The moment that led fintech leader Rachel Curtis to build AI for empathy.

On the SaaSy AF podcast this week we're joined by entrepreneur Rachel Curtis.In this eye-opening episode, Rachel shares her 30-year journey from traditional finance to pioneering conversational AI that tackles real human struggles. She takes us inside a powerful moment that sparked her mission: helping emotionally distressed consumers navigate financial shame without judgment.Discover how her AI-driven virtual agents offer a safe space, empowering people in debt or overwhelmed by financial stress to seek help without feeling exposed or judged.00:00 Introducing Rachel Curtis00:27 The pivotal moment that made Rachel change her career towards AI, which helps people04:33 The increase in people turning to AI for support over humans07:22 The struggle of getting investors to believe in a product they don't relate to11:45 Improving education on financial literacy 15:40 Is financial education more ingrained in US culture19:17 What it's like working in a male dominated industry22:33 What's next? 24:13 One piece of advice to live byFOLLOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronbgibson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurree/

In episode 16 of SaaSy AF, we talk with Keegan Caldwell, entrepreneur, IP lawyer, and founder who turned a small co-working space into one of the fastest-growing intellectual property law firms in the world.Keegan shares his journey of entrepreneurship, startup growth, and scaling a business while overcoming challenges, from military service to personal struggles, and turning patents into multi-million dollar deals. This episode is packed with lessons for founders, startup enthusiasts, and anyone interested in SaaS growth, innovation, and leadership.Key Takeaways:🎙️Why there’s no playbook for startup success and how to thrive anyway.🎙️How to leverage intellectual property (IP) for business growth and fundraising.🎙️Lessons in entrepreneurship, scaling businesses, and SaaS strategy.🎙️Leading a team with empathy, objectivity, and gratitude.🎙️Turning challenges into opportunities: from military experience to entrepreneurial success.🎙️The importance of finding passion, service, and autonomy in your work.✅ Subscribe for more SaaSy AF episodes: Startup lessons, entrepreneurship insights, and practical advice for founders and innovators -- no BS.FOLLOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronbgibson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurree/

Welcome back folks to the first episode of 2026, starting the year strong with entrepreneur Alex Lieberman!At just 25 in his dorm room, Alex created an email list that would transform into multimillion dollar business landing him on the Forbes 30 under 30 list! The founder and now Executive Chairman reveals how The Morning Brew was created, the challenges that propelled him forward, and his advice to those following a similar path.FOLLOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronbgibson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurree/

Join us for a SaaSy AF x Web Summit Special, filmed live with author Carl Miller. Best known for his book 'The Death of the Gods: The New Global Power Grab', which explores how digital technologies are reshaping power across politics, media, business and crime.This exclusive episode takes a deep dive into the underbelly of AI with Carls expert tech insights leading the way. If you're looking to jump ahead here's where to go:00:00 Introducing Carl Miller03:00 Have we opened Pandoras Box?09:00 Parasocial relationships with AI; AI psychosis14:45 The most connected and transformative timeline, that will be the loneliest and most disappointing24:00 The security risks of AI30:00 Is digital democracy a beacon of hope?FOLLOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronbgibson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurree/

In this episode of SaaSy AF, we dive into the fascinating intersection of behavioral science, psychology, and artificial intelligence with Dan Bennett, a leading behavioral scientist who studies how humans make decisions and adopt new technologies. Dan has used his knowledge to help guide some of the biggest global brands in their campaign decisions.We discuss how uncertainty can help make better decisions, why humans hesitate towards new ideas, and the impact our decision making process has on AI uptake. If you’re curious about how humans think, decide, and adapt to emerging tech, this conversation is a must-watch. To skip to the good bits, see here:00:00 Introducing Dan Bennett 01:36 Why the ability to endure uncertainty matters in decision making05:40 Prioritizing the method over the anecdote, in behavioral science07:58 Behavioral science is a gas not a solid09:23 Motivation isn't enough on its own for team success10:09 How businesses can and have changed customer behavior14:23 The concern that AI will receive the same reputation as Web3 and the power of branding18:37 How will behavioral science evolve alongside AI in order to support growth20:17 Why AI hype works for B2B but not employee adoption 23:18 Dan Bennett book recommendation FOLLOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronbgibson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurree/🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.FOLLOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronbgibson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurree/

