Discover the real business value of AI. Learn how AI boosts ROI, saves time, and scales workflows for small businesses and beginners.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Introduction
00:38 - Meet Jon and Set the Stage
01:32 - AI Hype vs. Reality
02:49 - Choosing AI Based on Problems
03:56 - Where AI Can Save Time
04:54 - Example: Real Estate Listing Automation
06:04 - Time as ROI
07:00 - Scalability and Microscaling
09:24 - Food Truck AI Use Case
11:19 - Customer Engagement Possibilities
13:01 - Improving Customer Experience with AI
16:34 - Understanding LLMs and Vector Databases
18:01 - Avoiding AI Overhype
19:55 - How to Measure AI ROI
22:45 - Your AI Challenge & Episode Wrap-Up

Host:
Sheridan Wendt
Visionary technology leader with 15+ years driving transformative change, delivering $4B+ global infrastructure projects, and leading AI implementations that boost efficiency and revenue across Fortune 500 organizations.
https://SheridanWendt.com

Guest(s):
Jonathan Foster
A seasoned Cyber Security Engineer/Analyst with a diverse background in network systems and electronics. Over his career, Jonathan has worked with KBR, Inc., VT Group, Serco, and the US Navy. His expertise includes leading system installations, technical support, and network security for military-grade operations. Notably, he has managed shipboard network systems, ensured compliance with military standards, and trained personnel on system maintenance and troubleshooting. Jonathan's experience also spans handling classified material, optimizing network uptime, and auditing security policies.

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What is AI—and what it isn’t? Sheridan Wendt and Jon Foster break down automation, machine learning, and generative AI, showing how AI is already shaping business, discovery, decision-making, and everyday life.

This episode covers:
• Defining AI: What It Is & Isn’t
• Three Types of AI: Automation, ML, Generative
• How Machine Learning Works: Netflix Example
• Generative AI in Real-World Use
• AI Predicts, Not Thinks: Misconceptions
• Why AI Feels Risky
• AI in Everyday Tools: Spotify, Gmail, ChatGPT
• What AI Can’t Do: Common Misconceptions
• Understanding AI Hallucinations
• Why Data Quality Matters
• Viral AI Fears Explained
• AI Regulations & Risk Management
• The Business Value of AI
• Humans + AI: Future Collaboration

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:25 - Meet Jon Foster and the AI for Beginners Series
01:23 - What is AI: Automation, Machine Learning & Generative AI
04:10 - AI in Social Media and Content Personalization
07:03 - How AI Predicts and Recognizes Patterns
08:28 - Concerns About AI: Job Loss & Security
09:45 - Everyday Examples of AI in Use
11:14 - What AI Can't Do & Common Misconceptions
15:01 - AI Myths: Blackmail, Sentience, and Disinformation
18:17 - Why AI Matters for Everyone
21:21 - Final Thoughts and What’s Next

Guest:
Jonathan Foster
Cyber Security Engineer / Analyst
A seasoned Cyber Security Engineer/Analyst with experience leading network system installations, technical support, and AI system security for military-grade operations. Jonathan has worked with KBR, Inc., VT Group, Serco, and the US Navy.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-foster-ba9b71369

About the Show
Answer Engines: How Brands Build the AI Advantage is a podcast by Advantage Labs exploring how brands earn visibility, trust, and recommendations in the age of AI-driven search. Through conversations with business leaders, founders, and technologists, the show breaks down how artificial intelligence is reshaping discovery, authority, and decision-making across systems like ChatGPT, Google’s AI-powered search experiences, and other emerging answer engines.

Learn more about Advantage Labs: https://AdvantageLabs.ai
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, more: https://podcast.AdvantageLabs.ai

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Support the Show