The A.I. Growth Blueprint

Bill Lennan spent 25 years leading software teams in Silicon Valley, and he built a repeatable system that most executives completely overlook: optimizing your people stack. In this episode, Bill breaks down the three pillars behind his 40% Better framework, intrinsic motivation, psychological safety, and high-leverage communication, and how they compound into measurable business outcomes. We talk through a real case study where he took the worst-performing software team in a company and turned them into the best in six months, a 40% jump in coding throughput. We also get into the true cost of employee churn, why beliefs and mental models are the actual starting point for team performance, and how he went from crippling social anxiety to writing the playbook on talking to strangers. If you run a software business and you think culture is a soft metric, this episode will change your mind.

Henry Abenaim is the founder of Fundingo, a lending operations platform built specifically for non-bank lenders who have solid deal flow but are drowning in workflow friction. In this episode, Henry breaks down why most lenders don't have a credit problem, they have a process problem. We get into the origin story behind Fundingo (yes, it involves a fat-fingered wire transfer to a bait shop in Montana), what it looks like to cut loan processing time from four weeks to one, and why band-aid solutions always break at the worst possible moment, usually when an auditor is pulling reports. We also talk about the future of embedded finance, AI-driven credit decisions, and why in lending, 99% accuracy isn't good enough. If you're running a private credit fund, a specialty finance operation, or any non-bank lending business , this one's for you.

What if you could know how a prospect thinks before you ever sent a single email?Matthieu Dejardins is the founder and CEO of Scalience — formerly NextUser — and he's spent two decades sitting at the intersection of psychology, data, and marketing. In this episode, Mathieu breaks down why he walked away from the traditional SaaS model and why that decision was the best thing he ever did for his business.We get into the cognitive layer he built on top of IBM Watson's personality model — 142 psychographic characteristics extracted from text — and how that data is now used to personalize outbound messaging, ad creative, and sales conversations at a level most marketers don't even know is possible.We also talk about why everyone doing AI-powered outbound is converging on the same noise, why volume is the wrong game to play, and how aligning your message to how a person actually processes information changes conversion rates in ways that are very measurable.Mathieu shares real results: a 6:1 ROI for a medical apparel startup launching from zero, and a B2B SaaS client outperforming Google Ads CPL in under three months. No fluff, just the architecture behind it.If you're in GTM, sales, or building any kind of outbound motion in 2025, this one will reframe how you think about personalization.Connect with MatthieuDiscover NextUser/Scaliance

Most companies know they need AI. Few know where to actually start.In this episode, I sit down with Alejandro Mainetto, fractional CAIO, CIO, and CTO at CXO Partners, where he works with PE-backed and mid-market companies ranging from $20M to $500M in revenue. Alejandro is brought in when technology has become a growth bottleneck or when leadership needs to close the gap between AI ambition and execution.We get into why so many companies confuse having a tool with having a strategy, and why that distinction is costing them time, money, and competitive ground. Alejandro breaks down how he identifies high-impact AI use cases in a single conversation, why agentic AI is the defining shift of 2026, and what it actually takes to build an organization that is genuinely AI-ready across every function.We also go deep on something few people are talking about yet: the convergence of AI and physical robotics, and what that means for the workforce, for society, and for the executives making decisions today. Alejandro is also publishing a policy paper on this topic called The Last Override, and he gives us a preview.If you lead a consulting practice, run a fractional operation, or advise companies navigating AI adoption, this conversation will sharpen how you think about the problem and what you recommend.Connect with AlejandroDiscover CXO Partners

In this episode, Neil Katz, Founder & CEO at Exceptional HR Solutions, breaks down what fractional HR actually looks like in practice, why onboarding is still one of the most underestimated levers in business, and how poor people processes quietly destroy retention, productivity, and revenue. He also shares his philosophy on AI adoption, why most companies are either ignoring it or jumping too far too fast, and what he is building internally to give clients on-demand HR intelligence without replacing the human element entirely.If your business is scaling and people operations are quietly becoming a bottleneck, this episode is a practical and direct look at how to fix it.🔗 Connect with Neil🔗 Try Exceptional HR Solutions

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Gramling, President of Enspark Consulting, a 25-year organizational development veteran with a refreshingly grounded take on why AI transformations stall, and what to actually do about it.We cover Laura's two-part consulting philosophy: Tapping into the wisdom of every voice in the organization, and leading with a strength-based approach to change How she applies it to help leadership teams cut through the noise and build real alignment before touching a single tool.We also get into the nuances of where AI genuinely helps her work (short-form content scripting), where it falls flat (note-taking that misses the forest for the trees), and why she made a deliberate decision to keep human consultants in the room for client interviews, even when vendors offered her a cheaper AI-powered alternative.🔗 Connect with Laura 🔗 Discover EnSpark

In this episode, I sit down with Gemma Toner, Founder at TONE Networks, to break down how they apply social media engagement principles to corporate learning, why micro-learning beats 45-minute courses, and what it really takes to drive behavioral change at scale inside a company.If you're in L&D, HR, or just care about building better teams, this one's worth your time.🔗 Connect with Gemma on LinkedIn🔗 Tone Networks on LinkedIn🔗 Try TONE Networks

Michael Burrows, a seasoned executive recruiter, coach, and bestselling author of Before Onboarding: How to Integrate New Leaders for Quick and Sustained Results, reveals a proven blueprint that shrinks onboarding chaos into a streamlined process. Discover how strategic early engagement can dramatically boost leader retention, team trust, and organizational impact. His approach compresses a typical 6.2 months’ journey into just 45 days, saving organizations millions in turnover costs and lost opportunities. We break down:How a “blueprint for success” empowers new leaders to hit the ground running—confident and connected from day one.The critical role of trust exercises and transparent communication in building effective teams quickly.Why traditional onboarding focuses on logistics, but true integration is about influencing, inspiring, and guiding—beyond control.The unique challenges faced by public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and how tailored strategies make all the difference.Practical steps to embed leadership development into daily routines, transcending the tired management vs. leadership dichotomy.Tune in now and future-proof your organization’s leadership.

In this episode, Yacine sits down with Sean Maisonneuve, President & CEO of Mecka, to unpack how modern supply chains can finally become fully connected, automated, and intelligently optimized.Sean breaks down the brutal data complexity of industries like automotive, where a single brand can manage thousands of SKUs and millions of vehicle fitments, and explains how Mecka eliminates the manual chaos of catalog mapping, marketplace publishing, and supplier integrations. The conversation explores how centralized data control enables MAP enforcement, compliance management, and secure brand protection—while simultaneously accelerating revenue by publishing products wherever customers already are (eBay, Amazon, and beyond). If you care about AI that actually removes friction (not just adds hype), scalable marketplace distribution, or building future-ready infrastructure across complex industries, this episode is packed with strategic insight.Tune in now.

In this episode, Yacine sits down with AI growth expert Lakshmi Jayaraman, co-founder of MOSaiC Learning, to demystify what AI can genuinely do for your business and your life.Lakshmi shares concrete insights into automating mundane tasks like transcriptions and call summaries, turning raw data into valuable assets that truly impact your bottom line.This episode delves into how AI can amplify human creativity, streamline content creation, and foster personalized learning experiences at scale. Get actionable frameworks to implement AI thoughtfully—whether you're automating customer support, distilling complex knowledge, or exploring the frontier of genome editing and scientific breakthroughs.Tune in now!

In this episode of the AI Growth Blueprint, I sit down with Maryna Burushkina, founder and CEO of Growth Channel. We unpack how AI-powered programmatic advertising is changing the way companies approach go-to-market, especially beyond traditional channels like Meta and Google. Maryna breaks down what programmatic media really is, how it enables more precise targeting, and how AI is being used for predictive targeting and performance optimization at scale. We also discuss where this fits for both B2B and B2C teams looking to unlock new growth channels without relying on volatile algorithms. A practical conversation on where advertising is heading and how Growth Channel is building for that future. Tune in now!

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Chlebowski, co-founder of LaunchBay, to explore the transformative power of automation in client onboarding. Discover how LaunchBay is revolutionizing the onboarding process for B2B software and service companies by replacing manual tasks with seamless, automated workflows. Sam shares insights into the challenges of scaling client onboarding, the role of AI in enhancing human capabilities, and the importance of integrating expertise into SaaS solutions. Tune in to learn how LaunchBay is helping businesses transition from legacy systems to a more efficient, centralized approach.

In this episode of the AI Growth Blueprint, we sit down with Jon Ozdoruk, the co-founder and CEO of DSALTA, to explore the evolving landscape of AI compliance. As AI adoption accelerates, businesses face new challenges in maintaining data security and regulatory compliance. Jon shares insights into how DSALTA is transforming these challenges into strategic advantages, offering fast, affordable compliance solutions that open doors for startups and enterprises alike. Tune in to discover how AI compliance can drive business growth and innovation.

In this episode of The AI Growth Blueprint, we interview Sarah Fletcher, founder & CEO of Stylaquin, about what it takes to create personalized shopping experiences. We discuss the innovative features of Stylaquin and how they enhance online shopping by making it more interactive and tailored to online shoppers.The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on e-commerce and the importance of engagement in the digital shopping experience. Tune in!

In this episode of the AI Growth Blueprint, we sit down with Luis Garcia, the president and co-founder of PETE Learning. With a rich background in software engineering and ed tech, Luis shares his journey from Venezuela to becoming a leader in digital education. Discover how PETE Learning is leveraging AI to revolutionize personalized education and tackle the challenges of scaling digital learning. Tune in to explore the future of e-learning and gain insights into the innovative strategies driving success in the ed tech industry.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Rico Dinolfi, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Agents AI, to explore the transformative power of AI in business. Rico shares his journey from leading multiple industries to pioneering AI solutions that streamline operations and enhance productivity. We delve into the challenges and opportunities of AI adoption, offering valuable insights for founders and business leaders navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. Tune in to discover how AI can be a game-changer for your business and learn from real-world success stories that highlight its potential.

