Behind the Pitch: VC Insights All Early Founders Should Know

What if everything you thought about AI was just the tip of the iceberg? In this powerful and provocative episode, futurist and technologist Peter Swain joins host Seema Alexander to unpack the real transformation AI is unleashing across business and society. From a jaw-dropping Monopoly analogy that reframes the post-normal world, to the rise of agentic ecosystems and solopreneur unicorns, this conversation pulls no punches. You’ll hear: 🔥 Why most companies are already exposed to AI risks—and don’t even know it 💥 How agentic systems will redefine jobs, workflows, and even what it means to be a CEO 🤖 Why AI isn’t just automating tasks—it’s challenging capitalism itself 🧠 Peter’s personal story of coding at 6 and building tech through 3 paradigm shifts 📉 The hidden dangers of doing nothing and how shadow AI is already at work inside your company 🌀 A bold look at the future of humanity, work, universal income—and what it might really take to thrive If you’re a founder, executive, or builder wondering how to lead through this unprecedented shift, this is the deep, honest, and necessary conversation you need to hear. 🌎Reach out to Peter Swain Website https://www.peterswain.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/peterswain247/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PeterSwain247/ 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Virgent AI: www.Virgent.ai Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en   👉 In this episode (00:00) The Reality of AI in Business (01:16) Meet Peter Swain: A Futurist's Perspective (03:00) Understanding the Post-Normal World (05:47) The Compounding Effect of AI (16:00) The Future of Work and AI's Impact (22:19) The Ethical and Societal Implications of AI (30:46) Navigating AI Adoption in Business (42:46) Capitalism and Universal Basic Income (44:43) The Future of Work and Gig Economy (45:25) Wealth Disparity and Happiness (51:27) AI as a Superpower and Societal Shifts (54:11) The Future of Business Frameworks (01:00:43) AI in Everyday Tasks (01:13:07) Transparency and Ethics in AI (01:19:34) AI's Impact on Business and Society (01:27:02) The Missing Link in Entrepreneurship (01:27:36) The Impact of AI on Small Businesses (01:30:22) Business Roulette: AI Solutions Across Industries (01:30:56) AI in Banking: Predictive Analytics and Beyond (01:32:06) AI in Farming: Precision and Personalization (01:33:24) AI in Healthcare: From Reactive to Proactive (01:36:26) Comparing US and UK Systems: Healthcare and Beyond (01:38:43) HVAC and AI: Efficiency and Effectiveness (01:42:41) The Role of AI in Marketing (01:43:17) Inherent Bias in AI Systems (01:50:02) The Future of AI Agents (01:51:40) Key Trends for Entrepreneurs in the AI Revolution (01:55:53) Practical Advice for Founders and Executives (02:03:58) Final Thoughts     Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.  🎤 Podcast Studio: Legacy Sessions 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

A pioneer in the intersection of artificial intelligence and business intelligence, Cenk Sidar is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Enquire AI. In today’s discussion with Seema, Sidar emphasizes the indispensability of human experts despite AI's growing capabilities and explains the concept of 'last mile experts' in AI-driven workflows. The conversation also delves into Inquire AI's evolution from a political and economic consultancy to a multi-agent AI platform with a vast network of experts providing real-time insights. Sidar shares his views on leveraging proprietary data, imbibing holistic backgrounds for innovation, and the importance of founder-led sales in establishing trust with enterprise clients. ludes with a discussion on the future of work and the societal implications of AI advancements, both the good and the not so good. 👉 In this episode (00:00) Introduction to AI Dystopia and Utopia (00:18) Welcome to the AI CEO Podcast (00:59) Introducing Today's Guest: Jan Sadar (01:56) The Role of Expertise in the Age of AI (02:55) The Concept of the Last Mile Expert (04:44) Human in the Loop: The Future of Expertise (07:19) The Evolution of Inquire AI (09:38) Building a Digital Expert Network (14:59) Innovating with Network Pulse (21:47) The Power of Proprietary Data (35:35) The Centaur Model: Human-Machine Collaboration (37:27) Challenges of Selling AI Solutions to Enterprises (37:53) Navigating Sales Challenges in Startups (38:57) The Importance of Founder-Led Sales (40:08) Building Trust with Enterprise Clients (43:01) Adapting Sales Strategies for Technology Products (44:54) The Role of AI in Modern Business (46:27) Future of AI and Business Innovation (53:36) The Impact of AI on Society (59:21) AI Dystopia vs. Utopia (01:09:13) Final Thoughts and Reflections 🌎Reach out to Cenk Sidar Business: Enquire.ai LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/cenksidar X https://x.com/cenksidar?lang=en Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cenksidar/?hl=en   🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Virgent AI: www.Virgent.ai Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en   Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.   🎤Podcast Production Studio: Legacy Sessions (Washington DC) 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

Swathi Young is a formidable force in the technology industry. An adept leader with over 20 years of experience across organizations such as Amtrak, Sungard, GE, and Oracle, she is also a crusader on the forefront of change with regards to machine learning, AI and emerging technologies. The conversation delves into real-world use cases in healthcare, fintech, professional services, and public sector, illustrating the profound impact of AI on operational efficiency, cost reduction, and strategic planning. We discuss challenges such as data privacy, security, and the complexities of implementing generative AI in enterprise environments. Swathi also shares her passion project with the United Nations, leveraging AI to drive sustainability and solve global challenges. Through this in-depth discussion, listeners gain actionable insights into adopting AI responsibly to innovate and thrive in an evolving technological landscape. 👉 In this episode (00:00) Introduction to AI and Human Creativity (01:04) Introducing Today's Guest: Swathi Young (02:09) The Future of AI and ML in the Next Five Years (03:25) Consumer and Enterprise Adoption of AI (04:10) Public Sector Adoption of AI (04:44) Disruption in Workflows and Industries (07:23) Swathi Young's Background and Journey (09:50) Early AI and ML Projects (15:42) The Importance of Domain Knowledge in AI (20:40) Human-in-the-Loop AI Systems (21:33) Generative AI Use Cases: Legal and IT Help Desk (34:03) Challenges in Real-Time AI Implementations (36:04) Building Smart AI Solutions (38:04) Building Custom Solutions with Cloud and Generative AI (39:21) Data Management: Structured vs. Unstructured Data (43:48) Cost Considerations for AI Implementation (51:44) Challenges in AI Implementation: A Real-World Use Case (55:44) AI in Public Sector and Sustainability (01:08:41) United Nations and AI for Sustainability (01:12:35) Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🌎Reach out to Swatchi Young YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8s69t8fdrR6a-h78yZKqw LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/swathiyoung 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Virgent AI https:www.virgent.ai Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en   Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.   🎤 Production Studio: Legacy Sessions (Adams Morgan, DC) 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

The AI CEO: Trust Issues — Building AI That Won’t Break the Business | Jess Szmajda (Amazon, Axios, Capital One) Can you really trust AI? In this episode of The AI CEO Podcast, we sit down with Jess Szmajda—former CTO of Axios, General Manager at Amazon, and current VP of Engineering at Capital One—to explore how forward-thinking leaders can adopt AI safely without sacrificing security, privacy, or public trust. Jess shares lessons from her real-world experience building and deploying AI at scale, including: How to build trusted AI systems from the ground up The difference between bias in AI and bias in prompts Reducing hallucinations with guardrails and system prompts  Why she only trusts AWS Bedrock for enterprise-grade privacy  How to leverage AI agents in workflows without risking your business Whether you’re a CEO, founder, or product leader, this conversation will reshape how you think about trust, safety, governance, and AI’s role in business transformation. 🔒 Don’t let AI break your business—learn how to build it responsibly.  ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:00 Can We Trust AI? 04:00 Guardrails, Bias & System Prompts 12:00 Lessons from Axios HQ & Smart Brevity 21:00 Reducing Hallucinations in AI Agents 29:00 Privacy, Data, and Enterprise Guardrails 35:00 AI Agents vs. Interns: Why It’s a Trust Problem 44:00 What CEOs Need to Know NOW 54:00 Final Thoughts — 🎙️ Hosted by Seema Alexander, Founder of Virgent AI & Co-Chair of DC Startup & Tech Week   🎧 Subscribe for more CEO-level convos on AI, business transformation & responsible innovation 📍 Podcast Studio: Legacy Sessions (Adams Morgan, DC) 🔗 Explore more: https://www.virgent.ai 📬 Business inquiries: [email protected] — ✅ Stay Connected 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seemaalexander 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/SeemaAlexander 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander/ 🌐 Website: https://www.virgent.ai / https://www.disruptive.ceo — 🎬 Watch More Episodes AI in Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjR5vKgcTW0 Shark Tank Insider Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aagh7YKHnsg Disruptive Brands with Maha Abouelenein: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIx5TaADMk8 🎥 Playlists Full Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLohO9RT6Hiy8xpJS79KIrlZJeKc2EblYT Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLohO9RT6Hiy9dvWDaDsr6LFckxZ3CiLOt —   🔔 Like this episode? Subscribe and turn on notifications to never miss a conversation with the leaders shaping the AI-powered future. 👉 www.   #AI #EnterpriseAI #TrustInAI #AIPrivacy #TheAICEO #JessSzmajda #SeemaAlexander #Guardrails #AITrust #ResponsibleAI #VirgentAI #AIAgents

