The Mentors Office podcast

In this episode, we ask how good leaders are adapting to AI without giving up the responsibility and human connection that leadership still requires. We talk about why execution can be delegated but vision, mission and values cannot, how AI amplifies the habits we already have (from endless scrolling to forwarding a chatbot's answer as your own opinion), and why leaders who impose AI initiatives without a conversation with their teams create conflict. We compare three philosophies of leadership with AI, share how we avoid AI slop, and close with how we use AI to learn without losing the meaningful struggle, plus a book and a playlist we are enjoying. -------------------------- -------------------------- Chapters 00:00 Welcome and why AI and leadership 01:35 How AI is changing the way leaders think and work 02:21 Vision, mission and values can't be delegated to AI 03:23 When AI automates your tasks: lost opportunity or change? 04:58 Disrupt yourself and the "vision of hell" 07:29 AI habits to build and habits to drop 12:20 Deep Work and AI as an amplifier of bad habits 15:35 Instant gratification and the discipline to say no 18:39 Growth mindset: are you better without AI? 19:28 What leaders should use AI for, and what they should do themselves 23:14 Fatal conceit and social constructionism: why leaders should listen to their teams 25:48 Three leadership philosophies for the AI era 28:53 Avoiding AI slop and the golf cart problem 32:01 Value-sensitive AI: when AI should not be part of the process 37:23 Using AI to learn and to test yourself 38:45 Recommendations: a playlist and a book -------------------------- -------------------------- Resources and Links Deep Work by Cal Newport https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/cal-newport/deep-work/9781455586677/ Blinkist https://www.blinkist.com/ Value-Sensitive AI for Prayer: Balancing the Agencies Between Human and AI Agents in Spiritual Context (Kwon, Yoo, Bardzell, Kang) https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.25230 Miguel Ángel Sanz, PhD (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/masanz/ Miguel Ángel Sanz, PhD (video) https://youtu.be/LMgMJcwi1uI Angelica Loboguerrero, CEO (video) https://youtu.be/tzN9OSHmdrE Starter Villain by John Scalzi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starter_Villain Coldplay Royal orchestra (Spotify playlist) https://open.spotify.com/playlist/392RKZFxtOYkbE4IQGh08N -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------

Summary We're joined by Andy Eyherabide, Chief AI Officer at Wizeline, and Santiago Merchán, AI Engineering Tech Lead at Wizeline, for a conversation about how established companies can compete as agentic AI reshapes software and business strategy. We unpack why strategy and execution are becoming separate disciplines now that AI can absorb the execution layer, why proprietary data alone isn't a moat without fast feedback loops, and how incumbents might borrow Peter Diamandis's "twin company" model to reinvent themselves without dragging along organizational baggage. Andy and Santiago make the case that governance, not technology, is the real bottleneck standing between the 23% of companies actually scaling agentic AI and everyone else stuck experimenting, and they lay out what a genuine AI harness and a real "sense, decide, act, check" policy loop look like in practice. Chapters 00:00 Why agentic AI is forcing every industry to rethink strategy 01:10 Separating strategy from execution — and what remains distinctly human 03:40 Is proprietary data really a moat? 06:19 The "twin company" model for reinventing an incumbent 07:51 Case study: how DirecTV spun up a streaming division to escape legacy resistance 10:03 Trust as the real differentiator over speed 11:02 Deciding which tasks an agent can run on its own 11:55 The shift from developer to product manager 13:13 Why the code can be a black box but the architecture can't 14:29 What separates companies that scale agentic AI from those stuck experimenting 16:28 Claude's dominance in coding models — and why "gold standard" won't last 18:20 Context management over prompt engineering 20:49 Trust but verify: staying accountable for AI-generated code 22:25 Why only 23% of companies are actually scaling agentic AI 23:50 Building an AI harness and a real governance policy loop -------------------------- -------------------------- Resources Andy Eyherabide - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeyherabide/ Santiago Merchán - https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiagomerchan/ Sequoia Capital, "Services: The New Software" (intelligence vs. judgment framework) - https://sequoiacap.com/article/services-the-new-software/ McKinsey, "The state of AI in 2025" (source of the 23%-scaling-agentic-AI stat) - https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai Moonshots with Peter Diamandis (podcast) - https://www.diamandis.com/podcast -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------

