Explore every episode of the podcast Above The Noise
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where to Start With AI When You're Not Ready | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:21:57 | |
Most executives in traditional industries say the same thing when AI comes up: not yet. The reasons have little to do with the technology. Nobody knows which platform survives, nobody wants to hand over control of company data, and everyone remembers a software integration that ran for years and cost seven figures. In this episode of Above the Noise, Rob Wonderling, Aaron Cohen, and Upasna Ahuja take that objection apart. They make the case for scoping AI like a hire, starting with discovery before any purchase, and choosing one business problem worth understanding first. If you’ve been waiting for the picture to clear before you commit budget, this is the episode that tells you what to do in the meantime, and why the companies still waiting a year from now will be the ones explaining themselves. Ready to figure out where AI fits in your business? Start here: arenastrategic.ai Above the Noise is produced by Arena Strategic AI for leaders of privately held and multi-generational businesses. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Intro 01:39 The real problem: confusion, fear, and a lack of predictability 02:23 The stat that proves 75% of AI adoption is just for show 03:55 The Betamax vs. VHS fear that's stopping leaders from picking a platform 05:30 Stop calling it software: why AI should be treated like a new employee 07:07 The first step before buying any AI tool: discovery, not shopping 09:15 Why AI adoption looks totally different by industry and generation 10:45 Is waiting on AI actually the safe move? The real risk explained 11:57 The competitors you can't see yet 13:20 Why zero legacy costs give AI-first companies a brutal advantage 14:55 The early signal AI is already changing the labor-to-output equation 16:25 The 90-day plan: how to structure your first real AI pilot 18:32 Where AI adoption will be by the end of this year 21:11 The 3 final takeaways: don't wait, start small, watch for competitors who don't exist yet Learn more about Arena Strategic AI Connect with Aaron Cohen on LinkedIn Connect with Rob Wonderling on LinkedIn Connect with Upasna Ahuja on LinkedIn | |||
| Stop Guessing, Start Deciding: Welcome to Above the Noise | 09 sept. 2026 | 00:01:22 | |
Stop guessing which AI tools to buy. Start making profitable business decisions. Welcome to Above the Noise. The show for executives at traditional, multi-generational companies. We cut through the Silicon Valley noise to focus on high-stakes leadership, operational strategy, and real ROI. Hosted by Aaron Cohen and Rob Wonderling, we provide the executive playbooks you need to evaluate, deploy, and scale technology that actually moves the needle. New episodes every other week. Subscribe to gain your competitive advantage and secure the future of your business. Learn more about Arena Strategic AI Connect with Aaron Cohen on LinkedIn Connect with Rob Wonderling on LinkedIn Connect with Upasna Ahuja on LinkedIn | |||