The Disruption Is Now

Recorded live at HumanX in San Francisco, this episode of The Disruption Is Now brings together five founders and operators at the forefront of AI's next chapter. Mikayel Vardanyan (Picsart), Jonathan Levin (Chainalysis), Aaron Smallberg (Plural), Mayada Gonimah (Thread AI), and Jessica Reeves (AxonIQ) explore how AI is reshaping creative tools, blockchain security, enterprise infrastructure, responsible deployment in regulated industries, and data explainability. From fighting crypto scammers with AI agents to making black-box decisions fully transparent, their conversations reveal both the extraordinary promise of AI and the hard problems still left to solve.

AI is transforming how organizations operate, from reactive decision-making to predictive, data-driven strategy. Rasmus Holst joins the conversation with host Greg Matusky, live from HumanX, to explore how companies can align teams, rethink talent development, and build cultures that embrace AI while keeping humans at the center. The result is a clearer picture of what it takes to succeed in an AI-powered future.

At HumanX, Greg Matusky sits down with Eppie Vojt, Chief Data & AI Officer at West Shore Home, to explore how AI is actually impacting a fast-growing business. While headlines focus on job loss, Eppie shares how AI is driving growth, reshaping roles, and pushing teams to think at a higher level.

Recorded live from HumanX in San Francisco, Greg Matusky sits down with Andrew McLeod, CEO of Certn, to unpack AI’s impact on global hiring and identity verification; David Schulhof, Founder & CEO at Toborlife AI, to explore the rapid evolution of humanoid and industrial robotics; Jim Larrison, Co-Founder and President of Larridin , on the challenge of enterprise AI adoption; and Ross Fubini, Founder and Managing Partner at XYZ Venture Capital, for a big-picture view on where AI is headed next. From deepfakes and global talent markets to robotics and venture investing, these conversations capture how AI is moving from theory to real-world disruption across industries.

As AI blurs the line between real and fake, trust is becoming one of the most valuable and vulnerable assets in business and society. Matt Moynahan, CEO of GetReal, joins the conversation with Greg Matusky, to share why this moment in AI feels different, what leaders are underestimating, and how organizations can prepare for a world where seeing is no longer believing. A sharp look at the next frontier of cybersecurity and what it means for all of us.

Greg Matusky sits down with Leah Nurik, Founder of Brandi AI, to explore how generative AI is reshaping the way people discover and trust brands. From the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) to the business risk of being left out of AI-generated answers, Leah breaks down what visibility, authority, and competitive advantage look like in a world where search is no longer a list of links.

AI is shifting from training a few massive models to deploying intelligence everywhere, and that transition is reshaping how businesses think about infrastructure, energy, and competitive advantage. Ryan Mallory, CEO of Flexential, joins Greg Matusky to break down why inference is the next phase of AI disruption, what’s actually constraining progress (from power and permitting to local politics), and where ideas like nuclear energy fit into reality versus hype. The conversation explores how leaders can navigate the AI infrastructure era thoughtfully, without overbuilding, overpromising, or betting blindly on the buzz.

West Shore Home CTO Danny Fisher joins Greg Matusky to unpack his path from sales trainer to technology leader, and how West Shore is applying “operational AI” to make home remodeling faster, more predictable, and more scalable. They explore what it takes to earn the label “a tech company that happens to do remodeling,” from proprietary scanning and repeatable processes to the real-world limits of forecasting, scheduling, and human override.

Host Greg Matusky sits down with Mark Gilbert, Founder & CEO of Zocks, to explore how a “privacy-first” AI platform is challenging the status quo in financial services. They dive into the tension between insight and surveillance, why financial firms may actually be safer by embracing AI early, and how humans - not algorithms - must remain at the center of the next wave of intelligent systems.

Ben Turner, Founder and CEO of Verituity, joins The Disruption Is Now to explore how AI is transforming the way money moves - making payouts smarter, faster, and more secure. He shares how frustration with broken systems inspired him to rethink trust in financial transactions, what true disruption looks like in a legacy industry, and how leadership must evolve in an era defined by constant change.

