In this episode of Inside the Silicon Mind, Spence Green - CEO and co-founder of LILT - unpacks how AI is transforming not just software, but leadership itself. From his journey building an AI-first language company to working with Fortune 500 enterprises, Spence argues that today’s most effective leaders are player-coaches - deeply hands-on, close to the work, and fluent in both technology and people.

He explores how language sits at the core of every global business, why enterprise innovation so often stalls inside large organizations, and how AI is reshaping workflows, recruiting, and decision-making at every level. The conversation also dives into Silicon Valley’s culture of serendipity, lessons from government partnerships, and the long-term mindset required to build enduring AI companies.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Leadership in the Age of AI

02:57 The Player-Coach Leadership Model

05:46 Decision-Making in Fast-Paced Environments

09:05 The Evolution of Lilt and Its Mission

11:45 The Role of Language in Business

14:55 AI's Impact on Translation and Workflows

24:30 Revolutionizing Recruitment with Adaptive Software

26:16 The Challenges of Innovation in Large Enterprises

27:53 The Future of Software Architecture and AI

30:20 The Historical Context of AI and Language Processing

33:11 The Hype Cycle of AI: Past and Present

36:16 The Unique Culture of Silicon Valley

39:21 The Importance of Serendipity in Tech

42:12 The Long-Term Value of Government Contracts

47:08 Leadership Lessons from Climbing Mountains

Book Recommendations:

The Mountains of My Life, by Walter Bonatti

Follow Spence on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencegreen/

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Inside The Silicon Mind

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