Most companies struggle with AI implementation, treating it as magical solution rather than strategic transformation. This episode reveals that true AI native enterprises are fundamentally redesigned around artificial intelligence at their core, not just bolting on AI features. The discussion focuses on how executives can identify strategic pockets where AI can reshape work processes, customer service, and sales operations. Key concepts include the distinction between AI-native versus AI-enabled businesses, the critical role of skunk works projects for innovation, and overcoming organizational resistance through courageous leadership. Learn why 90-95% of AI proof-of-concept projects fail to scale and how to avoid common pitfalls while creating meaningful business impact.

Highlights

• AI native means core business value couldn't exist without artificial intelligence
• Create physical and mental separation through skunk works projects for true innovation
• Focus AI implementation on back-office operations for maximum business value
• Shift from "why can't we" to "how can we" mindset to overcome risk barriers
• Prioritize AI initiatives with regular scrum meetings and executive commitment
• Start with personal AI use cases to build team engagement and familiarity
• Lead with bold vision rather than incremental goals for transformative change

Important Concepts and Frameworks

• AI Native Enterprise — Organizations built from the ground up with AI as core business value
  • Link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-ai-native-businesses-organisations-olena-zanichkovska-p57vf/
• Skunk Works — Small, autonomous teams working on advanced innovation projects
  • Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skunkworks_project
• Proof of Concept Scaling — Process of expanding successful AI experiments to enterprise level
  • Link: https://www.imaginarycloud.com/blog/axiom-ai-proof-of-concept
• Collective Intelligence — Shared intelligence emerging from AI and human collaboration
  • Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_intelligence
• Vision-Led Leadership — Driving transformation through bold future-state vision rather than incremental goals
  • Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brentgleeson/2025/05/13/how-bold-leadership-vision-drives-growth-and-talent-driven-cultures/

Tools & Resources Mentioned

• Cursor — AI-native coding environment built from ground up on artificial intelligence
  • Link: https://cursor.sh/
• Sprinklr — Customer experience platform positioning as AI-native solution
  • Link: https://www.sprinklr.com/
• SentinelOne — Cybersecurity platform framing detection as AI-native capability
  • Link: https://www.sentinelone.com
• Better.com — Mortgage lender branding as AI-first financial service provider
  • Link: https://better.com/
• Amira — AI-powered reading assistant showing 4-14% proficiency gains in education
  • Link: https://amiralearning.com/
• ChatGPT — AI assistant used for rapid legal compliance research and document generation
• Every — Company building AI-native products through newsletter-driven development

Calls to Action

1. Establish regular AI scrum meetings with key stakeholders to maintain momentum and accountability
2. Create physical or mental separation through dedicated innovation spaces or teams
3. Identify one back-office process for AI transformation pilot within the current quarter
4. Encourage team members to experiment with AI for personal tasks to build familiarity
5. Shift risk conversations from "why can't we" to "how can we" with legal and compliance teams
6. Set bold vision targets that require fundamental business model redesign rather than incremental improvement

Key Quotes

• "AI native means the core value of the company could not exist without AI" — Mark Redgrave
• "Don't get hung up on whether you're native or not - focus on using AI" — Mark Redgrave
• "Create separation to reimagine how your business operates" — Mark Redgrave
• "The biggest risk is tickling AI rather than tackling it" — Mike Richardson
• "AI agents don't circumvent process - they require clarity" — Tom Adams

Chapters
00:25 — Introduction to AI Native Enterprise Transformation
05:34 — The Danger of Treating AI as Magic Solution
07:18 — Hollywood's Reaction to Synthetic AI Actress
12:42 — Practical AI Use Case: Legal Compliance Research
13:56 — AI Transforming Education Through Reading Assistance
15:20 — Defining True AI Native Business Models
17:34 — Why Most Companies Cannot Be Truly AI Native
19:40 — EV Platform Analogy for Ground-Up AI Design
24:20 — Skunk Works Approach to AI Innovation
28:07 — Vision-Led Leadership for Transformative Change
32:29 — Overcoming Organizational Risk and Resistance
35:04 — From Tickling to Tackling AI Implementation
39:10 — Executive Playbook for AI Priority and Action
43:12 — Summary and Key Implementation Takeaways
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Meet the Crew

Mike Richardson – Agility, Peer Power & Collective Intelligence
Website: https://mikerichardson.live/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agilityexpertmikerichardson/

Ryan Niemann – Software CEO & Board Operator
Website: https://bob3.pro/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanniemann/

Mark Redgrave – Agility, People and Performance
Website: https://www.shift-transform.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mredgrave/

Tom Adams – Executive Coach, Advisor & Trail Blazer
Website: https://tomadams.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomadamscoach/