89% of jobs will be impacted by AI next year. So what does that mean for services firms in 2026?

Pete Buer is joined by Chris Barbin and Michelle Swan of Tercera to break down insights from The New Services Playbook—and why "Services as Software" is reshaping everything from pricing models to delivery.

They explore why AI isn't an extinction-level event, how firms are taking share with smaller teams and faster delivery, and what it takes to stay trusted in a world where clients demand outcomes, not hours.

Plus: Pete digs into fresh data on workforce shifts and why internal alignment around AI is your new leadership challenge.

Download the report here! https://tercera.io/ai-era-services-transformation/

Test your commercial intelligence at www.knownwell.com/30days 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ni_jHHVHoqI 

Is client-centricity actually holding you back?

The team challenges conventional wisdom in this conversation on the account-based enterprise—a smarter, more sustainable model for growth. Courtney Baker, David DeWolf, and Mohan Rao dig into why client-first thinking often falls short, how CRMs give you a rearview mirror when you need headlights, and what it takes to shift from episodic touchpoints to proactive relationship intelligence.

Pete Buer breaks down Meta's bold move to tie employee performance to AI impact—and the potential creativity crisis that could follow. Plus, catch highlights from David's LinkedIn Live with Brian Shea on spotting churn risks before they ignite.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t1fZKbiJCi0 

https://www.knownwell.com/30days

We're celebrating 100 episodes of AI Knowhow and asking: what have the last two years of AI actually taught us?

Courtney, David, and Mohan rewind the tape to trace how far AI and executive thinking have come since episode 1 of the show all the way back in September 2023. What began as a curiosity is now a boardroom priority. But while the tech has sprinted ahead, the biggest barriers aren't technical: they're cultural, organizational, and deeply human.

The team shares what's surprised them (Wendy's drive-thru, anyone?), what still hasn't landed (where's the breakout AI-native device?), and what leaders need to carry into the next two years. 

And Pete Buer joins to reflect on some of his favorite conversations and the people shaping the future with care, not just code.

It's a candid, insightful, and sometimes humorous look back, and a launchpad for what's next.

00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration
01:33 Reflecting on Two Years of AI
02:12 Lessons Learned and Future Outlook
06:26 AI in Everyday Life
08:46 Unmet Expectations and Surprises
16:13 Reflections on 100 Episodes
21:09 Looking Ahead to the Next 100 Episodes

Make sure to check out www.knownwell.com.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/awG-DWpnGEc 

At a recent conference, one OpenAI executive recently said that their company is not really seeing other businesses' leaders looking for ROI from AI yet. David DeWolf and Courtney Baker were at that conference and have been holding off on talking about it until they could loop Mohan Rao in for a lively debate on whether or not it's true.

Also, in our special breaking In The News segment, Courtney and Pete Buer breakdown some of the week's top news, including the week-long saga of Sam Altman's full circle turn as CEO of OpenAI, as covered by Wired (OpenAI's Boardroom Drama Could Mess Up Your Future) and The NYT (Before Altman's Ouster, OpenAI's Board Was Divided and Feuding)

Lastly, Pete talks with board member and CEO advisor Anna Catalano to get her take on how boards are thinking about AI in terms of governance, enterprise risk, return on investment, and considerations for AI deployment within organizations.

Take your free AI Readiness Assessment at https://knownwell.com/assessment.

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Visit www.knownwell.com to discover how we can help you harness the power of AI to boost profitability.

Out of all the industries that will be disrupted by AI, which one stands to be disrupted the most? And what are the implications of this disruption for knowledge workers and the companies that employ them? 

Courtney Baker and Knownwell CEO David DeWolf discuss the implications of a recent study from Bain that found that 41% of labor time in the Professional Services industry can be automated using Generative AI. 

Also, Pete Buer talks with Scott Varho about Enterprise Generative AI and how organizations can accelerate innovation cycles using AI.

And, of course, Courtney and Pete break down the week's top news, including some of the announcements from OpenAI's DevDay event.

Watch this entire episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vCCiHDQPk6g.

Take your free AI Readiness Assessment at https://knownwell.com/assessment.

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Visit www.knownwell.com to discover how we can help you harness the power of AI to boost profitability.

Out of all the areas where you could apply AI in your business, where should you? How do you prioritize the most important initiatives that will have the greatest impact on your business?

For CEOs and other leaders trying to figure out exactly how and where their companies should be utilizing AI, it can be hard to pinpoint which opportunities they should pursue and which are most likely fool's gold.

In this episode, David DeWolf, Mohan Rao, and Courtney Baker provide some proactive tips leaders can use as they survey the business landscape to determine their most impactful first steps with AI.

Also, Vecteris Co-Founder Eisha Armstrong joins Pete Buer to share some of her insights into how the Generative AI boom is bringing much more attention to the idea of productizing certain services.

All of this plus Courtney and Pete cover some of the biggest news in AI this week including Elon Musk telling UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that AI will not just take some jobs, it will take ALL the jobs and spirits company Dictador unveiling the very first AI-powered "robot CEO".

Watch this entire episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/96CgJHAkh1c. 

Take your free AI Readiness Assessment at https://knownwell.com/assessment.

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Visit www.knownwell.com to discover how we can help you harness the power of AI to boost profitability.

Most people are familiar by now with how AI can be used to accelerate work as diverse as software development and performing medical research. Much of this work takes place at the individual contributor level, or operational aspects of a business.

What is lesser known, and what we believe we are on the cusp of understanding, is how AI can aid leaders in managing their companies at higher altitudes of business — such as operations, strategy, and ideology. This episode attempts to help understand that. 

This week's panel features Courtney Baker, David DeWolf, and Mohan Rao proving a forward-looking view into the future of AI and how it will increasingly be applied to these higher altitudes. Then, Pete Buer speaks with Domenic Colasante, CEO of 2X, about how his B2B Marketing as a Service company has already started to take advantage of AI to accelerate their capabilities and services.

And, in this week's news segment, Pete joins Courtney to talk about the Biden Administration's new AI-focused executive order.

Watch this entire episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nTVa4puQd6s 

Take your free AI Readiness Assessment at https://knownwell.com/assessment

Visit the 2X website: https://2x.marketing/

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Visit www.knownwell.com to discover how they can help you harness the power of AI to boost profitability.

Do you have the right data foundation in place today? Is your data accurate, accessible, and secure? And what other questions should executives be asking of your technology leaders to ensure you have the right data foundation in place for this transformational moment?

In this episode, we answer all of those questions.

First, our panel of David DeWolf, Mohan Rao, and Courtney Baker talk about the importance of having the right data foundation in place. After that, Pete Buer speaks with Airbnb's Mitesh Mangaonkar about the cornerstones of building a data foundation using AI.

And, of course, Courtney and Pete run you through this week's news in AI.

Watch this entire episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aYadN_Y8dkM 

Take your free AI Readiness Assessment at https://knownwell.com/assessment.

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Visit www.knownwell.com to discover how they can help you harness the power of AI to boost profitability.

AI can fundamentally change the way that your business operates. With the right vision and planning, those changes to your business will translate into value for your customers. That's always good for business. 

In this episode, we explore how leaders can identify value streams and then use AI to optimize them. First, the panel talks about how companies deliver value and unpack the concept of value streams. Then, Pete speaks with Gregory FCA Public Relations' Greg Matusky about his experience using AI to completely reimagine the way his PR company creates and delivers value.

Finally, Courtney and Pete follow-up a bit of news from our first episode and taste test Coca-Cola Y3K - the AI-developed soda.

Watch this entire episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/soLxLBkX64Q.

Take your free AI Readiness Assessment at https://knownwell.com/assessment.

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Visit www.knownwell.com to discover how they can help you harness the power of AI to boost profitability.

Many leaders view the AI transformation as an opportunity for the CTOs and CIOs of the world to drive strategy and implementation. While technologists certainly have a big part to play in determining how to get the most impact out of AI, this is really a time for non-technologists like Chief Human Resource Officers to make their mark in how AI is leveraged within their organizations.

In this episode, Knownwell's David DeWolf talks about how CHRO's are uniquely qualified to become "Chief HumAIn Officers". Also, Compensation Tool's Justin Hampton talks about how AI is about to revolutionize HR. And, of course, we've got news with Pete Buer, and Courtney shares some AI-generated humor.

Watch this entire episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/_MOKNVbrWCg

Take your free AI Readiness Assessment at https://knownwell.com/assessment.

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Visit www.knownwell.com to discover how they can help you harness the power of AI to boost profitability.

The AI transformation that's upon us is impacting businesses of all shapes and sizes in profound ways, with even greater impacts on the horizon.

One of the most profound ways AI will impact businesses is changing the focus of executives and company leaders from a growth-at-all-costs mentality to one where operational excellence, productivity, and efficiency rule the day.

To help us understand all of this, Knownwell CEO David DeWolf joins Courtney Baker to share his thoughts around why this shift is happening at the perfect time, how the obsession with growth actually led us to this point of economic volatility, and why C-Suite leaders should be thinking about how to remove friction as they look to apply AI to drive operational excellence.

Also, Pete Buer talks with Rubrik's Chief Revenue Officer Brian McCarthy about how Rubrik is helping companies like Home Depot shore up their approach to cybersecurity and data protection. They cover AI's role in driving productivity by keeping bad actors at bay and ensuring the data and information they provide to CISOs and info sec teams is actionable.

Courtney also talks about an interest event in the world of self-driving cars. The video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyAX28dapps

And, Mohan Rao and Pete Buer cover two recent articles in the news.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c8Ujkptu0hI

Take your free AI Readiness Assessment at https://knownwell.com/assessment.

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell. Visit www.knownwell.com to discover how they can help you harness the power of AI to boost profitability.

For more about the AI Knowhow, visit www.knownwell.com/podcast.

We delve into the concerns of private equity leaders regarding AI use in their portfolio companies. Join Knownwell's David DeWolf, Courtney Baker, and Mohan Rao as they discuss who is best suited to spearhead AI initiatives in your organization.

Lee Garber of NewSpring Capital stops by to talk with Pete Buer about where, on the metaphorical football field, he sees companies in terms of their ability to use AI technology to drive value.

And, in the news segment, Courtney and Pete dig into stories about Generative AI and how AI is being used to improve efficiency, scheduling, operations, and productivity in the construction space.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/umui78_Dt8o

Take your free AI Readiness Assessment at https://knownwell.com/assessment.

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell. Visit www.knownwell.com to discover how they can help you harness the power of AI to boost profitability.

For more about the AI Knowhow, visit www.knownwell.com/podcast.

In a world brimming with questions about AI, which two stand out as the most crucial for business leaders? In this episode, the AI Knowhow team zeroes in on these pivotal questions, guiding executives on how to leverage AI's full potential for their businesses.

Join Knownwell's Courtney Baker, David DeWolf, Mohan Rao, and Pete Buer as they tackle these two questions and dissect the week's AI headlines, translating them into actionable steps for the C-suite.

Also, Pete sits down with Andre Yee. Andre founded the account-based marketing technology company Triblio, which he sold to IDG in 2021. He has also held successful leadership roles at several top technology companies, including Eloqua and Oracle. Connect with Andre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreyee/

Take your free AI Readiness Assessment at https://knownwell.com/assessment.

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell. Visit www.knownwell.com to discover how they can help you harness the power of AI to boost profitability.

For more about the AI Knowhow, visit www.knownwell.com/podcast.

AI is fast becoming a utility—accessible to everyone, everywhere. But if the tools are the same, where does competitive advantage come from?

Courtney Baker, David DeWolf, and Mohan Rao explore the new sources of differentiation when AI is no longer scarce: proprietary data, clean pipelines, workflow integration, and a culture that learns faster than rivals. They even tackle whether generalists or specialists are better positioned to thrive in this new era.

Pete Buer sits down with Kleio CEO Philippe Wellens to unpack why 95% of AI pilots fail, how to orchestrate AI agents with guardrails, and the right way to measure ROI and time-to-value when agents are taking real action inside your business.

All of that PLUS Pete has a breakdown on why nimble AI-native boutiques are outpacing the Big Four—and what that means for leaders trying to steer enterprise giants.

Curious how AI is reshaping leadership and redefining what it means to manage? Try rethinking your organization's leadership journey from the ground up. Visit www.Knownwell.com/experience to explore real-time commercial intelligence—and join the conversation on LinkedIn to tell us how you think we should train the next generation of leaders.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wwp9X_oqw9k 

Are you ready to lead your company into the future with confidence and foresight? In our first episode of AI Knowhow, we start to unravel all of the potential mysteries of adapting to our new AI era. 

First, Host Courtney Baker is joined by Knownwell executives David DeWolf and Mohan Rao to talk about how to assess your organization's readiness for AI transformation in seven distinct areas. After that, AI and cybersecurity expert Andrew DeBerry speaks with Knownwell's Pete Buer about the importance of strategic leadership and utilizing unique data in adopting AI in businesses. Andrew also talks about how important it is for companies to prioritize ethics and transparency in order to navigate upcoming AI regulations effectively.

Of course, at the top of the show, we have our rapid-fire news segment. And, at the end, we'll look back to the past to understand our future. 

For more information on Andrew DeBerry, find him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/deberry.

AI Knowhow is presented to you by the team at Knownwell. Visit www.knownwell.com for more information about how they can help you leverage the power of AI to drive profitability.

For more about the podcast, visit www.knownwell.com/podcasts.

AI Knowhow is a podcast tailor-made for business leaders navigating the transformative world of artificial intelligence. In this evolving landscape, adapting the way we steer our businesses is not just about maintaining a competitive edge, but also aligning our AI strategies with our core values and vision.

Each week, Courtney Baker teams up with Knownwell executives David DeWolf, Mohan Rao, and Pete Buer to bring you dynamic, insightful, and actionable episodes that are crafted to assist executives in translating this groundbreaking technology into viable business solutions. Our mission is to aid you in maneuvering through this AI-centric world, offering guidance and clarity on the changing dynamics of the workspace.

Every episode includes experts, scholars, and practitioners specializing in AI implementation and ethics. We also hear voices from diverse fields to present a rounded picture of the potential opportunities that AI brings to the table. And, of course, we also feature visionary executives who will share their success stories of using AI to revolutionize their businesses.

Brought to you by the team at Knownwell: www.knownwell.com/podcast.

Will AI replace middle managers, or will it make them more human than ever?

In this episode, Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao unpack AI's real impact on middle management. Is the leadership pipeline about to be disrupted? Or will we see a resurgence of mentorship, critical thinking, and apprenticeship models?

Pete Buer continues his conversation with philosopher, author, and Forbes columnist Dr. Pia Lauritzen. They dive deep into the existential risks of AI and why existential, ethical, and epistemological questions must never be left to AI

All of that PLUS Pete joins Courtney to review some AI news. This week they discuss a Wired article on how scientists are using AI to invent bizarre, yet effective experiments. The takeaway? AI isn't just about automation—it's about creative collaboration. 

Don't miss insights on what leadership training might look like in an AI-first world, why critical thinking beats arithmetic, and how "question culture" could be the secret to better business decisions.

Curious how AI is reshaping leadership and redefining what it means to manage? Try rethinking your organization's leadership journey from the ground up. Visit www.Knownwell.com/experience to explore real-time commercial intelligence—and join the conversation on LinkedIn to tell us how you think we should train the next generation of leaders.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NG3fNH3aia8 

AOL finally shut down its dial-up service—but the real story? Many companies are still treating AI like it's 1999. In this episode, the team explores what it takes to move from experimentation to transformation in the age of ambient AI.

Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao dive into the biggest challenge facing leaders today: AI isn't just a tool—it's becoming the environment we work in. So why are so many organizations still "sneaking downstairs" to test it in isolation?

Then, Pete Buer speaks with philosopher Dr. Pia Lauritzen. She explains that the real existential risk of AI is not extinction, but losing what makes us human. She argues that blindly optimizing for speed and output might cost us the deeper questions that drive true progress.

All of that PLUS Pete has another edition of AI in the Wild. This week, he breaks down the latest MIT report on AI's impact on jobs: most displacement is happening in offshore and outsourced roles—for now. Plus, only a sliver of AI investments are delivering ROI, and that's mostly through efficiency, not innovation.

If you're still piloting AI in a silo, this episode is your wake-up call.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2eoNu4WvsFc 

Growing existing clients is 95% more profitable than chasing new deals. Get the Commercial Relationship Playbook and turn relationships into your most reliable growth engine: knownwell.com/relationshipplaybook

What do corporate boards really want from AI initiatives—and how can executive teams prepare to deliver?

Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao for a revealing discussion on how boardroom expectations around AI have evolved. From ROI to risk and organizational readiness, discover the three big priorities every board member is tracking—and how to ace the conversation before it even starts.

Then, Pete Buer interviews David Evans, founder of ArcSyne, about using AI to forecast complex futures. They explore how AI-powered scenario modeling is helping leadership teams navigate market volatility, rethink org structures, and avoid strategic blind spots. From trade policy to pricing strategy, Evans shares real-world use cases and insights that professional services leaders won't want to miss.

Stop chasing new logos—start unlocking exponential growth with the clients you already have. Download Knownwell's Commercial Relationship Playbook and turn retention into your biggest revenue driver at Knownwell.com/relationshipplaybook.

Show Notes

• Visit the ArcSyne website
• Connect with ArcSyne Founder David Evans on LinkedIn
• Connect with David DeWolf on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mohan Rao on LinkedIn
• Connect with Courtney Baker on LinkedIn
• Connect with Pete Buer on LinkedIn
• Get a guided Knownwell demo
• Follow Knownwell on LinkedIn

It's that time again—budget season. But how do you plan AI spending for a future that keeps shifting?

Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack how leaders can budget for AI in 2026 without wasting spend or missing out. The takeaway? Don't budget for "AI"—budget for solving real business problems. From aligning with KPIs to adopting a 70/20/10 allocation model, they outline how to move from pilots to scalable, ROI-focused AI investments.

Next, Pete Buer sits down with Alex Kelleher, CEO of Quantum Rise, who makes the case for thinking in products, not projects. He explains why agility, measurable KPIs, and shared risk models are redefining how consulting delivers AI value—and how your business can adopt the same mindset.

Plus: A new segment, "What's Your Password (And Why Is It 123456)?", reveals how even global giants like McDonald's are still failing cybersecurity 101—and what AI-powered defenses can help you do better.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z8-16tvNw50 

Visit Knownwell.com to see how your own company's data could be working harder for you.

It's easy to launch an AI proof of concept. It's hard to turn it into a solution people actually enjoy using and continue to use over the long haul.

In this episode, Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker teams up with CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack the real-world challenges of operationalizing AI. From starting with the right problem to mastering change management and workflow integration, they share practical strategies for bridging the gap from prototype to production.

Pete Buer kicks things off with a look at a Columbia University/New York-Presbyterian AI breakthrough that detects hidden heart disease with 77% accuracy—and how early detection applies to industries far beyond healthcare.

Then, Pete sits down with Jim Garrity, Chief Client Officer at SingleStone, to explore his delightfully BORING AI framework. They discuss why targeting unglamorous but business-critical processes can unlock major value, how insurance underwriters are speeding decisions with AI, and why professional services retention is all about avoiding single-threaded relationships and spotting growth opportunities early.

Explore how to stop flying blind and start harnessing AI for what it does best before it's too late. Visit www.knownwell.com to get a guided tour of the platform.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/U8KG0iPUPNU 

Why do firms silently bleed customers, and how can AI help stop it?

In this revealing episode of AI Knowhow from Knownwell, CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao lift the curtain on the biggest Knownwell platform update yet. They explore how AI can detect hidden signals across departments, sometimes before the metrics even move, and why ignoring 90% of the noise is just as critical as surfacing the right 10%.

