AI Lab Unfiltered

AI can generate answers instantly—but speed doesn’t guarantee accuracy or good judgment.In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn explore why trusting AI too quickly can create hidden risks. They discuss how confidence in AI outputs can be misleading, why context matters more than ever, and what responsibility leaders still carry when using AI to inform decisions.This conversation is for anyone using AI to think, decide, or lead—and wants to avoid mistaking answers for understanding.Episode Chapters:(0:00) AI answers vs. real understanding(0:06) Why confidence doesn’t equal correctness(0:12) The danger of context-free answers(0:18) When AI replaces judgment(0:24) Leadership responsibility in AI use(0:30) Using AI without losing accountability(0:36) Final takeaways on trust and technology👉 Listen to more episodes of AI Lab Unfiltered to keep learning.

AI is now embedded in how we work—but that doesn’t mean it’s being used intentionally.In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn explore how widespread AI adoption is changing decision-making, leadership, and responsibility. They unpack where AI truly adds value, where it quietly creates risk, and why defaulting to automation can weaken judgment instead of strengthening it.This conversation is for anyone using AI in their work who wants to stay thoughtful, effective, and accountable—rather than just fast.Episode Chapters:(0:00) AI is everywhere—now what?(0:07) When adoption moves faster than understanding(0:13) Using AI vs. defaulting to it(0:19) The hidden cost of AI shortcuts(0:25) Leadership responsibility in AI use(0:31) How to use AI intentionally(0:37) Final takeaways👉 Listen to more episodes of AI Lab Unfiltered to continue the conversation.

AI can deliver answers instantly—but is that helping us think, or quietly replacing critical thinking altogether?In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn unpack how AI is reshaping decision-making and leadership. As AI becomes easier to rely on, they explore why speed doesn’t always equal clarity, and how judgment, responsibility, and context still matter more than ever.This conversation challenges the assumption that smarter tools automatically lead to better outcomes. If you’re using AI to guide decisions or shape strategy, this episode will help you rethink how much thinking should never be outsourced.Episode Chapters:(0:00) Is AI improving thinking or replacing it?(0:06) The risk of instant answers(0:12) Speed vs. understanding(0:18) Where AI truly adds value(0:24) Leadership and responsibility in AI adoption(0:30) When automation creates blind spots(0:36) Using AI to support—not replace—thinking👉 Listen to more episodes of AI Lab Unfiltered to continue the conversation.

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!!  Creativity, Leadership & Human Insight: Finding the AI Balance  Drew Veach (BizStream) and Pete Terryn (NuWave Technology Partners) talk with Brian Tol (Mutually Human) about how artificial intelligence is reshaping business and creative work. They explore the balance between speed and understanding, where AI adds value versus where human insight still matters most, and how leaders can model responsible AI use. This episode is geared toward founders, executives and operators who want to leverage AI without losing critical thinking and human connection.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  - Why AI is best used as a tool to support human judgement, not replace it - How leadership and creativity need to adapt alongside automation - When speed becomes a liability without context - Ways to build trust and transparency with AI in your organization - Strategies for balancing innovation with human connection  🎧 Episode out now → https://lnkd.in/gR3UX4-x  💡 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations on AI. Powered by ThinkTank Thought Leadership.  hashtag#AILeadership hashtag#DecisionMaking hashtag#HumanInTheLoop hashtag#AIRevolution

AI can generate answers instantly—but what happens when it replaces judgment instead of supporting it?In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn explore the unintended consequences of over-relying on AI for thinking, decision-making, and leadership. They discuss why speed without understanding creates risk, how leaders should model responsible AI use, and why critical thinking still matters more than automation.This conversation is for founders, executives, and operators who want to leverage AI without outsourcing responsibility.In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why AI answers can weaken judgment if used incorrectly- The leadership responsibility behind AI adoption- How speed can become a liability without context- When AI supports thinking—and when it replaces it- How to build better decision-making in an AI-first worldChapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered(00:39) Is AI Replacing Our Ability to Think?(03:12) Speed vs. Understanding in Decision-Making(05:58) Why Instant Answers Create Hidden Risk(08:44) Leadership Responsibility in AI Adoption(11:32) When Trust in AI Goes Too Far(14:18) Teaching Teams to Think Before Prompting(17:05) Using AI as Support, Not a Substitute(19:50) The Future of Judgment in an AI World(22:30) Final Takeaways for Leaders

