AI Knowhow
AI Knowhow is a podcast tailor-made for business leaders navigating the transformative world of artificial intelligence. In this evolving landscape, adapting the way we steer our businesses is not just about maintaining a competitive edge, but also aligning our AI strategies with our core values and vision. Each week, Courtney Baker teams up with Knownwell executives David DeWolf, Mohan Rao, and Pete Buer to bring you dynamic, insightful, and actionable episodes that are crafted to assist executives in translating this groundbreaking technology into viable business solutions. Our mission is to aid you in maneuvering through this AI-centric world, offering guidance and clarity on the changing dynamics of the workspace. Every episode includes experts, scholars, and practitioners specializing in AI implementation and ethics. We also hear voices from diverse fields to present a rounded picture of the potential opportunities that AI brings to the table. And, of course, we also feature visionary executives who will share their success stories of using AI to revolutionize their businesses. Brought to you by the team at Knownwell: www.knownwell.com/podcast
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From Dial-Up Days to Always-on AI
09/08/2025
From Dial-Up Days to Always-on AI
AOL finally shut down its dial-up service—but the real story? Many companies are still treating AI like it’s 1999. In this episode, the team explores what it takes to move from experimentation to transformation in the age of ambient AI. Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao dive into the biggest challenge facing leaders today: AI isn’t just a tool—it’s becoming the environment we work in. So why are so many organizations still “sneaking downstairs” to test it in isolation? Then, Pete Buer speaks with philosopher Dr. Pia Lauritzen. She explains that the real existential risk of AI is not extinction, but losing what makes us human. She argues that blindly optimizing for speed and output might cost us the deeper questions that drive true progress. All of that PLUS Pete has another edition of AI in the Wild. This week, he breaks down the latest MIT report on AI’s impact on jobs: most displacement is happening in offshore and outsourced roles—for now. Plus, only a sliver of AI investments are delivering ROI, and that’s mostly through efficiency, not innovation. If you're still piloting AI in a silo, this episode is your wake-up call. Watch the full episode on YouTube: Growing existing clients is 95% more profitable than chasing new deals. Get the Commercial Relationship Playbook and turn relationships into your most reliable growth engine:
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What Does Your Board Want Out of AI?
08/25/2025
What Does Your Board Want Out of AI?
What do corporate boards really want from AI initiatives—and how can executive teams prepare to deliver? Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao for a revealing discussion on how boardroom expectations around AI have evolved. From ROI to risk and organizational readiness, discover the three big priorities every board member is tracking—and how to ace the conversation before it even starts. Then, Pete Buer interviews David Evans, founder of ArcSyne, about using AI to forecast complex futures. They explore how AI-powered scenario modeling is helping leadership teams navigate market volatility, rethink org structures, and avoid strategic blind spots. From trade policy to pricing strategy, Evans shares real-world use cases and insights that professional services leaders won’t want to miss. Stop chasing new logos—start unlocking exponential growth with the clients you already have. Download Knownwell’s Commercial Relationship Playbook and turn retention into your biggest revenue driver at . Show Notes Visit the Connect with ArcSyne Founder Connect with Connect with Connect with Connect with Get a Follow
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Planning for Q4: Budgeting Your 2026 AI Spend
08/18/2025
Planning for Q4: Budgeting Your 2026 AI Spend
It’s that time again—budget season. But how do you plan AI spending for a future that keeps shifting? Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack how leaders can budget for AI in 2026 without wasting spend or missing out. The takeaway? Don’t budget for “AI”—budget for solving real business problems. From aligning with KPIs to adopting a 70/20/10 allocation model, they outline how to move from pilots to scalable, ROI-focused AI investments. Next, Pete Buer sits down with Alex Kelleher, CEO of Quantum Rise, who makes the case for thinking in products, not projects. He explains why agility, measurable KPIs, and shared risk models are redefining how consulting delivers AI value—and how your business can adopt the same mindset. Plus: A new segment, “What’s Your Password (And Why Is It 123456)?”, reveals how even global giants like McDonald’s are still failing cybersecurity 101—and what AI-powered defenses can help you do better. Watch this episode on YouTube: Visit to see how your own company’s data could be working harder for you.
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Making the Leap from AI POC to AI Product
08/11/2025
Making the Leap from AI POC to AI Product
It’s easy to launch an AI proof of concept. It’s hard to turn it into a solution people actually enjoy using and continue to use over the long haul. In this episode, Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker teams up with CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack the real-world challenges of operationalizing AI. From starting with the right problem to mastering change management and workflow integration, they share practical strategies for bridging the gap from prototype to production. Pete Buer kicks things off with a look at a Columbia University/New York-Presbyterian AI breakthrough that detects hidden heart disease with 77% accuracy—and how early detection applies to industries far beyond healthcare. Then, Pete sits down with Jim Garrity, Chief Client Officer at SingleStone, to explore his delightfully . They discuss why targeting unglamorous but business-critical processes can unlock major value, how insurance underwriters are speeding decisions with AI, and why professional services retention is all about avoiding single-threaded relationships and spotting growth opportunities early. Explore how to stop flying blind and start harnessing AI for what it does best before it’s too late. Visit to get a guided tour of the platform. Watch this episode on YouTube:
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What's New at Knownwell: A Knownwell Product Update
08/04/2025
What's New at Knownwell: A Knownwell Product Update
Why do firms silently bleed customers, and how can AI help stop it? In this revealing episode of AI Knowhow from Knownwell, CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao lift the curtain on the biggest Knownwell platform update yet. They explore how AI can detect hidden signals across departments, sometimes before the metrics even move, and why ignoring 90% of the noise is just as critical as surfacing the right 10%. Using a playful analogy involving Courtney and Mohan's beloved Oura Rings, the team illustrates how contextual clues in client relationships can predict major issues before they explode. David and Mohan explain how Knownwell’s new features proactively identify fires, budget pressures, and executive turnover to help firms avoid disaster. In this week’s “AI in the Wild,” Pete Buer breaks down a controversial Microsoft memo that makes AI usage mandatory and raises deeper questions about critical thinking, tool diversity, and performance reviews. Plus, in part two of his interview, Matt Stauffer, CEO of Tighten, shares why AI hasn’t radically changed his software team's structure—and how seeing AI as a junior developer helps separate hype from reality. His take? AI shines in grunt work but still needs human oversight to deliver excellence. Explore how to stop flying blind and start harnessing AI for what it does best before it’s too late. Visit www.knownwell.com to get a guided tour of the platform. Watch this episode on YouTube:
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Building a Churn-Proof Relationship Network
07/28/2025
Building a Churn-Proof Relationship Network
Client churn may be inevitable, but what if your relationships were strong enough to resist it? Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to dissect how AI can help build resilient, multi-threaded client relationships. They explore why single-threaded accounts are risky, how AI can map relationship networks, and the ways it enables proactive value delivery through real-time insights and signals. Special guest Matt Stauffer, CEO of , sits down with Pete Buer to share how professional services firms can responsibly integrate AI. Matt warns against AI maximalism and discusses the real ROI behind building AI tools—advising companies to start with the business problem, not the shiny tech. All of that, PLUS Pete unpacks insights from LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky on how to AI-proof your career. Want to turn insights into action? Download Knownwell’s white paper, “AI-Powered Strategies for Scaling Professional Services,” at . Watch this episode on YouTube:
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Getting Out in Front of the Next CEO AI Memo
07/21/2025
Getting Out in Front of the Next CEO AI Memo
Another CEO memo on AI is making waves - this time from Amazon’s Andy Jassy, who outlines the tech giant’s aggressive AI strategy and hints at workforce reductions. While some may see it as ominous, others view it as a rallying cry for change. The AI Knowhow team dives deep into what this latest corporate proclamation really means. First, NordLight CEO Pete Buer and Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker unpack Jassy’s memo, especially its stark honesty about AI's impact on jobs—and what it means for your own upskilling strategy. Then Courtney is joined by Knownwell’s CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack how leaders at all levels—not just the C-suite—can take initiative, align teams, and prove they’re a few steps ahead before the next memo lands. From strategic intent to narrative discipline and modular operating systems, they break down the practical moves that position you to lead with action, not just reaction. Also, Pete Buer chats with Jeff McKay, founder of Prudent Pedal, to explore how AI is transforming organizational structures in professional services firms. They examine McKay’s “IC Triad” model and how marketing, sales, and delivery must evolve to remain competitive in the AI era. Check out the Knownwell platform to see how your own company’s data can unlock next-level decision-making at . Watch this episode on YouTube:
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Reinventing Your Business with AI
07/14/2025
Reinventing Your Business with AI
Accenture just rebranded its core services as "Reinvention Services." But is this just corporate posturing or a sign of something bigger happening in professional services? First, Pete Buer returns with a breakdown of the business impact of Accenture's move. He asks: Is AI finally becoming an operating system for enterprises, not just a toolkit? He dives into how Accenture’s internal reorganization reflects broader pressures in the consulting industry, including margin compression, commoditization, and the urgent need to differentiate. Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by Knownwell CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to further unpack the implications of Accenture's bold repositioning. They explore why this move might signal a shift from episodic transformation to continuous reinvention and how smaller firms can adapt and stay relevant. David shares how positioning—not just performance—is now critical for service firms trying to escape the zero-sum game. Mohan offers a grounded analysis of how AI collapses silos and demands a rethinking of not just tools, but organizational architecture. If your business is still treating AI as a “next quarter” concern, this episode is your wake-up call. Visit to see how your own company’s data could be working harder for you.
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Why Hyper-Growth Actually Starts With Your Existing Clients
07/07/2025
Why Hyper-Growth Actually Starts With Your Existing Clients
What if your next wave of growth isn’t about chasing new logos—but mining gold from the clients you already have? In this cepisode, CMO Courtney Baker challenges the traditional growth mindset with Knownwell’s CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao. Together, they break down why net revenue retention (NRR) is the real growth lever, especially for professional services firms. They explore the inefficiencies of over-investing in new sales and reveal how failing to rigorously manage and measure existing relationships is holding companies back from true scalability and predictable growth. Meanwhile, Pete Buer dives into the latest AI in the Wild: Meta’s audacious push toward artificial general intelligence, led by Scale AI’s Alexander Wang. Is this the next paradigm shift or just Metaverse 2.0? And back by popular demand—it’s the return of the AI Snake Draft! Courtney, David, and Mohan face off with their must-have AI tools for 2025. Which apps have become indispensable? Which tools are heading to the D-League? Find out who steals the draft with surprises, strategy, and a little smack talk. Plus, download the new Knownwell playbook for AI-powered strategies to scale your professional services firm: Watch this episode on YouTube:
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Lessons Learned from 30 Days of Company-Wide AI
06/23/2025
Lessons Learned from 30 Days of Company-Wide AI
What happens when you give every employee access to the paid version of ChatGPT? At Knownwell, it wasn’t just a tech decision—it was a culture shift. Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao explore the real-world implications of a strategic move: providing company-wide access to ChatGPT. They share what sparked the decision and how a structured rollout strategy transformed productivity, communication, and innovation across the team. They also dive into what smart deployment looks like, from setting enterprise controls to embedding AI within your company's OKRs. Pete Buer kicks off the episode with an eye-opening look at Apple’s latest research into large language model reasoning and why businesses must approach AI tools with both optimism and caution. He unpacks the importance of human-AI collaboration and encourages leaders to ditch the “magic wand” mindset. Also in this episode: Part two of Pete’s interview with , AI lead at . Ardy reveals how AI can help eliminate “zombie resources” in cloud infrastructure, streamline CI/CD pipelines, and enhance visibility across systems. He also offers practical tips for CEOs on how to lead AI experimentation without losing control. This episode is a must-listen for leaders navigating the AI learning curve, and for teams wondering what enterprise-wide access really unlocks. Watch this episode on YouTube: Curious what your company’s data looks like on Knownwell? Schedule a demo at .
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How Services Leaders Can Stay Ahead of Client Strategy Shifts
06/16/2025
How Services Leaders Can Stay Ahead of Client Strategy Shifts
Skating to where the puck will be? Not enough. In professional services, it's all about anticipating where your client—the skater—is headed next. But how do you stay ahead when clients start zigging, zagging, and getting slammed into strategic pivots? This episode of AI Knowhow tackles that challenge head-on. Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack how AI can empower service leaders to become true strategic navigators. They explore why staying close to clients, decoding digital breadcrumbs, and scaling the "trusted advisor" model are essential in today’s AI-driven landscape. For our expert interview segment, Pete Buer sits down with , AI lead at , to explore how his team is using AI to automate infrastructure intelligently. Ardy shares a refreshingly honest rubric for evaluating AI use cases and explains how he turns high-potential features into real, verifiable products. All that PLUS Pete chats with Mohan about Meta's new AI assistant. Is it a friend or just surveillance dressed in chatbot clothing? They break down the privacy red flags and why Meta’s approach is a cautionary tale for any business building customer-facing AI. Want to see your company’s client intelligence in action? Visit to learn how Knownwell helps professional service leaders move from reactive to proactive. Watch this episode on YouTube:
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Mind the Gap: Closing the Distance Between Service Quality and Service Perception
06/09/2025
Mind the Gap: Closing the Distance Between Service Quality and Service Perception
You think you’re delivering five-star service—but do your clients feel the same? In this episode of AI Knowhow, Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to tackle the thorny disconnect between service quality and client perception. They explore why perception often outweighs actual performance in professional services, and how leaders can use AI to measure, manage, and close that gap—at scale. Plus, in a clip from a recent Knownwell webinar, Pete Buer illustrates what a fully AI-powered client management operating system looks like—interconnected tools, real-time insights, and automated recommendations driving both efficiency and experience. All that PLUS Pete joins Mohan to unpack a revealing Duke University study that found AI users in the workplace are seen as less competent. Together, they discuss what leaders must do to publicly de-stigmatize AI use and foster a culture that values innovation over fear. From emotional signals in client conversations to proactive alerts on account risk, the future of client service is about more than delivery—it’s about being felt. If your best work isn’t recognized, does it even count? Watch this episode on YouTube: Sign up for Knownwell:
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AI as Your Digital Twin
06/02/2025
AI as Your Digital Twin
What if you had a digital partner that worked tirelessly, mirrored your work style, and even knew your blind spots? This episode explores the fascinating concept of your AI "work twin"—not a clone, but a true collaborator and digital chief of staff. Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker, alongside CEO David DeWolf and CPTO Mohan Rao, dives into how AI is revolutionizing the workplace—not by replacing humans, but by augmenting them. They unpack what makes an effective AI collaborator, why “training your twin” matters, and how AI tools thrive on manners, tone, and consistency. You’ll learn how to onboard AI like a team member, iterate through conversations (not just prompts), and leverage AI memory to boost productivity. In the second part of Pete Buer’s interview with Max Gabriel, CEO of Augmented AI, the spotlight is on why AI is “eating SaaS.” Max unpacks the rise of vertical AI agents, how they challenge traditional SaaS models, and why the future of enterprise tech may lie in intelligent, context-aware agents. From onboarding AI like a new hire to the market economics that favor lean AI startups, Max delivers a masterclass on what business leaders need to do now to prepare. Explore how to empower your human workforce with AI, avoid being left behind, and build a smarter, more responsive organization. Visit to learn more or watch this episode on YouTube. AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at .
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Is Every Company Now an AI Company?
05/19/2025
Is Every Company Now an AI Company?
The buzz is deafening—every company is now an AI company...or are they? Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack whether the AI revolution is as widespread as the hype suggests. They explore what it really means to be an “AI company,” why adoption is uneven across industries, and how leaders can move beyond experimentation toward meaningful AI integration. Pete Buer sits down with Max Gabriel, CEO of Augmented AI, in the first of a two-part interview exploring why AI is poised to disrupt the software world. Max breaks down how the rise of AI agents signals a seismic shift in the SaaS model, what vertical AI solutions mean for enterprise strategy, and why organizations must rethink their technology stack from the ground up. In our ‘AI in the Wild’ segment, Pete and Mohan discuss Apple’s revelation that Google searches on Safari have declined for the first time in 20 years—a signal that AI-powered search tools may be eroding Google’s long-held dominance. What does this mean for how businesses approach marketing, SEO, and information discovery? Also, don’t miss Courtney and Pete’s upcoming webinar on May 22nd at noon Eastern: “Master Client Success with AI.” Learn how professional services firms can implement AI-powered client management systems to drive retention and growth. Register now at . Watch this episode on YouTube:
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Working with AI: What Does an AI-Driven Operating System Look Like?
05/12/2025
Working with AI: What Does an AI-Driven Operating System Look Like?
Managing client relationships shouldn't be a scramble. Courtney Baker and NordLight CEO Pete Buer reveal how AI-driven commercial management systems streamline client success for professional services - turning scattered data into clear, actionable insights in minutes. From operating system fundamentals to practical AI applications, this conversation shows how to level up client retention and growth. Plus, get the team's live reaction to breaking news: OpenAI’s surprising decision to retain nonprofit control and what it means for the future of AI. Register for the May 22nd webinar at Knownwell.com/masterclientsuccess to dive deeper into building your AI-powered client success system. Watch this episode on YouTube:
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Working with AI: Why Security is a Must
05/05/2025
Working with AI: Why Security is a Must
AI adoption hinges on one thing: trust. But how do you build it—and more importantly, how do you keep it from breaking? In this episode of AI Knowhow, CMO Courtney Baker teams up with CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack the critical security questions every organization should be asking before deploying AI. They break down the evolving attack surface of AI systems—from prompt injection and data poisoning to model inversion - and explain how to evaluate vendors for their trustworthiness and preparedness. Mohan shares a practical checklist for non-technical leaders to vet AI platforms, and David highlights the new responsibilities facing leadership in this AI-first era. Pete Buer kicks things off with AI in the Wild, where he explores Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff’s provocative claim that today’s CEOs may be the last to lead fully human workforces. With 84% of customer service requests already resolved by AI agents at Salesforce, Pete lays out what this shift means for how companies scale, innovate, and think strategically. Watch this episode on YouTube: Sign up for Knownwell:
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Working with AI: How Intelligence Can Make Client Churn a Thing of the Past
04/28/2025
Working with AI: How Intelligence Can Make Client Churn a Thing of the Past
Is it really possible to eliminate client churn in professional services? Knownwell's CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao dive deep into the and why too many companies accept it as inevitable. They challenge this mindset, exploring how AI-driven insights can shift businesses from resignation to proactive client retention strategies. Special guest Peter Kang, co-founder of , joins Pete Buer for a revealing conversation about "silent churn" — when clients slip away without warning. Kang shares how systems thinking, deeper client engagement, and recognizing early warning signs are key to building resilient agency relationships. And why when you start to hear, "All is good" over and over, alarm bells should start going off in your head. In "AI in the Wild," Pete Buer breaks down highlighting the gap between public and expert perceptions of AI’s future — and what it means for businesses today. Ready to rethink your churn strategy? Visit to see how Knownwell’s AI platform can help you keep more of the clients you’ve already earned. Watch this episode on YouTube:
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Working with AI: Striking a Balance Between AI and Humans
04/21/2025
Working with AI: Striking a Balance Between AI and Humans
As AI becomes more integrated into everyday business and personal life, the biggest question leaders face is: when should we rely on AI and when must the human touch prevail? In this episode, Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker joins CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to explore the fine line between AI augmentation and human intuition. The team uses from Ethan Mollick as a leaping off point to unpack how leaders can responsibly scale with AI while keeping people empowered, not replaced. In the post, Mollick shares the results of a recent study that shows students who use AI as a tutor benefit from it, whereas those who use AI to do their work for them end up faring worse on standardized tests. Special guest Richard Lin, CEO of , speaks with Pete Buer about how AI voice agents are transforming customer service and sales. Lin reveals how cloning the “top 1%” of reps isn’t about replacement, but about elevating consistent performance while keeping humans in the loop to label, train, and improve AI systems. In our news segment, Pete dives into the fascinating world of AI therapists. A recent study shows that bots can actually help patients with anxiety and depression, raising the provocative question: are people more honest with machines than humans? See how Knownwell’s platform empowers your team with actionable insights. Visit . AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.
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Working with AI: What It Means to Be AI Driven
04/14/2025
Working with AI: What It Means to Be AI Driven
Does AI represent an extinction-level event for your business? In this episode, we ask the important question: how can your company become the bird, not the pterodactyl, in the age of digital Darwinism? Pete Buer sits down with Wolf Ruzicka, SVP of Strategic Advisory at Solvd and author of AI Driven: Staying Alive in the Age of Digital Darwinism. Wolf lays out a five-step roadmap to move from AI novice to AI-native, including how to reclaim your digital destiny, activate unstructured data, and prepare for generative AI’s superpowers. They discuss why executive education is a key barrier to adoption, what “digital marines” can do for your team, and how out-of-paradigm thinking—like intelligent RFP matching—will define the next generation of AI impact. Also, in "AI in the Wild", Courtney Baker and Pete discuss the business implications of Deutsche Telekom’s new AI phone and what it signals for device interaction and workplace productivity. Spoiler alert: if done right, AI-first hardware could transform user experience far beyond the consumer world. Don't miss Knownwell’s platform showcase! If it's after April 15, watch the replay at . Watch this episode on YouTube: Learn more and sign up for Knownwell: AI Knowhow is brought to you by the team at Knownwell.
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Join Courtney and David LIVE on April 15th!
04/07/2025
Join Courtney and David LIVE on April 15th!
The flowers are blooming, the pollen is popping, and Courtney’s wondering why corporate spring break isn’t a thing (seriously though). While the AI Knowhow Team hits pause on the regular lineup, they're gearing up for something fresh, live, and full of Knownwell goodness. On April 15th, Courtney Baker and David DeWolf are going live on LinkedIn to peel back the curtain on what’s new at Knownwell. If you're a professional services leader - or just someone who wants to ditch the guesswork and start driving business with data - this is your backstage pass to see how our native AI platform is evolving. To register, make sure to visit .
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The AI Hackathon Playbook
03/31/2025
The AI Hackathon Playbook
Want to unlock AI's potential in your organization? Skip the brainstorms and go all in with an AI Hackathon! In this final installment of the Applied AI series, CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to break down why AI hackathons might be your best tool for driving adoption, sparking collaboration, and building lasting impact. Whether you’re a tech startup or a professional services firm, this episode gives you the blueprint. Special guest Jeff Gallimore, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of Excella, shares best practices from their GenAI-focused hackathons—including how engaging clients as judges and building cross-functional teams helped move ideas from prototype to production. From enabling constraints to cultural buy-in, Jeff explains how hackathons can be more than just a creative break—they can be a launchpad for real outcomes. Courtney, David, and Mohan reflect on their own hackathon experiences and offer strategic advice on making hackathons successful—from aligning with your roadmap to ensuring outputs are built to scale. Plus, how non-engineers can thrive in AI innovation thanks to tools like Canva and prompt engineering. All that PLUS Pete Buer breaks down the rise and fall (and jailbreak) of the Humane AI Pin. The big lesson? Innovation only sticks if it meets the market where it is. Whether you’re running your first hackathon or looking to level up your next one, this episode is packed with practical tips, real stories, and a bit of good-natured competition. Want to see what Knownwell’s platform can do with your data? Visit to get started. Watch this episode on YouTube: Show notes Connect with Learn more about Connect with Connect with Connect with Connect with Watch a Follow
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Applied AI: Reframing How We Think About AI
03/24/2025
Applied AI: Reframing How We Think About AI
Still think of AI as just a chatbot? It’s time to reframe that mindset. Logan Kilpatrick of Google DeepMind joins the show to discuss the latest advances with Gemini, including long-context reasoning and native multimodal capabilities—and why UX, not chat, is the real frontier in AI. He shares examples from Khan Academy and others that show how smarter, more human-centered experiences are key to unlocking AI’s full potential. Logan and Mohan Rao also explore why it's such an exciting time to be working in AI, with developers making groundbreaking discoveries daily, and how the next wave of AI in services businesses has so much promise, as we shift from real-time answers to asynchronous, reasoning-driven systems with humans in the loop. Next, CMO Courtney Baker teams up with CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to look at why, in the AI age, leaders need to think differently about how to deliver value with concepts like learning systems, compounding intelligence, and more. They also join Logan in challenging the chatbot-centric mental model that many may hold about AI because it has been our introductory experience to the technology. They explore why simply deploying chat interfaces isn't the future—and why UX is key to making AI work for real business outcomes. Plus, Pete Buer breaks down from their latest funding round and looks at how businesses should evaluate LLMs for fit and function, not just from what they read in the latest headlines. Ready to stop having long, text-based discussions with a chatbot and start building smarter AI experiences? Us too. Watch this episode on YouTube: Check out Knownwell’s AI-native platform and see how your business can thrive in the new era: Show Notes: Connect with Read the that David, Mohan, and Courtney discuss Learn more about Learn more about Connect with Connect with Connect with Connect with Watch a Follow
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Applied AI: Proactive Leadership with AI
03/17/2025
Applied AI: Proactive Leadership with AI
The best leaders don’t wait for problems to arise - they anticipate them before they happen. But how do you shift from a reactive leadership style to a proactive one? AI might just be the key. In this episode, host Courtney Baker is joined by Knownwell CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao. Together, they explore how AI enables leaders to foresee challenges, manage risks, and reclaim time for strategic decision-making. From AI-driven notifications that predict client or employee concerns to tools that help leaders focus on what truly matters, they uncover how AI is reshaping leadership itself. Special guest Jess Hall, Chief Growth Officer at OpsCanvas and member of Knownwell’s AI Advisory Board, sits down with NordLight CEO Pete Buer to tackle one of the biggest hurdles in AI adoption: trust. Drawing from her experience in product strategy and AI ethics, Jess shares a powerful framework for building trust in AI systems, explains why AI skepticism mirrors the early days of automated elevators, and offers practical steps for businesses to create AI-powered products that people feel safe using. Plus, in our AI in the Wild segment, we put AI itself on the spot. Can AI tell us how to turn raw data into actionable insights? You might be surprised by the answer. Want to stop reacting and start leading with AI? Visit to see how our platform helps executives like you stay ahead. Watch this episode on YouTube:
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Would You Rather...? (AI Edition)
03/10/2025
Would You Rather...? (AI Edition)
Would you rather trust an AI decision-making system that's 90% accurate but a total black box, or one that's only 70% accurate but fully explainable? What about AI that predicts your next big revenue stream with 30% certainty versus AI that boosts your operations by 70%? In this special 75th episode of AI Knowhow, we put our panel to the test in an AI-themed game of Would You Rather? Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao for a lively debate on AI trade-offs in business. From decision-making transparency to revenue growth strategies, our team digs into real-world applications of AI and what business leaders should prioritize. Plus, NordLight CEO Pete Buer introduces a brand-new segment, This Is Your Brain on AI, where we explore . Are we outsourcing too much of our problem-solving to AI? What should HR and L&D teams be doing to counteract potential skill atrophy? And don't miss our special guest, Abhijit Mitra, CEO of , who sits down with Pete to discuss agentic AI and how Outreach is revolutionizing B2B sales with AI-powered prospecting. Can AI automate the grunt work of sales reps while still keeping the human touch? Abhijit shares his vision for the future of AI agents in business. Try Knownwell’s platform today at . Tags: #AI #AIinBusiness #AgenticAI #MachineLearning #ArtificialIntelligence #B2BSales #CriticalThinking #BusinessGrowth #SalesTech #Automation #HR #Leadership #Technology #FutureOfWork #AIProspecting
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Applied AI: Using AI to Go From Insights to Execution
03/03/2025
Applied AI: Using AI to Go From Insights to Execution
Your data is trying to tell you something. Are you listening? AI isn’t just about insights. It’s about execution. In this episode of AI Knowhow from Knownwell, CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to explore how AI is reshaping execution in professional service firms. They discuss how AI can move beyond simple automation to orchestrate strategic execution, aligning teams, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring the right work gets done at the right time. Our special guest, , Co-founder and CTO of April, sits down with Pete to discuss how AI is transforming tax preparation. He shares how April’s AI-powered tax solution reduces complexity and risk while building trust in financial AI products. And in a brand-new segment, What’s Up, Grok?, Pete breaks down the latest AI news—including . Is it truly a game-changer or just more noise? Watch this episode on YouTube: Want to see how AI can help you execute on your most important priorities? Visit to explore our AI-driven platform.
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AI Hot Takes (2025 Edition)
02/24/2025
AI Hot Takes (2025 Edition)
We’re turning up the heat once again! After last year’s sizzling Hot Takes episode, we had to run it back for 2025. Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao to deliver their boldest AI predictions yet. What shifts are coming in AI? Which trends are about to fizzle out? And what might shake up the industry in unexpected ways? In our expert interview segment, Pete Buer sits down with AI and digital transformation expert Dr. Henna Karna, a Harvard Fellow and former Google executive. She shares practical strategies for business leaders to ensure AI is solving real problems and not just creating new ones. From cost concerns to strategic adoption, Dr. Karna explains how companies can maximize AI’s potential without getting caught up in the hype. Grab your milk, ice cream, or (according to Mohan) hot chocolate—this one’s gonna be on fire! Watch this episode on YouTube: Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Setting the Stage for 2025 Predictions 02:18 First Hot Take: The End of AI-Powered Marketing 04:00 Second Hot Take: Data is Dead 06:40 Third Hot Take: The Decline of Open Source Models 08:41 Fourth Hot Take: OpenAI's Impending Implosion 13:47 Google's Edge in AI Integration 16:32 AI in Business Strategy 17:09 Interview with Dr. Henna Karna 18:38 AI's Role in Strategic Planning 24:08 Cost and AI Adoption 26:41 Customer-Centric AI Solutions 29:57 Conclusion and Future of AI Show Notes Connect with Connect with Connect with Connect with Connect with Watch a Follow
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Applied AI: Turning Data Into Actionable Insights
02/17/2025
Applied AI: Turning Data Into Actionable Insights
Data is pouring into your business every second, but where are the insights you need to act on it? Just 27% of business executives in a recent Forrester study said their data and analytics projects produce actionable insights. In this episode, we look at how AI can help bridge the gap between the overwhelming amounts of data available today and the actionable intelligence executives need to drive results. Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker, CEO David DeWolf, and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao kick things off by breaking down the journey from raw data to wisdom. They discuss why 60-70% of enterprise data goes unanalyzed and how leaders can leverage AI to surface hidden insights, not just confirm what they already know. Plus, they explain why vision is critical: if you don’t know what you’re looking for, your AI won’t either. For our expert interview, Pete Buer sits down with , CEO of , to discuss how SaaS companies can embed analytics into their products, empowering customers with self-serve insights. Arman shares practical advice for SaaS leaders on turning data into a competitive advantage, plus a sneak peek of Knownwell's own Mohan Rao’s . All of that PLUS another installment of AI in the Wild with Pete Buer. Pete and Courtney dive into OpenAI’s new deep research tool—an AI agent that might actually live up to the hype, according to . Learn why it could revolutionize market research and competitive analysis but why it's also best suited for those with a foundational understanding of the topic at hand. Want to turn your business data into clear, actionable insights? Visit to learn more about the Knownwell platform. Watch this episode on YouTube: Show Notes & Related Links Connect with Connect with Connect with Connect with Connect with Watch a Read from Accenture, which includes a number of stats cited in the episode Follow Tags: #AI #DataAnalytics #BusinessIntelligence #AIinBusiness #EmbeddedAnalytics #DataInsights #SaaS #AIforExecutives #CustomerInsights #DataStrategy #EnterpriseAI #OpenAI #DeepResearch #AIApplications #BusinessGrowth
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Applied AI: Developing Your AI Roadmap
02/10/2025
Applied AI: Developing Your AI Roadmap
What does an AI roadmap really look like? And how does a corporate AI roadmap differ from a personal one? In this episode of AI Knowhow from Knownwell, host Courtney Baker is joined by Knownwell’s CEO David DeWolf, Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao, and NordLight CEO Pete Buer to break it all down. First, the team explores how business leaders can chart a clear AI strategy—starting with vision, linking it to business goals, and balancing customer feedback with long-term objectives. David and Mohan share insights on making micro-pivots, avoiding roadmap confusion, and the key decision every company must make: Is AI a tool, or is it your operating system? Special guest Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek, author of Your AI Roadmap, sits down with Pete to discuss how professionals can future-proof their careers with an AI strategy of their own. She shares why a strong personal brand, multiple income streams, and financial security are essential in the AI era and how workers can position themselves for long-term success. And in AI in the Wild, Courtney and Pete dig into AI-designed shoes. A new shoe combines AI-driven custom fitting with personalized footwear, raising big questions about AI’s role in design, manufacturing, and consumer trends. Is it just a gimmick or a glimpse of AI-powered retail to come? Sign up for Knownwell’s AI-powered platform for Commercial Intelligence: Watch this episode on YouTube!
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Scaling AI: Building the Right AI Team
02/03/2025
Scaling AI: Building the Right AI Team
You’re smart. You know your business cold. But do you know how to build the right AI team? It’s harder than it looks, and the old innovation playbook just won’t cut it. Pete Buer sits down with Ben Hafele, CEO of and host of The Lean AI Podcast, to discuss how to assemble the right AI team. They explore what skill sets are essential, how to balance technical and strategic talent, and why AI teams need a different structure than traditional innovation groups. As always, host Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product & Technology Officer Mohan Rao for a panel discussion where they further break down the key differences between AI innovation teams and traditional ones. Plus, we cover a few more burning questions about building the right AI team, like does Amazon’s famous “two-pizza rule” still apply in the AI era? To kick the episode off, we dive into what might be the most game-changing week in AI since ChatGPT launched. With Producer Will Sherlin stepping in to help, Pete Buer unpacks the frenzy around DeepSeek’s new open-source AI model. How did this Chinese startup manage to train a cutting-edge model at a fraction of the cost of OpenAI and Meta? And why does this mark a "Sputnik moment" for AI development? From business leaders to investors, the ripple effects could be massive. Watch this episode on YouTube: Sign up for Knownwell’s beta:
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Scaling AI: How AI Can Break Down Silos in Your Organization
01/27/2025
Scaling AI: How AI Can Break Down Silos in Your Organization
Is your organization held back by departmental silos where the necessary data and information doesn't always flow between them? AI might just be the key to breaking these silos down. Pete Buer kicks things off with an interview featuring Josh Okun, Chief Innovation Officer at Gravity Global. Josh shares how AI is helping global teams collaborate across time zones, optimize creative processes, and foster dynamic relationships within organizations. Discover how his team at Gravity Global leverages AI tools like custom GPTs and RAG to turn static brand guidelines into dynamic resources that streamline decision-making at every level. Pete and Josh also explore the transformative power of AI in creating "living brands," synthetic audiences, and innovative teamwork models. Next up, Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker dives into how AI is reshaping collaboration and creativity within organizations. Alongside Knownwell CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product Officer Mohan Rao, they expand on Pete and Josh's discussion, touching on leadership’s role in AI adoption and debating whether change must come from the top or emerge from empowered teams. David and Mohan weigh in on fostering innovation through AI clubs and cultural shifts. Plus, Pete wraps up the episode with a segment on the growing potential of AI-driven "physical intelligence" and its implications for businesses in 2025. 00:00 Introduction: Breaking Down Silos with AI 00:53 Interview with Josh Okun: AI in Business 03:28 AI in Creative and Beyond 06:46 The Future of AI in Marketing 10:09 Leadership and AI Adoption 19:45 Empowerment and Innovation Culture 28:04 Physical Intelligence: The Next Frontier 30:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Watch this episode on YouTube: Sign up for Knownwell at .
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