The Mentors Office podcast

In this episode, we ask how good leaders are adapting to AI without giving up the responsibility and human connection that leadership still requires. We talk about why execution can be delegated but vision, mission and values cannot, how AI amplifies the habits we already have (from endless scrolling to forwarding a chatbot's answer as your own opinion), and why leaders who impose AI initiatives without a conversation with their teams create conflict. We compare three philosophies of leadership with AI, share how we avoid AI slop, and close with how we use AI to learn without losing the meaningful struggle, plus a book and a playlist we are enjoying.

-------------------------- --------------------------
Chapters

00:00 Welcome and why AI and leadership
01:35 How AI is changing the way leaders think and work
02:21 Vision, mission and values can't be delegated to AI
03:23 When AI automates your tasks: lost opportunity or change?
04:58 Disrupt yourself and the "vision of hell"
07:29 AI habits to build and habits to drop
12:20 Deep Work and AI as an amplifier of bad habits
15:35 Instant gratification and the discipline to say no
18:39 Growth mindset: are you better without AI?
19:28 What leaders should use AI for, and what they should do themselves
23:14 Fatal conceit and social constructionism: why leaders should listen to their teams
25:48 Three leadership philosophies for the AI era
28:53 Avoiding AI slop and the golf cart problem
32:01 Value-sensitive AI: when AI should not be part of the process
37:23 Using AI to learn and to test yourself
38:45 Recommendations: a playlist and a book

-------------------------- --------------------------
Resources and Links

Deep Work by Cal Newport https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/cal-newport/deep-work/9781455586677/

Blinkist https://www.blinkist.com/

Value-Sensitive AI for Prayer: Balancing the Agencies Between Human and AI Agents in Spiritual Context (Kwon, Yoo, Bardzell, Kang) https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.25230

Miguel Ángel Sanz, PhD (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/masanz/

Miguel Ángel Sanz, PhD (video) https://youtu.be/LMgMJcwi1uI

Angelica Loboguerrero, CEO (video) https://youtu.be/tzN9OSHmdrE

Starter Villain by John Scalzi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starter_Villain

Coldplay Royal orchestra (Spotify playlist) https://open.spotify.com/playlist/392RKZFxtOYkbE4IQGh08N

-------------------------- --------------------------
-------------------------- --------------------------

Summary

We're joined by Andy Eyherabide, Chief AI Officer at Wizeline, and Santiago Merchán, AI Engineering Tech Lead at Wizeline, for a conversation about how established companies can compete as agentic AI reshapes software and business strategy. We unpack why strategy and execution are becoming separate disciplines now that AI can absorb the execution layer, why proprietary data alone isn't a moat without fast feedback loops, and how incumbents might borrow Peter Diamandis's "twin company" model to reinvent themselves without dragging along organizational baggage. Andy and Santiago make the case that governance, not technology, is the real bottleneck standing between the 23% of companies actually scaling agentic AI and everyone else stuck experimenting, and they lay out what a genuine AI harness and a real "sense, decide, act, check" policy loop look like in practice.

Chapters

00:00 Why agentic AI is forcing every industry to rethink strategy

01:10 Separating strategy from execution — and what remains distinctly human

03:40 Is proprietary data really a moat?

06:19 The "twin company" model for reinventing an incumbent

07:51 Case study: how DirecTV spun up a streaming division to escape legacy resistance

10:03 Trust as the real differentiator over speed

11:02 Deciding which tasks an agent can run on its own

11:55 The shift from developer to product manager

13:13 Why the code can be a black box but the architecture can't

14:29 What separates companies that scale agentic AI from those stuck experimenting

16:28 Claude's dominance in coding models — and why "gold standard" won't last

18:20 Context management over prompt engineering

20:49 Trust but verify: staying accountable for AI-generated code

22:25 Why only 23% of companies are actually scaling agentic AI

23:50 Building an AI harness and a real governance policy loop

-------------------------- --------------------------
Resources

Andy Eyherabide - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeyherabide/

Santiago Merchán - https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiagomerchan/

Sequoia Capital, "Services: The New Software" (intelligence vs. judgment framework) - https://sequoiacap.com/article/services-the-new-software/

McKinsey, "The state of AI in 2025" (source of the 23%-scaling-agentic-AI stat) - https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai

Moonshots with Peter Diamandis (podcast) - https://www.diamandis.com/podcast

-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
-------------------------- --------------------------

Summary

In this episode, Sol Noello, the General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer at Wizeline, shares her journey from aspiring nuclear physicist to a leader in corporate law. She discusses the importance of adaptability in scaling companies, the role of AI in enhancing legal processes, and the significance of a learning mindset in leadership. Sol emphasizes the need for substance over hype in business initiatives and offers valuable career advice, including the importance of ownership and proactivity in personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sol Noello and Wizeline 02:47 Sol's Journey: From Astronomy to Law 05:52 Career Path: Becoming General Counsel at Wizeline 08:25 Scaling Companies: Lessons from Pre-IPO Experience 13:28 The Importance of Learning and Adaptability 19:18 Leveraging AI in Legal and Administrative Processes 25:34 The Importance of Mindset and Documentation 27:05 Leading with a Learning Mindset 28:01 Iterating and Improving: The Path to Success 33:02 Institutionalizing What Works in Teams 35:42 Embracing a Learn-It-All Mindset 39:47 Overcoming Career Challenges 42:56 Top Success Rules for Personal Growth 45:05 Valuable Career Advice and Creative Thinking 48:11 Defining a Great Employee Mindset 52:45 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

-------------------------- --------------------------
Takeaways

Sol initially dreamed of studying nuclear physics before finding her passion in law. Adaptability is crucial for scaling companies, especially during pre-IPO stages. Learning from mistakes is essential for growth and improvement. AI should augment human decision-making, not replace it. Documentation is key in legal and compliance processes. A learning mindset fosters curiosity and openness to new ideas. Substance over hype is vital for meaningful impact in business. Taking time for leisure can spark creativity and new ideas. Ownership of challenges and growth is essential for employees. Proactivity in seeking learning opportunities is highly valued at Wizeline.

-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
-------------------------- --------------------------

Summary

This episode explores the latest advancements in AI, focusing on GPT-5.4's surpassing human benchmarks, practical applications in finance and media, and strategies to avoid AI pilot purgatory. Guests Andy Eyherabide and Santiago Merchan share insights on leveraging AI for business transformation and future trends.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Business

01:46 The Impact of GPT-5.4 on Industries

09:55 Navigating the AI Hype Cycle

17:58 Transforming AI Concepts into Business Value

23:58 Fostering a Growth Mindset in AI Adoption

24:26 AI in Media and Entertainment

28:14 The Evolution of Liquid Content

32:00 AI in Sports and Media

33:55 The Changing Business Model of Media

37:40 Hyper-Personalization in News Consumption

38:50 The Role of Independent Creators

44:38 From Implementers to Orchestrators

47:49 The Future of Software Development with AI

52:53 The Potential of Physical AI

-------------------------- --------------------------
Resources

Andy Eyherabide - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeyherabide/

Santiago Merchan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiagomerchan/

AI Is Not the Strategy: Escaping Pilot Purgatory - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-strategy-wizeline-xzhqc

-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
-------------------------- --------------------------

Summary

This episode explores the impact of AI on creativity, education, and business, featuring insights from experts on how AI is transforming industries and human potential. We discuss the history, theories, misconceptions, and future possibilities of AI, emphasizing responsible and innovative use.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring AI's Impact on Creativity

09:34 Misunderstandings and Education in AI

18:15 AI's Role in Enhancing Creativity

24:00 Future of AI and Entrepreneurship

-------------------------- --------------------------
Resources

Ray Kurzweil's Books on AI - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Ray+Kurzweil

Moonshots Podcast by Peter Diamandis - https://www.peterd.com/podcasts

Notebook Lm for creating personalized podcasts - https://notebooklm.ai

-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
-------------------------- --------------------------