Angela Virtu joined Kogod's IT&A Department as a Professorial Lecturer in 2023. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses covering topics such as introduction to technology, data analytics, machine learning, and coding. Prior to joining our faculty, she built AI & ML solutions that bridged theoretical advancements with their practical, ethical applications. She was able to drive business impact on these solutions by empowering organizations to integrate them seamlessly into the business’ current operations. In today’s episode, we delve into the changing landscape of AI, touching on effective ways to quantify ROI beyond traditional metrics like time savings and productivity. Angela shares her insights on the evolution from traditional AI to modern AI agentic workflows, emphasizing the need for responsible integration into business operations. Topics covered also include the use of AI in marketing, sales, and customer service, the implications of generative AI, and the potential for AI agents to transform the future of work. The conversation highlights the importance of human involvement to ensure quality and ethical utilization of AI technologies. Angela also stresses the need for students and professionals to adapt to these changes by cultivating soft skills and collaborative capabilities. This episode provides valuable insights for CEOs, founders, and industry leaders on staying ahead in the fast-evolving world of AI. 👉 In this episode (00:00) Introduction to the AI CEO Podcast (01:44) Guest Introduction: Angela Virtu (02:31) Angela's Journey into AI and Business (04:41) Explaining Neural Networks (06:57) Traditional AI vs. Current AI Landscape (07:33) AI in Startups and Data-Driven Decisions (15:47) AI in Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service (41:58) Proactive Customer Service with AI (43:17) Generative AI: A New Era (52:13) Understanding AI Agents (53:19) The Future of Work with AI Agents (01:00:56) AI's Impact on the Workforce (01:18:00) The Role of Education in AI (01:19:51) Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🌎Reach out to Angela Virtu LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-virtu American University https://www.american.edu/kogod/faculty/avirtu.cfm 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en   Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.   🎤Podcast Studio: Legacy Sessions 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

