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What happens when specialized human expertise meets artificial intelligence? That's the fascinating question at the heart of my conversation with Alex Khomyakov, founder of Productera and expert in the knowledge economy.

For years, expert networks have connected investors and researchers with subject matter specialists who possess real-time insights not yet captured in public sources. While AI and search engines can tell you what happened yesterday, these networks connect you with people who know what's happening now. The distinction is crucial for those making million-dollar investment decisions.

But beneath the polished surface of these premium services lies a surprising reality: an operational infrastructure still heavily dependent on manual processes, spreadsheets, and institutional memory. As Alex reveals, approximately 80% of labor in expert networks happens behind the scenes, managing everything from expert sourcing and compliance to scheduling and transcription.

This is where AI enters the picture—not as a replacement for human expertise but as a powerful augmentation tool. AI promises to transform expert networks by improving matchmaking between clients and experts, breaking down language barriers through real-time translation, and offering scheduling flexibility across time zones. These innovations could democratize access to specialized knowledge globally, making expertise available regardless of language or location.

For tech entrepreneurs and product developers, the opportunity lies not in creating flashy front-end solutions but in addressing the operational challenges beneath the surface. Alex wisely notes, "The value of investment insight is proportional to how fast you can get it." Those who can leverage AI to increase speed and efficiency while maintaining the human element will define the future of this industry.

Ready to learn more about how AI and human expertise are converging to create new possibilities in the knowledge economy? Listen to our conversation for insights that might change your thoughts about accessing specialized knowledge in the AI era.

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What separates successful leaders from fulfilled ones? According to recovering Wall Street executive Marla Bace, it’s not another mindset hack—it’s getting real about what coaching is (and isn't) in a world addicted to “high-ticket offers” and quick-fix transformations.

In this sharp, refreshingly unfiltered conversation, Marla gets brutally honest about how coaching has evolved since 2020—and why so many high-achievers are still quietly miserable. With a career spanning finance, media, and marketing, she’s been in the boardrooms, survived the buzzwords, and now helps leaders stop performing and start transforming.

She shares the quiet strategies behind powerful leaders—like how to read a room before anyone speaks, or what to do when ego floods the table (hint: don’t match the energy—redirect it).

This isn’t your HR lunch-n-learn. It’s a thoughtful dive into the leadership skills that don’t show up in annual reviews.

From decoding generational tension to integrating AI without turning into a chatbot in heels, this episode is packed with real strategies for leaders who’ve outgrown superficial advice.

If your job looks impressive on LinkedIn but leaves you empty by Friday, this one’s for you. As Marla puts it: sometimes the real power move isn't “how do I get there?”—it's “who the hell can help me figure this out?”

About Marla Bace:

Marla Bace is a certified business and leadership coach with over 30 years of experience driving real results. A former award-winning CMO and CXO, she offers real-world coaching and proven growth strategies for accomplished professionals and business owners who don’t have time to waste.

Her career proves that emotional intelligence and executive strategy aren’t just buzzwords but the foundation of lasting success. Marla knows what it takes to grow influence, drive measurable results, and make confident, values-aligned decisions. She cuts through the noise with clarity, accountability, and a deep commitment to putting humanity at the heart of business success.

Known for her bold authenticity and no-fluff approach, Marla combines emotional intelligence with strategic execution to help clients elevate their presence, align their actions, and lead with impact. Whether guiding a mid-career professional toward a promotion or helping a business owner build a scalable path forward, Marla delivers practical insights that create lasting change.

At the core of her coaching is this belief: Authentic leadership isn’t a buzzword—it’s the competitive edge. Marla helps leaders lead with truth, integrity, and purpose.

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What drives an accomplished physicist with expertise in international banking to pivot toward healthcare, finance, and other science investments? For Konstantin Shvvarts, of Nordvik Investments, the answer is refreshingly straightforward: profitability. In this revealing conversation, Shvarts explains how declining bank valuations following the 2008 financial crisis prompted him to shift his focus to more promising sectors, including fintech, wellness technology, and artificial intelligence.

Shvarts offers a nuanced perspective on portfolio diversification that challenges conventional wisdom. While acknowledging the importance of stability for traditional investors, he suggests that younger, more active investors might benefit from concentrating their investments in areas they thoroughly understand. Drawing from his own experience leveraging dual expertise in physics and finance, Shvarts shares how this approach led him to successful investments in payment solutions before expanding into health technology platforms like EatBeat.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as it explores global innovation trends. Shvarts maintains that, despite increasing global tensions, the United States and China remain the primary centers for technological advancement, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. He expresses concern that Europe, including Estonia, once a pioneer in e-government, has lost momentum as political attention shifts from fostering innovation to addressing security concerns. Looking ahead, he envisions a fragmented global marketplace divided into distinct trade zones, yet remains firmly committed to investing in Western markets despite the turbulence.

Perhaps most revealing are Shvarts's investment boundaries. Despite acknowledging the explosive growth and profit potential in military technology driven by ongoing conflicts, he avoids this sector. Similarly, he steers clear of Chinese investments due to concerns over transparency and intellectual property risks. These principles underscore a thoughtful approach to global investing that balances opportunity with personal ethics and risk assessment.

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