Summary

In this episode, Andrea Giraldo, the global VP of People Operations at Wizeline, shares her journey from aspiring doctor to HR leader. She discusses the importance of creating pleasant working environments, the role of AI in enhancing people operations, and the challenges of balancing speed and consistency in a growing organization. Andrea emphasizes the significance of employee engagement, retention strategies, and the evolving skills needed for future leaders in the workplace. She provides valuable insights on career growth, promotions, and the importance of focusing on impact in one's role.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andrea Giraldo and Her Journey 02:53 From Medicine to Human Resources: A Personal Transformation 05:18 The Importance of Workplace Well-being 08:17 Overcoming Fears: The Journey of a Traveler 10:57 Leveraging AI in People Operations 13:35 Balancing Speed and Consistency in HR 19:24 Navigating Appraisal Processes and Performance Management 24:12 Aligning Company Goals with Employee Engagement 25:38 The Importance of Communication in Retention 28:39 Building Engagement Through Everyday Moments 33:58 Adapting to AI and Technology in the Workplace 37:35 Upskilling for the Future: Essential Skills for 2026 42:29 Strategies for Career Advancement and Promotions 45:02 Key Principles for Success in Leadership

-------------------------- --------------------------
Takeaways

Andrea Giraldo transitioned from a dream of being a doctor to a career in HR. Creating pleasant working environments is crucial for innovation. AI is being used to enhance efficiency in people operations. Balancing speed and consistency is a major challenge in HR. Employee engagement is built through everyday interactions, not just programs. Promotions require going beyond just doing your job. Skills get you hired, but how you show up determines your career trajectory. Ownership, accountability, and adaptability are key skills for the future. Impact is essential for career advancement. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you cannot.

-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
-------------------------- --------------------------

Summary

In this reflective episode, Ani and Alvaro look back on the year 2025, discussing personal and professional growth, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned. They explore the importance of connection in leadership, the power of laughter through the Dr. Clown approach, and the evolution of their mindsets. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in enhancing productivity and learning, and they share their hopes for 2026, emphasizing the need to embrace new opportunities and challenges.

Chapters

Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Growth 01:36 Lessons from Personal Experiences 05:21 The Role of Humor in Professional Settings 09:09 Connecting Through Play 14:50 Leadership and Connection 20:17 Evolving Mindsets and Learning 25:08 Intentional Learning in the Digital Age 27:50 Navigating Social Media for Learning 29:05 Embracing a Learning Mindset 31:32 Facing Challenges and Ignoring Problems 33:05 The Role of AI in Personal and Professional Growth 40:09 Adapting Education to AI Innovations 46:07 Advice for the Future and Overcoming Fear

-------------------------- --------------------------
Takeaways

Reflecting on the highs and lows of 2025 offers valuable insights. Embracing challenges can lead to personal and professional growth. The Dr. Clown approach emphasizes the power of laughter in healing. Overcoming public speaking fears is a journey worth taking. Connection is key in leadership and fostering a positive environment. Learning to play can enhance interpersonal connections. Building rapport is essential for effective leadership. Creativity and learning are vital for personal development. AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing productivity and learning. Embracing new opportunities in 2026 can lead to exciting growth.

-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
-------------------------- --------------------------

Summary

In this episode, Sol Noello, the General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer at Wizeline, shares her journey from aspiring nuclear physicist to a leader in corporate law. She discusses the importance of adaptability in scaling companies, the role of AI in enhancing legal processes, and the significance of a learning mindset in leadership. Sol emphasizes the need for substance over hype in business initiatives and offers valuable career advice, including the importance of ownership and proactivity in personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sol Noello and Wizeline

02:47 Sol's Journey: From Astronomy to Law

05:52 Career Path: Becoming General Counsel at Wizeline

08:25 Scaling Companies: Lessons from Pre-IPO Experience

13:28 The Importance of Learning and Adaptability

19:18 Leveraging AI in Legal and Administrative Processes

25:34 The Importance of Mindset and Documentation

27:05 Leading with a Learning Mindset

28:01 Iterating and Improving: The Path to Success

33:02 Institutionalizing What Works in Teams

35:42 Embracing a Learn-It-All Mindset

39:47 Overcoming Career Challenges

42:56 Top Success Rules for Personal Growth

45:05 Valuable Career Advice and Creative Thinking

48:11 Defining a Great Employee Mindset

52:45 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

-------------------------- --------------------------
Takeaways

Sol initially dreamed of studying nuclear physics before finding her passion in law.