AI is moving faster than ever—but are we actually thinking better because of it?In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn unpack the growing tension between speed and judgment in an AI-driven world. They explore how instant answers can erode critical thinking, why leaders must take responsibility for how AI is used, and what happens when technology replaces reflection instead of supporting it.This conversation is for leaders, founders, and operators who want to use AI as a tool—not a substitute for thinking.In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why faster answers don’t equal better decisions- How AI can weaken—or strengthen—critical thinking- The leadership responsibility behind AI adoption- Where trust in AI becomes dangerous- How to stay intentional in an automated worldChapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered(00:36) Are Faster Answers Making Us Worse Thinkers?(03:05) The Tradeoff Between Speed and Understanding(05:52) Why AI Can Short-Circuit Critical Thinking(08:40) Trusting Technology vs. Taking Responsibility(11:30) How Leaders Should Use AI Intentionally(14:15) When AI Helps Judgment—and When It Replaces It(17:00) Teaching Teams to Think First(19:48) The Human Cost of Over-Automation(22:20) Final Thoughts: AI as Support, Not a Crutch

Is AI helping us think better—or quietly replacing our ability to think at all?In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn dig into one of the most important questions leaders face today: how AI is reshaping critical thinking, decision-making, and responsibility inside organizations.They break down why instant answers can weaken judgment, how leaders should model better thinking in an AI-driven world, and why responsibility—not technology—is the real differentiator moving forward.This conversation is essential for founders, executives, and operators who want to use AI as leverage without outsourcing their thinking.In this episode, you’ll learn:- How AI changes the way humans think and decide- Why critical thinking is declining—and how to rebuild it- The leadership responsibility behind AI adoption- When AI accelerates insight vs. when it creates risk- How to stay human in an automated worldChapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered(00:41) Is AI Replacing Critical Thinking?(03:18) The Danger of Instant Answers(06:05) What the MIT Study Reveals About AI Use(08:52) Responsibility vs. Blind Trust in Technology(11:40) How Leaders Should Model Better Thinking(14:25) When AI Helps—and When It Hurts(17:10) Teaching Teams to Think Before Prompting(19:55) The Human Cost of Over-Automation(22:30) Final Takeaways for Leaders Using AI

Why do some companies move fast with AI while others stay stuck? In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn break down why slow decision-making is becoming one of the biggest risks for modern organizations.They discuss how AI is shifting expectations for speed, why hesitation kills innovation, and what leaders must do to keep up with rapidly changing technology. If you want to stay competitive—and avoid being outpaced by AI-powered competitors—this episode is a must-watch.What you’ll learn:• Why slow decisions are more dangerous than bad decisions• How AI is changing the speed of business• What separates adaptive teams from stagnant ones• The mindset shifts leaders need to stay relevant• How to evaluate risk when everything is moving fasterChapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered(00:48) Why Slow Decisions Are Becoming a Liability(03:15) Business Speed vs. AI Speed(06:40) The Leaders Who Adapt vs. Those Who Fall Behind(09:22) Why Perfectionism Is Slowing Companies Down(12:15) Making Faster, Smarter Decisions with AI(15:00) Risk, Innovation, and Organizational Velocity(17:45) The Future of Leadership in an AI-Accelerated World(20:25) Final Takeaways: Move Faster or Get Left Behind

