In the second quarter of 2024, a staggering $24 billion in venture capital flowed into AI startups. But where exactly is all that money going, and what does it signify for businesses navigating the AI landscape? Courtney Baker, David DeWolf, and Mohan Rao break down the three major categories where AI investment is focused: vertical AI applications, horizontal AI applications, and AI development infrastructure. David and Mohan highlight why business leaders should care about this surge in funding, emphasizing how it signals the next wave of AI innovation and practical ROI for companies that strategically invest. Also, James O’Brien, co-founder of Ducky.AI, shares insights into how his AI-powered customer support platform is transforming knowledge management in businesses and explains how AI is augmenting—not replacing—human tasks. All of that PLUS another edition of AI in the Wild! Pete Buer discusses a major partnership between Accenture and Google Cloud, exploring how their joint efforts in generative AI and cybersecurity could inspire confidence in skeptics of AI's ROI timeline. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UKKMD0C7ekw Sign up for Knownwell’s beta: www.knownwell.com

Can you believe it's been a year? AI Knowhow is celebrating its first anniversary, and we’re marking the occasion by taking a nostalgic look back at an incredible year of AI insights and innovations.  In this special anniversary episode, host Courtney Baker is joined by Knownwell’s CEO, David DeWolf, and Chief Product Officer, Mohan Rao, to reflect on the episodes, surprises, and even debates that made the past year so memorable. The trio delves into the unexpected twists in AI's evolution, from the powerful impact of generative AI on software development to the surprising lack of enterprise-wide AI orchestration. Courtney challenges David and Mohan to share what surprised them the most in the AI landscape over the last year. Later, Pete Buer joins with a fascinating "What Is Your Flavor?" segment, revealing how AI is revolutionizing the alcohol industry. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/K9mMhAhEtxQ Sign up for Knownwell’s beta: www.knownwell.com Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Can OpenAI’s "Five Steps to Artificial General Intelligence" (AGI) be applied to business strategy? We think so—and we’re ready to break it down for you. Courtney Baker is joined by David DeWolf and Mohan Rao to delve into OpenAI’s recently unveiled five-step roadmap to AGI and compare it with Knownwell’s own five altitudes of AI in business. Are we really just at the tip of the spear with AI or are we closer to significant business transformation than we think? Pete Buer speaks with Blake Morgan, customer experience futurist and author of "The Eight Laws of Customer-Focused Leadership." Blake and Pete discuss how AI is transforming customer interactions and what businesses need to do to stay ahead in this evolving landscape. All that PLUS Courtney and Pete take a look back at some of the most impactful guest interviews from the past year, with Pete sharing the conversation that left a lasting impression on him. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zqE5GUvHj9g  Visit Knownwell’s website to learn more: www.knownwell.com

How do you sell AI across a company with a diverse workforce—ranging from the skeptical finance team to the enthusiastic Gen Z in HR? In this episode of AI Knowhow from Knownwell, CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Technology & Product Officer Mohan Rao to discuss strategies for getting everyone on board with AI, even those resistant to change. First, they dive into the challenges of driving AI adoption, sharing insights on how to identify champions, showcase early wins, and frame new AI initiatives as low-risk experiments. Then, Chief Strategy Officer Pete Buer speaks with Philipp Mueller, Chief Analyst and Product Officer at Outsell, who shares his expertise on overcoming resistance within organizations and driving meaningful AI adoption. In our AI in the Wild segment, we explore the inspiring story of U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton, who, after losing her voice to a neurological disorder, uses AI to regain it—showcasing AI’s transformative power in personal and professional lives. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e6zFS5diz1Y  Sign up for Knownwell’s beta: www.knownwell.com