Adaptability is crucial for scaling companies, especially during pre-IPO stages.

Learning from mistakes is essential for growth and improvement.

AI should augment human decision-making, not replace it.

Documentation is key in legal and compliance processes.

A learning mindset fosters curiosity and openness to new ideas.

Substance over hype is vital for meaningful impact in business.

Taking time for leisure can spark creativity and new ideas.

Ownership of challenges and growth is essential for employees.

Proactivity in seeking learning opportunities is highly valued at Wizeline.

-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
-------------------------- --------------------------

Summary

In this episode, we interview Andy Eyherabide, Chief AI Officer at Wizeline, discussing his career journey, the importance of AI in business, and how to effectively adopt AI strategies. Andy emphasizes the need for product managers to embrace AI tools, the common pitfalls in AI adoption, and the essential skills for thriving in the AI era. He shares valuable career advice and insights on the future of AI in business, highlighting the importance of being intentional and pursuing value.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI and Career Journey 03:01 Transitioning from Law to Engineering 05:28 The Role of AI in Product Development 08:30 Democratizing AI Tools for Product Managers 11:11 The Impact of AI on Advertising and SEO 14:13 Future of AI in Business Strategy 23:29 The Future of AI: Predictions and Timelines 26:58 AI Agents: Transforming Business Workflows 30:06 Common Mistakes in AI Implementation 31:46 Key Components for Scaling AI 33:44 The Role of AI in Consulting 37:51 Essential Skills for the AI Era 40:48 Learning to Learn: The New Literacy 44:29 Career Challenges and Staying True to Yourself 47:23 Rules for Success in a Changing World 50:22 Valuable Career Advice

-------------------------- --------------------------
Takeaways

AI is a new literacy, essential for modern business. The bottleneck in product development is often the product manager. Democratizing AI tools allows non-technical users to innovate. AI should be seen as a medium, not the end goal. Companies must focus on solving real problems with AI. Data is crucial for effective AI implementation. A growth mindset is essential for adapting to AI changes. Continuous learning is vital in the fast-evolving AI landscape. Being intentional and having an agenda can drive success. Pursuing value leads to growth and opportunities.

-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
-------------------------- --------------------------

Summary

In this episode of the Mentor's Office podcast, Alvaro interviews Cristian Ceja, VP of Technology at Wizeline. Cristian shares his journey from childhood dreams of becoming a soccer player and musician to his current role in technology leadership. He discusses the importance of curiosity, community building, and innovation in technology. Cristian reflects on the challenges of scaling teams, fostering a culture of innovation, and the significance of community initiatives in driving business value. He also provides valuable career advice and insights into what makes a great employee at WiseLine.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cristian Ceja and His Journey 00:55 Early Aspirations: From Soccer to Technology 04:39 The Impact of the Internet on Curiosity and Learning 05:51 The Path to Becoming a VP of Technology 08:31 Scaling Wizeline: A Personal Journey 12:33 Challenges of Rapid Growth in QA Practices 17:18 A Week in the Life of a VP of Technology 19:55 Balancing Speed and Depth in Technology Services 22:00 Understanding AI: Going Beyond Superficial Solutions 24:51 Cultivating a Culture of Innovation at Wizeline 27:14 Embracing AI in Daily Life 29:44 Mindset and Innovation Culture 35:18 Community Initiatives and Maturity Assessments 43:47 Career Challenges and Success Rules 51:34 Ownership and Mindset for Success

-------------------------- --------------------------
Takeaways

Cristian's early curiosity about technology shaped his career path. He emphasizes the importance of adding value over seeking titles. Scaling teams requires a shift in leadership approach and culture. Fostering a culture of innovation is essential for growth. Community initiatives can drive business value and improve practices. Effective communication is key to success in consulting roles. Understanding client needs is crucial for delivering value. Leaders should act as owners and not just executors of tasks. Continuous improvement should be part of the company culture. Recognizing and leveraging individual strengths can lead to career growth.

-------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
-------------------------- --------------------------