AI is changing how we think, decide, and lead—but are we actually getting better, or just faster? In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn break down how AI is reshaping decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership inside modern organizations.They explore why some teams thrive with AI while others struggle, the psychology behind relying on instant answers, and the risk of losing critical thinking in an AI-first world.If you’re a leader, operator, or builder trying to understand how to use AI without losing human judgment, this episode is a must-watch.Chapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered(00:42) How AI Is Changing Everyday Decision-Making(03:10) Are We Losing Critical Thinking?(05:55) Instant Answers vs. Understanding(08:20) How Leaders Should Use AI Responsibly(11:45) The Risk of Over-Reliance on Automation(14:26) When AI Speeds You Up—but Makes You Wrong(17:40) Teaching Teams to Think First, Type Second(20:18) Building Better Judgment in an AI Era(23:45) Final Thoughts: AI as a Tool, Not a Brain

AI is changing everything—from how we lead to how we create. In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn dive into the real effects of AI on creativity, leadership, and the evolving workplace.They unpack how leaders can adapt to rapid AI transformation, why creativity still matters more than ever, and what organizations need to do to build teams ready for the next decade of innovation.In this episode:• How AI is transforming creative work• The difference between creative assistance and creative replacement• Why leadership must evolve alongside automation• The balance between innovation and human connection• How to build trust and transparency in an AI-powered workplaceHonest, insightful, and unfiltered—this conversation challenges how we think about technology and humanity.Chapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered(00:50) How AI Is Changing Creative Work(04:10) Can AI Truly Be Creative?(07:25) Leaders Adapting to the AI Era(10:15) Balancing Efficiency and Authenticity(14:05) The Human Element Behind Innovation(17:20) Creativity vs. Automation — Finding the Middle Ground(20:35) The Future of Leadership in an AI World(23:40) Building Teams for an AI-Driven Future(27:15) Why Emotional Intelligence Still Wins(31:00) Final Reflections on AI and Creativity

In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach (BizStream) and Pete Tarrin (New Wave) talk with Steven Lopez, Director of Manufacturing Solutions at The Right Place, about what AI really looks like in manufacturing—especially in the front office. They explore how AI can speed up quoting, clean up manual processes, integrate legacy systems, and help manufacturers see where they actually stand competitively. Steven shares how he uses AI to cut research time, run better assessments, and design dynamic tools that give leaders same-day insights—all while tackling fears around change, jobs, and “AI for the sake of AI.” Powered by ThinkTank Thought Leadership. Chapters(00:00) Intro: AI in the manufacturer’s front office(00:38) How ThinkTank Thought Leadership powers this podcast(01:33) Meet Steven Lopez & The Right Place’s mission(02:40) Competitiveness, “ugly babies,” and gap analysis(06:27) Where tech & AI fit in manufacturers’ reality(08:12) Fixing the front end: quotes, ERP, and AI-enabled speed(12:11) AI adoption across 13 counties & different types of manufacturers(17:44) AI as collaborator, org charts, and the future of director roles(23:28) Blank-check vision: AI-powered assessments that protect communities(35:32) Dynamic assessments, avatars, and rethinking how we help manufacturers

