Puck Academy

Unlocking Human Performance: A Deep Dive with Whoop's VP of AI, Ryan Durkin In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs sits down with Ryan Durkin, VP of AI at Whoop, to discuss his journey from founding Campus Live to his innovative role at Whoop. They delve into Whoop's mission to become an AI-forward workplace, the strategic importance of AI in organizational roles, and the future of employee engagement in AI-driven environments. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of AI in the workplace, potential educational paradigms, and Jason's exploration into building an AI-driven platform for youth sports development. 

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Ryan Durkin 

00:27 Ryan Durkin's Career Journey 

01:05 Whoop's New AI Initiative 

02:03 The Next Next: Show Overview 

02:48 Big Announcements from Whoop 

03:35 Whoop's Mission and Product Evolution 

04:18 Jason's Personal Connection to Whoop 

05:22 Ryan's Role and Journey to Whoop 

06:50 AI at Work Initiative at Whoop 

09:50 Building an AI-Forward Workplace 

18:04 Implementing AI Tools and Strategies 

28:27 Future of Work and AI Integration 

30:03 Unlocking Human Potential in the Workplace 

31:30 Reimagining Job Roles and Descriptions 

32:36 The Future of Work and Automation 

37:33 Balancing Work and Personal Life 

38:56 The Role of Credentials in Career Success 

42:04 Building a Youth Sports Platform 

49:12 Prototyping and Entrepreneurship 

53:49 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Transforming CRM with AI: Anis Bennaceur of Attention.com 

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' Jason Jacobs interviews Anis Bennaceur, co-founder and CEO of Attention.com, a company that automates sales operations through AI agents. They discuss the challenges of Anis’ first startup and the breakthrough moment with GPT-3 that led to the creation of Attention. The conversation covers how attention addresses CRM filling pains, the evolving role of AI agents, the balance between launching products quickly and maintaining innovation, and the future of AI in business software. Anis explains the practical applications of AI, internal uses at Attention.com, and offers insights on building AI-enabled workflows and autonomous agents. The episode also touches on company efficiency, hiring, future priorities, and the growing importance of AI in the tech industry. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

01:43 Meet Anis Bennaceur: CEO of Attention

02:51 The Genesis of Attention

03:56 Early Challenges and Breakthroughs 

06:01 Pivoting to CRM Automation 

09:54 Building and Launching the MVP 

21:05 Defining and Utilizing AI Agents 

28:04 Understanding Customer Needs and AI Autonomy 

28:47 Challenges in Tool Selection and Flexibility 

29:49 Building Features and Tooling Perspective 

31:43 Relationships with AI Providers 

32:53 Network Effects in B2B 

36:08 Implications of AI on Product Strategy 

39:09 Leveraging AI Internally 

41:39 Autonomous AI Agents and Workflow Automation 

48:02 Efficient Business Operations with AI 

52:49 Key Priorities and Future Outlook 

54:06 Final Thoughts and Shoutouts

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Elevating Gaming Performance: An Insight with Shaun Meredith, CTO of Omnic AI 

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs talks with Shaun Meredith, CTO and co-founder of Omnic AI, a leading company in eSports player performance, data, and analytics. They explore how Omnic AI uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to help gamers improve their skills through their platform, Omnic Forge. The discussion covers the origins of Omnic AI, its technological infrastructure, the challenges and advantages of starting before the big LLMs, and the different needs of casual vs. professional gamers. Shaun shares insights into their business model, growth strategies, and the future possibilities with AI in gaming. They also discuss the potential for AI applications in other competitive sports and how emerging AI tools can aid entrepreneurs in building ambitious companies while maintaining flexibility and control. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

02:26 Meet Shaun Meredith and Omnic AI 

03:34 The Journey of Omnic AI 

06:27 AI in eSports: Challenges and Innovations 

12:07 Building for Gamers: Insights and Strategies 

21:01 User Engagement and Feedback 

29:55 Technical Aspects and Future Directions 

32:01 Mobile Gaming and AI Integration 

32:35 Challenges in Computer Vision and Differentiation 

34:13 Innovations in AI for Gaming 

37:05 Funding and Growth Strategies 

39:56 Market Dynamics and Competition 

45:25 Future Prospects and Expansion 

58:04 User Engagement and Awareness 

59:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Harnessing AI in Design: A Journey with Ben Blumenrose from Designer Fund 

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs interviews Ben Blumenrose, co-founder and managing partner at Designer Fund. They explore how AI is revolutionizing design and shortening the product development cycle. Ben shares his journey from design lead at Facebook to investing in early-stage tech companies focusing on health, sustainability, and prosperity. He discusses the evolution of design tools, the impact of AI on entry-level design jobs, and the importance of speed and quality in product development. The conversation also delves into the convergence of engineering, design, and product management roles and the importance of fostering more design founders in the AI age. Tune in for insightful discussions on building ambitious companies, leveraging AI tools, and the future of design. 

