DiscoverStartup Stories from the TreehouseThe Paradox of AI: Balancing Technology with Human Connection S03E17
The Paradox of AI: Balancing Technology with Human Connection S03E17

The Paradox of AI: Balancing Technology with Human Connection S03E17

Update: 2025-08-28
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William Welser IV’s conversation with Todd Gagne spotlights a human-centered approach to AI and product building. His non-linear path—military, engineering, RAND, and founding LOTIC—centers on helping people. LOTIC flips the data model: it uses spoken stories as rich, owned-by-user data, secured with advanced encryption, and analyzed by the “Wisdom Engine” for personalized insights. Key takeaways for founders: design to enhance lives, not just speed tasks; “show your work” to build transparency and learning; form interdisciplinary teams (behavioral scientists first); practice humility and assume you might be wrong; and address cofounder misalignment early. Welser warns against offloading thinking to AI—friction drives learning. LOTIC’s privacy-first, ethical design shows trust can be a durable business advantage.

Ready to turn your expertise into an AI product that truly serves people? Explore Wildfire Labs’ 6-month studio program at wildfirelabs.io or email info@wildfirelabs.io to get started.


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The Paradox of AI: Balancing Technology with Human Connection S03E17

The Paradox of AI: Balancing Technology with Human Connection S03E17

William Welser IV, Todd Gagne