Recorded on the show floor in Las Vegas, Greg trades rapid-fire insights with leaders reshaping financial services. Chris Hilliard (Winnow) on attorney-vetted, AI-assisted compliance for lenders and investors; Adam Gray (Stax) on de-frictioning SMB payments while unlocking partner-friendly data; Daniel Aguilar (Prometeo) on API/agent rails cutting cross-border banking errors across the Americas; Eleni Steinman (Loop Crypto) on stablecoin payments—especially subscription “autopay,” 350% transaction growth, and built-in wallet screening for safer global acceptance; Casey Williams (Fenway Summer) on policy-savvy venture and how genAI augments—not replaces—wealth advisors and succession planning; and Todd Rovak (Carefull) on detecting elder fraud early with “Gray Matter” so banks/RIAs can protect clients and retain family relationships.

Live from Money20/20 at The MoneyPot podcast, The Disruption is Now host Greg Matusky sits down with Claurelle Rakipovic of Pipe. They discuss how Pipe embeds financing directly into the apps where small businesses already run - unlocking working capital in minutes without credit checks or personal guarantees. They talk about how AI makes getting and managing business funding faster and simpler, cutting approval times, easing payback, and taking the stress out of finance so owners can focus on growth.

Recorded live from Money20/20 as part of The MoneyPot Podcast, host Greg Matusky sits down with Jed Dougherty, Head of AI Architecture at Dataiku, to unpack how enterprises are turning AI from toy to tool. They explore “shadow AI,” the growing need for governance, and the behavioral shifts required to make AI safe, scalable, and truly transformative.

Annemie Ress, Founder and CEO of PurpleBeach and former HR leader at Skype and eBay/PayPal, joins Greg Matusky to explore how AI is reshaping organizations from the inside out. From leadership mindsets and cultural resilience to the investor lens on what makes companies truly “AI-ready,” she shares lessons from global transformation initiatives and insights into the blind spots that can derail change.

Greg Matusky talks with Trevor Seim of Kognitos about how natural language and neurosymbolic AI are redefining business process automation. They discuss the end of IT bottlenecks, building trust in AI by reducing hallucinations, and how enterprises in supply chain, manufacturing, and beyond are unlocking new opportunities with plain English automation.

What happens when neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence collide? Roger Dooley, author of Friction, Brainfluence, and The Persuasion Slide, joins host Greg Matusky to explore how AI is transforming the science of persuasion. From removing effort in customer journeys to raising new ethical dilemmas about manipulation, Dooley reveals how AI-powered neuromarketing could shape loyalty, leadership, and the future of human decision-making.

AI is quietly transforming agencies from the inside out and many leaders are already behind. In this episode, Tim Donovan of Seek Argus, joins Greg Matusky to discuss the silent AI adoption happening among junior staff, the death of billable hours, and how smart teams are embedding AI at the core of their operations. From ethical guardrails to ROI metrics, Tim lays out a clear roadmap for agencies ready to evolve.

In this episode, we sit down with the CEO of Muck Rack to unpack the next big shift in PR: Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). As tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude change how people search, your brand’s visibility depends less on keywords—and more on where, how, and by whom you’re covered. We explore why earned media is now the gateway to AI-driven influence, how to audit your presence in LLMs, and what PR pros must do to stay ahead. The big takeaway? If you’re not showing up in AI-generated answers, you’re already falling behind.

In Part II of our Ai4 series, we continue exploring the cutting edge of AI with four leaders driving impact across industries. Francisco Martin, CEO of Stride & Conductor, shares why 70% of AI initiatives fail and how to build guardrails for real business value. Ray Wu, Managing Partner of the AI First Fund at Alumni Ventures, discusses democratizing venture capital and funding the next generation of AI startups. Sami Shalabi, Co-Founder & CTO of Maven AGI, explains how enterprises are deploying AI agents to transform customer experience at scale. And Erik Svilich, Founder & CEO of EncypherAI, reveals new approaches to securing and advancing AI systems.

