What happens when a Silicon Valley exec who helped Lyft rewrite the rules brings that same playbook to cannabis?

This week we sit down with Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, to break down how disciplined tech thinking and first-principle strategy can reshape a fragmented industry.

In this episode:
• How Lyft’s regulatory battles mirror cannabis today
• Why listening — not speed — builds trust and loyalty
• How data, discipline, and adaptability will drive the next era of cannabis tech

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ashwin Raj and LeafLink

02:02 Ashwin's Journey to the Cannabis Industry

04:29 Navigating Challenges in the Cannabis Space

07:19 Listening to Customers: The Key to Success

10:05 Addressing Pricing Challenges

13:11 Building Trust with Customers

14:15 Balancing Competing Customer Needs

16:25 Strategic Focus and Resource Allocation

19:45 Long-Term Vision for LeafLink

21:03 The Role of Technology in Cannabis

23:05 Identifying Customer Needs

26:53 Overcoming Industry Challenges

30:45 The Impact of AI on LeafLink

32:01 The Future of the Cannabis Industry

36:10 The Role of Hemp in the Cannabis Market

42:04 Building Trust with Retailers

45:11 AI and Future Innovations at LeafLink

Summary

In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney interview Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, who shares his journey from the tech industry to the cannabis space. Ashwin discusses the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of listening to customers and building relationships with both clients and team members. He highlights the role of technology and efficiency in driving growth and the impact of the hemp industry on the cannabis market. Ashwin also touches on the need for regulatory clarity and the potential of AI in enhancing LeafLink's offerings.

Guest Links:

• https://www.leaflink.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaflink/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashwinraj/

 

Our Links

Bryan Fields on Twitter

Kellan Finney on Twitter

The Dime on Twitter

Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.

At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.

The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast

The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast 

The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.

🎥 YouTube:  The Dime

📸 Instagram:  The Dime

https://www.newton-insights.com/

 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.