Summary This episode explores the latest advancements in AI, focusing on GPT-5.4's surpassing human benchmarks, practical applications in finance and media, and strategies to avoid AI pilot purgatory. Guests Andy Eyherabide and Santiago Merchan share insights on leveraging AI for business transformation and future trends. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Business 01:46 The Impact of GPT-5.4 on Industries 09:55 Navigating the AI Hype Cycle 17:58 Transforming AI Concepts into Business Value 23:58 Fostering a Growth Mindset in AI Adoption 24:26 AI in Media and Entertainment 28:14 The Evolution of Liquid Content 32:00 AI in Sports and Media 33:55 The Changing Business Model of Media 37:40 Hyper-Personalization in News Consumption 38:50 The Role of Independent Creators 44:38 From Implementers to Orchestrators 47:49 The Future of Software Development with AI 52:53 The Potential of Physical AI -------------------------- -------------------------- Resources Andy Eyherabide - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeyherabide/ Santiago Merchan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiagomerchan/ AI Is Not the Strategy: Escaping Pilot Purgatory - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-strategy-wizeline-xzhqc -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------

Summary This episode explores the impact of AI on creativity, education, and business, featuring insights from experts on how AI is transforming industries and human potential. We discuss the history, theories, misconceptions, and future possibilities of AI, emphasizing responsible and innovative use. Chapters 00:00 Exploring AI's Impact on Creativity 09:34 Misunderstandings and Education in AI 18:15 AI's Role in Enhancing Creativity 24:00 Future of AI and Entrepreneurship -------------------------- -------------------------- Resources Ray Kurzweil's Books on AI - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Ray+Kurzweil Moonshots Podcast by Peter Diamandis - https://www.peterd.com/podcasts Notebook Lm for creating personalized podcasts - https://notebooklm.ai -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------

Summary In this episode, Andrea Giraldo, the global VP of People Operations at Wizeline, shares her journey from aspiring doctor to HR leader. She discusses the importance of creating pleasant working environments, the role of AI in enhancing people operations, and the challenges of balancing speed and consistency in a growing organization. Andrea emphasizes the significance of employee engagement, retention strategies, and the evolving skills needed for future leaders in the workplace. She provides valuable insights on career growth, promotions, and the importance of focusing on impact in one's role. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Andrea Giraldo and Her Journey 02:53 From Medicine to Human Resources: A Personal Transformation 05:18 The Importance of Workplace Well-being 08:17 Overcoming Fears: The Journey of a Traveler 10:57 Leveraging AI in People Operations 13:35 Balancing Speed and Consistency in HR 19:24 Navigating Appraisal Processes and Performance Management 24:12 Aligning Company Goals with Employee Engagement 25:38 The Importance of Communication in Retention 28:39 Building Engagement Through Everyday Moments 33:58 Adapting to AI and Technology in the Workplace 37:35 Upskilling for the Future: Essential Skills for 2026 42:29 Strategies for Career Advancement and Promotions 45:02 Key Principles for Success in Leadership -------------------------- -------------------------- Takeaways Andrea Giraldo transitioned from a dream of being a doctor to a career in HR. Creating pleasant working environments is crucial for innovation. AI is being used to enhance efficiency in people operations. Balancing speed and consistency is a major challenge in HR. Employee engagement is built through everyday interactions, not just programs. Promotions require going beyond just doing your job. Skills get you hired, but how you show up determines your career trajectory. Ownership, accountability, and adaptability are key skills for the future. Impact is essential for career advancement. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you cannot. -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------

Summary In this reflective episode, Ani and Alvaro look back on the year 2025, discussing personal and professional growth, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned. They explore the importance of connection in leadership, the power of laughter through the Dr. Clown approach, and the evolution of their mindsets. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in enhancing productivity and learning, and they share their hopes for 2026, emphasizing the need to embrace new opportunities and challenges. Chapters Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Growth 01:36 Lessons from Personal Experiences 05:21 The Role of Humor in Professional Settings 09:09 Connecting Through Play 14:50 Leadership and Connection 20:17 Evolving Mindsets and Learning 25:08 Intentional Learning in the Digital Age 27:50 Navigating Social Media for Learning 29:05 Embracing a Learning Mindset 31:32 Facing Challenges and Ignoring Problems 33:05 The Role of AI in Personal and Professional Growth 40:09 Adapting Education to AI Innovations 46:07 Advice for the Future and Overcoming Fear -------------------------- -------------------------- Takeaways Reflecting on the highs and lows of 2025 offers valuable insights. Embracing challenges can lead to personal and professional growth. The Dr. Clown approach emphasizes the power of laughter in healing. Overcoming public speaking fears is a journey worth taking. Connection is key in leadership and fostering a positive environment. Learning to play can enhance interpersonal connections. Building rapport is essential for effective leadership. Creativity and learning are vital for personal development. AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing productivity and learning. Embracing new opportunities in 2026 can lead to exciting growth. -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------

Summary In this episode, we interview Andy Eyherabide, Chief AI Officer at Wizeline, discussing his career journey, the importance of AI in business, and how to effectively adopt AI strategies. Andy emphasizes the need for product managers to embrace AI tools, the common pitfalls in AI adoption, and the essential skills for thriving in the AI era. He shares valuable career advice and insights on the future of AI in business, highlighting the importance of being intentional and pursuing value. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Career Journey 03:01 Transitioning from Law to Engineering 05:28 The Role of AI in Product Development 08:30 Democratizing AI Tools for Product Managers 11:11 The Impact of AI on Advertising and SEO 14:13 Future of AI in Business Strategy 23:29 The Future of AI: Predictions and Timelines 26:58 AI Agents: Transforming Business Workflows 30:06 Common Mistakes in AI Implementation 31:46 Key Components for Scaling AI 33:44 The Role of AI in Consulting 37:51 Essential Skills for the AI Era 40:48 Learning to Learn: The New Literacy 44:29 Career Challenges and Staying True to Yourself 47:23 Rules for Success in a Changing World 50:22 Valuable Career Advice -------------------------- -------------------------- Takeaways AI is a new literacy, essential for modern business. The bottleneck in product development is often the product manager. Democratizing AI tools allows non-technical users to innovate. AI should be seen as a medium, not the end goal. Companies must focus on solving real problems with AI. Data is crucial for effective AI implementation. A growth mindset is essential for adapting to AI changes. Continuous learning is vital in the fast-evolving AI landscape. Being intentional and having an agenda can drive success. Pursuing value leads to growth and opportunities. -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------

Summary In this episode of the Mentor's Office podcast, Alvaro interviews Cristian Ceja, VP of Technology at Wizeline. Cristian shares his journey from childhood dreams of becoming a soccer player and musician to his current role in technology leadership. He discusses the importance of curiosity, community building, and innovation in technology. Cristian reflects on the challenges of scaling teams, fostering a culture of innovation, and the significance of community initiatives in driving business value. He also provides valuable career advice and insights into what makes a great employee at WiseLine. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cristian Ceja and His Journey 00:55 Early Aspirations: From Soccer to Technology 04:39 The Impact of the Internet on Curiosity and Learning 05:51 The Path to Becoming a VP of Technology 08:31 Scaling Wizeline: A Personal Journey 12:33 Challenges of Rapid Growth in QA Practices 17:18 A Week in the Life of a VP of Technology 19:55 Balancing Speed and Depth in Technology Services 22:00 Understanding AI: Going Beyond Superficial Solutions 24:51 Cultivating a Culture of Innovation at Wizeline 27:14 Embracing AI in Daily Life 29:44 Mindset and Innovation Culture 35:18 Community Initiatives and Maturity Assessments 43:47 Career Challenges and Success Rules 51:34 Ownership and Mindset for Success -------------------------- -------------------------- Takeaways Cristian's early curiosity about technology shaped his career path. He emphasizes the importance of adding value over seeking titles. Scaling teams requires a shift in leadership approach and culture. Fostering a culture of innovation is essential for growth. Community initiatives can drive business value and improve practices. Effective communication is key to success in consulting roles. Understanding client needs is crucial for delivering value. Leaders should act as owners and not just executors of tasks. Continuous improvement should be part of the company culture. Recognizing and leveraging individual strengths can lead to career growth. -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------