Revolutionizing Legacy: How Stanley Black & Decker is Winning with AI with Matt Griffiths In this episode of the AI CEO podcast, host Seema Alexander sits down with Matt Griffiths, VP of AI and Data at Stanley Black & Decker, to explore the current and future impact of AI on enterprise. Matt shares his journey from working with data on shop floors to leading the AI initiatives at Stanley Black & Decker and provides valuable insights into the transformative power of AI.  They discuss the use of generative AI, responsible AI governance, and the importance of data in driving innovation. Key themes include the integration of structured and unstructured data, the potential of AI agents, the necessity of human oversight, and the future of work in an AI-driven world. If you are seeking a playbook to help you accelerate adoption of AI in your company, this interiew showcases how ahead of the game Stanley Black & Decker is due to the leadership of Matt Griffiths and his executive peers compared to many in their industry and enterprises in general. Listen in to find out how they did it and what's next. This episode is essential listening for leaders looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI.👉 In this episode (00:00) Introduction to AI in Business (01:02)  Guest Introduction: Matt Griffiths (02:59) Traditional AI Use Cases (05:34)  The Evolution of Data Utilization (06:02)  Generative AI and Unstructured Data (08:03)  Data Lakes and Real-Time Insights (09:48)  Generative AI in Decision Making (12:17)  Personalization and Predictive Maintenance (14:12)  Stanley Black & Decker's Brand Portfolio (16:29)  Adopting Generative AI: Challenges and Strategies (19:37)  Educating Executives on Generative AI (23:49)  Everyday AI vs. Game-Changing AI (26:33)  Internal Adoption and Training (29:38)  Role-Playing with Generative AI (32:12)  The Future of Business and AI (32:54)  Decentralization in Data and AI (33:46)  Empowering Everyday Use Cases (36:45)  AI Agents and Their Potential (39:16)  Human in the Loop: Ensuring Trust (49:18)  Responsible AI: Policies and Practices (55:27) The Future of Work with AI (01:01:01) Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses Reach out to Seema Alexander Website: www.Virgent.AI Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander/   🌎Reach out to Matt Griffiths LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattrgriffiths Twitter https://x.com/mattrgriffithshttps://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/  

📌Make sure to check out Virgent.ai https://virgent.ai/ In the inaugural episode of the AI CEO Podcast, host Seema Alexander, co-founder and President of Vigent AI, speaks with Jesse Alton, CEO and partner at Virgent. We discuss the transformative role of AI in business, emphasizing the importance of AI literacy for leadership and employees, the need for responsible AI, and the opportunities AI brings for innovation and efficiency. The conversation touches on the potential of AI agents in automating routine tasks, the ethical and regulatory considerations for AI deployment, and the future of work. We stress the importance of creating intentional, ethical, and high-impact AI solutions that bring real value to businesses and their customers. 👉 In this episode (00:00) Introduction to the AI CEO Podcast (01:09) Meet Your Host: Seema Alexander (01:33) Rebranding and the Importance of AI in Business (02:14) Introducing Jesse Alton and Virgent AI (02:52) The Journey into AI and Magic ML (05:35) Understanding Interoperability and Early AI Development (08:28) The Formation of Virgent AI and Its Mission (13:58) The Economic Impact of AI by 2030 (15:38) Navigating AI Adoption and Safe Implementation (31:10) The Role of AI Agents in Modern Business (42:28) The Future of AI Agents and Business Transformation (46:21) Harnessing Data for Machine Learning (46:47) Creating and Fine-Tuning Your Own AI Model (50:35) AI in Customer Service: The Future of Chatbots (53:25) Understanding Vector Embeddings (57:08) The Role of AI in Enhancing Productivity (01:05:45) The Future of Work: AI-Driven Job Market (01:11:33) Upskilling and AI Literacy for Employees (01:22:05) Responsible AI: Ethics and Regulations (01:32:37) Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🌎 Reach out to Jesse Alton, CEO of Virgent AI LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmetaverse  Instagram @mrmetaverse https://www.instagram.com/mrmetaverse/ 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Virgent AI https://www.virgent.ai LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander   Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here. Product Studio: Legacy Session (based out of DC) 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

In this episode of the 'From Spaghetti to Growth' business podcast, host Seema Alexander interviews Adam Phillips, Managing Director at Techstars. They discuss the realities of seeking venture capital, building relationships with VCs, and the journey of transitioning from being a lawyer to a startup founder and eventually a key player at Techstars. Adam shares his personal experiences of growing up with immigrant parents, his transition from law to entrepreneurship, the lessons he learned from his edtech startup, and his insights on current trends in AI and health tech. The conversation highlights the importance of evaluating VCs critically, understanding the burden of taking investment, and the future potential of AI in everyday life. Connect with Adam Philips, Managing Director, Techstars Website https://adamhphillips.com/LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhughphillips Techstars https://www.techstars.com/ 👉 In this episode   (00:00) The Reality of VC Relationships (01:16) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (01:45) Adam Phillips' Background and Career Journey (02:48) From Law to Entrepreneurship (06:47) The EdTech Startup Experience (10:50) Lessons Learned and Moving On (17:00) Transition to Accelerator and Fundraising (22:22) Inside Techstars and Investment Insights (28:40) The Future of AI: Interfaces and User Experience (30:30) AI's Role in Business and Innovation (39:32) AI in Healthcare: Personalization and Opportunities (42:21) Navigating the AI Landscape: Trust and Customization (47:39) The Impact of AI on Society and Ethics (55:28) Venture Capital: Is It Right for Your Startup? (01:01:13) Building Relationships with VCs (01:04:20) Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Virgent AI  https://www.virgent.ai LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en   Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.   🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

