AI InterConnect Podcast

In this episode, Ben Sheppard from Inside Startups shares his extensive journey from infrastructure advisor to tech startup founder and investor. He discusses the lessons learned from startup dips, the importance of fractional operators, and how to navigate growth and funding challenges. key topicsBen Sheppard's career transition from infrastructure to tech startupsThe importance of learning from startup dips and failuresRole of fractional operators in startup scalingStrategies for go-to-market and customer acquisitionFunding and investment insights from Ben SheppardThe impact of regulatory environments on startupsBuilding and exiting startups quicklyLessons learned from startup failures and pivotsFuture plans for inside startups and tech innovation takeawaysStartup dips teach more than success stories.Fractional operators provide immediate impact and expertise.Early customer validation is crucial for scaling.Building a strong go-to-market engine accelerates growth.Funding success can be fragile; market collapse affects all.Resilience and adaptability are key to startup survival.Clear organizational design supports scaling efforts.Founder control can be relieved through strategic delegation. sound bites"Regulatory environments can make or break a business.""Blockchain and decentralised finance can solve infrastructure financing.""The dips in startups teach more than the ups."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Laurent Cochet and AI Interconnect00:24 Introducing Ben Sheppard and his background01:21 Ben’s career journey from infrastructure to startups02:25 Lessons from building and exiting startups04:41 The impact of regulatory environments on business09:08 Ben’s shift to tech and blockchain innovations14:02 Raising capital and market challenges in blockchain17:11 Dealing with market collapse and startup dips21:36 The importance of resilience and learning from failures22:38 The role of fractional operators in startups26:20 Future plans for inside startups and growth strategies keywordsstartup, entrepreneurship, funding, growth, fractional operators, tech, investment, leadership, scaling, business strategy, B2B growth, B2B startup growth, founder-led sales, founder-led growth, startup sales, startup go-to-market strategy, go-to-market strategy, GTM strategy, GTM engine, B2B lead generation, B2B sales pipeline, customer acquisition, startup customer acquisition, scaling a startup, how to scale a startup, predictable sales pipeline, repeatable sales process, product market fit, finding product market fit, startup founder, fractional executive, fractional operator, startup business coach, startup growth strategy, first customers, finding B2B customers, Inside Startups, Ben Sheppard, AI InterConnect, Barcelona startups#AIInterConnect, #BenSheppard, #InsideStartups, #Podcast, #BusinessPodcast, #B2BGrowth, #StartupGrowth, #FounderLedSales, #FounderLedGrowth, #B2BSales, #B2BMarketing, #B2BLeadGeneration, #LeadGeneration, #SalesPipeline, #SalesStrategy, #GTM, #GTMStrategy, #GoToMarket,Ben Sheppard, Founder of Inside Startups, joins AI InterConnect to explain why B2B startups often struggle to scale beyond founder-led sales and their immediate network.Drawing on a career spanning major infrastructure projects, multiple startups, fundraising, an exit, turnaround situations and fractional leadership, Ben shares why building the product is often easier than consistently finding customers.We explore how founders can identify the real barriers to growth, validate their ICP, win customers outside their existing network, build a repeatable go-to-market engine, and know when coaching should give way to hands-on fractional leadership.Ben also explains his “as-is” assessment approach and how founders can work backwards from a clear 90-day outcome to remove themselves as the bottleneck.Subscribe to AI InterConnect for conversations with founders, CEOs and operators building repeatable B2B growth.