Summary In this episode, Fausta Ballesteros, CMO and Chief Experience Officer at Wizeline, shares her journey in marketing, the importance of building high-performance teams, and how AI is transforming the marketing landscape. She emphasizes the need for collaboration, creativity, and embracing new technologies to enhance team performance and personal growth. In this conversation, Fausta discusses the significance of personal branding as a means to create opportunities and align with one's values and goals. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in building a personal brand and how visibility plays a crucial role in attracting opportunities. The discussion also covers the impact of personal branding on company marketing strategies, the challenges faced in careers, and the essential traits of an ideal employee. Fausta shares her success rules and offers advice for employees to stay proactive and connected in a rapidly changing industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fausta Ballesteros 01:12 The Journey to Becoming a CMO 05:04 Landing at Wiseline 08:08 Building High-Performance Teams 16:26 Embracing AI in Marketing 21:42 Pursuing Your Best Version 26:52 The Power of Personal Branding 35:29 Personal Branding and Company Marketing Strategies 39:38 Overcoming Career Challenges 42:51 Success Rules for Personal and Professional Growth 45:58 Traits of an Ideal Employee 46:56 Advice for Wiseline Employees -------------------------- -------------------------- Takeaways Fausta's journey to becoming a CMO was more of a career evolution than a childhood dream. Building high-performance teams requires a mix of talent and collaboration. AI can enhance marketing efforts by automating tasks and providing data insights. Team players are essential for success; egos can hinder progress. Focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses leads to personal and team growth. Embracing AI is crucial for staying relevant in the marketing field. Creating a positive work environment fosters creativity and productivity. Networking and scouting for talent are key to building effective teams. Personal development involves shifting focus from what is lacking to what is strong. Surrounding yourself with positive influences is vital for personal success. A strong personal brand opens doors and attracts opportunities. Self-awareness is the foundation of a personal brand. Visibility is crucial for leveraging talent and creating opportunities. Treat yourself as a product to effectively market your personal brand. Authenticity is key in personal branding. Embrace change as a constant in your career. Building a supportive team enhances personal and professional growth. Proactive communication is essential for career advancement. Success often requires breaking down big goals into smaller steps. Creating content can benefit both personal and company branding. -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------

Summary In this episode, Alfredo Rivera shares his journey to becoming a CFO, discussing his early career choices, the transition to Wizeline, and the importance of balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility. He emphasizes the need for a structured approach to financial planning and innovation, highlighting the role of a CFO in enabling and challenging teams to create effective business cases. In this conversation, Alfredo discusses the importance of empowering employees at Wizeline to share their insights and contribute to the company's growth. He emphasizes the need for financial literacy among employees, explaining how it can benefit both personal and professional lives. Alfredo also shares his experiences navigating career challenges, the significance of continuous learning, and offers key advice for success in one's career. He concludes with a motivational message for all Wizeline employees, encouraging them to take responsibility for the company's success. Chapters 00:00 Alfredo's Journey to CFO 05:40 Transitioning to Wizeline 08:41 Balancing Innovation and Fiscal Responsibility 15:31 Prioritizing Innovation in Financial Planning 22:37 The CFO's Role in Innovation 25:40 Empowering Insights at Wizeline 27:57 The Importance of Financial Literacy 35:58 Navigating Career Challenges 43:52 Keys to Success in Your Career 47:53 A Message to WiseLine Employees -------------------------- -------------------------- Takeaways Alfredo's journey to becoming a CFO was not a childhood dream but a realization later in his career. The impact of a strategic financial leader is significant in a company's growth. Balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility is crucial for sustainable growth. Every funding request should be backed by a solid business case. Innovation should focus on solving pain points within the organization. CFOs should not just say yes or no but work collaboratively on business cases. It's important to prioritize projects based on their potential impact and feasibility. Companies should not be afraid to pull out of unproductive investments. Small improvements can lead to significant impacts over time. The role of a CFO is to enable innovation while ensuring financial viability. Every Wizeliner has insights to share. Encouraging a culture of voicing insights is vital. Financial literacy is essential for everyone. Understanding company finances helps personal finance. Treat the company's wallet as your own. Continuous learning is crucial for career growth. Don't be afraid to seek change in your career. Align your work with your strengths and passions. Surround yourself with supportive people. Be proactive in your professional development. -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------