Using a playful analogy involving Courtney and Mohan's beloved Oura Rings, the team illustrates how contextual clues in client relationships can predict major issues before they explode. David and Mohan explain how Knownwell's new features proactively identify fires, budget pressures, and executive turnover to help firms avoid disaster.

In this week's "AI in the Wild," Pete Buer breaks down a controversial Microsoft memo that makes AI usage mandatory and raises deeper questions about critical thinking, tool diversity, and performance reviews.

Plus, in part two of his interview, Matt Stauffer, CEO of Tighten, shares why AI hasn't radically changed his software team's structure—and how seeing AI as a junior developer helps separate hype from reality. His take? AI shines in grunt work but still needs human oversight to deliver excellence.

Explore how to stop flying blind and start harnessing AI for what it does best before it's too late. Visit www.knownwell.com to get a guided tour of the platform.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9MYYHhcU3cA 

Client churn may be inevitable, but what if your relationships were strong enough to resist it?

Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to dissect how AI can help build resilient, multi-threaded client relationships. They explore why single-threaded accounts are risky, how AI can map relationship networks, and the ways it enables proactive value delivery through real-time insights and signals.

Special guest Matt Stauffer, CEO of Tighten, sits down with Pete Buer to share how professional services firms can responsibly integrate AI. Matt warns against AI maximalism and discusses the real ROI behind building AI tools—advising companies to start with the business problem, not the shiny tech.

All of that, PLUS Pete unpacks insights from LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky on how to AI-proof your career. 

Want to turn insights into action? Download Knownwell's white paper, "AI-Powered Strategies for Scaling Professional Services," at www.knownwell.com/scalingwhitepaper. 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/geeqPMhGRcY 

Another CEO memo on AI is making waves - this time from Amazon's Andy Jassy, who outlines the tech giant's aggressive AI strategy and hints at workforce reductions. While some may see it as ominous, others view it as a rallying cry for change. The AI Knowhow team dives deep into what this latest corporate proclamation really means.

First, NordLight CEO Pete Buer and Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker unpack Jassy's memo, especially its stark honesty about AI's impact on jobs—and what it means for your own upskilling strategy.

Then Courtney is joined by Knownwell's CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack how leaders at all levels—not just the C-suite—can take initiative, align teams, and prove they're a few steps ahead before the next memo lands. From strategic intent to narrative discipline and modular operating systems, they break down the practical moves that position you to lead with action, not just reaction.

Also, Pete Buer chats with Jeff McKay, founder of Prudent Pedal, to explore how AI is transforming organizational structures in professional services firms. They examine McKay's "IC Triad" model and how marketing, sales, and delivery must evolve to remain competitive in the AI era.

Check out the Knownwell platform to see how your own company's data can unlock next-level decision-making at www.knownwell.com. 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/inqzp0KmoWg 

What exactly is an "AI Control Plane," and why might it become an integral part of your business strategy in 2026?

In this episode, Courtney Baker, David DeWolf, and Mohan Rao look around the corner to predict the major shifts coming to the enterprise in 2026. They discuss the move from isolated AI experiments to verticalized systems, the rise of the "AI Control Plane," and whether a Fortune 500 company will finally kill the 40-hour work week.

Then, Domo's Chief Design Officer Chris Willis joins Pete Buer to challenge the "magical thinking" that often derails AI adoption. He explains why dashboards aren't dead (they just need to get smarter), what it takes to build real-time intelligence you can trust, and why organizational design is the biggest barrier to success.

Plus, in the news: KPMG is training new hires to be "managers of agents" rather than analysts. Pete and Courtney unpack this radical shift in talent strategy and ask: if juniors stop doing the grunt work, how will they learn the judgment needed to lead?

Topics covered:

• 2026 Predictions: Vertical AI, the "Control Plane," and will one brave Fortune 500 company introduce a 35-hour work week?
• The Trust Gap: Why "magical thinking" is hurting enterprise AI adoption.
• Organizational Design: Why handoffs and silos are the real enemy of AI success.
• The New Junior Role: The pros and cons of hiring "managers of agents."

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JLaTV7xK1CY 

Grab the AI Strategy Playbook at Knownwell: https://www.knownwell.com/playbook 

• Visit Domo's website
• Connect with Chris Willis on LinkedIn
• Connect with David DeWolf on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mohan Rao on LinkedIn
• Connect with Courtney Baker on LinkedIn
• Connect with Pete Buer on LinkedIn
• Try Knownwell free for 30 days
• Schedule a guided Knownwell demo
• Follow Knownwell on LinkedIn

Accenture just rebranded its core services as "Reinvention Services." But is this just corporate posturing or a sign of something bigger happening in professional services?

First, Pete Buer returns with a breakdown of the business impact of Accenture's move. He asks: Is AI finally becoming an operating system for enterprises, not just a toolkit? He dives into how Accenture's internal reorganization reflects broader pressures in the consulting industry, including margin compression, commoditization, and the urgent need to differentiate.

Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by Knownwell CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to further unpack the implications of Accenture's bold repositioning. They explore why this move might signal a shift from episodic transformation to continuous reinvention and how smaller firms can adapt and stay relevant.

David shares how positioning—not just performance—is now critical for service firms trying to escape the zero-sum game. Mohan offers a grounded analysis of how AI collapses silos and demands a rethinking of not just tools, but organizational architecture.

If your business is still treating AI as a "next quarter" concern, this episode is your wake-up call.

Visit Knownwell.com to see how your own company's data could be working harder for you.

What if your next wave of growth isn't about chasing new logos—but mining gold from the clients you already have?

In this cepisode, CMO Courtney Baker challenges the traditional growth mindset with Knownwell's CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao. Together, they break down why net revenue retention (NRR) is the real growth lever, especially for professional services firms. They explore the inefficiencies of over-investing in new sales and reveal how failing to rigorously manage and measure existing relationships is holding companies back from true scalability and predictable growth.

Meanwhile, Pete Buer dives into the latest AI in the Wild: Meta's audacious push toward artificial general intelligence, led by Scale AI's Alexander Wang. Is this the next paradigm shift or just Metaverse 2.0?

And back by popular demand—it's the return of the AI Snake Draft! Courtney, David, and Mohan face off with their must-have AI tools for 2025. Which apps have become indispensable? Which tools are heading to the D-League? Find out who steals the draft with surprises, strategy, and a little smack talk.

Plus, download the new Knownwell playbook for AI-powered strategies to scale your professional services firm: www.knownwell.com/scalingwhitepaper 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N8b_AtMIM2E 

What happens when you give every employee access to the paid version of ChatGPT? At Knownwell, it wasn't just a tech decision—it was a culture shift.

Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao explore the real-world implications of a strategic move: providing company-wide access to ChatGPT. They share what sparked the decision and how a structured rollout strategy transformed productivity, communication, and innovation across the team. They also dive into what smart deployment looks like, from setting enterprise controls to embedding AI within your company's OKRs.

Pete Buer kicks off the episode with an eye-opening look at Apple's latest research into large language model reasoning and why businesses must approach AI tools with both optimism and caution. He unpacks the importance of human-AI collaboration and encourages leaders to ditch the "magic wand" mindset.

Also in this episode: Part two of Pete's interview with Ardy Tripathy, AI lead at OpsCanvas. Ardy reveals how AI can help eliminate "zombie resources" in cloud infrastructure, streamline CI/CD pipelines, and enhance visibility across systems. He also offers practical tips for CEOs on how to lead AI experimentation without losing control.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders navigating the AI learning curve, and for teams wondering what enterprise-wide access really unlocks.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NneA_LgHEYc 

Curious what your company's data looks like on Knownwell? Schedule a demo at www.knownwell.com. 

Skating to where the puck will be? Not enough. In professional services, it's all about anticipating where your client—the skater—is headed next. But how do you stay ahead when clients start zigging, zagging, and getting slammed into strategic pivots?

This episode of AI Knowhow tackles that challenge head-on. Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack how AI can empower service leaders to become true strategic navigators. They explore why staying close to clients, decoding digital breadcrumbs, and scaling the "trusted advisor" model are essential in today's AI-driven landscape.

For our expert interview segment, Pete Buer sits down with Ardy Tripathy, AI lead at OpsCanvas, to explore how his team is using AI to automate infrastructure intelligently. Ardy shares a refreshingly honest rubric for evaluating AI use cases and explains how he turns high-potential features into real, verifiable products.

All that PLUS Pete chats with Mohan about Meta's new AI assistant. Is it a friend or just surveillance dressed in chatbot clothing? They break down the privacy red flags and why Meta's approach is a cautionary tale for any business building customer-facing AI.

Want to see your company's client intelligence in action? Visit Knownwell.com to learn how Knownwell helps professional service leaders move from reactive to proactive.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jlZtX-u7HME 

You think you're delivering five-star service—but do your clients feel the same?

In this episode of AI Knowhow, Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to tackle the thorny disconnect between service quality and client perception. They explore why perception often outweighs actual performance in professional services, and how leaders can use AI to measure, manage, and close that gap—at scale.

Plus, in a clip from a recent Knownwell webinar, Pete Buer illustrates what a fully AI-powered client management operating system looks like—interconnected tools, real-time insights, and automated recommendations driving both efficiency and experience.

All that PLUS Pete joins Mohan to unpack a revealing Duke University study that found AI users in the workplace are seen as less competent. Together, they discuss what leaders must do to publicly de-stigmatize AI use and foster a culture that values innovation over fear.

From emotional signals in client conversations to proactive alerts on account risk, the future of client service is about more than delivery—it's about being felt. If your best work isn't recognized, does it even count?

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0w2CpPyEBMo 
Sign up for Knownwell: www.knownwell.com 

What if you had a digital partner that worked tirelessly, mirrored your work style, and even knew your blind spots? This episode explores the fascinating concept of your AI "work twin"—not a clone, but a true collaborator and digital chief of staff.

Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker, alongside CEO David DeWolf and CPTO Mohan Rao, dives into how AI is revolutionizing the workplace—not by replacing humans, but by augmenting them. They unpack what makes an effective AI collaborator, why "training your twin" matters, and how AI tools thrive on manners, tone, and consistency. You'll learn how to onboard AI like a team member, iterate through conversations (not just prompts), and leverage AI memory to boost productivity.

In the second part of Pete Buer's interview with Max Gabriel, CEO of Augmented AI, the spotlight is on why AI is "eating SaaS." Max unpacks the rise of vertical AI agents, how they challenge traditional SaaS models, and why the future of enterprise tech may lie in intelligent, context-aware agents. From onboarding AI like a new hire to the market economics that favor lean AI startups, Max delivers a masterclass on what business leaders need to do now to prepare.

Explore how to empower your human workforce with AI, avoid being left behind, and build a smarter, more responsive organization. Visit Knownwell.com to learn more or watch this episode on YouTube.

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

The buzz is deafening—every company is now an AI company...or are they?

Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack whether the AI revolution is as widespread as the hype suggests. They explore what it really means to be an "AI company," why adoption is uneven across industries, and how leaders can move beyond experimentation toward meaningful AI integration.

Pete Buer sits down with Max Gabriel, CEO of Augmented AI, in the first of a two-part interview exploring why AI is poised to disrupt the software world. Max breaks down how the rise of AI agents signals a seismic shift in the SaaS model, what vertical AI solutions mean for enterprise strategy, and why organizations must rethink their technology stack from the ground up.

In our 'AI in the Wild' segment, Pete and Mohan discuss Apple's revelation that Google searches on Safari have declined for the first time in 20 years—a signal that AI-powered search tools may be eroding Google's long-held dominance. What does this mean for how businesses approach marketing, SEO, and information discovery?

Also, don't miss Courtney and Pete's upcoming webinar on May 22nd at noon Eastern: "Master Client Success with AI." Learn how professional services firms can implement AI-powered client management systems to drive retention and growth. Register now at knownwell.com/masterclientsuccess.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0h9TXvdKZPc 

Managing client relationships shouldn't be a scramble. Courtney Baker and NordLight CEO Pete Buer reveal how AI-driven commercial management systems streamline client success for professional services - turning scattered data into clear, actionable insights in minutes. From operating system fundamentals to practical AI applications, this conversation shows how to level up client retention and growth.

Plus, get the team's live reaction to breaking news: OpenAI's surprising decision to retain nonprofit control and what it means for the future of AI.

Register for the May 22nd webinar at Knownwell.com/masterclientsuccess to dive deeper into building your AI-powered client success system.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aF9AN4KYCJo 

AI adoption hinges on one thing: trust. But how do you build it—and more importantly, how do you keep it from breaking?

In this episode of AI Knowhow, CMO Courtney Baker teams up with CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack the critical security questions every organization should be asking before deploying AI. They break down the evolving attack surface of AI systems—from prompt injection and data poisoning to model inversion - and explain how to evaluate vendors for their trustworthiness and preparedness. Mohan shares a practical checklist for non-technical leaders to vet AI platforms, and David highlights the new responsibilities facing leadership in this AI-first era.

