AI isn't just another tool—it’s a complete shift in how companies are being built, scaled, and operated. In this episode, Mike and Corey sit down with Eric Mills, founder of Density and Y Combinator alum, to explore what it really means to build an AI-native company. From early-stage experimentation to shipping with agents and orchestrated workflows, Eric brings a practical lens to the hype and a systems-level view on what’s actually working.

They dig into how AI is collapsing cost structures, changing the rules of offshoring, and reshaping org design—from engineering teams to mid-level management. The conversation also touches on knowledge graphs, the rise of “vibe coding,” and why the winners in this next wave won’t just be faster—they’ll be fundamentally different. Whether you’re building, investing, or leading through change, this is a crash course in what the future of software looks like.

This week on Momentum Mode, we’re joined by Amanda Lannert, longtime CEO of Jellyvision, for a conversation that goes deep into the mechanics of building a strong, sustainable company culture. Amanda breaks down how Jellyvision’s values—like trust, responsiveness, and the deceptively powerful mantra “be helpful”—translate into everyday decisions, from hiring and onboarding to managing through layoffs. With clarity and candor, she shares the thinking behind the systems and rituals that have made Jellyvision consistently recognized as a great place to work.

We also explore the evolution of leadership in fast-growing companies, what post-COVID culture building looks like, and why authenticity at the top sets the tone for risk-taking and creativity across the org. Whether you’re scaling a team, rethinking your leadership style, or navigating tough transitions, Amanda offers a masterclass in leading with humanity, humor, and purpose.

What does it really take to lead a company through high-stakes growth, acquisitions, and transformation? Dan Dal Degan—known to many as Triple D—returns for a deep dive into what most leadership playbooks leave out.

Drawing on decades of experience scaling enterprise software companies, including an early role at Salesforce, Dan shares what it means to build strategy that’s not just understood by the C-suite but felt across the company. We get into why trust is the bedrock of strategy, how culture shapes execution, and what it looks like to lead with clarity during times of pressure and change.

From redefining what “adoption” actually means to gamifying financial fluency across teams, this conversation is a masterclass in operational leadership that drives alignment—without losing the human element.

What actually happens after a founder steps aside and a new CEO steps in? Kelsey Behringer, CEO of Packback, joins us to unpack the emotional and operational realities of leading a company through a major transition—from a VC-backed startup to a growth-stage business under new ownership.

Kelsey opens up about what surprised her most in the CEO seat, including the often-unspoken loneliness of leadership, and how she’s built systems of support, communication, and culture from the inside out. We get into how her background in teaching shaped her approach to change management, why financial transparency builds trust, and how she balances performance with humanity in a mission-driven company.

Venture capitalist and Booth professor Ira Weiss joins Momentum Mode to break down what great board members actually do, how investor dynamics shift across funding stages, and why early-stage founders should rethink how they engage with their boards. A candid conversation on strategy, signals, and the real work of scaling.

Amanda Lannert became CEO of Jellyvision by surprise—literally. In this episode, the longtime leader of Jellyvision shares how she grew into the role, navigated scale without losing soul, and learned to balance rapid change with operational stability. It’s a candid look at leadership, authenticity, and building with intention, even on the fly.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re ready for the next big role—or if you’re already in it and figuring it out as you go—this one’s for you.

We’re back—with a new name! Opening the C-Suite is now Momentum Mode. Same podcast, same candid conversations—now with an even sharper focus on building and sustaining momentum in leadership and business.

In this episode, Dan Dal Degan (Triple D) joins us to unpack the realities of leadership, mentorship, and company-building. A seasoned SaaS executive, investor, and board member, Dan has played a pivotal role in scaling companies like Salesforce and leading major acquisitions—including a $250M sale to DocuSign.

Whether you’re leading a company, building a career, or investing in the next generation of leaders, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on how to build and sustain momentum in leadership.