAPTER SUMMARIES

• From Lifeguard to AI Engineer: John's unconventional path into technology and AI.
• The $14 Million Decision: Choosing values over a major buyout.
• When Data Becomes Surveillance: Where helpful technology crosses the line.
• Can We Trust AI?: Explainable AI, fuzzy logic, and understanding complex systems.
• The Future of Privacy: AI, data, surveillance, and the responsibility behind powerful technology.

👀 WHO SHOULD WATCH

• Business Leaders & Founders navigating AI and data decisions
• AI Professionals & Developers focused on responsible AI
• Entrepreneurs balancing growth and values
• Privacy, Cybersecurity & Technology Leaders
• Anyone concerned about data and digital privacy

👤 ABOUT JOHN CAVANAUGH

John Cavanaugh is an AI systems engineer, privacy advocate, researcher, and technology leader with over 15 years of experience. His work focuses on AI, data privacy, transparency, safety, and responsible technology.

 HOST — ARIAN GREEN

Arian Green isthe host of AI on the Rocks, where he sits down with business leaders,entrepreneurs, educators, engineers, and innovators to explore how artificialintelligence is changing the world around us.

 TOPIC

AI, DataPrivacy & Responsible Technology

What happens when curiosity, creativity, and AI collide?

In Episode 11 of AI on the Rocks, host Arian Green sits down with Kareem Simpson—author, poet, U.S. Army veteran, Korean linguist, community leader, and founder of Sparklight Creates—for a conversation about creativity, education, technology, and AI.

Kareem shares his journey from Covington to the U.S. Army, becoming an author of eight novels, and working with artists and creative entrepreneurs. He also explains how curiosity has shaped his career and approach to new opportunities.

The conversation explores AI and creativity, including how Kareem uses AI to develop ideas, explore plot twists, and speed up his writing while keeping human judgment at the center.

Arian and Kareem also discuss AI-generated content, originality, transparency, education, and access to AI, including how the technology could create new opportunities while potentially widening socioeconomic gaps.

Ultimately, this episode is about curiosity, creativity, education, opportunity, and using AI to amplify human potential.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• AI can amplify human creativity.

• Curiosity creates opportunity.

• Use AI to assist, not replace thinking.

• Human integrity and originality still matter.

• AI can expand access and opportunity.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How Kareem uses AI for creativity and writing

• Why human judgment still matters

• How students can use AI responsibly

• What an “AI driver's license” could mean

• How AI is reshaping education and creative work

• How curiosity can create an advantage

⚙️ FRAMEWORKS & STRATEGIESDISCUSSED

• AI as a Creative Assistant

Use AI to explore ideas while keeping human control.

• Human-in-the-Loop Creativity

AI accelerates creativity; humans make the final decisions.

• AI as a Learning Tool

Use AI to learn—not replace critical thinking.

• Responsible AI Education

Teach students to use AI safely, critically, and responsibly.

• AI & Opportunity

Use AI to expand access and create new opportunities.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

• “AI would never even then nor now replace that human creativity.”

• “AI can amplify what you're capable of doing now.”

WHO SHOULD WATCH

This episode is for:

• Creatives & Authors exploring AI

• Educators & Students navigating AI

• Entrepreneurs & Professionals using AI

• Leaders & AI-Curious Professionals

Guest - KAREEM SIMPSON

Kareem Simpson is an author, poet, U.S. Army veteran and Korean linguist, community leader, grant writer, and member of the Covington Board of Education.

HOST — ARIAN GREEN

Arian Green is the host of AI on the Rocks, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, creatives, and innovators for real conversations about artificial intelligence and its impact on work, leadership, and everyday life.

 CONNECT WITH KAREEM SIMPSON

Website: https://www.kasimpsoncreates.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kareem-simpson

CONNECT WITH ARIAN GREEN

AI on the Rocks: https://aiontherocks.nky.ai/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/arian-green-70794b6a

LISTEN TO AI ON THE ROCKS

YouTube:  ⁨@AIONTHEROCKSTV⁩ 

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6BFji3ZNadNI0g1EtVKgHrApple

Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aiontherockstv/id1894937230

TOPIC

#AI #Creativity #Education

ABOUT AI ON THE ROCKS

AI on the Rocks features real conversations about artificial intelligence with people who have something at stake—from entrepreneurs and business leaders to educators, creatives, and community leaders.

AI can help us create faster.
But can it make us more creative?
As AI becomes part of how we write, design, and tell stories, the challenge is not simply learning how to use it. It is making sure we do not lose the imagination, perspective, and humanity that make creative work worth experiencing.
In this episode of AI on the Rocks, author Kareem Simpson and I discuss the future of storytelling, the role technology should play in the creative process, and how we can use AI without allowing it to replace our voices.
AI can help shape the story.
But the story still needs to be ours

AI on the Rocks | Real talk about AI, from people with something at stake.