00:00 Introduction to Ben Blumenrose and Designer Fund 

00:42 The Evolution of Design and AI's Impact 

01:16 The Next Next: A Learning Journey 

01:56 Ben Blumenrose's Background and Career 

03:21 AI's Role in Modern Design 

06:19 The Changing Landscape of Design Education 

26:10 The Rise of Design Founders 

31:12 The Rise of Design in Startups 

31:31 Challenges Faced by Designer Founders 

31:49 The Impact of Design on Company Success 

32:42 Convincing Investors About Design 

34:34 The Role of Designers in AI 

38:05 The Future of Product Development 

41:27 The Evolution of Design and Engineering Roles 

43:57 New Tools and Processes in Design 

47:54 Building Software Faster Than Searching 

51:23 Implications for Venture Capital 

57:42 Leveraging Tools at Designer Fund 

59:32 Encouragement for Designers and Tinkerers 

01:02:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Revolutionizing Warehouse Automation with Jon Miller Schwartz of Ultra 

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs welcomes Jon Miller Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of Ultra. Ultra is pioneering the development and deployment of general-purpose robots aimed at transforming American warehouses. Jon discusses Ultra's mission, the importance of adaptable robots versus traditional static systems, and the role of AI in making these advancements possible. He outlines Ultra's unique technology, the challenges they've faced in the robotics industry, and their strategic focus on the e-commerce logistics space. The conversation also delves into the benefits of these robots for customers, the current state and future of robotics, and the importance of data in improving robotic capabilities. Jon shares insights about Ultra's rapid growth, their operational strategies, and the immense potential for robotics in various industries. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

02:01 Meet Jon Miller Schwartz: Ultra's Mission and Background 

02:43 The Evolution of Robotics and AI 

05:24 Jon's Journey: From 3D Printing to Robotics 

07:30 Challenges and Innovations in Robotics 

14:51 Focusing on Logistics: Ultra's Strategic Direction 

20:07 Building and Deploying Robots: Ultra's Progress 

22:34 Targeting the Logistics Industry: Ultra's Customers 

26:22 Augmentation Strategy and Industry Growth 

26:50 Robots in Fulfillment and Labor Optimization 

28:03 Robot Performance vs. Human Packer 

29:29 Cost Efficiency and Utilization of Robots 

30:16 Impact on Human Workers and Job Shifts 

32:31 Challenges in Robotics and Future Prospects 

34:59 Focus on E-commerce Fulfillment 

36:24 Competition and Defensibility in Robotics 

37:42 Data Collection and Model Training 

44:13 Technological and Societal Readiness 

48:55 Future Vision and Company Goals 

50:50 Hiring and Collaboration Opportunities 

51:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Transforming Business Operations with AI: A Conversation with Chris Olson, CEO of Mach 1 

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs converses with Chris Olson, CEO of Mach 1. Chris discusses Mach 1's mission to transform businesses by integrating AI agents into their operations. Originating as a spin-out from traceVision, Mach 1 leverages AI to automate tasks and significantly reduce operational costs. The conversation delves into Chris's journey from Trace sports to launching Mach 1, exploring the integration of AI in sales, customer support, and overall business efficiencies. They also discuss the broader implications of AI adoption in business, the challenges, cultural shifts, and future opportunities. 

00:00 Introduction to Chris Olson and Mach 1 

00:14 The Origin Story of Mach 1 

00:36 Chris Olson's Role at Trace 

01:47 The Spin-Out to Mach 1 

01:57 Overview of the Episode 

02:23 Host Introduction and Show Purpose 

03:59 Chris Olson's Background and Venture Capital Experience 

04:24 Trace's Early AI Innovations 

05:13 Transition to Youth Sports 

08:16 Joining Trace Full-Time 

13:04 Trace's Go-To-Market Strategy 

17:14 Growth and Expansion of Trace 

20:59 Leveraging AI for Operational Efficiency 

26:57 Building In-House AI Tools 

33:17 Scaling Down with AI Agents 

36:15 Employee Satisfaction and Cultural Lessons 

36:35 Managing Internal Dynamics with AI 

37:06 Trace's Business Model and AI Integration 

38:50 Communicating AI Changes to Employees 

40:01 Challenges and Downsides of AI Transition 

41:42 Broader Applications of AI Beyond Trace 

43:31 Structuring the Spin-Out 

47:47 Early Days of Mach One 

49:52 Future of SaaS and AI Integration 

57:18 Managing AI in Business Operations 

01:05:57 Education and Support for AI Transition 

01:07:45 Conclusion and Contact Information

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Leveraging AI in Sports with Jason Syversen of SportsVisio In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs interviews Jason Syversen, founder and CEO of SportsVisio, a company that uses AI to automate basketball statistics and video highlights. They delve into Jason Syversen's entrepreneurial journey, including his previous success in cybersecurity and his unexpected return to the startup scene. The discussion covers Sports Visio's inception, product development, customer engagement, market strategy, and the challenges of integrating advanced AI in sports analytics. Jason Syversen also shares insights into balancing entrepreneurial endeavors with family life and the importance of using business as a vehicle for societal good. 

00:00 Introduction to Jason Syversen and SportsVisio

 01:19 Jason's Entrepreneurial Journey 

04:56 Deep Dive into SportsVisio 

06:43 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship 

18:30 The Genesis of SportsVisio 

29:41 Building the Team and Product Development 

31:55 Lessons Learned and Future Plans 

36:14 Mobile Processing vs. Cloud Processing in Sports Tech 

36:38 Challenges of Multi-Object Tracking in Basketball 

38:44 Edge Processing: Current Limitations and Future Potential 

41:42 Human in the Loop: Balancing Cost and Accuracy 

44:42 Expanding to New Sports and Markets 

45:59 Leveraging AI in Sports: Custom vs. LLM Solutions 

54:10 Scaling SportsVisio: Goals and Strategies 

01:09:35 Entrepreneurship for Societal Good 

01:13:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

The Future of Product Management in the AI Era with Jeremy Crane 

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs welcomes Jeremy Crane, Head of Product at Ankored, who shares his extensive experience as a product leader at various companies including Jasper, the Wanderlust Group, and HubSpot. They delve into topics such as the evolving role of product management in the era of AI, how AI tools are transforming team dynamics, and the balance between traditional processes and emerging technologies. Jeremy also discusses how product leaders can navigate the accelerating pace of technological advancement and leverage AI to stay competitive. This episode is a deep dive into the future of product development and the essential skills needed to thrive in an AI-first world. 

00:00 Introduction to Jeremy Crane 

00:40 Why Jeremy Crane? 

01:18 Welcome to The Next Next 

02:07 Catching Up with Jeremy 

02:51 Jeremy's AI Journey 

04:35 The Changing Role of Product Management 

09:56 Product Development Processes 

14:58 Balancing Process and Flexibility 

18:19 Customer Feedback and Innovation 

21:01 Future of Product Leadership 

24:32 Unlocking the Value of Secure Data 

26:53 Building Customer Intuition 

29:37 Navigating Rapid Technological Change 

33:38 AI-First Companies: Buzzword or Reality? 

39:49 The Future of Software Engineering 

42:38 Implications of Easier Software Development 

45:17 Advice for Product Leaders Embracing AI 

47:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Exploring AI's Frontier with Yohei Nakajima 

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs is joined by Yohei Nakajima, a venture capitalist, innovator, and artist. Yohei, known for his work with Untapped Capital and the creation of BabyAGI, discusses his latest endeavor, The Agent Fund, focused on AI agents. The conversation delves into Yohei's multifaceted career, from his artistic projects like PixelBeasts to his AI-centric investments and automation efforts. They explore the rapid advancements in AI, the societal impact, and the evolving landscape of venture capital. Yohei shares insights into his investment strategy, the future of AI-native applications, and his unique approach to parenting in a tech-driven world. 
 

00:00 Introduction to Yohei Nakajima 

00:26 Yohei's Multifaceted Career 

01:23 The Next Next: A Learning Journey 

02:07 Starting the Conversation with Yohei 

03:25 Yohei's Investment Philosophy 

04:44 The Role of AI in Yohei's Work 

07:28 The Evolution of AI and Its Impact 

10:52 Challenges and Opportunities in AI 

15:18 The Future of AI and Society 

25:38 The Agent Fund and AI Investments 

29:19 The Future of Company Growth in the Age of AI 

30:14 Challenges and Opportunities for the Next Generation 

33:43 Navigating Career Choices in a World of AI 

36:02 AI's Role in Youth Development and Education 

36:43 Investing in AI: Strategies and Insights 

47:52 Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Daily Life 

49:56 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Building SwingVision: An AI-Powered Revolution in Racket Sports 

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs interviews Swupnil Sahai, co-founder and CEO of SwingVision, an AI-driven app for tennis and racket sport performance tracking. Swupnil shares his journey from working on Tesla's autopilot team to founding SwingVision, blending his passion for tennis with his expertise in AI. The app leverages a single iPhone or iPad to provide amateur players with pro-level analytics, including real-time stats, automatic line calling, and video highlights. They discuss the inception of SwingVision, early challenges, data collection strategies, and the importance of user feedback in refining the technology. Swupnil also talks about the company's go-to-market strategy, funding journey, and future aspirations, including potential expansion into other sports and improving infrastructure at sports facilities. The conversation highlights the merging paths of entrepreneurship and AI in sports tech, providing valuable insights for aspiring founders. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

00:33 Meet Swupnil Sahai: From Tesla to SwingVision 

01:37 SwingVision: Revolutionizing Tennis Analytics 

04:16 The Reality of Entrepreneurship 

06:49 Swupnil's Journey: From Academia to Tesla 

11:15 Building SwingVision: The Early Days 

14:47 Training AI Models for Tennis 

19:40 Gathering Data and Scaling Up 

22:07 Launching the MVP and Iterating 

23:27 Advice for Aspiring AI Entrepreneurs 

25:15 Customer Feedback and Data Utilization 

26:56 Fundraising Journey and Initial Challenges 

29:01 Go-to-Market Strategy and Organic Growth 

31:23 Adapting to AI Advancements 

36:03 Freemium Model and Product Experiments 

41:23 Future Vision and Expansion Plans 

49:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Entrepreneurs

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).