In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew and Pete sit down with Shannon McCormick, Senior Data Scientist at Scandinavian Tobacco Group, to talk about what it really looks like to unleash AI inside your datasets and treat it like a smart coworker instead of a magic black box.Shannon walks through how she uses transactional and customer data in a B2C environment to drive better decisions across shipping, promotions, and retention—everything from scorecards and customer profiles to advanced predictive models with millions of rows. They dig into the messy realities of the job: why 70% of her time is still spent in SQL, why “garbage in, garbage out” still rules, and why you shouldn’t wait for perfect data before you start experimenting with AI.They also unpack the difference between LLM-powered analysis and classic machine learning, when a simple logistic regression beats building your own LLM, and how tools like Copilot and ChatGPT can extend (not replace) the skills of data scientists, marketers, and engineers. The conversation closes with a hopeful look at AI as a creator of new jobs, new businesses, and a radically lower barrier to entrepreneurship.If you’ve ever wondered how to actually use AI with your business data—without getting lost in the hype—this episode is your playbook.Chapters(00:00) Cold Open, Sponsor Shoutout & Episode Setup(01:35) What Does a Data Scientist Actually Do?(02:56) Inside B2C Data: Transactions, Shipping & Promotions(05:54) Predictive Marketing Models & Campaign Targeting(08:33) Analytics Beyond Big Tech: Meijer, Cigars & Mid-Sized Teams(10:42) Data Quality, Cleaning & “Tending the Data Garden”(13:54) Influencing Data Collection & Working with Data Engineering(14:58) Synthetic Data, Surveys & Learning from What You Don’t See(18:16) Getting Started with Data & AI (Even If You’re Not a Data Scientist)(21:25) LLMs vs Classic Machine Learning: Picking the Right Approach(25:07) AI as a Smart Coworker: Jobs, Skills & “Vibe Coding”(31:25) Everyday AI, Marketing Automation & New Entrepreneurs(43:57) Tradeoffs: Learning Deep Skills vs Letting AI Do the Work(46:46) Final Takeaways & Where to Find Shannon

In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew and Pete tackle one of the most talked-about topics in modern industry: how AI is reshaping manufacturing. From job displacement fears to the rise of “cobots,” they explore how artificial intelligence can enhance—rather than replace—human roles. The hosts share insights on balancing efficiency with humanity, creating a positive workplace culture, and preparing teams for the future of human-AI collaboration. Chapters(00:00) Intro and AI in Manufacturing(01:22) Job Displacement Fears and Workforce Augmentation(07:54) Pros and Cons of AI Adoption(14:56) Culture, Leadership, and Employee Engagement(21:49) The Future of Work and Human-AI Collaboration(29:43) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action 

In this episode, Doug Landman from The Right Place and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) joins to discuss how manufacturers can transition from reactive to predictive maintenance—and see immediate savings. Doug explains how even small and mid-sized manufacturers can deploy low-cost sensors, leverage real-time monitoring, and use data to anticipate failures before they happen. The conversation explores practical strategies for reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and empowering teams through upskilling and data-driven decision-making. Chapters(00:00) Intro and Series Kickoff(03:20) Overview of The Right Place and MMTC(07:10) From Perfection to Progress: Start Small(14:20) Hands-On Learning and Data Fundamentals(20:15) Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Insights(24:50) Low-Cost Retrofits: Sensors and Smart Maintenance(30:50) AI Beyond the Production Line(42:40) How Small Manufacturers Can Start(50:40) Lessons from Lean and Six Sigma(54:45) Risks, Funding, and Next Steps(1:02:10) Closing Thoughts and Resources

It’s Halloween at AI Lab Unfiltered—and hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn are exposing the biggest AI myths haunting the headlines.From claims of “conscious” machines to fears about water-draining data centers and job-stealing robots, they separate fact from fiction in this smart, funny, and unfiltered episode.Tune in to hear how AI actually works, what’s really happening with your data, and why the future of AI is more human than you think.Chapters: (00:00) Halloween at AI Lab Unfiltered (03:00) Myth 1: AI Is Conscious (12:10) Myth 2: AI Is Draining Earth’s Water (19:45) Myth 3: AI Is Trained on All Your Data (29:40) Myth 4: AI Hallucinations Can’t Be Fixed (41:20) Myth 5: AI Will Replace All Jobs (53:20) Responsible Leadership in the Age of AI

In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Tarrin explore the transformative impact of AI across various industries, particularly in agriculture and livestock monitoring. They discuss the innovative applications of AI in improving livestock health, enhancing customer experiences in barber shops, and streamlining operations in home services. The conversation emphasizes the importance of developing a strategic approach to AI implementation, fostering critical thinking, and ensuring that AI serves as a facilitator rather than a replacement in business processes. Zach Booker, a serial entrepreneur, shares insights from his diverse portfolio of companies and the role of AI in driving efficiency and innovation.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to AI in Agriculture(02:51) AI Applications in Livestock Monitoring(06:02) The Role of AI in Barber Shops(08:54) AI in Home Services and Training(11:48) Building an AI Strategy for Businesses(14:48) The Importance of Critical Thinking with AI(17:44) AI as a Facilitator in Healthcare(20:46) The Future of AI in Various Industries(24:04) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

AI isn’t just hype—it’s transforming business, creativity, and workflows.In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn unpack what AI adoption really looks like, where the hype ends, and where the real opportunities are.They cover:Myths and misconceptions about AIWhy adoption is harder than people thinkReal-world applications of AI todayHow AI could reshape the future of workChapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete (01:10) Studio Jefferson and ThinkTank Production Support (04:02) Breaking Down AI Myths and Misconceptions (07:18) Why AI Adoption Isn’t Plug and Play (11:26) Real-World AI Applications in Business (16:04) The Human Side of AI Innovation (20:25) Predictions for the Future of AI in Work (24:37) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action👉 Learn more about how AI is reshaping business at cityinnovations.com

AI is changing how we work, create, and innovate.In this full episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach and Pete Terryn unpack:Myths and misconceptions about AIWhy AI is more than just automationThe role of human creativity in AI innovationHow leaders should prepare for the future of workChapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete (01:15) Inside Studio Jefferson, Powered by ThinkTank (03:44) Breaking Down AI Myths and Misconceptions (07:28) Why AI Is More Than Automation (11:36) The Human Side of AI Innovation (16:02) How AI Shapes Creativity and Workflows (20:19) Preparing Leaders for an AI-Driven Future (24:55) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action👉 Learn more about how AI is reshaping business at cityinnovations.com

Leadership training is broken—but can AI fix it?In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach (BizStream) and Pete Terryn (New Wave) talk with Ben Lichtenwalner (Modern Servant Leader) about the intersection of AI and leadership coaching. Together, they unpack:Can AI truly replace leadership coaches?The rise of personalized AI coaching toolsWhy most leadership training doesn’t “stick”How AI could improve retention and personalizationThe balance between human empathy and algorithmsChapters:(00:00) Can AI Replace Leadership Coaches? (01:12) Introducing AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete (03:05) The Rise of Personalized AI Coaching Tools (06:42) Why Leadership Training Doesn’t Stick (10:19) How AI Could Make Training More Effective (14:43) Human Empathy vs. Algorithmic Coaching (18:56) Predictions for the Future of Leadership Development (22:37) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action👉 Learn more about how AI is reshaping leadership at cityinnovations.com

AI is no longer theory—it’s here, changing how businesses run every day.In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, hosts Drew Veach and Pete Terryn explore how companies are actually using AI, the wins they’re seeing, and the pitfalls leaders should avoid. From real-world experiments to enterprise adoption, this conversation cuts through the hype and gets into the lessons that matter.You’ll learn:✔️ What separates successful AI projects from wasted pilots✔️ Why adoption is as much about people as technology✔️ The role of prompts, workflows, and context in AI output✔️ Predictions for how AI will shape the next 12–18 monthsChapters:(00:00) Welcome to AI Lab Unfiltered with Drew and Pete(01:16) The Current State of AI Adoption(04:03) Why Prompts and Workflows Matter More Than Tools(07:42) Breaking Down AI Hype vs. Reality(11:18) Real-World Use Cases Driving Business Growth(15:44) The Human Side of AI Adoption: People + Process(20:09) Where AI Pilots Fail (and How to Avoid It)(24:27) Predictions for AI in the Next 12–18 Months(28:53) Closing Thoughts: Using AI for Real Business Value#AILabUnfiltered #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessGrowth #AIInnovation #Automation #CityInnovations