#AIOnTheRocks #ArtificialIntelligence #Creativity #Storytelling #Cincinnati #NorthernKentucky

AI, Coffee, & Education: How Schools Can Prepare Students for an AI Future | Justin Kaiser

Artificial intelligence is changing education faster than ever—but how should schools prepare students for an AI-driven future?

In this special episode of AI on the Rocks, host Arian Green sits down with Justin Kaiser, Superintendent of Beechwood Independent Schools, to discuss how AI is transforming classrooms, leadership, and student success. Together, they explore responsible AI adoption, personalized learning, AI guardrails, the future of education, and why human judgment will remain essential in an AI-powered world.

Whether you're an educator, school leader, parent, executive, or simply curious about AI, this conversation offers practical insights into preparing students for careers that don't exist yet—and leading confidently through technological change.

📌 Chapters

00:00 Special Episode: AI, Coffee & Education
03:16 Meet Justin Kaiser: From Beechwood Student to Superintendent
04:54 Students Started Using AI Before Schools Did
08:30 The Leadership Tightrope: Balancing Innovation & Responsibility
13:15 Creating AI Guardrails for Schools
18:28 Embedding AI Into the Classroom Responsibly
20:58 Rethinking Education for an AI World
22:02 AI, Singularity & Preparing for the Future
31:10 Why Schools Must Change How Students Learn
39:00 Personalized Learning & The EDGE Program
48:34 Should Students Earn an AI Driver's License?
53:58 Justin Kaiser's Biggest Hope & Biggest Fear About AI
58:40 Final Thoughts & Closing Toast

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Schools need AI strategies—not AI bans.
• AI should enhance teachers, not replace them.
• Students need future-ready skills beyond memorization.
• Responsible AI requires clear guardrails.
• Great leadership begins with curiosity and continuous learning.

💡 Highlights

• AI adoption in K–12 education
• Responsible AI policies for schools
• Future-ready learning and workforce skills
• Personalized learning with AI
• Leadership lessons for the AI era

⭐ Memorable Quotes

"Students were using AI before schools were."

"Leadership means being comfortable saying, 'I'm really not sure.'"

"We need guardrails—not roadblocks."

"Technology will continue to change. Learning never stops."

"AI shouldn't replace great teachers. It should help them become even better."

Topic:

AI in Education & Future-Ready Learning

This is the strongest topic because the episode centers on AI adoption in schools, responsible AI use, leadership, personalized learning, and preparing students for the future.

👥 Who Should Listen

Perfect for educators, school leaders, parents, business executives, and anyone interested in AI, leadership, and the future of education.

Host & Guest

Host: Arian Green

Host of AI on the Rocks, Arian Green explores real-world AI, leadership, and innovation with leaders across business, education, and the community.

Guest: Justin Kaiser

Superintendent of Beechwood Independent Schools and an experienced education leader focused on AI, innovation, and preparing students for the future of learning.

Connect with Justin Kaiser

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justin-kaiser-a46192362

Beechwood Independent Schools: Website

Listen to AI on the Rocks:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/arian-green-70794b6a

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6BFji3ZNadNI0g1EtVKgHr?si=38013b3a32c04981

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aiontherockstv/id1894937230

Watch the Episode on YouTube: ⁠https://youtu.be/ZyIdGQW6N0E?si=hpYG6FoTn7T204Iu⁠

What does it take to create a truly exceptional bourbon—and what can business leaders learn from the craftsmanship behind one of America's most iconic industries?

In this episode of AIONTHEROCKSTV, host Arian Green visits Boone County Distilling Co. for an exclusive behind-the-scenes conversation with Josh Quinn, Co-Owner of the distillery. After a private tour of the facility, they sit down to explore the art and business of bourbon making, from grain selection and barrel aging to finishing techniques, brand building, and the future of the Kentucky bourbon industry.

Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast, entrepreneur, manufacturer, operations leader, or someone curious about Kentucky's signature industry, this episode offers a fascinating look into the science, business, and culture of bourbon through the eyes of someone who builds it every day.

Chapters & Timestamp

00:00 Intro at Boone County Distilling

00:34 Maple Cask Finish Bourbon Review

02:08 How to Taste Bourbon Like a Distiller

05:01 Why Bourbon Tastes Different to Everyone

08:15 What Makes People Love Bourbon?

11:03 The Story Behind Boone County Distilling Co.

13:18 Kentucky Bourbon Heritage & Craftsmanship

17:04 How Josh Quinn Uses ChatGPT & AI

20:42 Can AI Change the Bourbon Industry?

24:17 Using AI to Save Time

27:45 The Future of AI in Distilling

31:38 Bourbon Tasting Notes & Flavor Profiles

35:50 What AI Can't Replace

39:38 Human Expertise vs Artificial Intelligence

43:23 Self-Driving Cars, Trust & New Technology

46:58 How to Ask Better Questions with A

I50:48 The Future of AI & Business

54:44 Final Thoughts on Bourbon & Innovation

58:32 Closing Thoughts & CheersKey

Takeaways

• Great bourbon is the result of consistency, patience, and disciplined craftsmanship—not shortcuts.

• Every decision in the distilling process influences the final flavor profile.

• Innovation and technology can improve operations while preserving traditional bourbon-making methods.

• Kentucky's bourbon heritage continues to shape one of the world's most respected whiskey categories.

Chapter Summaries

1. Inside Boone County DistillingArian visits Boone County Distilling Co. for a private tour before sitting down with Josh Quinn to discuss the history of the distillery, its approach to bourbon, and what makes Kentucky bourbon unique.

2. The Craft Behind Great BourbonJosh explains how bourbon is made, how finishing techniques influence flavor, and why patience, precision, and consistency are essential throughout the production process.

3. Building a Modern Bourbon BrandThe conversation explores the business side of distilling, including branding, customer experience, and growing a respected bourbon company while honoring Kentucky traditions.

Frameworks Discussed

• Craftsmanship Through Consistency

• Tradition Meets Innovation

• Premium Brand Building

• Manufacturing Excellence

• Long-Term Quality Management

Memorable Quotes

"Great bourbon isn't rushed."

"Consistency creates trust."

"Every barrel has its own story."

"Technology should support craftsmanship—not replace it."

Questions This Episode Answers

• What makes Kentucky bourbon different?

• How is premium bourbon made?

• What does a master distiller look for in a great bourbon?

• Can AI improve bourbon production?

• What lessons can entrepreneurs learn from the bourbon industry?

About Josh Quinn

Josh Quinn is the Co-Owner of Boone County Distilling Co., where he helps lead one of Kentucky's respected craft bourbon distilleries.

Connect With Josh Quinn

Boone County Distilling Co.

LinkedIn: Josh Quinn

Listen to AI on the Rocks

Website: AI on the Rocks

YouTube: AIONTHEROCKSTV

Spotify: AIONTHEROCKSTV

Apple Podcasts: AI ON THE ROCKS TV

Artificial intelligence is changing how organizations operate—but the best leaders know technology is only part of the equation.

In this episode of AI on the Rocks, Arian Green sits down with Jorge Perez, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, for a conversation about leadership, organizational culture, and what it really takes to navigate the AI era.

Rather than asking whether AI will replace people, they explore a more important question: "How can leaders use AI to make their people stronger?"

From building trust inside large organizations to creating a culture of curiosity and continuous learning, Jorge shares practical leadership lessons that apply far beyond the nonprofit world. Whether you're a CEO, founder, executive, manager, or simply preparing for the future of work, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on leading through technological change without losing the human element.

In this episode:

• Why AI should augment people—not replace them

• The leadership qualities technology can't replicate• Building a culture that embraces change

• Why curiosity is becoming a competitive advantage• Human-centered leadership in an AI-driven world

• Trust, purpose, and organizational transformation• Practical advice for leaders adopting AI today

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Mocktail

01:15 Meet Jorge Perez

04:42 Jorge's Leadership Journey

09:18 Why AI Should Augment People

15:37 The Biggest AI Misconceptions

22:11 Building Trust with AI

29:54 Human Leadership in an AI World

37:20 Curiosity as a Leadership Skill

45:03 AI in Nonprofits

52:16 Advice for Future Leaders

58:41 Closing Thoughts

---

Key Topics: Leadership

🎙 Guest: Jorge Perez

President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati

The Fort — Northern Kentucky

Saint Julian Cherry Old Fashioned Mocktail

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Subscribe for more conversations with executives, founders, and industry leaders exploring how AI is transforming business, leadership, and the future of work.

AI on the Rocks | Real talk about AI, with people something at stake.

In Episode 7 of AI on the Rocks, host Arian Green—AI consultant and entrepreneur—sits down with Emily Conklin, VP of Sales at Snider-Blake Personnel, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping modern sales, recruiting, and business relationships.

Emily shares her journey in sales leadership, how her team has adopted AI into their daily workflow, and why the human element remains the biggest competitive advantage in an AI-driven world. Together, they discuss practical AI applications, prompt engineering, automation, hiring, customer communication, and where AI still falls short.

The conversation also dives into the future of AI agents, robotics, trust, ethics, and what sales professionals need to do today to stay valuable tomorrow.

Whether you're a sales leader, recruiter, entrepreneur, or simply curious about AI's impact on business, this episode offers practical insights, real-world experiences, and thoughtful perspectives on the future of work.

Key Topics / Time Stamps

00:00 – 03:10 • Cheers, bourbon tasting, and introducing Emily Conklin

03:10 – 06:40 • Emily's background and the history of Snider-Blake Personnel

06:40 – 12:45 • How Emily built a career in sales and what makes great salespeople

12:45 – 17:10 • Emily's first experiences with ChatGPT and adopting AI into her workflow

17:10 – 23:50 • AI in recruiting, candidate outreach, and improving hiring speed

23:50 – 29:45 • AI's strengths—and why human relationships still matter in sales

29:45 – 36:40 • Prompt engineering, AI adoption, and getting better business results

36:40 – 43:50 • AI research, verifying information, and using AI responsibly

43:50 – 49:50 • AI agents, automation, and discussions around AI consciousness

49:50 – 55:50 • Robotics, AI in everyday life, and future adoption

55:50 – 59:50 • Advice for sales professionals preparing for an AI-powered future

59:50 – 1:01:53 • Final thoughts, rapid reflections, and closing remarks

Best Key Takeaways

"AI is an amplifier—not a replacement—for great sales professionals."

- Emily Conklin

Links & Resources

🎙 Listen to AI on the Rocks

• Spotify: AI on the Rocks

• YouTube: AI on the Rocks Youtube

• Apple Podcasts: AI on the Rocks Podcast

• Other Podcast Platforms: AI on the Rocks Amazon

Host: Arian Green – AI Consultant & Entrepreneur

Guest: Emily Conklin – VP of Sales, Snider-Blake Personnel

Live from the floor of Cincy AI Week, host Arian Green sits down with Dave Peterson—executive coach, fractional AI officer, and former E.W. Scripps media executive who once oversaw $600M in revenue. Pour a glass of EH Taylor and join the conversation as they break down what it truly means to navigate the rapidly shifting landscape of artificial intelligence from a non-technical perspective.

In this episode, Dave shares his journey from being a digital-native journalist to an AI builder, exploring the fascinating contrast between "Efficiency AI" (using automation to cut headcount) and "Opportunity AI" (empowering employees to grow the business). They dive deep into the cultural buzz of regional tech communities, the creativity found in the "toddlerhood" of generative tech, and the power of a collaborative ecosystem. To wrap things up, members of the live audience join in to craft a "living artifact"—blending local and legendary bourbons to represent the shared momentum of Cincy AI Week 2026.

Key topics/Time Stamp

00:00:00 - 00:02:22 | Show Intro & Tasting Notes: Sipping EH Taylor with Voice Assistant "Covington"

00:02:22 - 00:04:00 | Introducing Dave Peterson & The Cincy AI Week Experience

00:04:00 - 00:05:27 | Rethinking the Cost and Return on Tokens (ROI)

00:05:27 - 00:07:53 | A Non-Technical Leader's Journey & The First "Aha!" Prompting Moment

00:07:53 - 00:09:09 | Solo Entrepreneurship and Building Tools Without a Tech Team

00:09:09 - 00:11:01 | Bypassing the Gaslighting: Finding the Buzz in Local AI Communities

00:11:01 - 00:13:48 | Creating on a Blank Canvas in the "Toddlerhood" of AI

00:13:48 - 00:16:22 | Facing the Fears: Opportunity AI vs. Efficiency AI

00:16:22 - 00:17:58 | Lessons for Modern CEOs and Adapting to Historical Tech Revolutions

00:17:58 - 00:19:19 | Driving Top-Line Revenue Growth vs. Bottom-Line Cutting

00:19:19 - 00:21:30 | Encouraging Inclusivity on the AI Spectrum (Technical vs. Non-Technical)

00:21:30 - 00:23:01 | Breaking Down Complex Blueprints Without the Jargon

00:23:01 - 00:28:10 | Creating the Living Artifact: Audience Bourbon Pours (New Riff, Angel's Envy, Weller) & Outro

Best Key Takeaway

"Don't be afraid to figure out how AI can replace 100% of your current daily tasks. True innovation isn't about Efficiency AI—using agents to eliminate jobs to save money. It's about Opportunity AI—learning how to adapt, automate your own baseline workload, and free up your capacity to drive fresh revenue and scale your business."

Link & Resources

Subscribe to the Podcast: https://aiontherocks.nky.ai/

Learn more about regional tech events: @CincyAIWeek

Featured Bourbon: Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch

#AIontheRocks #CincyAIWeek #EHTaylor #CincinnatiAI #NorthernKentucky #Podcast #GenerativeAI #TechCommunity