Pete Buer kicks things off with AI in the Wild, where he explores Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff's provocative claim that today's CEOs may be the last to lead fully human workforces. With 84% of customer service requests already resolved by AI agents at Salesforce, Pete lays out what this shift means for how companies scale, innovate, and think strategically.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4czftF3dhig 
Sign up for Knownwell: www.knownwell.com 

Is it really possible to eliminate client churn in professional services? Knownwell's CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao dive deep into the myths surrounding unavoidable churn and why too many companies accept it as inevitable. They challenge this mindset, exploring how AI-driven insights can shift businesses from resignation to proactive client retention strategies.

Special guest Peter Kang, co-founder of Barrel Holdings, joins Pete Buer for a revealing conversation about "silent churn" — when clients slip away without warning. Kang shares how systems thinking, deeper client engagement, and recognizing early warning signs are key to building resilient agency relationships. And why when you start to hear, "All is good" over and over, alarm bells should start going off in your head. 

In "AI in the Wild," Pete Buer breaks down new research from the Pew Research Center highlighting the gap between public and expert perceptions of AI's future — and what it means for businesses today.

Ready to rethink your churn strategy? Visit www.knownwell.com to see how Knownwell's AI platform can help you keep more of the clients you've already earned.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_KKLpnZsU0o 

Only 5% of companies are getting real value from AI—so what are they doing differently?

Courtney, David, and Mohan unpack the "AI value gap," spotlighting what it actually takes to move from spinning up pilots to driving measurable outcomes, while Pete Buer checks in on Michael Burry's billion-dollar bet against the AI boom. P

ete also sits down with Coframe CEO Josh Payne, who reveals how compounding intelligence and self-improving systems are quietly reshaping customer experiences—and what most companies miss when trying to replicate that success.

Learn how to escape the hype, go deep instead of wide, and make AI count where it really matters: your P&L.

Download the Meeting Cadence Playbook: www.knownwell.com/meetingcadence

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BbaBu-QCWwc 

As AI becomes more integrated into everyday business and personal life, the biggest question leaders face is: when should we rely on AI and when must the human touch prevail?

In this episode, Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker joins CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to explore the fine line between AI augmentation and human intuition. The team uses a recent LinkedIn post from Ethan Mollick as a leaping off point to unpack how leaders can responsibly scale with AI while keeping people empowered, not replaced.

In the post, Mollick shares the results of a recent study that shows students who use AI as a tutor benefit from it, whereas those who use AI to do their work for them end up faring worse on standardized tests.

Special guest Richard Lin, CEO of Anyreach.ai, speaks with Pete Buer about how AI voice agents are transforming customer service and sales. Lin reveals how cloning the "top 1%" of reps isn't about replacement, but about elevating consistent performance while keeping humans in the loop to label, train, and improve AI systems.

In our news segment, Pete dives into the fascinating world of AI therapists. A recent study shows that bots can actually help patients with anxiety and depression, raising the provocative question: are people more honest with machines than humans?

See how Knownwell's platform empowers your team with actionable insights. Visit Knownwell.com. 

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

Does AI represent an extinction-level event for your business? In this episode, we ask the important question: how can your company become the bird, not the pterodactyl, in the age of digital Darwinism?

Pete Buer sits down with Wolf Ruzicka, SVP of Strategic Advisory at Solvd and author of AI Driven: Staying Alive in the Age of Digital Darwinism. Wolf lays out a five-step roadmap to move from AI novice to AI-native, including how to reclaim your digital destiny, activate unstructured data, and prepare for generative AI's superpowers. They discuss why executive education is a key barrier to adoption, what "digital marines" can do for your team, and how out-of-paradigm thinking—like intelligent RFP matching—will define the next generation of AI impact.

Also, in "AI in the Wild", Courtney Baker and Pete discuss the business implications of Deutsche Telekom's new AI phone and what it signals for device interaction and workplace productivity. Spoiler alert: if done right, AI-first hardware could transform user experience far beyond the consumer world.

Don't miss Knownwell's platform showcase! If it's after April 15, watch the replay at www.knownwell.com/showcase.  

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RpNzJ257qTs 
Learn more and sign up for Knownwell: www.knownwell.com

AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.

The flowers are blooming, the pollen is popping, and Courtney's wondering why corporate spring break isn't a thing (seriously though). While the AI Knowhow Team hits pause on the regular lineup, they're gearing up for something fresh, live, and full of Knownwell goodness.

On April 15th, Courtney Baker and David DeWolf are going live on LinkedIn to peel back the curtain on what's new at Knownwell. If you're a professional services leader - or just someone who wants to ditch the guesswork and start driving business with data - this is your backstage pass to see how our native AI platform is evolving.

To register, make sure to visit https://www.linkedin.com/events/7313305362961453125/. 

Want to unlock AI's potential in your organization? Skip the brainstorms and go all in with an AI Hackathon!

In this final installment of the Applied AI series, CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to break down why AI hackathons might be your best tool for driving adoption, sparking collaboration, and building lasting impact. Whether you're a tech startup or a professional services firm, this episode gives you the blueprint.

Special guest Jeff Gallimore, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of Excella, shares best practices from their GenAI-focused hackathons—including how engaging clients as judges and building cross-functional teams helped move ideas from prototype to production. From enabling constraints to cultural buy-in, Jeff explains how hackathons can be more than just a creative break—they can be a launchpad for real outcomes.

Courtney, David, and Mohan reflect on their own hackathon experiences and offer strategic advice on making hackathons successful—from aligning with your roadmap to ensuring outputs are built to scale. Plus, how non-engineers can thrive in AI innovation thanks to tools like Canva and prompt engineering.

All that PLUS Pete Buer breaks down the rise and fall (and jailbreak) of the Humane AI Pin. The big lesson? Innovation only sticks if it meets the market where it is.

Whether you're running your first hackathon or looking to level up your next one, this episode is packed with practical tips, real stories, and a bit of good-natured competition.

Want to see what Knownwell's platform can do with your data? Visit www.knownwell.com to get started. 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gu2jq1Ol_Z0 

• Connect with Jeff Gallimore on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Excella
• Connect with David DeWolf on LinkedIn
• Connect with Courtney Baker on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mohan Rao on LinkedIn
• Connect with Pete Buer on LinkedIn
• Watch a guided Knownwell demo
• Follow Knownwell on LinkedIn

Still think of AI as just a chatbot? It's time to reframe that mindset.

Logan Kilpatrick of Google DeepMind joins the show to discuss the latest advances with Gemini, including long-context reasoning and native multimodal capabilities—and why UX, not chat, is the real frontier in AI. He shares examples from Khan Academy and others that show how smarter, more human-centered experiences are key to unlocking AI's full potential.

Logan and Mohan Rao also explore why it's such an exciting time to be working in AI, with developers making groundbreaking discoveries daily, and how the next wave of AI in services businesses has so much promise, as we shift from real-time answers to asynchronous, reasoning-driven systems with humans in the loop.