Do you need to understand backpropagation, K-means clustering, or hyperparameter tuning to lead an AI transformation in your business? Probably not. So, what should you focus on instead? In this episode, David DeWolf and Mohan Rao explore how to think strategically about AI adoption, from identifying your company’s pain points to deciding whether to build or buy AI solutions. They also discuss the critical role business leaders play in driving AI projects, emphasizing the importance of focusing on business outcomes rather than getting lost in the technology. Later in the episode, Pete Buer sits down with Aby Varma, a global marketing leader, to talk about AI-native products and what executives need to know to stay competitive. Varma shares insights on leveraging AI for content at scale and discusses the future of marketing technology, including the rise of AI agents and tech consolidation. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/K-Luk7Eg3SY  Register for the Marketing Roundtable: www.knownwell.com/marketingroundtable  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

In the evolving landscape of AI, professional service companies face a critical juncture: productize or risk being left behind. But what does it mean to productize services in an AI-driven economy? Join Knownwell's Chief Marketing Officer, Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, Chief Product Officer Mohan Rao, and Chief Strategy Officer Pete Buer as they explore why now is the time for service companies to rethink their models and embrace AI to enhance value and efficiency. Mohan and David delve into the shift from a growth-focused economy to a performance economy and discuss how this shift is pushing professional service firms towards more scalable, productized offerings. They tackle tough questions: Is this shift leading to a race to the bottom, or can AI offer a path to greater differentiation and value? Special guest Dr. Shai Azoulai, a cognitive neuroscientist, joins Pete Buer for an insightful conversation on what non-technical executives need to understand about AI. Dr. Azoulai shares his expertise on the distinctions between human cognition and AI capabilities, highlighting where AI excels and where human intuition and strategic thinking still reign supreme. All that, PLUS the July AI Wrap-up! Courtney recaps the latest developments in the AI world, including Meta’s release of Llama 3.1 and the surging investment in AI startups amidst growing skepticism about AI's ROI. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MrDKhNV54TE  Find out more about Knownwell: www.knownwell.com

Ready to take the reins and lead your company into the AI era?  Our panel discusses the traits of early adopters, the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, and practical steps to get started with AI in your organization. Special guest Can Turan, CEO and founder of Pebbles Ai, shares insights from his journey in automating B2B go-to-market workflows with AI. Can and Pete Buer explore the intersection of AI and business, offering valuable advice for leaders looking to drive AI adoption. In our AI in the Wild segment, Pete brings a fascinating story from Cheyenne, Wyoming, where resident Victor Miller is campaigning to get his AI creation, VIC, on the mayoral ballot. Pete discusses the potential and limitations of AI in governance, sparking a thought-provoking conversation on the future of AI in public administration. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0PZxmnTxrlk  Sign up for Knownwell’s beta: www.knownwell.com  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell. 00:00 Introduction to AI Early Adopters 00:40 AI in the Wild: AI for Mayor 04:07 Empowering Early Adopters in Your Organization 07:50 Becoming an Innovator: Practical Steps 11:29 Leadership's Role in Fostering Innovation 15:24 Interview with AI Entrepreneur John 17:06 AI in Marketing: Insights from Pebbles AI 22:29 Practical Advice for AI Adoption 24:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts #AI #Innovation #EarlyAdopters #BusinessLeadership #CustomerSuccess #AIinBusiness #Marketing #GrowthStrategy #AIInnovation #Leadership #AIApplications #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork #TechLeadership #AIinGovernment

How can businesses ensure customer satisfaction in economic relationships? How can they continually elevate the value they bring? And what if AI could fortify your company’s foundational strengths? The answer lies in commercial intelligence. Courtney Baker is joined by Knownwell’s CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product Officer Mohan Rao. They dive into the transformative potential of AI in solving commercial intelligence problems, highlighting how AI can enhance and augment business processes to sustain and grow economic relationships, making companies more profitable and client-centric. Special guest Dr. Andy Workman, Provost at Widener University, shares insights with Chief Strategy Officer Pete Buer on what business leaders can learn from the challenging economics of running colleges and universities. He discusses how AI can tackle issues like stagnant revenue, high labor costs, and increased competition, drawing parallels between the higher education sector and the corporate world. In our AI in the Wild segment, we introduce Knownwell's Lead Data Scientist, Ramsri Golla, who developed an AI model featured in the Google I/O keynote. Ramsri explains how he and Ravi Theja Desetty trained a model on 15 different Indic languages, showcasing the incredible potential of AI in breaking language barriers and enhancing communication. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M0RYC3HQMY4  Sign up for Knownwell’s beta: www.knownwell.com  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Ever wondered how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape and the balance between creativity and relationships? In this very special episode, we play a conversation that our very own Courtney Baker had on No Brainer, a podcast hosted by Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino about marketing and AI. Courtney, Geoff, and Greg explore the balance of AI's capabilities in marketing, discussing the limitations of AI-generated content and the enduring value of human creativity. Hear about the challenges and opportunities for mid-market companies to harness AI, and why it's a moment for these businesses to lean into AI innovation. Check out more from the No Brainer crew at www.nobrainerpodcast.com. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n54TABcpWAA Sign-up for Knownwell's beta: www.knownwell.com AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

The dog days of summer are upon us, but we're bringing the heat with fresh content. In this special episode of AI Knowhow from Knownwell, we're airing the complete interviews of two previously aired guest interviews packed with new insights and inspiration. First, tune into Pete Buer's conversation with Katie Taylor, CEO and Co-founder of Narratize. Recently accepted into NVIDIA's inception accelerator program, Katie shares her journey in building Narratize, a trusted generative AI co-author designed to accelerate market fit for innovative enterprises. Learn how Narratize is revolutionizing communication across functional areas, creating high-impact stories in 20 minutes or less, and maintaining human-led AI transformation. Next up, Courtney Baker sits down with Greg Alexander, founder of Collective 54, a mastermind group for professional services leaders. Greg discusses the AI revolution's impact on boutique professional services firms, emphasizing the importance of embracing AI to increase productivity and profitability. Discover how AI is leveling the playing field for smaller firms and why hyper-specialization is the key to staying competitive in this fast-paced landscape. Don't miss these rich conversations on AI's transformative potential and actionable strategies for leveraging AI in your business. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nvyW6C2LJsc  Sign up for Knownwell’s beta: www.knownwell.com  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

How can professional services companies start utilizing AI to keep their customers coming back? Recently, Knownwell CEO David DeWolf was joined by Tercera CEO Chris Barbin and DCM Insights Founding Partner Ted McKenna to dive into the stats on customer loyalty in B2B services and offer up some answers.  Download the new client retention playbook with three proven strategies to retain customers at Knownwell.com/playbook. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5N9x_IyS8E  Sign up for Knownwell’s beta: www.knownwell.com.  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Steve Jobs once called the computer the “bicycle for the mind." What should we call AI? The Ferrari? Fighter jet? Maybe even the flying car? In this episode, host Courtney Baker, along with Knownwell’s CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product Officer Mohan Rao, dive into the transformative power of AI and its impact on the future of work.  Our panel discusses the exciting yet daunting concept of AI as a second brain and the ethical considerations that come with it. How will AI elevate human potential and reshape the workplace? David and Mohan share their insights on balancing human creativity with AI’s capabilities, ensuring we don’t lose the human touch in this technological revolution. Special guest Naeem Ishaq, CFO of Checkr, joins Pete Buer to shed light on how AI is changing hiring practices and the roles companies are seeking in this new era. Naeem explains how Checkr leverages AI to streamline background checks and ensure fairness, significantly impacting the hiring landscape. All that PLUS... another segment of Pete/CounterPete. This time the Petes tackle the provocative statement: “AI is coming for all our jobs.” They explore the potential and limitations of AI in the workforce, with insights from World Economic Forum data predicting a dynamic shift in job roles. Download the new client retention playbook with three proven strategies to retain customers at Knownwell.com/playbook. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eRecbE8BBYY  Sign up for Knownwell’s beta: www.knownwell.com.  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Customer acquisition costs are rising, and marketing budgets remain flat. But does that mean fewer customers? Not if the Chief Experience Officer and AI have a say. In this episode, CMO Courtney Baker is joined by Knownwell’s CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product Officer Mohan Rao. They delve into how AI is transforming customer growth strategies, discussing why AI is crucial for proactive customer success and personalized experiences at scale. They also explore the emerging importance of the Chief Experience Officer in this AI-driven landscape. Our special guest, Daniel Salvato from NewSpring Capital, sits down with Pete Buer to share how NewSpring's portfolio companies leverage AI to drive growth, from content creation to data visualization and personalized customer outreach. Daniel reveals how mid-market companies can now compete with larger enterprises thanks to accessible AI tools. In our segment AI in the Wild, Pete discusses the latest news from Apple, including how the revamped Siri is setting the stage for broader AI adoption and user comfort across all devices. Download the latest playbook from Knownwell’s Chief Strategy Officer, Pete Buer, on incorporating AI into client retention strategies at Knownwell.com/playbook. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9Gt2QJ3mERM  Sign up for Knownwell’s beta: www.knownwell.com  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

What are the most critical things for executives to know about AI? How can leaders stay current on all the most impactful developments in this space when it's moving at the speed of light? Join host Courtney Baker and Knownwell’s top executives—CEO David DeWolf, Chief Product Officer Mohan Rao, and Chief Strategy Officer Pete Buer—as they delve into the essential AI knowledge every leader needs.  They revisit the concept of building an AI-literate leadership team and expand on creating an AI-ready culture across the entire company. Discover strategies for fostering a culture of innovation from both the top-down and bottom-up, balancing executive sponsorship with grassroots experimentation. Sharon McCarthy, an expert in behavioral science who has worked with brands like Taco Bell, Kraft, and Discovery Channel, joins us to explore the intersection of AI and human behavior. She shares how AI can accelerate decision-making and cultural transformation within organizations, leveraging behavioral science principles to overcome common obstacles. All that PLUS a thought-provoking new segment, Pete/CounterPete, where Pete debates himself on whether AI will disrupt and transform entire industries as the digital revolution did. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mgxp01fDT_U  Sign up for Knownwell’s beta: www.knownwell.com  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Is the Net Promoter Score (NPS) still relevant today? In this episode of AI Knowhow, we dive deep into why this 20-year-old metric might be outdated and how AI can revolutionize customer satisfaction. Courtney, David, and Mohan discuss the limitations of NPS and CSAT scores, revealing how AI provides more accurate and dynamic ways to gauge customer happiness. Discover how AI can offer real-time insights into customer sentiment, leading to smarter decisions and better customer relationships. We also hear from Doug Meiser of AMEND, who shares practical examples of how AI is driving operational excellence in various industries. Discover how AI optimizes production schedules, enhances early warning systems, and integrates seamlessly with human operations. All that PLUS Pete Buer joins us for an engaging "AI in the Wild" segment, where he talks about an AI-powered robot delivering a commencement speech at a New York university. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Km-yvhvxRuQ  Sign up for Knownwell’s beta: www.knownwell.com  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Is AI poised to solve all of humanity’s problems or are we headed for a tech-driven catastrophe?  In this episode of AI Knowhow, we dive into the polarizing world of AI hysteria to separate the hype from the hope.  Courtney, David, and Mohan break down where AI has been overhyped and where genuine hope lies. They discuss the foundational models in AI, the future of AI hardware, and the realistic applications of generative AI. David also shares insights on the potential of AI to transform enterprise operations, focusing on collaboration and knowledge management, while Mohan explores how AI can create hyper-personalized experiences for users. Later, Geoff Livingston, founder of Cognitive Path and host of the No-Brainer podcast, joins Pete Buer to discuss the current state of AI in marketing and beyond. They highlight the integration of generative AI with machine learning and analytics, and how this blend could drive real enterprise value. All of that PLUS this episode kicks off with a new segment, "Take a Lap, David" revisiting one of David’s Hot Takes from a few months back.  Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P9lNra1PH7A  Remember to sign up for the roundtable discussion with David DeWolf, CEO of Tercera Chris Barbin, and Founding Partner of DCM Insights Ted McKenna. They're hosting a round table with leaders of Professional Services companies to discuss client retention in the AI era. You don't want to miss this! You can sign up today at Knownwell.com/roundtable. AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

