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This year we spoke to guests from across the tech and finance space and one key theme emerged… The AI business landscape requires isolating what actually drives organizational performance; the human element.  In this episode of Evolving Industry, George Jagodzinski Takes us back to reveal the themes emerging across 2026’s conversations with Wall Street risk strategists, government product managers, robotics investors, and seasoned operational executives.  Across every industry, the determining factor for success remains decidedly human.  We’ll break down four foundational pillars for the back half of the year, Join us as we discuss:   [0:58]: Developing a bulletproof "BS detector" through critical ignoring rather than focusing on tech hype [3:26]: Creating "super workers", while keeping human judgment firmly in the driver's seat. [5:50] Re-framing governance from operational friction into strategic headlights and protecting your single greatest asset: proprietary data. [8:24] Execution, the "ladder of abstraction," and making sure the right action is the easiest path [11:03] The top “Best Advice I’ve ever received” for 2026 Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Your Key Survival Skill for 2026: Critical Ignoring by Christopher MimsEvolving Industry Episode #63 with Denise HemkeEvolving IndustryEpisode #65 with Alec CrawfordEvolving IndustryEpisode #66 with Oliver MitchellEvolving IndustryEpisode #70 with Christopher MimsEvolving IndustryEpisode #74 with Kevin ErtellThe Strategy Trap: Why Companies Fail at Execution and How to Get It Right by Kevin ErtellCraving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Navigating the constant influx of AI products requires moving beyond hype and focusing on practical execution. When engineering teams adopt AI, measuring true velocity and managing runaway token costs become immediate challenges. Steve Adams, Chief Digital Officer, and Jeff Wooden, Chief Architect at Intevity, join the podcast to detail the creation of Intevity Labs: an initiative focused on building open-source tooling to solve real-world development friction. Steve and Jeff break down their latest suite of developer tools, including Sentinel, Trove, Witness, and Curtain, while highlighting the importance of security, OpenTelemetry standards, and prompt compression. They also examine the operational risks of “dark code,” the realities of story pointing in an AI world, and why organizational success relies on keeping human oversight involved in critical systems. Join us as we discuss:   [1:49] How Sentinel safely optimizes context management and reduces token usage by up to 70%[11:18] Comparing AI to pre-AI productivity and finding the time to learn and implement new tools[16:53] The mental load of AI workflows, dark code, and human gatekeeping[23:19] An exciting new OpenTelemetry tool for corralling your AI agent ecosystem and dealing with outagesCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: SentinelCraving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Deploying massive technology investments requires balancing complex infrastructure with an absolute commitment to human talent. Lynda Pak, Global Chief Information Officer at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., joins the podcast to tackle the existential uncertainty surrounding the rapid rise of generative and agentic AI. Drawing from decades of global IT leadership, Lynda contrasts the current wave of technological disruption with the historic ERP rollouts of the past, explaining why modern tools demand completely new approaches to change management. She shares strategies for establishing a “culture of joy” rooted in psychological safety, managing volatile token economics through proper prompt architecture, and overcoming the governance roadblocks that stall enterprise decision-making. Finally, Lynda highlights the power of internal upskilling over a continuous reliance on outside consultants, wrapping up with a sharp piece of career advice on how to replace critical critiques with superior ideas. Join us as we discuss:   [1:26] Human-centered change management rooted in psychological safety and a “culture of joy” [8:27] Agentic AI governance, token economics, and license management [19:00] What really determines the baseline for tech adoption and activation in large orgs Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

To truly bridge the gap between leadership and results, a business leader must become a student of execution. Kevin Ertell, author of The Strategy Trap and founder of Mistere Advisory, joins the podcast to share insights from over 60 operator interviews and a thousand years of combined experience. Beginning his career as an in-store clerk at Tower Records, Kevin climbed the corporate ladder to lead billions of dollars in retail operations at Nike, Borders, and Sur La Table. He details why brilliant boardroom strategies fail when detached from the shop floor, illustrating how language can shift along the “ladder of abstraction.” Kevin reviews his “6 Cs” system for execution and outlines how to overcome the psychological “forgetting curve” through social incentives and relentless, multimodal communication. Join us as we discuss:   [1:35] How Kevin’s experience on the sales floor laid the foundation for his success in the C-suite [6:48] Why leaders need to wear their company’s vision on their sleeves [15:11] Lessons learned from interviewing dozens of strategic thinkers [22:47] Staying motivated once a new strategy’s honeymoon period wears off Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: The Strategy Trap:  Why Companies Fail at Execution and How to Get It Right Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

To modernize a legacy publisher, engineering leaders must confront structural tech fragmentation and build cross-functional trust. Brian Hamman, Senior VP of Product Engineering, and Jason Sobel, Chief Technology Officer at The New York Times, join the podcast to detail their journey scaling a world-class digital operation. Moving past old identity crises of whether they are a tech company, the duo explains how they match engineering excellence to world-class journalism. They discuss the rollout of their Delivery Engineering Shared Platform (DVSP), leveraging objective data to eliminate undifferentiated heavy lifting and give leverage back to developers. Brian offers perspective on navigating Conway's Law in publishing workflows, while Jason highlights the strategic use of AI tools like Claude and Cursor to empower multidisciplinary teams. Join us as we discuss:   [2:38] Tech strategy perspectives from the old and new guard [12:35] Finding an engineering team’s identity at a world-renowned newspaper [17:51] Timing innovation in a siloed organization [27:30] The Times’ internal approach to AI tools and what problems they’re trying to solve Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Co-founder and Partner at99 Proof Partners, to discuss the transition from the corporate world to the high-stakes craftsmanship of the spirits industry. Mike breaks down the romance of starting a distillery and why many founders struggle to divorce their passion from the hard reality of profitability. We explore the draconian state of spirits technology, where clipboards still rule, and the massive opportunities for tech-minded entrepreneurs to solve logistics and data lags. Mike also shares his holistic capital philosophy and why a mildly successful regional brand can often be more rewarding than chasing a billion-dollar George Clooney exit. Join us as we discuss:   [1:24] Why pivoting from corporate to spirits isn’t as simple as entrepreneurs may think [8:30] What the success trajectory looks like for a passionate distiller [14:19] The drastic difference in strategic timelines between the spirit and software spaces Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Ellwood, Founder and CEO of Stretch, to discuss his decade-long obsession with bringing transparency to the grocery industry. Andy shares how the failure of his first company, Basket, actually laid the structural foundation for what AI is finally allowing him to build today. We dive into the information asymmetry that keeps shoppers in the dark and explore the heartbreaking reality of modern food insecurity, where 17% of surveyed parents are skipping meals to feed their children. Andy explains how Stretch is using AI to map 550,000 unique SKUs across competing retailers to save the average family up to $250 a month. Join us as we discuss:   [1:29] The systemic issue that’s plagued grocery consumers since the Romans [9:27] Why the price of groceries never came back down after the pandemic [21:10] How Stretch is turning grocers’ information asymmetry on its head Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Mims, Technology Columnist for The Wall Street Journal, to discuss how to maintain a sharp “BS detector” in an era of unprecedented tech hype. Drawing on his background in neuroscience and over a decade of reporting, Chris explains why “critical ignoring” is the most important skill for 2026. We explore the punctuated equilibrium of tech disruption, why humanoid robotics might be the biggest bubble in history, and how to treat AI as a neurotypical intern rather than an infallible oracle. Chris also shares the humbling lessons learned from publicly holding himself accountable for a decade of predictions. Join us as we discuss:   [1:34] Why “critical ignoring” is essential to navigating the AI noise [14:00] Which industries are still stuck in the “trough of disillusionment” with AI [22:04] Balancing the AI skill gap between the experts and the up-and-comers Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Your Key Survival Skill for 2026: Critical Ignoringby Christopher Mims How to AIby Christopher Mims The Confidence Gameby Maria Konnikova Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Cohen, Chief Business Development Officer at Skai, to peel back the layers of the world’s most dominant retail engine: Amazon. Jeff shares the story of how he manifested his dream role as an Amazon Tech Evangelist and why the “belly of the beast” isn't nearly as calculated as outsiders believe. We dive into the shift from simple search-term attribution to the complex, non-linear shopper journey that defines modern omnichannel commerce. Jeff also shares his “25/50/25” time management strategy and why he’s currently coaching his team to use AI as a parallel engine for data validation. Join us as we discuss:   [1:10] Amazon’s unique hiring guidelines and misconceptions around their operations [12:18] The market inflection in performance advertising that changed everything [19:00] Why AI needs to be ingrained in the culture of every mid-market brand Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Harris, Founder of University Growth Fund, to discuss the shifting landscape of the app economy and the rise of AI-native talent. Peter explores why traditional SaaS models are under threat as the cost of software production plummets and AI agents begin to bypass the “walled gardens” of legacy platforms. We dive into his unique venture capital model, where 50 to 60 student interns run the fund, and why he believes the future of education must move from “pretend working” to real-world reps. Peter also shares a surprising take on the generational gap: why older professionals currently hold the advantage in the AI era due to the critical importance of experience-based prompting. Join us as we discuss:   [1:36] Why the shared experience of mobile apps is dying in the age of agentic AI [12:42] When an LLM strategy transcends its organization’s own usefulness [16:19] Empowering students by handing them the keys to real investment portfolios [23:14] The power of experience in navigating AI outputs and hallucinations Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: VC Pete YouTube Podcast Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Curt Miller, Operations Consultant at Littlejohn & Co., to discuss the transition from the “classically trained” GE culture to the high-stakes world of private equity. Curt shares his journey from an industrial engineer to a procurement expert who has navigated some of the biggest PE firms in the industry. We explore his player-coach philosophy, why procurement is often a late-stage strategic lever rather than a Day 1 priority, and how AI is currently transforming contract management from a day-long task into a 15-minute review. Curt provides a pragmatic look at value creation, explaining why incremental improvement often yields higher returns than chasing a best-in-class ideal. Join us as we discuss:   [1:28] Injecting the GE experience into a rising firm in the early days of private equity [9:19] How talented generalists find success in niche organizations [13:37] Elevating procurement from a quick revenue injection to a long-term strategy [20:25] How Curt thinks AI could transform the procurement space Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Evolving Industry, we sit down with Oliver Mitchell, Partner at ff Venture Capital and author of A Startup Field Guide in the Age of Robotics and AI. Oliver pulls from his experience as an investor and advisor to explain why robotics and AI require a different go-to-market playbook than traditional SaaS. We discuss the “labor voids” in heavy industry and how companies like Persona AI and Civ Robotics are stepping in to solve mission-critical problems. Oliver also shares his pivot from being a humanoid skeptic to a fan, arguing that because our factories are built for humans, humanoid robots provide the most seamless “plug and play” solution for a domestic manufacturing resurgence. Join us as we discuss:   [1:25] What sets robotics companies apart from other industries [15:50] The shift from legacy giants to embracing specialized boutique firms [21:57] If humanoid robotics is the long-term solution to heavy labor needs Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode explores the critical intersection of innovation and AI risk management. Alec Crawford, Founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc., shares his journey from managing Wall Street risk during the 2008 financial crisis to securing the modern AI frontier. He debunks the myth that data governance is a “roadblock,” explaining how automated frameworks actually accelerate adoption by preventing “rogue AI’ failures. The conversation provides a warning about the shifting regulatory landscape, the dangers of “poisoned” databases, and why maintaining ownership of your proprietary data is the only sustainable competitive advantage in the AI arms race. Join us as we discuss:   [1:43] How a company’s personality affects their risk management profile [15:37] Why AI and data governance is an accelerant, not a drag [23:14] What people should look forward to from a regulatory perspective Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode explores the transition from a “grind” mentality to a freedom-first operating system. Mark Rampolla, Co-founder and Managing Partner at GroundForce Capital and author of An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom, shares how he achieved conventional success only to realize he lacked internal freedom. He discusses how to shift focus from time management to energy management, implementing personal ideologies like the “freedom key” to dismantle internal critics and hidden guilt. The conversation provides a transparent look at the power of vulnerability in the boardroom, including a raw story of how admitting “I don't know” broke an organizational stalemate and how radical candor yields better results than false harmony. Join us as we discuss:   [1:23] Why energy is our limiting resource, not time [12:50] Reshaping your self-assessment through a lens of curiosity instead of criticism [20:59] Balancing company goals with a freedom-first mindset Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom by Mark Rampolla Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the GovTech super worker, unpacking how AI is transforming public sector roles. Denise Hemke, Chief Product Officer at NEOGOV, explains why government customers, unlike those in the private sector, are uniquely collaborative and eager to share data to “raise the tide for everyone.” She details AI applications like the recall product, which uses reinforcement learning to ensure public safety officers have critical policies top-of-mind for split-second decisions. The conversation also covers how AI is changing product development through rapid prototyping and the central importance of mission and wellness in serving first responders. Join us as we discuss:   [7:37] Creating “super workers” by driving efficiencies in policy management [12:16] Reinforcement training and conversational policy searches with AI [23:22] Using rapid prototyping to manage strategic product roadmaps Craving more? You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Evolving Industry on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.