In this special annual predictions episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, hosts Adam Brotman and Andy Sack are joined by Rose Kelly, Head of AI Consulting at Forum3, for a fast-paced, candid look at what 2026 will bring for artificial intelligence, business leadership, work, and society.The conversation explores whether CEOs will be hired or fired based on AI strategy, if the AI boom is headed toward a bubble or sustained growth, and how AI will reshape jobs, enterprise tools, and executive decision-making. Adam, Andy, and Rose also unpack the rise of AI-generated media, the growing challenge of distinguishing real from fake online, and why 2026 may mark the beginning of a true post-truth era.Other predictions include the future of ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot in the enterprise, whether voice-first AI becomes mainstream, what’s next for AI-powered devices and hardware, and when humanoid robots may actually appear in everyday life. The episode also examines AI’s role in U.S. politics, regulation, labor markets, and the emerging backlash alongside a growing pro-human movement in creativity and culture.Designed for executives, operators, and builders, this episode goes beyond hype to focus on real-world implications, adoption timelines, and strategic signals leaders should be watching as AI continues to accelerate.
OpenAI’s “code red” memo marks a pivotal moment in the AI landscape. In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, Adam Brotman and Andy Sack analyze why Sam Altman is sounding the alarm and how the rapid rise of Gemini 3.1 and Google DeepMind is reshaping competitive dynamics across the AI ecosystem.The conversation explores what this shift means for ChatGPT’s long-held dominance, whether OpenAI is stretching itself too thin, and how Anthropic’s focused strategy in enterprise and coding compares to OpenAI’s broader ambitions. Adam and Andy also examine the role of user experience, product design, memory features, and advanced voice interfaces in determining which model will win long-term market share.For business leaders, this episode delivers clear insight into how the AI platform race is evolving, what signals matter, and why the future may involve using multiple models rather than relying on a single provider.A candid and practical breakdown of one of the most important competitive moments in generative AI to date.
The 2025 Year in Review episode of AI First with Adam and Andy offers an in-depth look at what truly shaped the AI landscape this year. Hosts Adam Brotman and Andy Sack revisit the predictions they made at the end of 2024 and evaluate how those expectations aligned with real developments across search, agentic systems, generative video, large language models, enterprise adoption, and the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.This episode explores how AI search evolved without significantly weakening Google’s dominance, why reasoning models became the unexpected breakthrough of 2025, and how xAI and Elon Musk surged into greater influence. Adam and Andy also examine Apple’s limited progress in AI, the rise of new competitive pressures among leading AI labs, and the public debate around an emerging AI bubble.For executives seeking clarity, the conversation highlights the shifts that matter for 2026, including regulatory uncertainty, the slowing but still resilient labor market, and the widening gap between infrastructure advancements and consumer-facing applications. With transparent commentary and practical insights, Adam and Andy cut through hype and offer a grounded, strategic view of where AI is headed next.Ideal for leaders building AI roadmaps, this episode delivers essential perspective on the year’s biggest developments and lessons.
In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, we sit down with Benji Koltai, co-founder and CEO of Galley Solutions, to unpack how AI is transforming one of the most complex operational environments: the kitchen.Benji shares the personal story that led him to build Galley and reveals why most food service companies still operate using analog systems and spreadsheets. He explains how Galley’s recipe-first, culinary resource planning platform gives kitchens a true “system of record”, enabling better planning, reduced waste, improved labor efficiency, and scalable operations.The discussion also dives into AI adoption: why teams must learn to “ask AI first,” how LLMs now support everything from recipe digitization to customer support, and why leaders need to address the philosophical and emotional barriers employees face when bringing AI into their workflow.Whether you're in food service, technology, or simply curious about vertical AI and the future of operations, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how data, systems of record, and generative AI come together to reshape an entire industry.
In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, Andy Sack and Adam Brotman unpack one of the most common questions they hear from executives: which AI model should your organization use? Andy explains why comfort, workflow, and use case matter more than brand loyalty, and why toggling between models is a powerful way to learn their strengths.The conversation turns to the launch of Gemini 3, including Adam’s early impressions of its increased speed, stronger reasoning, and more agentic behavior. They explore what this shift means for enterprise AI and why companies should never limit themselves to a single model for every team and task.Whether you are leading an AI initiative, managing adoption across departments, or experimenting on your own, this episode offers clear, practical guidance on building a flexible, resilient, AI-first culture.
In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, hosts Adam Brotman and Andy Sack explore a recent New York Times opinion piece by Eric Schmidt and Andrew Sirota titled “Use AI to Reinvigorate Democracy, Not Replace It.” The article highlights examples from Albania and Taiwan, showing how governments are already using AI to reduce corruption, analyze constituent feedback, and create more responsive policies.Adam and Andy reflect on the larger question behind these stories. AI can help leaders synthesize information, listen to the public more effectively, and make smarter decisions faster. But turning decision-making over to the algorithm risks accountability, trust, and democratic values. They also discuss why governments need AI literacy, training, and communities of practice to ensure these tools are used in ways that strengthen institutions rather than weaken them.A thoughtful look at how AI could shape the future of governance.
Adam Brotman and Andy Sack unpack the true meaning of AI First. Too many executives still treat AI as a tool for efficiency. But as Andy explains, AI is an “alien intelligence” that reshapes how organizations think, plan, and operate. Together, Adam and Andy explore the difference between being AI-curious and being truly AI-first, a shift that requires courage, cultural change, and daily use across every function. Listen in to understand why AI First isn’t just a strategy; it’s the future of work.
In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, IgniteTech CEO Eric Vaughan offers a candid inside look at one of the boldest AI transformations in enterprise software. After realizing that AI was an existential shift for his company, Vaughan led IgniteTech and its sister companies through a sweeping cultural reinvention that ultimately turned over 80% of staff to build what he calls an AI DNA organization.Vaughan, alongside hosts Adam Brotman and Andy Sack, unpacks the messy middle of change, from resistance within technical teams to the importance of belief and mindset, and the challenge of moving fast without losing operational stability. He shares how IgniteTech’s teams now create new products in weeks instead of quarters, integrate multiple LLMs across workflows, and empower every employee to innovate through AI.This conversation reveals what it truly takes to be an AI-first CEO, from funding experimentation and rethinking org design to cultivating a company culture where AI is not just a tool but part of every employee’s daily toolkit.
In this bite-size episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, the hosts tackle one of the most common misconceptions in enterprise AI adoption: that you need a perfect data lake before you can begin.Adam and Andy explain why this “wait until the data is ready” mindset slows innovation and how forward-thinking leaders are getting results now by experimenting with the data they already have. Through real client examples, they contrast the old IT-led playbook with a faster, executive-driven approach that emphasizes iteration, accessibility, and speed.If you have ever wondered when to start your AI-first transformation, the answer is simple: today.
In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, Adam Brotman and Andy Sack explore what it really takes for organizations to transform with AI. They argue that the journey doesn’t begin with data lakes, councils, or playbooks, it begins with leadership.The conversation dives into why CEOs need their own “aha moment,” how to empower internal change agents, and what it looks like when teams stop waiting for readiness and start making better decisions, faster. Adam also shares a real-world example of helping a CEO unlock major business value using GPT-5 Pro in just minutes.It’s a candid look at the mindset, culture, and urgency that define truly AI-first companies.
The global economy is undergoing a seismic shift that rivals the Industrial Revolution in scale and impact. In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, the hosts dive into the massive recent deals shaping the AI landscape, from Nvidia’s multibillion-dollar investment in OpenAI to OpenAI’s unprecedented infrastructure agreement with Oracle.Far from being financial hype, these moves point to a deeper truth: we are still at the very beginning of the AI era, and the next five years will demand enormous investments in data centers, compute, and energy to power this transformation. Andy and Adam explain why executives should look beyond the headline numbers, what this means for the future of knowledge work, and how AI will reshape global productivity at every level.
In this special three-part episode, AI First with Adam and Andy follows Influence Mobile CEO Dan Todd through a 90-day journey to become an AI-first company. Listeners will hear how a 65-person team with $40–50 million in revenue moved from scattered experimentation to structured adoption. Dan shares how they introduced enterprise ChatGPT and Gemini, tracked usage, and built momentum through Slack contests and creative prompt sharing. The conversation covers measurable wins such as developers cutting project time by more than half, marketing and BI teams using AI for deeper insights, and leadership leading by example. Dan also discusses the pitfalls of AI use, including accuracy risks and lessons from one costly prompt mistake. This candid case study offers a real-world look at AI transformation in progress, giving business leaders practical takeaways to accelerate their own journey toward AI-first operations.
In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, hosts Adam Brotman and Andy Sack sit down with Jennifer Strickland Fowler, CEO of Destination Pet, a rapidly growing company with over 160 pet care centers across 34 states. Jennifer shares her journey from human healthcare into pet care leadership and how her perspective on AI has shifted dramatically in the last year.She explains how Destination Pet now uses AI to accelerate competitive analysis, streamline recruiting, evaluate vendors, and free up staff to spend more time with pets and their owners. Jennifer also offers a CEO’s perspective on AI as a “thought partner” and “co-pilot,” helping her team spark creativity, improve efficiency, and deliver a better customer experience. This candid conversation highlights the real-world, non-linear ROI of AI adoption in a relationship-driven service business.
In this special mini-episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, Adam Brotman and Andy Sack dig into two of the biggest AI stories making headlines.They start with the recent MIT study that fueled a viral Fortune headline claiming 95% of corporate AI projects fail. Adam explains what the research actually found, from the limitations of wrapper apps to the importance of micro use cases and realistic measures of success. Together, Adam and Andy highlight why leaders should avoid getting distracted by shiny solutions and instead double down on the small, practical wins that drive real business value.Then the conversation turns to OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT-5. With polarized reactions ranging from disappointment to awe, Adam and Andy cut through the noise to share their perspective on where GPT-5 truly fits in the broader AI landscape. They explore how the frontier models are advancing together, why expectations matter, and what the “trough of disillusionment” means for businesses today.This episode is a candid, hype-free look at what’s really happening in AI innovation, and what leaders should be paying attention to now.
In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, we’re joined by Henrik Werdelin and Nicholas Thorne, co-founders of Audos and authors of Me, My Customer, and AI. Drawing on decades of entrepreneurial experience, they share how AI is transforming not just the pace of innovation, but the very nature of what it means to build a business.From the rise of small, agile, high-impact companies to the new competitive moats grounded in relationships, community, and trust, Henrik and Nicholas reveal why the AI era rewards entrepreneurs who start with their customers and stay deeply connected to them. The conversation explores “Entrepreneurship 3.0,” the end of the SaaS era as we know it, and practical ways AI can accelerate product launches, scale customer relationships, and create sustainable growth.Whether you’re leading a global brand or launching your first venture, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at how to thrive in a business landscape moving at AI speed.
In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, we’re joined by Keith Fairclough, CIO of Cabi, a women’s apparel brand with a national network of over 2,000 independent stylists. Keith walks us through how he went from early AI experimentation to spearheading a full-scale transformation at Cabi, turning curiosity into capability across the entire company.Keith breaks down the lessons from their AI bootcamp with Forum3, the structure they built to scale adoption (including org-wide training, AI office hours, and GPT competitions), and real use cases now saving time and expanding output, from automated marketing retouching to a custom GPT for IT sprint planning. He also shares what didn’t work, including missteps around executive involvement and building out an AI champions team.If you’re a leader looking to scale AI across your organization, not just implement tools, this episode offers a front-row seat to what it looks like to lead with vision, structure, and practicality.
In this special episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, we go global with our first international guest, Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ and Cali BBQ Media, joining us from Bulgaria. Shawn shares how he’s using AI not just to support operations, but to fuel real innovation across both his restaurant and media businesses.He walks us through a game-changing Father’s Day activation where a voice AI agent, trained on his own podcast content and voice, answered 150+ customer calls, freeing up his team and driving record-breaking sales. He also explains how AI has become his remote creative partner, helping him turn iPhone clips into full media assets while traveling in Istanbul.From launching voice tech in his BBQ shops to using ChatGPT for deep market research on potential family investments, Shawn is a masterclass in AI-first thinking. His stories show how any business, no matter how local, can scale globally and strategically with the right AI mindset.
In this episode of AI First with Adam and Andy, author and tech thinker Steven Johnson shares the surprising origin story of Google’s NotebookLM. Learn how a writer’s personal obsession with note-taking turned into a viral AI-native product now transforming enterprise workflows.
AI First: A Playbook for Future-Proofing Your Business and Brand in the AI Era is officially out, and the world of AI has moved fast since we submitted the manuscript nine months ago. In this special launch-day episode, Adam Brotman and Andy Sack bring listeners behind the scenes to reflect on what has changed, what didn’t make it into the book, and what leaders need to be thinking about right now.From Sam Altman’s viral blog post The Gentle Singularity to the rapid rise of reasoning models, autonomous agents, and early signs of economic disruption, this episode is a candid look at how fast the AI landscape is evolving.Topics discussed include:Why we’ve crossed the threshold into the AGI eraThe real-world impact of reasoning models and AI agentsWhy AI-related job disruption is already startingThe need for AGI Horizon Councils and AI R&D labsHow shifting consumer behavior is challenging Google’s dominanceWhat we would add to the playbook todayThis episode serves as a real-time epilogue to the book and a preview of what’s next for AI-first leaders.
Fresh from the floor of the Food on Demand Conference in Las Vegas, Adam Brotman and Andy Sack unpack what’s top of mind for today’s restaurant leaders. In this episode, they reflect on the slowdown in digital growth, rising consumer price sensitivity, and the evolving challenges facing operators in 2025.They also explore how AI is transitioning from hype to practical application, powering smarter decisions in areas such as guest feedback, menu optimization, and operational efficiency. With insight, clarity, and candor, Adam and Andy offer a timely recap of where the industry is headed and what brands can do right now to unlock sustainable growth.