What’s the number one AI skill you can implement today? How can you ensure your executive team is up to speed with AI advancements?  First, Courtney, David, and Mohan revisit the topic of gauging your executive team's AI IQ and discuss the significance of both top-down and grassroots efforts in driving AI adoption. They provide practical steps for maintaining momentum and fostering a culture of experimentation and innovation. Next, Pete talks with Karen Posey about the mindset CEOs need for AI success. Karen shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into business strategies, stressing the importance of customer-focused problem-solving and the evolving roles within organizations. All of that PLUS Dan Sanchez, also known as Danchez, joins Courtney in a new segment: AI Skills! In this installment, Dan emphasizes the importance of using the plus version of ChatGPT to create custom GPTs, comparing them to the "Excel of AI." He shares tips on leveraging AI to automate repetitive tasks and optimize workflows, highlighting the importance of iterative improvement and experimentation. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zE9mXUeAj-c Sign up for Knownwell’s beta: www.knownwell.com  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

How can we ensure that employees, not just Wall Street, benefit from the productivity and efficiency gains of AI? And which one of us at Knownwell has very strong feelings about why a shift to a 32-hour work week would actually be a bad thing? To help us answer these questions, this episode starts with a lively discussion between Knownwell's Courtney Baker, David DeWolf, and Mohan Rao. They debate a recent bill proposed in the US Senate that suggests AI productivity gains should enable a 32-hour work week (as opposed to the traditional 40). Spoiler alert: There is no consensus on this idea among our panelists. Following that, Pete Buer speaks with Dr. Mfon Akpan, an assistant professor of accounting at Methodist University. They explore how AI is specifically impacting accounting practitioners and educational programs. All of this PLUS Pete and Courtney discuss the Rabbit R1 device that Pete purchased and still hasn't received, in our latest edition of 'AI in the Wild'. Sign up to be part of Knownwell's beta at www.knownwell.com. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XxgMGD9EeIc  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

How is AI going to change the world of B2B sales? And if sales reps today only spend 28% of their time selling, where do they spend the other 72%?   In this episode, the team talks about how AI intersects with sales and how you can leverage it in your business. First, Courtney welcomes Mohan to the show for another edition of "AI Mythbusters". Today's topic: AI is relatively new. Mohan has some strong feelings about it. After that, Courtney, David and Mohan are joined by special guest, Andre Yee from Tiga AI. They explore how AI is revolutionizing sales processes and emphasize the blend of data-driven insights and the essential human elements of sales relationships. After that, Pete chats with SBI's Nick Toman about his company's research into B2B selling profiles and the impact AI has on sales. To claim one of the 10 slots available to check out what Knownwell is building, visit www.knownwell.com/preview. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wPhpj7yP6MM  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Everybody knows it's cheaper to keep a client than gain a new one.   So how can AI ensure that you keep them?  And what if AI could also give you early warning signals that a client is at-risk?  Spoiler: It can. Courtney, David, and Mohan have a conversation about client retention and the opportunities available for business to keep the clients they have. (They also talk about Chik-fil-A more than once.) Also, Pete speaks with Noah Curran of Monkedia about why winning the right customers is one of the real keys to customer retention. All that PLUS Courtney and Pete debut a new segment called AI in the Wild. This week Pete talks about how IBM is using AI to help run farms more efficiently and effectively. To claim one of the 10 slots available to check out what Knownwell is building, visit www.knownwell.com/preview. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ilUxrRnapRQ  AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.