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In this episode of The AI Report, Liam Lawson sits down with Nick Verity, CEO of Cleverly and partner at Axe Automation, to explore how AI, workflow automation, and productized services are reshaping the future of B2B lead generation and outbound sales.

Nick breaks down how Cleverly scaled to 1,000+ five-star reviews by turning traditional agency work into a highly automated, subscription-based model—leveraging AI tools like Claude to streamline cold outreach, personalize copywriting, and optimize client delivery. He explains why scalable lead generation in 2025 depends on automation-first thinking and how to build operational systems that run without weekly hand-holding.

From automating onboarding and CRM workflows to launching high-converting cold email campaigns, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Nick also dives into the rise (and hype) of AI SDR startups, the shift toward intent-based outreach, and why good cold email is still about relevance, proof, and a killer offer.

But it’s not just about systems—this episode also explores the mindset of a founder: how fear, problem-solving, and grit shaped Nick’s journey from blue-collar roots to leading two high-growth businesses, and why the “AI Orchestrator” might just be the most important job title of the next decade.

Want to scale your agency, automate your sales funnel, and dominate outbound in the age of AI?

Tune in now! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights!

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Connect with Nicholas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-verity/

(00:00) Preview

(01:39) The Founding Story of Cleverly

(05:37) Automating Client Management at Scale

(07:39) Nick’s Product Development & Strategy Framework

(12:21) Breaking Down Cleverly’s Revenue Model

(17:44) AI SDRs & 2025 Cold Email Strategies

(21:31) Scaling Axe: Challenges, Lessons & Productization

(26:28) What Axe Automation Actually Does for Clients

(28:50) Who Buys Automation (And Who Doesn’t)

(35:04) Personal Productivity vs Workflow Automation with AI

(37:33) The Rise of the AI Orchestrator Role

(42:17) Nick’s Thoughts on Investing, Risk, and Focus

(47:11) Nick’s Vision For the Future