In this episode of the From Spaghetti to Growth business podcast, host Seema Alexander speaks with Haley Bryant, Principal of Hustle Fund. The conversation explores the dynamics of venture capital, strategies for scaling startups, and what it takes to achieve growth in competitive markets. Haley shares insights from her journey as an operator and investor, highlighting the importance of customer journey mapping, productization, and content marketing. Seema and Haley also delve into the role of venture capital, emphasizing the significance of  execution, resilience, and strategic decision-making---and a deep dive on AI. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating the startup landscape. 🌎Reach out to Haley Bryant LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleymbryant Website https://www.haleymbryant.com/Hustle Fund https://www.hustlefund.vc/team Twitter https://twitter.com/haleymbryant?lang=en 👉 In this episode   (01:17) Meet Haley Bryant & The Hustle Fund Story (03:22)  Defining Hustle and Execution (05:42)  Haley's Entrepreneurial Background (07:10) The Apple Experience (12:51)  Scaling a Startup (19:27)  Journey Mapping for Growth (23:57)  Accidental Angel Investing (28:47)  Introducing the Venture Fellowship (29:36)  Qualifying for the Venture Fellowship (30:58)  Hustle Fund's Investment Thesis (33:18)  The Importance of Founder Conviction (37:06)  Advice for Founders Seeking Funding (41:51)  Understanding the Differences in Business Growth (45:11)  The Future of AI and Investment Opportunities (51:50)  Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander VIRGENT AI www.VirgentAI.com LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en   Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here. 🎤Legacy Sessions (DC Studio) 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting  

In this episode, Seema interviews Marc Steren, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of University Startups. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of adopting emerging technologies before consumer readiness, emphasizing the need to get consumers to buy into a vision while solving immediate problems. Mark shares his entrepreneurial journey, beginning with a failed attempt to launch a mobile ticketing company, through his experiences in the hospitality industry, to his current work in empowering under-resourced and special education learners through AI and entrepreneurial mindset. Key takeaways include the importance of taking risks, continuous learning, understanding and solving consumer problems, and the critical role of a supportive board. The episode also highlights Mark's work in education, transitioning planning for career and college readiness, and the application of AI in enhancing both internal processes and user experiences. Connect with Mark University Startups https://www.university-startups.com/about LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcsteren Email [email protected]  👉 In this episode   (00:00) Introduction to Technology Adoption Challenges (01:22)  Meet Mark Starr: Entrepreneurial Journey Begins (02:44)  Early Entrepreneurial Ventures and Lessons (03:54)  The Birth of a Mobile Ticketing Company (09:22)  Navigating Emerging Technologies (13:06)  The Importance of Consumer Education (19:19)  The Role of a Board in Business Growth (22:07)  Transition to Hospitality and Operational Insights (24:25)  From Entrepreneurship to Education (26:32)  Celebrity Investors and Entrepreneurial Success (26:41)  Coffee with Margarita: A Strategic Discussion (27:09)  The Hustle and Strategic Thinking in Entrepreneurship (28:42)  Innovative Solutions from Young Entrepreneurs (29:30)  University Startups Initiative: Empowering the Next Generation (30:06)  The Birth and Growth of University Startups (32:14)  AI in Education: Enhancing Learning and Career Pathing (46:21)  The Power of Niche Markets and Unique Methods (51:18)  Advice for Founders in the Spaghetti Phase (52:13)  Conclusion and Contact Information 🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en   Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.   🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting