Rob Saltrese is the founder of Scale-Up Advisors and CxO LAB, helping SaaS startups scale by providing leadership expertise through fractional consulting. In this episode, we explore how fractional executives can bring high-level expertise into organizations without the long-term commitment of full-time hires. We also discuss the role of AI in business transformation, leadership challenges, and how to vet top talent.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Rob Saltrese LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-saltrese-17263a2/
• CxO LAB Website: https://www.cxolab.io/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Intro and background

00:01:04 Fractional Consulting[00:06:58] Impact of COVID and Remote Work

00:11:38 AI in Business Transformation

00:15:00 Future of Startups and Investment Trends

00:24:47 Mindset Shift in Modern Work Culture

00:27:50 The Value of Diverse Experience in Leadership

00:28:43 Hiring Fractional Executives: Tips and Advice

00:30:47 Evaluating the Impact of Fractional Executives

00:32:59 The Benefits of Fast Decision-Making in Hiring

00:38:40 When Fractional Executives Might Not Be the Best Fit

00:41:20 Aligning Incentives and Overcoming Investor Bias

00:43:19 Closing

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Roger Eintoss is a Buenos Aires-based software engineer and co-founder of Braintly, which helps companies hire vetted nearshore software engineers from Latin America. In this conversation, we explore building bootstrapped businesses, overcoming the fear of idea theft, and the importance of execution. We also discuss the impact of AI on software development and how businesses can adapt to global digital transformation.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Twitter: [Roger Eintoss]: https://x.com/reinstoss
• LinkedIn: [Roger Eintoss]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogereinstoss/
• Website: [Braintly]: https://www.braintly.com/

TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:12 Intro and background 00:01:04 Service vs Product Companies 00:01:19 Billion dollar idea 00:03:29 Challenges and Realities of Running an Agency 00:06:15 Building a Bootstrap Business 00:09:48 Importance of Networking and Partnerships 00:13:10 Expanding your Skillset 00:16:24 Marketing and Business Development Strategies 00:19:12 Relationships 00:20:49 Playbooks of Failure 00:24:21 Ideas and Execution 00:28:14 Zero Sum Game 00:35:05 AI on Software Development 00:41:49 Final Advice and Reflections 00:44:17 Closing

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Chuck Aikens is the founder of Tymoo and a seasoned expert in content marketing and leveraging AI. In this conversation, we explored how AI is transforming content creation, breaking down the process into manageable steps with multiple AI agents, and starting with essential core documents like personas and brand promises. We also touched on the future of SEO and the importance of authentic human expressions in content. Key topics include AI-driven content strategy, the Tidal Wave Content platform, and the evolution of search and SEO.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Chuck Aikens LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckaikens/
• Chuck Aikens Website: https://chuckaikens.com/
• Tidal Wave Content: https://www.tidalwavecontent.com/
• Deciphering Digital Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@decipheringdigital
• Special Offer: 90-minute custom training session with Chuck Aikens for $100 (usually $250) - https://calendly.com/c-i-a/ai-team-training

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Intro and background 00:01:18 AI Adoption and Perception 00:03:32 AI in Marketing: Use Cases and Challenges 00:06:32 Effective AI Integration Strategies 00:11:45 Building a Content Strategy with AI 00:12:15 Google's Content Philosophy and E.E.A.T 00:16:28 Foundational Documents for AI-Driven Content 00:21:54 Developing Content Strategy Waves 00:23:53 True Human Connection 00:26:59 Building Custom Chat GPTs: The New Frontier 00:27:49 Challenges in Agent Communication and Integration 00:29:30 The Role of AI in Marketing and Co-Creation 00:30:31 The Evolution of Knowledge Work Processes 00:33:02 AI in Sales and Compliance 00:35:33 Optimizing Prompts and Managing AI Tools 00:39:53 Low Code/No Code Tools for AI Integration 00:45:39 The Future of SEO and Content Creation 00:51:33 Closing

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Aakash Shah is the founder and CEO of Wyndly, a telehealth company specializing in allergy immunotherapy. In this conversation, we explore Wyndly’s mission to make allergy treatment more accessible and personalized. Key topics include the evolution from traditional allergy treatments to innovative at-home diagnostics, the impact of AI in customer support, and the challenges of fostering a strong corporate culture in a fast-growing startup.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Aakash Shah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mraakashshah/
• Wyndly Website: https://www.wyndly.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:12 Introduction and background 00:01:24 Traditional Allergy Treatments vs Innovative At-Home Allergy Solutions 00:05:37 US Healthcare System 00:07:41 Startups in the Medical Space 00:10:04 Starting a Medical Services Company 00:15:06 Y Combinator Program 00:17:46 Maintaining Fast-Paced Growth 00:20:19 Compounding Learning 00:21:09 Building a Fast-Moving Culture 00:26:14 AI 00:37:07 Windly's Vision and Future 00:38:08 Closing

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Dino Scheidt is an AI Engineer, former CTO and Founder who works with Fortune 50s, Start-Ups, and Governments on Data Intelligence and AI Architectures. In this conversation, we explore the evolving landscape of AI with a particular focus on generative AI and its applications. Dino criticizes the concept of 'AI strategies,' arguing that AI should be seen as a tool rather than a strategy. Despite his initial skepticism towards generative AI, Dino acknowledges its potential, especially in transforming traditional value chains through AI-enabled communications. We also delve into the challenges and opportunities posed by non-deterministic systems, the concept of Data P&L, and the complexity of integrating generative AI into existing business operations. Dino wraps up the discussion by emphasizing the importance of lateral thinking and digital representation of business processes to leverage future AI innovations effectively.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Dino Scheidt LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dinoscheidt
• Dino Scheidt Website: https://din.ooo
• The Gartner Hype Cycle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gartner_hype_cycle

TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:12 Introduction and background 00:00:45 AI and Generative Models 00:04:36 Deterministic vs Non-Deterministic Systems 00:08:19 Unpredictability, Value Chain, and AI Integration 00:13:26 Hype Cycle: Adjective to Noun 00:19:13 Strategic Integration of Generative AI 00:28:36 Value of Generative AI: Consumer vs. Enterprise Perspectives 00:32:12 Event Storming and Tactical AI 00:39:51 Future of AI and Final Thoughts 00:42:36 Closing

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Tim Weidinger is the dynamic Director of Business Development at the Institute for Experiential AI. In this conversation, we explored the evolution of social media, the imperative for humans to continually learn and adapt, and the role of experiential AI in today's world.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Website: https://ai.northeastern.edu/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyweidinger/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:12 The Evolution of Social Media Perception 00:03:32 The Social Dilemma and Data Awareness 00:07:30 Intro and Background 00:12:01 The Institute for Experiential AI 00:17:52 Balancing Technology and Human Relevancy 00:22:56 Staying Relevant in a Fast-Paced World 00:27:36 The Role of Experiential AI 00:30:26 Balancing Research and Practical Application 00:35:03 The Impact of Generative AI 00:37:19 Role evolution and AI tools 00:45:05 AI Adoption 00:47:18 Closing

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Dr. Yaniv Zaid is known to the world as "Doctor Persuasion". Dr. Zaid is an economist, attorney, and business consultant to government departments, private firms, and public organizations. In this conversation we explored the principles and importance of persuasion in building self-sustaining companies. Dr. Zaid shares his extensive experience in helping businesses enhance their marketing, sales, public speaking, and negotiation skills. He emphasizes the necessity of understanding the audience's needs, building long-term relationships, and differentiating between hard and soft sales. Dr. Zaid discusses the ethical boundaries of persuasion, the significance of storytelling, and the importance of authenticity by sharing both successes and failures. He also touches on the impact of AI on persuasion and the importance of continuously self-improving to stay relevant in an evolving technological landscape. Dr. Zaid encourages investing in oneself and leveraging advanced tools like AI effectively. The episode concludes with Dr. Zaid providing multiple ways for listeners to connect with him and learn more about his work.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Twitter: https://x.com/yanivzaid
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanivzaid/
• Website: http://www.drpersuasion.com/
• Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr.%20Yaniv%20Zaid/author/B009SNHYB8

TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:12 Intro Background 00:02:09 Persuasion 00:03:44 Ethics, Hard Sale vs. Soft Sale 00:10:25 Inspiration vs. Desperation in Sales 00:12:12 Inspiration: Authenticity in Marketing 00:16:15 The Social Media Illusion 00:21:49 Persuasion Tactics 00:28:16 Building Trust in Sales 00:31:45 AI and the Future of Persuasion 00:37:00 Investing in Self-Improvement 00:37:38 Closing

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Christian Hammer is a tech optimist and the dynamic CEO of Vala AI, spearheading innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence and enterprise solutions. With a career spanning decades across global powerhouses like Wayfair, Nike, Appnexus, and Maersk, Christian has consistently been at the forefront of digital transformation, leaving an indelible mark on the tech landscape.

In this conversation, we explored his insights into merging artistic creativity with technological innovation, Vala AI's mission to streamline information within businesses, and his optimistic views on future technologies like genetic manipulation and robotics. Key topics include the intersection of art and technology, the future of software development, and the evolution of human-computer interaction.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Christian Hammer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chammer1/
• Christian Hammer Podcast: http://podcast.techtastic.tech/
• Christian Hammer Website: https://christianhammer.io/
• Christian Hammer Artwork: https://c-hammer.com/
• Vala AI: https://vala-ai.com

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:12 Intro and background 00:00:45 Technology and art 00:01:59 The Intersection of Art and Coding 00:05:29 Process of Creating Art vs Coding 00:08:00 Building solutions and value creation 00:09:33 Vala AI Evolution, Tech Debt and Data Dictionary 00:17:31 Vala AI Use Case Scenario 00:20:07 Future of Software Development and AI 00:25:11 Future of Aplication Interaction 00:28:22 Technological Optimism and Future Innovations 00:33:08 Sci-Fi Recommendations 00:34:30 Closing

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss