In this episode of The Long Game , host Elijah Wood talks with Michelle Thames —digital marketing strategist, podcast host, influencer, and former healthcare worker turned full-time entrepreneur. After getting fired from her 9-to-5, Michelle turned her natural hair blog into a personal brand that built a massive following and launched a career. Today, she runs a boutique marketing agency , teaches multi-passionate women entrepreneurs , and builds digital products that sell in her sleep. We explo...
Jul 08, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 88
In this episode of The Long Game , host Elijah Wood sits down with Sridhar Muppidi , CTO of IBM Security, to talk about the evolving landscape of AI threats, cybersecurity strategy, and quantum computing risks . With over 30 years at IBM and deep expertise in enterprise security, Sridhar shares what keeps him up at night—and what gives him hope. From AI-powered phishing attacks to malware agents with decision-making abilities , we dive into how attackers are using the same tools defenders rely o...
Jun 24, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 87
In this episode of The Long Game, host Elijah Murray sits down with Ajay Srivatsavai, a veteran asset management executive, to unpack why private equity firms are falling behind in the AI revolution - and what it means for the future of the $15 trillion industry. Timestamps:(00:00) Risk factors in asset management and technology adoption(01:00) Introduction and guest overview(02:00) Asset management fundamentals and industry breakdown(04:00) Technology adoption challenges in finance(08:00) Priva...
May 21, 2025•43 min
Welcome to Episode #085 of The Long Game, where I have conversations about tech startups, AI, entrepreneurship, and the ideas and principles to make it all happen. Kenneth Correra shares his groundbreaking experience of running his business with AI guidance, achieving 25% growth without increasing headcount. From creating an AI board of directors to implementing multi-agent systems in various industries, Kenneth provides practical insights into the future of human-AI collaboration. TOPICS: Buil...
May 13, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 85
Kal Amin is the President at 1848 Ventures, bringing 25 years of experience from companies like Google, Spotify, and Flipboard. In this conversation we explored how venture studios are evolving with AI, focusing on key topics like building defensible AI companies, the upcoming transfer of SMB ownership to a new generation, and how technology is changing the landscape for small business owners. EPISODE LINKS:• 1848 Ventures: https://1848ventures.com TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (02:00) What is an SM...
May 06, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 84
Jenny Fielding is a veteran venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and Cornell professor bringing unique insights from multiple angles of the startup ecosystem. In this conversation, we explored the evolving landscape of startup funding, discussing how AI tools are changing the game for entrepreneurs, the return of bootstrapping as a viable strategy, and what VCs are really looking for in today's market. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro and Welcome(02:00) Current State of Venture Capital(05:00) Bootstrappin...
Apr 29, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Adam Nathan is the founder and CEO of Blaze.ai, a marketing platform built for solo entrepreneurs and small business owners. In this conversation, we explored Adam’s journey from big tech to startup life, the challenges of standing out in a saturated AI market, and how Blaze.ai empowers “teams of one” to compete like Fortune 500s. We also discussed key insights around VC dynamics, the mindset of a founder, and Adam’s vision of AI as a practical tool—not just hype. EPISODE LINKS: Blaze.ai Website...
Apr 23, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 81
Mike Todasco is a technologist, educator, and writer who led innovation at PayPal for over a decade and now teaches at the University of San Diego. In this conversation we explored how AI is reshaping code, creativity, and careers — focusing on key topics like AI-powered solopreneurs, vibe coding with voice prompts, and the evolution of storytelling in an AI-driven world. We also dive into the future of agent-based communication, the societal shifts from automation, and how new generations can s...
Apr 01, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 81
Garrett Rice is a tech entrepreneur and AI hiring innovator who has spent 25 years building and scaling startups. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Callings.ai , a platform helping job seekers find meaningful careers. In this conversation, we explored: Lessons from Steve Jobs and the impact of NeXT on modern product development. AI’s role in job hunting , resume optimization, and standing out in the hiring process. Networking and career growth strategies in a competitive job market. EPISODE LINKS:...
Mar 19, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 79
Gregory Offner is the Founder and CEO of Global Performance Institute, an award-winning keynote speaker, and the author of The Tip Jar Culture: How to Re-Engage and Reignite Your Workforce. In this conversation, we explore his journey from dueling pianist to professional speaker, the career-altering vocal cord injury that forced him to pivot, and how he now helps leaders drive workforce engagement. We also dive into the evolving role of AI in workplace culture and discuss strategies for creating...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 79
Brett Farmiloe is the Founder & CEO of Featured, a platform that connects experts with publishers for greater exposure. A serial entrepreneur, Brett previously founded Markitors, a digital marketing agency, and launched a career education startup that took him on a cross-country journey interviewing 300+ people about their careers. In this conversation, we explore: The role of creativity in AI businesses Why new data is critical for AI products SEO and content marketing trends Market validat...
Mar 06, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Lucas Lovell is the Director of Product at Paddle, a global payments platform helping SaaS founders optimize their pricing, payments, and go-to-market strategies. He has firsthand experience launching and scaling startups across multiple international markets. In this conversation, we explore: The merchant of record model and its impact on SaaS businesses Localization strategies for pricing, payments, and expansion The decision-making process for international expansion How AI is shaping the fut...
Feb 21, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Dan Curran is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Chapters.io , an AI-driven publishing platform that helps individuals turn their experiences into books. With a background in content creation, multiple business exits, and leadership in entrepreneurship organizations, Dan shares his insights on how AI is reshaping publishing, the challenges of maintaining editorial integrity, and why storytelling matters. In this conversation, we explored: The role of AI in modern publishing and book creati...
Feb 14, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Anya Cheng is the Founder and CEO of Taelor, a leading men's clothing subscription service that provides personal styling and curated rentals, powered by expert stylists and AI. A Girls in Tech 40 Under 40 honoree, she previously led eCommerce and digital innovation teams at Meta, eBay, Target, and McDonald's. Experience effortless style with rental and personal styling services: Taelor: Get 25% OFF your first month of men's clothing subscription. Use code: PODCAST25 Sign up at: https://taelor.s...
Feb 06, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Aytekin Tank is the founder of Jotform, an automation enthusiast, and author. In this conversation, we explore his journey from rural Turkey to New York, building Jotform without outside funding, and the role customer feedback played in shaping the product. Aytekin also shares strategic insights on company culture, his approach to leadership, and how AI is shaping Jotform’s future. EPISODE LINKS: Aytekin’s Twitter: Aytekin’s LinkedIn: JotForm Website: TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Intro and background 00...
Jan 28, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Bryan Trilli is an AI expert, entrepreneur, and author of Soulless Intelligence. In this conversation, we explore the ethics and philosophical implications of artificial intelligence, focusing on: -The moral dilemmas of AI development. -Whether AI can ever become conscious. -How AI is changing our understanding of humanity, sentience, and value. EPISODE LINKS: Twitter: https://twitter.com/bryantrilli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryantrilli Website: https://www.bryantrilli.com TIMESTAMP...
Jan 16, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 74
Assaf Weinburg is a serial entrepreneur and AI enthusiast with over 25 years of experience in product development and business leadership. In this episode of The Long Game , we discuss: How AI is empowering solopreneurs and transforming startups. Insights from Assaf’s AI-driven educational business with his wife. The evolving role of venture capital and workforce structures in the AI age. Why 'play' and joy are critical to productivity and innovation. Whether you’re a startup founder or looking ...
Jan 08, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Kyle Bhiro is the 25-year-old co-founder of PensarAI, an open-source AI security platform addressing the challenges of weaponized AI. In this conversation, we explore Kyle's mission to combat AI vulnerabilities, democratize security solutions for developers, and foster open-source innovation. We also dive into his entrepreneurial journey, overcoming imposter syndrome, securing venture funding, and navigating the future of AI. EPISODE LINKS: Website: https://www.pensarai.com/ Twitter: https://x.c...
Jan 02, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Adam Nagus is a digital transformation leader who has built award-winning digital and data capabilities for organizations like Accenture and FTI Consulting, along with founding Digimasters. Adam's expertise spans strategic workforce planning, generative AI, and design thinking, making him a thought leader in the AI-powered world. In this conversation, we explored: Building and managing AI-focused teams, The importance of empathy and storytelling in data visualization, Integrating AI into organiz...
Dec 25, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Anthony Pierri is the co-founder of Fletch PMM, a consultancy that helps early-stage B2B startups sharpen their positioning and better articulate their value propositions. In this conversation, we explored: Why niche marketing is critical for early-stage success How small teams can scale effectively Practical steps for defining a product’s positioning using seven key elements Anthony also dives into the importance of clear messaging, tangible go-to-market assets, and the psychology behind buyer ...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Deepak Chintala is a seasoned consultant specializing in business strategy and digital transformation, having driven $100M+ in value through digital initiatives. In this conversation, we explore how state-backed enterprises in the Middle East drive economic impact, the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies like digital twins, and AI's growing influence in modernizing operations and decision-making. EPISODE LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dchintala/ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Intro and bac...
Dec 11, 2024•35 min
Chris Duffey is a leading figure in technological futurism and creative growth strategies, spearheading Adobe's Global Partnerships for GenAI Solutions. In this conversation, we explore: Adobe Firefly and its impact on creative workflows Ethical AI, authenticity, and traceability in AI-powered tools The evolving roles of product and marketing teams Predictions for the metaverse and mixed reality Insights from co-authoring a book with AI EPISODE LINKS: Chris Duffey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin....
Dec 04, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Dr. Seth Dobrin is a distinguished AI leader and founder of Qantm AI. In this conversation, we explore AI ethics, the implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the concept of a work-free society in 30 years. We also discuss the importance of diversity in AI, 'technological colonialism,' and the challenges of AI implementation in both startups and enterprises. EPISODE LINKS: Twitter: https://x.com/sdobrin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdobrin/ Website: https://qantm.consu...
Nov 27, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Greg Shove is a veteran entrepreneur and current CEO of Section, an online business school preparing professionals for the age of AI. In this episode, we explore: The unique challenges of scaling startups in Silicon Valley. Why current VC models might not favor first-time founders. How AI should be understood as a service rather than traditional software. The cultural and operational changes startups need to integrate AI effectively. EPISODE LINKS: Section AI Academy: https://www.sectionschool.c...
Nov 20, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Hugo Pinto, Managing Director of Human + Machine, joins me on this episode to discuss actionable AI implementation strategies, how companies can structure their data to create valuable insights, and the growing marketplace for commercial AI models. Hugo shares how to ensure data quality and accessibility, identify ideal AI use cases, and prepare for a future where data-driven insights are key to success. EPISODE LINKS: Hugo Pinto LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugomcpinto/ Human + Machine...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Alison Cossette, an expert in graph data science and AI ethics, joins me for an in-depth conversation on the evolving responsibilities in AI governance and ethics. We explore key topics such as graph databases for fraud detection, AI's role in global sustainability, and her work on the Interplanetary Blockchain Committee. Alison shares invaluable insights on responsible AI and how it impacts sectors like healthcare, finance, and supply chain management. EPISODE LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linke...
Oct 31, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Jose Moreno is a tech innovator and founder of Neulight, an EdTech company leveraging AI to improve educational outcomes. Previously at Netflix, where he helped develop the ‘skip credits’ feature, Jose now focuses on making schools more efficient and data-driven. In this episode, we explore Netflix’s operational strategies, AI's role in education, and the obstacles to adopting data-driven solutions in schools. EPISODE LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-neulight/ Website: https://w...
Oct 21, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Bo Abrams is a visionary entrepreneur who co-founded Kommu , a home-sharing app focused on building trust-based networks for affordable travel. In this conversation, we explored the complexities of building a marketplace startup, raising capital in a challenging economic climate, and how Kommu provides unique solutions for both travelers and businesses. Topics include marketplace challenges, Bo's approach to fundraising, and the role of personal conviction in startup success. EPISODE LINKS: Bo A...
Oct 09, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Bonnie Caver is a reputation management expert with over 20 years of experience and the founder of Reputation Lighthouse. In this conversation, we explored how misinformation, deepfakes, AI-generated content, and brand authenticity are reshaping corporate reputation. Key topics include responsible AI, managing disinformation, and aligning corporate actions with long-term stakeholder trust. EPISODE LINKS : Twitter: https://x.com/bonniecaver LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniecaver/ Websi...
Oct 03, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Alexander De Ridder is a visionary AI technologist and the Co-Founder and CTO of Smyth. In this episode, we explore themes like achieving a flow state for meaningful work, the dual potential of AI for utopia or dystopia, and the pursuit of purpose-driven goals. Alexander also reflects on his Belgian upbringing, his career journey, and his insights into AI's role in shaping the future. EPISODE LINKS: Twitter: @adridder LinkedIn: Alexander De Ridder YouTube: Alexander De Ridder Instagram: @alexand...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 59