At Ai4 in Las Vegas - the world’s largest AI conference - we sat down with innovators who are reshaping industries with artificial intelligence. Part I of our coverage features Charlie Silver, CEO of Permission, on building a fair data marketplace; Diederik Greveling, CTO of Xebia, on enterprise-scale AI adoption; Sandy Skelaney, COO of The Parasol Cooperative, on trauma-informed AI for crisis support; and Steve Toy, CEO of Memrise, on using AI to revolutionize language learning.

In this episode of "The Disruption is Now," hosts Greg Matusky and Miles Spencer delve into the groundbreaking world of legacy preservation through technology. Discover how AI is transforming the way we remember and interact with our loved ones, as they introduce Reflecta, a platform that brings cherished memories to life. Join us as we explore the emotional and cultural impact of preserving personal histories, and learn how this innovative approach is redefining the future of memory and connection.

What if your revenue engine ran as efficiently as your production line? In this episode, Ed Marsh—consultant, board advisor, and host of the Industrial Growth Institute podcast—explains how AI is helping B2B companies apply systems thinking to sales, marketing, and strategy. From killing outdated digital playbooks to using AI for smarter customer insights, Ed shares how legacy industries can embrace change without losing their edge.

Tom Fields, Founder and CEO of Fynancial, joins us fresh off their Best in Show win at the Wealth Management EDGE conference. We dive into how Agentic AI can deepen the advisor-client relationship, why email is killing trust, and what clients really expect from their digital experience. From scaling solo RIAs to transforming high-touch service industries, Tom shares how smart AI can amplify the human touch, not replace it.

How is artificial intelligence reshaping the way we live right in our own homes? Aaron Gotwalt, CTO of Doma Home and veteran product leader, joins The Disruption is Now to explore the human side of AI-powered living spaces. From ambient intelligence and ethical design to the evolving “platform” of the home, Aaron shares insights on where AI adds value, where it can go wrong, and how to strike the right balance between automation and warmth.

In this episode of The Disruption is Now, Scott Shickler, founder of 7 Mindsets, joins Greg Matusky to explore why the future of education isn’t just about new technology — it’s about new ways of thinking. They discuss how AI can empower teachers, foster human connection, and create new possibilities in the classroom — but only if educators are willing to shift their mindset and see what’s in it for them.

This episode of The Disruption is Now features a special cohost, Tylor Tourville, Senior Vice President and Head of FinTech at Gregory FCA, alongside regular host Greg Matusky. Together, they sit down with Nate Skinner, Chief Marketing Officer at AffiniPay, to explore how AI is reshaping legal and financial services. Nate shares insights on why attorneys remain skeptical of AI-powered legal summaries, how fintech companies can leverage AI to streamline payments and compliance, and how AI-driven marketing is transforming customer acquisition.

Tanvir Bhangoo went from winning collegiate football championships to leading digital transformation at major global brands—and now he’s helping executives navigate AI disruption through his firm, TBX Growth. In this episode, he shares how a sports-driven mindset fuels his approach to leadership, why most companies get AI wrong, and what it really takes to build high-performing teams in the digital era.

Karl Swensen, CEO and Co-Founder of Pull Logic, breaks down how AI is redefining inventory management and supply chain strategy. With decades of experience and a bold vision for the future, he shares why legacy systems fall short, how intelligent automation can drive strategic decisions, and what leaders need to understand about the future of supply chain tech.

Michael Spelfogel, Co-Founder and President of Cardless, shares his journey from data science to fintech innovation, revealing how technology and customization are reshaping financial services. In this episode, Michael discusses evolving customer expectations, the balance between agility and compliance, and what the future holds for personalized financial solutions.

Andrea Gils, CEO and Founder of Shiftmakers, explores how AI is reshaping marketing, communications, and DEI strategies across industries that have traditionally lagged in tech adoption. From balancing AI-driven insights with human intuition to tackling ethical red flags in corporate communications, she unpacks the future of AI-powered branding—and what it can never replace.

From the floor of HumanX, Greg Matusky speaks with four AI leaders shaping what's next. Lisa Yu of 99VC shares what she looks for in early-stage startups, Stephen Messer of Collective[i] explains how AI is predicting global business trends, Tim Shi of Cresta dives into voice AI in call centers, and João Graça of Unbabel explores the future of AI-powered translation.