In this episode, Daniel LeSieur Founder of FS Ventures and Walk Your Plans shares his extensive experience with AI and machine learning, from early applications in supply chain management to building innovative startups. Discover how his insights can help entrepreneurs and business leaders leverage AI effectively. key topicsEarly AI applications in supply chain managementThe evolution of machine learning and AIBuilding startups with AI and machine learningAligning product strategy with business goalsChallenges and opportunities in AI entrepreneurship takeawaysAI and machine learning have been integral to supply chain optimization since 2007.Understanding the basics of AI helps in developing effective business strategies.Entrepreneurs should focus on how AI can solve real problems and create value.Protecting intellectual property in AI is crucial as technology advances.Building community and relationships is key to scaling AI-driven businesses. sound bites"AI has been part of supply chain logic since 2007.""Understanding the basics of AI helps in developing strategies.""AI is giving people the ability to create sophisticated products."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Daniel's background in AI and supply chain01:57 Early experiences with machine learning in warehouse logistics04:00 Transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship and startups05:56 Full Sale Ventures mission: Do, Share, and Improve08:00 Aligning product strategy with mission and vision10:01 Target audiences and benefits of working with Full Sale Ventures11:54 Challenges in transitioning from founder to executive roles12:52 Innovating home design with AI through Walk Your Plans16:03 Using AI to visualize and optimize interior and exterior spaces18:10 Building and scaling AI businesses: challenges and lessons19:58 Future plans for AI products and community building30:01 Closing remarks and contact information keywordsAI, machine learning, entrepreneurship, supply chain, startup, innovation, product strategy, AI applications, venture building, Daniel LeSieur, Full Sail Ventures, Walk Your Plans, Walk Your Plans NWA, AI in PropTech, AI in architecture, AI home design, artificial intelligence, machine learning, applied AI, AI implementation, AI for business, AI automation, architectural visualization, full scale floor plans, home design technology, construction technology, PropTech, immersive technology, AI floor plans, architects and builders, AI intellectual property, Northwest Arkansas, #AIInterConnect, #DanielLeSieur, #FullSailVentures, #WalkYourPlans, #WalkYourPlansNWA, #Podcast, #ArtificialIntelligence, #AI, #MachineLearning, #AppliedAI, #AIInnovation, #AIAutomation, #AIImplementation, #EnterpriseAI, #AIForBusiness, #PropTech, #AIinPropTech, #Architecture, #AIinArchitecture, #HomeDesign, #AIHomeDesign, #ArchitecturalDesign, #ArchitecturalVisualization, #FloorPlans, #ConstructionTechnology, #ConTech, #AEC, #AECtechnology, #ImmersiveTechnology, #InteriorDesign, #CustomHomes, #HomeBuilders, #FutureOfConstruction, Daniel LeSieur, Founder & CEO of Full Sail Ventures, joins AI InterConnect to explore how applied AI and machine learning are moving from theory into real-world business, architecture, and home design.Daniel shares lessons from more than two decades across Walmart supply chain, operations, eCommerce, and emerging technology, including machine-learning applications developed years before today's AI boom. He also takes us inside Walk Your Plans NWA, where full-scale floor plans help homeowners, architects, designers, and builders experience spaces before construction. We discuss AI-assisted floor plans, immersive architectural visualization, venture building, intellectual property in the AI era, and what founders should understand about applying AI to genuine customer problems.Subscribe to AI InterConnect for conversations with founders and operators building the future.

In this episode, Laurent Cochet interviews Sam Eitzen, co-founder and CEO of SNAPBAR, about how experiential marketing is evolving with AI and virtual experiences. They explore how SNAPBAR creates engaging brand activations, the challenges of pivoting a business, and the future of in-person events in a digital world. key topicsThe evolution of experiential marketing with AISNAPBAR's journey from photo booths to a platformCreating engaging brand activations that drive business resultsChallenges of pivoting and scaling in a fast-changing marketThe importance of relationships and trust in customer growthThe role of in-person events in a digital eraUsing AI to enhance live experiences and content creationStrategies for turning one-time activations into long-term relationships sound bites"Experiential marketing is interaction, not just broadcast""AI can make content creation faster and cheaper""In-person events are growing in value and importance"Chapters00:00 Introduction to the AI Interconnect podcast and guest00:29 Meet Sam Aidzen, CEO of SNAPBAR01:19 Sam shares his founder story and company evolution02:28 How Sam's background influenced SNAPBAR's direction04:16 The origins of SNAPBAR as a photo booth company06:07 Defining experiential marketing and its growth08:20 Successful brand activations and their business impact11:28 Challenges of pivoting and business growth13:25 Current friction points and market positioning16:54 Building relationships and trust for growth19:20 Impact of AI on trust and human experiences23:28 Future plans for SNAPBAR and the experiential marketing platform26:07 Expanding into agency relationships and new markets27:47 What Sam would tell his startup self29:33 Advice for marketing leaders in an AI-driven world31:34 Closing thoughts and contact information