Next, CMO Courtney Baker teams up with CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to look at why, in the AI age, leaders need to think differently about how to deliver value with concepts like learning systems, compounding intelligence, and more. 

They also join Logan in challenging the chatbot-centric mental model that many may hold about AI because it has been our introductory experience to the technology. They explore why simply deploying chat interfaces isn't the future—and why UX is key to making AI work for real business outcomes.

Plus, Pete Buer breaks down Anthropic's $61B valuation from their latest funding round and looks at how businesses should evaluate LLMs for fit and function, not just from what they read in the latest headlines.

Ready to stop having long, text-based discussions with a chatbot and start building smarter AI experiences? Us too. 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4wHs_V96afE 

Check out Knownwell's AI-native platform and see how your business can thrive in the new era: Knownwell.com

• Connect with Logan Kilpatrick on LinkedIn
• Read the LinkedIn post about Mercor that David, Mohan, and Courtney discuss
• Learn more about Google DeepMind
• Learn more about Google AI Studio
• Connect with David DeWolf on LinkedIn
• Connect with Courtney Baker on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mohan Rao on LinkedIn
• Connect with Pete Buer on LinkedIn
• Watch a guided Knownwell demo
• Follow Knownwell on LinkedIn

The best leaders don't wait for problems to arise - they anticipate them before they happen.

But how do you shift from a reactive leadership style to a proactive one?

AI might just be the key.

In this episode, host Courtney Baker is joined by Knownwell CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao. Together, they explore how AI enables leaders to foresee challenges, manage risks, and reclaim time for strategic decision-making. From AI-driven notifications that predict client or employee concerns to tools that help leaders focus on what truly matters, they uncover how AI is reshaping leadership itself.

Special guest Jess Hall, Chief Growth Officer at OpsCanvas and member of Knownwell's AI Advisory Board, sits down with NordLight CEO Pete Buer to tackle one of the biggest hurdles in AI adoption: trust. Drawing from her experience in product strategy and AI ethics, Jess shares a powerful framework for building trust in AI systems, explains why AI skepticism mirrors the early days of automated elevators, and offers practical steps for businesses to create AI-powered products that people feel safe using.

Plus, in our AI in the Wild segment, we put AI itself on the spot. Can AI tell us how to turn raw data into actionable insights? You might be surprised by the answer.

Want to stop reacting and start leading with AI? Visit Knownwell.com to see how our platform helps executives like you stay ahead.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N5pD5rh5hRs 

Would you rather trust an AI decision-making system that's 90% accurate but a total black box, or one that's only 70% accurate but fully explainable? What about AI that predicts your next big revenue stream with 30% certainty versus AI that boosts your operations by 70%? In this special 75th episode of AI Knowhow, we put our panel to the test in an AI-themed game of Would You Rather?

Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao for a lively debate on AI trade-offs in business. From decision-making transparency to revenue growth strategies, our team digs into real-world applications of AI and what business leaders should prioritize.

Plus, NordLight CEO Pete Buer introduces a brand-new segment, This Is Your Brain on AI, where we explore Microsoft's latest study on AI reliance and its impact on critical thinking. Are we outsourcing too much of our problem-solving to AI? What should HR and L&D teams be doing to counteract potential skill atrophy?

And don't miss our special guest, Abhijit Mitra, CEO of Outreach.io, who sits down with Pete to discuss agentic AI and how Outreach is revolutionizing B2B sales with AI-powered prospecting. Can AI automate the grunt work of sales reps while still keeping the human touch? Abhijit shares his vision for the future of AI agents in business.

Try Knownwell's platform today at knownwell.com.

Tags:
#AI #AIinBusiness #AgenticAI #MachineLearning #ArtificialIntelligence #B2BSales #CriticalThinking #BusinessGrowth #SalesTech #Automation #HR #Leadership #Technology #FutureOfWork #AIProspecting

Your data is trying to tell you something. Are you listening?

AI isn't just about insights. It's about execution.

In this episode of AI Knowhow from Knownwell, CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to explore how AI is reshaping execution in professional service firms. They discuss how AI can move beyond simple automation to orchestrate strategic execution, aligning teams, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring the right work gets done at the right time. 

Our special guest, Daniel Marcous, Co-founder and CTO of April, sits down with Pete to discuss how AI is transforming tax preparation. He shares how April's AI-powered tax solution reduces complexity and risk while building trust in financial AI products.

And in a brand-new segment, What's Up, Grok?, Pete breaks down the latest AI news—including Elon Musk's bold claims about Grok 3. Is it truly a game-changer or just more noise?

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BE25MAc5jlw 

Want to see how AI can help you execute on your most important priorities? Visit www.Knownwell.com to explore our AI-driven platform. 

We're turning up the heat once again! After last year's sizzling Hot Takes episode, we had to run it back for 2025.

Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao to deliver their boldest AI predictions yet. What shifts are coming in AI? Which trends are about to fizzle out? And what might shake up the industry in unexpected ways?

In our expert interview segment, Pete Buer sits down with AI and digital transformation expert Dr. Henna Karna, a Harvard Fellow and former Google executive. She shares practical strategies for business leaders to ensure AI is solving real problems and not just creating new ones. From cost concerns to strategic adoption, Dr. Karna explains how companies can maximize AI's potential without getting caught up in the hype.

Grab your milk, ice cream, or (according to Mohan) hot chocolate—this one's gonna be on fire!

www.knownwell.com 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0ST1zZV4MNU 

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:00 Setting the Stage for 2025 Predictions
• 02:18 First Hot Take: The End of AI-Powered Marketing
  
• 04:00 Second Hot Take: Data is Dead
• 06:40 Third Hot Take: The Decline of Open Source Models
  
• 08:41 Fourth Hot Take: OpenAI's Impending Implosion
  
• 13:47 Google's Edge in AI Integration
  
• 16:32 AI in Business Strategy
  
• 17:09 Interview with Dr. Henna Karna
  
• 18:38 AI's Role in Strategic Planning
  
• 24:08 Cost and AI Adoption
  
• 26:41 Customer-Centric AI Solutions
  
• 29:57 Conclusion and Future of AI

Show Notes 

• Connect with Dr. Henna Karna on LinkedIn
• Connect with David DeWolf on LinkedIn
• Connect with Courtney Baker on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mohan Rao on LinkedIn
• Connect with Pete Buer on LinkedIn
• Watch a guided Knownwell demo
• Follow Knownwell on LinkedIn

Data is pouring into your business every second, but where are the insights you need to act on it? Just 27% of business executives in a recent Forrester study said their data and analytics projects produce actionable insights. 

In this episode, we look at how AI can help bridge the gap between the overwhelming amounts of data available today and the actionable intelligence executives need to drive results.

Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao kick things off by breaking down the journey from raw data to wisdom. They discuss why 60-70% of enterprise data goes unanalyzed and how leaders can leverage AI to surface hidden insights, not just confirm what they already know. Plus, they explain why vision is critical: if you don't know what you're looking for, your AI won't either.

For our expert interview, Pete Buer sits down with Arman Eshraghi, CEO of Qrvey, to discuss how SaaS companies can embed analytics into their products, empowering customers with self-serve insights. Arman shares practical advice for SaaS leaders on turning data into a competitive advantage, plus a sneak peek of Knownwell's own Mohan Rao's recent appearance on Arman's SaaS Scaled podcast.

All of that PLUS another installment of AI in the Wild with Pete Buer. Pete and Courtney dive into OpenAI's new deep research tool—an AI agent that might actually live up to the hype, according to Casey Newton of Platformer. Learn why it could revolutionize market research and competitive analysis but why it's also best suited for those with a foundational understanding of the topic at hand.

Want to turn your business data into clear, actionable insights? Visit knownwell.com to learn more about the Knownwell platform.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gNEMu_uLvGE 

• Connect with Arman Eshraghi on LinkedIn
• Connect with David DeWolf on LinkedIn
• Connect with Courtney Baker on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mohan Rao on LinkedIn
• Connect with Pete Buer on LinkedIn
• Watch a guided Knownwell demo
• Read The Human Impact of Data Literacy from Accenture, which includes a number of stats cited in the episode
• Follow Knownwell on LinkedIn

Tags:
#AI #DataAnalytics #BusinessIntelligence #AIinBusiness #EmbeddedAnalytics #DataInsights #SaaS #AIforExecutives #CustomerInsights #DataStrategy #EnterpriseAI #OpenAI #DeepResearch #AIApplications #BusinessGrowth

Is it time to redefine the consulting playbook with AI as your new operating partner? From Cognizant's bold move with Anthropic to the shifting role of human consultants, the team looks at how embedded intelligence is reshaping strategy execution and value creation in professional services.

This week, Pete Buer breaks down why Cognizant's enterprise-scale rollout of Claude AI to each of its 350,00 team members AND co-selling it is more than just a tech headline. It's a blueprint for AI as a transformational tool for how services are delivered. 

Pete and Courtney also dig into what Digg founder and VC investor Kevin Rose's blunt take on which AI wearables he'll consider investing in signals acrosss the broader AI ecosystem. 

And in our weekly roundtable segment, David and Mohan join Courtney to explore how an AI Operating Partner for professional services companies might not replace consultants, but rather elevate them, shifting their focus from analysis to storytelling, judgment, and client empathy. The real challenge? Avoiding the trap of AI-enabled mediocrity.

What happens when analysts live in the cloud and consultants lead with wisdom? Tune in to this week's show to find out. 

Download the Meeting Cadence Playbook: www.knownwell.com/meeting-cadence 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iyL9G2bHZ0U 

What does an AI roadmap really look like? And how does a corporate AI roadmap differ from a personal one? In this episode of AI Knowhow from Knownwell, host Courtney Baker is joined by Knownwell's CEO David DeWolf, Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao, and NordLight CEO Pete Buer to break it all down.

First, the team explores how business leaders can chart a clear AI strategy—starting with vision, linking it to business goals, and balancing customer feedback with long-term objectives. David and Mohan share insights on making micro-pivots, avoiding roadmap confusion, and the key decision every company must make: Is AI a tool, or is it your operating system?

Special guest Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek, author of Your AI Roadmap, sits down with Pete to discuss how professionals can future-proof their careers with an AI strategy of their own. She shares why a strong personal brand, multiple income streams, and financial security are essential in the AI era and how workers can position themselves for long-term success.

And in AI in the Wild, Courtney and Pete dig into AI-designed shoes. A new shoe combines AI-driven custom fitting with personalized footwear, raising big questions about AI's role in design, manufacturing, and consumer trends. Is it just a gimmick or a glimpse of AI-powered retail to come?

Sign up for Knownwell's AI-powered platform for Commercial Intelligence: www.knownwell.com 

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/FbmzNS1KV_0 

You're smart. You know your business cold. But do you know how to build the right AI team? It's harder than it looks, and the old innovation playbook just won't cut it.

Pete Buer sits down with Ben Hafele, CEO of Lean Startup and host of The Lean AI Podcast, to discuss how to assemble the right AI team. They explore what skill sets are essential, how to balance technical and strategic talent, and why AI teams need a different structure than traditional innovation groups.

As always, host Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao for a panel discussion where they further break down the key differences between AI innovation teams and traditional ones. Plus, we cover a few more burning questions about building the right AI team, like does Amazon's famous "two-pizza rule" still apply in the AI era? 

To kick the episode off, we dive into what might be the most game-changing week in AI since ChatGPT launched. With Producer Will Sherlin stepping in to help, Pete Buer unpacks the frenzy around DeepSeek's new open-source AI model. How did this Chinese startup manage to train a cutting-edge model at a fraction of the cost of OpenAI and Meta? And why does this mark a "Sputnik moment" for AI development? From business leaders to investors, the ripple effects could be massive.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sHmj55qkYR0 
Sign up for Knownwell's beta: www.knownwell.com 

Is your organization held back by departmental silos where the necessary data and information doesn't always flow between them? AI might just be the key to breaking these silos down.

Pete Buer kicks things off with an interview featuring Josh Okun, Chief Innovation Officer at Gravity Global. Josh shares how AI is helping global teams collaborate across time zones, optimize creative processes, and foster dynamic relationships within organizations. Discover how his team at Gravity Global leverages AI tools like custom GPTs and RAG to turn static brand guidelines into dynamic resources that streamline decision-making at every level. Pete and Josh also explore the transformative power of AI in creating "living brands," synthetic audiences, and innovative teamwork models.

Next up, Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker dives into how AI is reshaping collaboration and creativity within organizations. Alongside Knownwell CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product Officer Mohan Rao,  they expand on Pete and Josh's discussion, touching on leadership's role in AI adoption and debating whether change must come from the top or emerge from empowered teams. David and Mohan weigh in on fostering innovation through AI clubs and cultural shifts. 

Plus, Pete wraps up the episode with a segment on the growing potential of AI-driven "physical intelligence" and its implications for businesses in 2025.

00:00 Introduction: Breaking Down Silos with AI
00:53 Interview with Josh Okun: AI in Business
03:28 AI in Creative and Beyond
06:46 The Future of AI in Marketing
10:09 Leadership and AI Adoption
19:45 Empowerment and Innovation Culture
28:04 Physical Intelligence: The Next Frontier
30:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IxdukUrCDyw 
Sign up for Knownwell at www.knownwell.com.