At the HumanX conference, Greg Matusky speaks with Josh Browder from DoNotPay, Jason Johnson from Doma Home Inc., Gabriel Banks from Quill AI, and Stephen Sikes from Public live from the floor of HumanX. They talk about how AI is taking on powerful systems—from consumer advocacy and home automation to hedge fund efficiency and retail investing. These innovators reveal how AI is helping individuals fight back, save time, and make smarter decisions in every corner of modern life.

Live from the floor of the HumanX conference, host Greg Matusky sits down with Rasmus Holst, CEO of Zensai, and Randy Cruz, Director of Talent & Organizational Development - Learning Design at Penske, to explore how AI is reshaping workforce engagement and learning. The conversation dives into the shift from "human resources" to "human success," the role of AI-driven platforms in skill-building and performance tracking, and the challenges of AI adoption in organizations.

Ryan Markman, CEO and Co-Founder of Melior, joins The Disruption is Now to discuss how businesses can move beyond AI hype and implement real, transformative solutions. He outlines the power of custom AI workflows, and how AI is redefining business strategy, hiring, and competitive advantage. Plus, Ryan reveals industries missing out on AI’s potential and predictions on which business function AI will disrupt next.

AI is evolving rapidly, and data centers are the foundation making it all possible. Chris Downie, CEO of Flexential, joins The Disruption is Now to discuss how data centers enable AI advancements, from supporting high-density compute for research institutions to powering groundbreaking projects like lunar data centers. He also explores the rising energy demands of AI, the future of infrastructure, and how data centers must adapt to keep pace with innovation.

Host Greg Matusky previews HumanX, the must-attend conference for enterprise AI, with co- founder Andrew Blum. They discuss why AI adoption is critical, the top speakers and announcements to watch for, and how HumanX moves AI from theory to real-world impact. The Disruption is Now will be live from the conference floor—don’t miss it!

Get an exclusive preview of Manifest 2025 with Tanzil Uddin, Senior Vice President of Production at Connectiv, the team behind the industry’s leading supply chain and logistics conference. Host Greg Matusky dives into what makes this year’s event a must-attend, from cutting-edge AI solutions and predictive technologies to sustainability-focused breakthroughs. Tanzil shares insider insights on the key exhibitors, sessions, and collaborations that will define Manifest 2025—and the future of logistics.

Spenser Segal, CEO of ActiFi, explores how generative and agentic AI are revolutionizing wealth management, building on four decades of technological evolution. With insights from industry pioneers and real-world applications, Spenser shares the transformative potential of AI, practical adoption strategies, and how firms can meet rising client expectations in an increasingly personalized digital landscape.

We’re exploring Jeff Fleischman’s career journey, exploring his transition from asset management to spearheading marketing strategies at Altimetrik. Greg and Jeff discuss the integration of AI in reshaping digital innovation and marketing, uncovering the challenges and trends that are defining the future of digital businesses.

In a special episode of The Disruption is Now, Greg Matusky goes live from Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, featuring discussions with fintech leaders like Glenn Kurban of Capco, Ravikumar Nemalikanti of Abrigo, Thomas Dougherty of Taoshi, Kevin Trilli of Amount, and David Snitkof of Ocrolus. Listen as they explore groundbreaking AI applications in financial services, from enhancing lending processes to evolving risk management and trading ecosystems.

In this special episode of The Disruption is Now, recorded live at Money 20/20's MoneyPot Podcast studio, we engage with Shri Santhanam, North America EVP & General Manager of Software, Platforms & AI at Experian. Shri discusses Experian's strategic shift toward empowering financial institutions with generative AI, transforming traditional credit bureau functions into dynamic, data-driven platforms. The episode explores Experian's new AI assistant, designed to enhance data accessibility and analytics, pushing the boundaries of financial technology to promote inclusion and streamline services. Shri's insights offer a deep dive into the intersection of AI, data management, and financial services, showcasing Experian's role in driving the digital revolution in finance.

In a special edition of The Disruption is Now, live from Money 20/20's MoneyPot Podcast studio, we speak with Kasturi Mudulodu, President of Commerce at GoDaddy. The episode delves into how GoDaddy is expanding beyond its traditional domain service to empower small and medium-sized businesses with advanced digital tools and AI capabilities. Kasturi discusses the transformation of GoDaddy's services to include comprehensive solutions for creating a digital identity, managing e-commerce, and leveraging generative AI to simplify complex technological processes for entrepreneurs. This insightful conversation highlights GoDaddy's initiative to make sophisticated technology accessible and beneficial to the vast landscape of small business owners globally.

In part three of our AdviseAI series, host Greg Matusky speaks with three prominent voices on AI’s expanding role in financial services. Mark Gilbert, CEO of Zocks, explores how conversational AI can capture and analyze client discussions to create actionable insights, helping advisors streamline tasks and personalize client interactions. Rachel Witkowski, AI and technology reporter at Financial Planning, shares her perspective on AI’s impact on journalism and how financial advisors are integrating new tools. Finally, Dr. Harry Mamaysky, CIO and Head of Research at QuantStreet Capital, discusses the intersection of computational linguistics and finance, revealing how AI can parse financial language to identify new information, aiding advisors in making data-driven investment decisions.

In the second part of our three-part series, live from AdviseAI, Greg Matusky sits down with three thought leaders to explore AI’s evolving impact on wealth management. Charles Morris, Microsoft’s Chief Data Scientist for Financial Services, discusses the need for balancing strategic thinking with technical depth in AI to help firms navigate transformative shifts. Brad Sparks, Co-Founder of Pomarium, explains how AI is enabling advisors to align investments with clients’ unique values at scale. Lastly, Rebecca Wilde, Managing Director at StockSnips, describes her team’s approach to using AI-driven sentiment analysis to provide independent advisors with predictive insights based on financial news trends.

Host Greg Matusky is live from the AdviseAI conference in Las Vegas, talking to thought leaders shaping the future of AI in wealth management. In part I, Greg speaks with Alex Mathé-Cathala, co-founder of Vega Minds, about how AI is empowering advisors by streamlining administrative tasks and improving client services. Brian Wallheimer, editor-in-chief of Financial Planning, discusses AI’s transformative potential in wealth management, particularly in staying competitive and compliant. Finally, Tim Chaves, CEO of Jump, shares how his company is enhancing meeting management for advisors with AI-driven tools that reduce friction and increase efficiency while preserving the personal touch that clients value.

Dive into the world of fintech innovation and venture capital with Frazer Anderson, a principal at Vestigo Ventures, as he explores the transformative role of AI in the industry. From scaling startups to impactful investment strategies, Frazer shares insights gleaned from his unique vantage point.

Devon Kinkead, founder and CEO of Micronotes, shares his journey from biotechnology to spearheading AI innovations. He discusses the challenges of meshing AI with traditional industries, the groundbreaking AI technologies at Micronotes, and how his diverse scientific background fuels these advancements. Listen as Devon also unveils how AI is reshaping consumer behavior and how his team navigates industry resistance to integrate new technologies.

Andrew Schwabe, a leader in integrating AI into the insurance sector, shares insights from his journey with ForMotiv and Saigon AI. He discusses the challenges and innovations of applying behavioral data science to enhance customer engagement and risk management in traditional industries.

Join us as Jake Shild, CEO of LandSkyAI, delves into the cutting-edge integration of AI and robotics in security solutions. In this episode, Jake discusses the challenges and breakthroughs in deploying autonomous drones and ground robots. He also explores how LandSkyAI tailors AI technologies to enhance safety across global markets, shaping the future of security practices.

Greg Matusky continues to explore the forefront of AI advancements live from Ai4 in Las Vegas. This session features engaging discussions with industry leaders including Manoj Saxena, founder of Responsible AI & Trustwise, Dr. Harvey Castro, Scott Gerard of Knowledge Reactor AI Consulting, Rony Ohayon from Deepkeep, and Manick Behan of Search Atlas. Each guest shares insights on leveraging AI to drive innovation and responsibility in their respective fields, providing a comprehensive view into the current and future impacts of AI technologies.