In this episode of the AI Growth Blueprint, host Yacine Hacene sits down with Hans Guntren, co-founder and CEO of Deliberately.ai, to explore the transformative power of AI in the legal industry. Hans shares his journey from Silicon Valley to pioneering legal tech solutions, discussing the challenges and opportunities in modernizing legal practices. Discover how Deliberately.ai is bridging the gap in legal technology, offering innovative solutions that streamline processes and enhance client experiences. Tune in for insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of AI in law.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with John Kennedy, CEO of Actual AI, to explore the transformative power of AI in software development. John shares his journey from software engineer to leading a cutting-edge AI startup, discussing the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating AI into engineering management. Discover how AI is reshaping the landscape for both startups and large enterprises, and learn about the innovative tools that are driving productivity and efficiency in the tech industry. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just curious about the future of AI, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of software engineering.

Join us as we sit down with Justin Abrams, co-founder and CEO of Cause of a Kind, to explore the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. In this episode, Justin shares his journey from a career in sales and marketing to founding a successful software and web solutions company. Discover the importance of pursuing opportunities over passions, the value of building a personal brand, and the wisdom gained from navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration for your own journey. Tune in to learn how to harness your unique strengths and create a lasting impact in your field.Connect with JustinDiscover Cause of a Kind

In this episode of the AI Growth Blueprint, host Yacine Hacene sits down with Elisabeth Bykoff, founder and CEO of Boxsy, an AI-powered fundraising and operations platform. Elisabeth shares her journey from aerospace engineering to becoming a business leader, discussing the challenges and triumphs of building a startup. Tune in to explore insights on navigating the venture ecosystem, the impact of AI on B2B SaaS, and the evolving landscape of fundraising. Whether you're a founder or an investor, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on innovation and growth. Don't miss it!Discover BoxsyConnect with Elisabeth Bykoff

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Shane Barker, founder of TraceFuse, to explore the art of balancing efficiency and growth in business. Shane shares his journey from working long hours to mastering delegation and leveraging AI to streamline operations. Discover how Shane's approach to productivity and his emphasis on sustainable business practices can transform your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're a seasoned founder or just starting out, Shane's practical advice on using AI and building a strong team will inspire you to rethink your strategies for success. Tune in to learn how to work smarter, not harder, and achieve lasting impact in your business.Discover TraceFuseConnect with Shane Barker

In this episode of the AI Growth Blueprint, Yacine Hacene and Rich Sutton discuss the transformative impact of AI on B2B SaaS lead generation and client acquisition. They emphasize the importance of market focus, the need for founders to be involved in sales processes, and the significance of building a predictable revenue engine. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating AI adoption and the necessity of prioritization for founders.Discover DM&RS AdvisoryConnect with Rich Sutton

Join us as we sit down with Alex Chianuri, the founder and CEO of Plexifact, to explore the intricate world of data management. With nearly 30 years of experience, Alex shares his insights on the hidden costs of complex data stacks and the importance of integrating AI into data processes. Discover how Plexifact aims to simplify data management, empowering businesses to make informed decisions without the need for extensive expertise. Tune in to learn about the future of data management and the role of AI in enhancing business operations.

In this episode, I welcome Michael Brown, Founder of CloudnineAI, as we delve into the complex world of AI and data privacy, exploring the delicate balance between technological advancement and the protection of personal information. Join us as we discuss the latest challenges and opportunities in safeguarding privacy in an AI-driven world. We share insights on regulatory landscapes, ethical considerations, and practical strategies for businesses and individuals to navigate this evolving terrain. Tune in to understand how AI is reshaping data privacy and what it means for you.Discover CloudnineAIConnect with Michael Brown

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of AI in enhancing human potential. Join Chris Lele as he explores how AI acts as a "third hemisphere" of our brain, augmenting our abilities rather than replacing them. Discover the importance of AI literacy, the synergy between humans and AI, and how businesses can leverage AI to enhance their operations without losing the human touch. Tune in to learn how AI is reshaping industries and empowering individuals to achieve more. Learn more about Elevate AI Coaching and its founder, Chris Lele.#AI #HumanAugmentation #Innovation

In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of AI on the B2B SaaS industry with Mikita Martynaū, CEO of Skarbe. Skarbe is an innovative platform redefining CRM with AI-driven solutions that simplify workflows, optimize customer relationships, and drive business growth.Mikita, a visionary leader with deep expertise in SaaS and AI integration, shares practical insights into how companies can leverage AI to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. He provides real-world examples of AI adoption, highlighting its role as a strategic game-changer rather than just a tool.Tune in to gain actionable takeaways on harnessing AI to future-proof your B2B SaaS business.🔗 Discover Skarbe🔗 Connect with Mikita🔗 Book Discovery Call (free):