SaaSy AF is joined by Maryam Moshiri for episode 10. As a globally recognized BBC presenter and journalist, she offers expert insight into the journalism industry including: the effects of the stories reporters tell, why staying authentic and personable as a journalist matters, and of course what happens when you go viral. For those who like to skip to the good bits, here's where to head:00:00 Introducing Maryam Moshiri 00:46 Why do hiccups on live news go viral?04:30 Authenticity is exactly what people need in todays world05:45 Maryam Moshiri's viral middle finger moment, and how it happened.12:48 Living in the most chaotic and quick-changing news cycle, and how journalists must navigate it15:38 How to manage breaking news as the story is still evolving17:00 The mental weight never being able to switch off from the news22:10 The expectation from the public, and the effects of that expectation on the modern newsroom26:30 What would Maryam be doing if she wasn't a journalistFOLLOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronbgibson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurree/

Globally renowned journalist Katty Kay, co-host of The Rest is Politics joins episode 9 of SaaSy AF.This honest conversation dives into the direction of new journalism with the impact of social media, the need for regulation of AI & Deepfakes to protect real stories and news, as well as the power of women and diversity in leadership.For those who like to skip to the good bits, here's where to head to:00:00 Introducing Katty Kay01:30 The new media landscapes impact on traditional journalism06:50 How do we bypass echo chambers, and algorithms, to access real news?11:14 Deciphering AI and Deepfakes and snowball effect it's having on the world 15:45 Drawing the line between regulating the internet and censorship22:33 Diversity in business is a smart business decision and being a servant leader.30:27 Katty Kay's book recommendationFor anyone interested in the 'Brick' device I discuss using to unplug my distracting apps, you can access it at the following link (NOT sponsored) https://getbrick.app/?srsltid=AfmBOorfkOGVMxxtBR3WMXBdwHKcPovRSkfXcOfUQtpdpsQdfdgGRKxW LINKTREE: www.linktr.ee/aaronbgibsonFOLLOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronbgibson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurree/

Comedian and author Grace Campbell joins episode 8 of SaaSy AF for an unfiltered chat on social media, trolling, growing up around politics and that age-old dilemma – who are you bringing to afters.From finding her voice on stage to handling online abuse, Grace shares sharp, honest lessons from the frontline of modern comedy.For those who like to skip to the good bits, here's where to head to:00:00 Introducing Grace Campbell.01:45 Coping with social media fakeness and using trolls for comedy.05:20 Tattlelife and how anonymity encourages trolls.07:26 Using red button questions with Alastair Campbell.09:16 Carving your own path away from notable parents.13:18 Grace Campbell's dream afters: guests, aux cords and drinks.21:07 What needs banned from the afters.23:00 Book recommendations that inspire Grace.LINKTREE: www.linktr.ee/aaronbgibsonFOLLOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronbgibson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurree/

Welcome to our 7th episode of SaaSy AF, the podcast where founders, leaders, and change-makers share unfiltered thoughts on tech, media, politics, and the bold decisions shaping modern culture. Matt Shea has never been one to shy away from the dangerous, uncomfortable or bizarre stories the world of journalism brings and we had the honour of having him shares his insights on SaaSy AF this week.From his early days in media to becoming one of the most distinctive voices in investigative storytelling, Matt shares the journey that led him to where he is today, what it takes to connect with subjects on some of the most polarising and personal issues of our time.For those who like to skip to the good bits, here's where to head to:00:00 Introducing Matt Shea01:00 How Matt Shea got to where he is.03:13 Building trust from scratch and getting subjects to open up.05:14 One of the stories Matt covered that has stuck with him.08:23 The irony of once being paranoid of government surveillance, to accepting it from tech companies.09:45 Keeping stories engaging without sensationalising them for the media.15:50 The Online Safety Act: Pros and cons.21:00 How social media built the Manosphere.29:35 The final question.LINKTREE: www.linktr.ee/aaronbgibsonFOLLOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronbgibson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurree/

Welcome to our 6th instalment of SaaSy AF, where we discuss everything from the world of tech, to the world of politics. Globally renowned journalist Emily Maitlis, famous for her direct and honest approach to journalism, who led the BBC interview with Prince Andrew, is joining us this week to discuss the challenges of navigating news broadcasting in this unchartered battleground of deepfakes, fake news and bias sources. For those who like to skip to the good bits, here's where to head to:02:16 How Emily Maitlis navigates what stories are worth telling.05:22 Social medias effect on the media.12:25 Why it's good to have team with a big age range.16:37 Is sunlight the best disinfectant? 21:23 Where are we heading now celebrity voices can control politics.28:45 Something that gives Emily Maitlis hope for the future.30:51 Book recommendation from Emily Maitlis.LINKTREE: www.linktr.ee/aaronbgibsonFOLLOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronbgibson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurree/