Libsyn Directory

From Harvard Law to Selling Two Startups and Launching a VC Fund with Khadijah Robinson

Release Date: 01/21/2026

AI Automations for Tradespeople to Explode Productivity using Zapier with Tersh Blissett

AI for Business Owners

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, sits down with , owner of multiple HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies and Co-Founder & Chief Experience Officer of , Chief Executive Officer of , and Co-Host & Founder at . Tersh shares his journey from the Air Force and engineering school into the skilled trades, and how a simple Excel automation project sparked a long-term passion for optimizing business processes. The conversation is about how automation and AI are reshaping service businesses, especially in the trades. Tersh explains how contractors can streamline operations...

AI and Real Estate: How Real Estate Pros Can Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch with Olgierd Minkiewicz

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In this episode of AI for Business Owners, sits down with , President of , and Relationship Manager USA at , a seasoned real estate professional and global advisor based in New York City. Olgierd shares his insights into the fast-paced, competitive world of Manhattan real estate and explores how AI is beginning to play a role in enhancing real estate practices. From CRM systems to AI-driven avatars, the conversation dives into the ways AI is reshaping everything from client communication to property tours. While Olgierd embraces the use of AI to handle mundane tasks and improve...

AI Will Save Real Estate from Outdated Permits and Broken Processes with Ari Rastegar

AI for Business Owners

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, sits down with , Founder and CEO of , an attorney and real estate investor, to discuss the impact of AI on the real estate industry. Ari shares his journey from being an attorney to running a successful real estate investment company, managing billions of dollars across numerous projects. The conversation explores the challenges of the real estate industry, particularly its outdated processes, and how AI and technology are beginning to revolutionize everything from construction to land development. Together, they talk about the role AI...

The Trades Business Owners Are Wasting Time on AI Without Strategy with Julian Scadden

AI for Business Owners

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, sits down with , President & CEO of , to connect two powerful themes: the resurgence of skilled trades and the rise of AI in business. Julian shares his journey from plumber to consultant for over 1,000 home service companies, while Jeff breaks down what AI actually is, and isn’t. Together, they challenge the hype, discuss the risks of bolt-on AI solutions, and explain why strategy must come before tools. Whether you run a service business or are just curious about AI in action, learn how to use AI effectively while keeping...

How Lawyers Can Use AI Without Losing Trust or Breaking Ethics with Christy Zlatkus

AI for Business Owners

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, host sits down with , CEO and founding attorney of , to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and the legal field. Christy shares her journey of cautiously integrating AI into her law practice, where efficiency meets ethical concerns, and authenticity remains central to client relationships. Christy discusses how AI tools like ChatGPT have enhanced her personal branding, helped streamline administrative tasks, and aided in legal research. She also highlights the importance of maintaining attorney-client confidentiality and...

AI Courts Will Replace Lawyers and Judges in Business Lawsuits with Brian H. Potts and Kenny McLaren

AI for Business Owners

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, host Jeff Torello sits down with , veteran litigator and startup founder, and , CTO and systems designer, to explore how they’ve created a revolutionary AI product: Arbitrus, a private court system overseen by an AI judge. Designed to resolve civil disputes faster and more affordably than traditional courts or arbitration, Arbitrus challenges centuries of legal precedent by using specialized AI to render legally binding decisions. Brian and Kenny share the journey from a casual coffee meeting to a functional legal tech product that's already...

How Shopify Brands Can Scale Without a Team Using AI Tools Like ChatGPT with Matthew Tesvich

AI for Business Owners

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, host talks with , the 24-year-old founder and CEO of , makers of odorless socks that went viral in the fitness world. What began as a personal hygiene problem sparked by smelly feet after gym sessions turned into a direct-to-consumer business built on innovation, antibacterial textiles, and savvy marketing. Matthew shares how he transitioned from college athlete to e-commerce entrepreneur after a career-ending injury, and how a chance encounter with an antibacterial towel inspired the creation of Skunk Skin. He also explains how AI helps him...

From Harvard Law to Selling Two Startups and Launching a VC Fund with Khadijah Robinson

AI for Business Owners

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, host sits down with , Co-founder and president of board at and General Partner at , and former attorney. Khadijah discusses her remarkable journey from Harvard Law to founding and selling multiple startups, including a platform for black-owned e-commerce brands and a socially interactive marketplace. She also shares her experiences in angel investing and founding her own venture capital fund. Throughout the conversation, Khadijah offers valuable insights into the dynamic world of startups and the role AI can play in improving business...

AI Governance for Tech Leaders to Build Secure Systems using Proven Frameworks with Peter Holcomb

AI for Business Owners

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, host sits down with cybersecurity veteran , founder and CEO of . With decades of experience across IT, sales, engineering, and CISO leadership, Peter brings a rare blend of business and deep tech knowledge to the conversation. Together, they explore the evolving challenges of securing AI systems, the importance of AI governance, and how to build trust into AI-powered architectures from the ground up. Jeff and Peter break down the real-world security risks posed by autonomous agents, multi-agent systems, and large language models (LLMs). They...

SAP AI Myths for SMB Owners to Unlock Real Results Using Smart Strategy with Christopher Carter

AI for Business Owners

In this episode, host sits down with , a multi-time founder and bestselling author, and the founder of , and an AI strategist who works closely with to explore how small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can leverage AI to grow faster, stronger, and cheaper. With a wealth of experience in the tech industry, including his work with SAP software and homomorphic encryption, Christopher shares his expertise on using AI to enhance business operations. The conversation touches on critical elements like AI strategy, data security, and the importance of clean data to maximize the value of AI...

More Episodes

In this episode of AI for Business Owners, host Jeff Torello sits down with Khadijah Robinson, Co-founder and president of board at The PIT Atlanta and General Partner at Fictive Ventures, and former attorney. Khadijah discusses her remarkable journey from Harvard Law to founding and selling multiple startups, including a platform for black-owned e-commerce brands and a socially interactive marketplace. She also shares her experiences in angel investing and founding her own venture capital fund.

Throughout the conversation, Khadijah offers valuable insights into the dynamic world of startups and the role AI can play in improving business operations. They explore how AI tools like Sintra AI and Talknotes have streamlined personal productivity and team workflows. Khadijah also emphasizes the importance of avoiding over-optimization in early-stage startups and how AI can help manage growing business complexities.

This episode is packed with wisdom for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to understand how AI can enhance productivity and optimize operations, particularly in the fast-paced world of startups.

Key Takeaways:

From Lawyer to Entrepreneur: Khadijah’s journey from law school at Harvard to entrepreneurship, and why she ultimately pivoted from law to building startups.
AI in Startups: How AI tools can boost productivity and support the operational needs of early-stage companies.
Avoiding Over-Optimization: The risks of trying to over-optimize early in a startup and why flexibility is key in the first stages of business.
AI Tools for Personal Productivity: An in-depth look at tools like Sintra AI and Talknotes that are helping Khadijah and her team stay efficient.
The Role of AI in Scaling Operations: How startups can integrate AI to improve workflow management and increase efficiency.

Noteworthy Quotes:

"I very strongly believe in quitting. Just because you've invested time into something doesn't mean you should continue doing it if it's not bringing value to your life." – Khadijah Robinson
"Good enough is perfection. Don't over-engineer. Solve the problem as best you can, and move forward." – Jeff Torello
"AI can be the process guide for startups, helping them create repeatable processes and not get caught in the trap of over-optimizing too early." – Jeff Torello
"The first step is to get things done well enough, then iterate. Startups are about pivoting and adapting." – Khadijah Robinson

Key Timestamps:

[00:00] - Why most AI tools don’t deliver ROI unless they're deeply integrated

[01:23] - Khadijah’s journey: Harvard Law to tech entrepreneurship and VC

[04:13] - Walking away from law and the value of quitting with intention

[11:03] - Getting stuck in Nigeria during COVID, and how it helped her startup

[17:00] - Tools that work: Sintra AI and TalkNotes in startup operations

[24:27] - What kind of AI actually improves business outcomes

[30:34] - When not to automate: Startup pivots vs. AI rigidity

[37:50] - AI’s future: The tools are getting better, but still need guidance

[42:19] - AI, privacy, and healthy skepticism toward surveillance tech

[44:39] - Final thoughts: Use AI intentionally, not reactively

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