The Real Reason AI Isn’t Boosting Productivity - Charlie Cole - S5 - E4

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Charlie ColeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliecoleEmail: [email protected]: XGen.aiArtificial intelligence isn’t replacing entrepreneurs—but it is changing what great entrepreneurs look like. The founders who thrive in the next decade won’t be the ones who resist AI. They’ll be the ones who learn how to work alongside it.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Charlie Cole, CEO of XGen AI and former executive at brands including Samsonite, TUMI, and Lucky Brand, to discuss entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, leadership, and the future of business.Charlie shares his unconventional journey from studying mathematics with plans to attend law school to becoming one of the leading voices in digital commerce. After decades leading e-commerce for global brands, he recognized the transformational potential of generative AI and founded XGen AI to help businesses create smarter, more personalized shopping experiences.But this conversation goes far beyond technology.Charlie reflects on how becoming a father completely reshaped his priorities, why losing both of his parents changed his perspective on life, and how balancing ambition with presence has become one of the most important challenges of his entrepreneurial journey.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, artificial intelligence, family, health, resilience, and the mindset required to adapt in an era of rapid technological change.Whether you’re building a startup or leading an established company, Charlie shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why AI will transform business without replacing great leaders • How entrepreneurs can use AI to become more productive • Why personalization is the future of customer experience • The importance of knowing both your strengths and weaknesses • How becoming a parent changes your definition of success • Why energy is one of an entrepreneur’s greatest assets • How travel expands your perspective as a leader • Why self-awareness creates better founders • How surrounding yourself with mentors accelerates growthCharlie also shares why cooking has become one of his favorite ways to recharge, how traveling to more than 90 countries shaped his worldview, and why asking yourself, “Am I doing everything I can?” has become the foundation of his definition of a balanced life.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, artificial intelligence, business leadership, e-commerce, resilience, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1