What Every Founder Gets Wrong About Building With AI with Justin Obney

He built Lego-verifying software with his daughter and an AI chief of staff named Carl who texts his wife. Justin Obney has strong opinions about what founders keep getting wrong.In this episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Scott Shea sit down with Justin Obney, CEO of Obney AI, for a candid conversation on how business owners should actually think about artificial intelligence. Recorded in Baton Rouge at ThreeSixtyEight, the discussion cuts past the hype to a simpler frame: AI is just systems that execute your intent. Justin unpacks what AI transformation really means for organizations, why the fear of job loss reflects a "finite mindset," and how founders can use these tools without drowning in endless tinkering.🎯 What We Cover:- What AI actually is — and how to explain it to anyone- Why "AI makes people more capable, not less necessary"- The finite-mindset trap behind AI job fear- How organizations become AI-enabled and AI-native- Why founders should "pick one tool and go"- Operationalizing intent — the real point of AI systems- What an "agent" is, in plain English- Building personalized software vs. enterprise systems- Raising kids in an AI world without losing the human touch- The skills that matter most: systems thinking and communication🤝 Connect with Justin Obney:🌐 https://www.obney.ai/💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinobney/🤝 Connect with Co-Host Scott Shea:💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/🙏 Special thanks to Jeremy Beyt, CEO of ThreeSixtyEight, for hosting The Deal Podcast's Baton Rouge Podcast Tour.🌐 https://www.threesixtyeight.com/💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-beyt/💼 Thinking About a Transaction?FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk.🔗 https://www.famergers.com/🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast:🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcastCurious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.comDisclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.Let's Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/To Contact Us, Please Visit:https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/