keywordsexperiential marketing, AI, virtual events, brand activations, event technology, customer relationships, marketing strategy, Snapbar, event industry, in-person experiences, Sam Eitzen, Snapbar, experiential marketing, experiential marketing platform, AI experiential marketing, event technology, event tech, AI event technology, artificial intelligence, AI marketing, AI-powered experiences, brand experiences, brand activation, experiential marketing technology, event marketing, event marketing technology, live events, future of live events, human connection, AI and human trust, event lead generation, trade show marketing, event engagement, AI InterConnect#AIInterConnect, #SamEitzen, #Snapbar, #Podcast, #AI, #ArtificialIntelligence, #ExperientialMarketing, #ExperientialMarketingPlatform, #EventTech, #EventTechnology, #EventMarketing, #AIinMarketing, #AIMarketing, #AIExperiences, #AIEvents, #BrandExperience, #BrandActivation, #ExperientialTechnology, #LiveEvents, #FutureOfEvents, #FutureOfMarketing, #HumanConnection, #HumanExperience, #AIandTrust, #TrustInAI, #FirstPartyData, #LeadGeneration, #EventLeadGeneration, #TradeShowMarketing, #EventEngagement, #CustomerEngagement, #BrandEngagement, Sam Eitzen, Co-Founder & CEO of Snapbar, joins AI InterConnect to explore why AI could make real human experiences more valuable, not less.After 14 years building Snapbar through physical events, virtual experiences and now AI-powered experiential marketing, Sam shares what he has learned about business pivots, human connection, event technology and building relationships in an increasingly automated world.We explore how Snapbar evolved from a photo booth business into an experiential marketing platform, how brands can turn live experiences into measurable engagement and leads, and why intimate gatherings and major experiential events may thrive as digital channels become saturated with AI-generated content.Sam also shares the challenges of repositioning a company, building trust and knowing when to say no to growth.Subscribe to AI InterConnect for conversations with founders and technology leaders building the future.

Deepak Thakkar, CEO of Finessse Interactive, shares over 20 years of digital marketing experience and how AI is transforming the agency landscape. Discover insights on AI-driven strategies, client relationships, and the future of digital marketing in this comprehensive discussion. key topicsEvolution of digital marketing over 20 yearsAI's role in transforming agenciesClient relationship management in the AI eraStrategies for integrating AI into marketing workflowsFuture trends in AI-driven marketing sound bites"AI will never be able to replicate human emotions""AI is not going to predict what's going to work""You have to be there on the answer engine"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Deepak Thakkar and Finess Interactive01:42 Deepak's journey from offline to digital marketing04:37 Broader customer journey in AI-driven marketing07:33 Balancing brand building and performance marketing09:02 Long-term client engagement and trust11:24 AI's impact on agency productivity and services15:19 Understanding AI's role in search and SEO20:55 Adapting to rapid changes in AI and digital marketing25:32 Future plans and market expansion with AI29:12 Collaborating with tools and partners for AI capabilities32:30 Final thoughts and contact information keywordsAI, digital marketing, agency, AI-first, SEO, performance marketing, client engagement, automation, future of marketing, AI search, AI SEO, AEO, answer engine optimization, GEO, generative engine optimization, future of SEO, digital marketing AI, AI in digital marketing, AI-first digital agency, marketing automation, AI marketing automation, AI agents for business, performance marketing, search engine optimization, AI search optimization, Google AI search, ChatGPT search, Gemini search, digital marketing strategy, future of digital marketing, Finessse Digital, Deepak Thakkar, AI InterConnect, business growth, AI transformation, agency automation, AI-powered marketing, AI visibility, enterprise digital marketing#AIInterConnect, #AIInterConnectPodcast, #Podcast, #DeepakThakkar, #FinessseDigital, #ArtificialIntelligence, #AI, #AISearch, #AISEO, #AEO, #AnswerEngineOptimization, #GEO, #GenerativeEngineOptimization, #SEO, #FutureOfSEO, #DigitalMarketing, #AIMarketing, #MarketingAI, #MarketingAutomation, #AIAutomation, #AIAgents, #AIAgentsForBusiness, #PerformanceMarketing, #SearchMarketing, #SearchEngineOptimization, #AIVisibility, #ChatGPT, #Gemini, #GoogleAI, #FutureOfSearch, #FutureOfMarketing, #DigitalTransformation, #MarketingTechnology, #MarTech, #BusinessGrowth, #AgencyGrowth, #DigitalAgency, #AITransformation, #EnterpriseMarketing, #MarketingStrategy, #ContentMarketing, #CustomerAcquisition, #LeadGeneration, #BusinessAutomation, #FutureOfBusinessDeepak Thakkar, Founder & CEO of Finessse Digital, joins AI InterConnect to explore how AI search, AEO, GEO, automation, and AI agents are changing digital marketing.After more than 20 years in the industry, Deepak has experienced the evolution from early websites and traditional SEO to performance marketing and today's AI-first search environment. He explains why businesses must now think beyond Google rankings, how Answer Engine Optimization and Generative Engine Optimization are changing brand visibility, and where human expertise still matters as AI automates more agency work.We also discuss performance marketing, AI-powered reporting, acquiring high-value clients, international expansion, and what the digital agency of the future could look like.Subscribe to AI InterConnect for conversations with founders, CEOs, and operators building with AI.

In this episode, Sara Skowronski Principal at Eos HR Consulting shares her insights on integrating AI into HR and organizational processes, emphasizing governance, responsibility, and practical implementation strategies. key topicsAI integration in HR and organizational processesThe importance of human oversight in AI decisionsCommon pitfalls in AI adoption and how to avoid themThe role of policies and documentation in responsible AI useBias, privacy, and responsibility in AI-driven decisions sound bites"AI is a tool that needs to be managed.""AI has our bias, and we all have bias.""Decisions made by AI must be documented and reviewed."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sara Skowronsky and AI in HR01:15 Sara's background and how she got into HR and AI04:16 Early experiences with no code tools and AI exploration06:19 Common mistakes companies make in AI adoption08:02 Moving beyond isolated AI workflows to integrated systems09:54 Responsibility and human oversight in AI decisions12:16 Risks related to privacy, bias, and overconfidence in AI13:19 Transparency and employee rights in AI-driven decisions15:28 The importance of AI policies and responsible use17:54 Practical steps for AI adoption in small businesses20:22 The advantage of experience in AI integration21:39 Small vs. large organizations in AI adoption23:45 Immediate actions for AI implementation in 30 days25:06 Building organizational systems with AI and overcoming challenges26:57 Managing AI in business and maintaining focus28:14 Overcoming personal and organizational barriers to AI adoption30:27 Advice for CEOs on AI adoption and awareness31:18 How to connect with Sara and explore AI opportunities keywordsAI, HR, organizational automation, AI governance, AI responsibility, AI adoption, small business AI, AI policies, AI bias, AI in HR, AI in HR, AI for HR, HR automation, responsible AI, AI governance, human in the loop AI, AI adoption, AI for small business, small business AI, workplace AI, employee AI policy, AI compliance, AI risk management, HR technology, AI workflow automation, Claude AI, AI decision making, AI and employees, future of HR, AI workforce strategy, responsible automation, AI implementation, Sara Skowronski, Eos HR and AI Consulting, Eos HR, AI InterConnect, artificial intelligence in HR, AI for business, HR consulting, AI policy#AIInterConnect, #Podcast, #SaraSkowronski, #EosHR, #EosHRAndAIConsulting, #AI, #ArtificialIntelligence, #AIinHR, #HRTech, #HRConsulting, #ResponsibleAI, #AIGovernance, #HumanInTheLoop, #AIAdoption, #AIAutomation, #WorkflowAutomation, #AIImplementation, #WorkplaceAI, #EmployeeAI, #AIPolicy, #AICompliance, #AIRiskManagement, #FutureOfHR, #FutureOfWork, #WorkforceAI, #HRLeadership, #HumanResources, #PeopleOperations, #SmallBusinessAI, #AIForSmallBusiness, #AIForBusiness, #BusinessAutomation, #BusinessAI, #ClaudeAI, #AIDecisionMaking, #AIEthics, #ResponsibleAutomation, #DigitalTransformation, #BusinessInnovation, #FounderLedBusiness, #SmallBusiness, Sara Skowronski, Principal Consultant at Eos HR & AI Consulting, joins AI InterConnect to explore what businesses get wrong about AI adoption and why automating a broken process can simply make that broken process move faster.Drawing on 25 years in HR, Sara explains how AI is changing HR workflows, employee decisions, compliance, governance, payroll and business operations. She discusses why human-in-the-loop oversight remains essential when AI touches hiring, performance or layoffs, and why companies need clear AI policies before employee adoption gets out of control.Sara also shares how she uses AI and Claude inside her own consulting practice, reducing some complex analytical work from 10–15 hours to around 90 minutes. Subscribe to AI InterConnect for conversations with founders and leaders building and applying the future of AI.