“If your focus group still needs pizza and a two-way mirror, you’re already outdated.”

In this episode of The AI CEO I sit down with Felipe Restrepo—CEO & co-founder of Odaptos—to unpack the first ‘empathy-enabled’ AI that reads micro-expressions, voice tone, and body language to predict a purchase eight seconds before it happens.

We talked about:
• Why 90 % of customer truth is non-verbal—and how to capture it
• Slashing research costs from $40K focus groups to a $400 AI sprint
• The “camera-amnesia” signal that tells Odaptos you’ve forgotten you’re on film
• Building a content engine straight from raw customer interviews (good-bye writer’s block)
• The REAL future of AGI (hint: EQ > IQ) and which human skills become priceless
• Ethical lines, biased data, and why regulated banks jumped in first

Whether you’re a product lead at a Fortune 500 or a bootstrapped founder chasing product–market fit, this conversation will change how you think about research, marketing, and the next wave of AI.

00:00 Intro — “Feelings vs. Words”
01:36 From France to Techstars: The origin of Odaptos
03:49 Emotions = Customer Experience Currency
08:05 Why focus groups fail (and what replaces them)
10:32 Industrializing research with AI
20:03 Case studies: Banks, insurers & 100× ROI
29:34 What emotional AI looks like in 2025
35:11 Secret sauce: Predicting a buy 8 s early
38:07 Building a moat in the age of copy-paste AI
42:16 Turning interviews into blogs, decks & ads
47:41 Zero-UI futures & “research agents”
53:36 Human skills that matter in 2030
57:26 Ethics, regulation & the path to EQ-GPT
1:04:43 Rapid-fire + final takeaways

• Emotion > Opinion – People love products for how they feel, not what they do.

• Affordable at Scale – 20 interviews for $400 means weekly iterations, not annual bets.

• 8-Second Window – Odaptos spots the precise moment intent flips to action.

• Content Flywheel – Customer voice → AI summary → ready-to-post copy in minutes.

• EQ-GPT – The next intelligence leap isn’t bigger models, it’s emotionally aware ones.

• Odaptos (Felipe’s company) – https://odaptos.com
• Virgent AI (our show sponsor) – https://Virgent.ai
• Felipe on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipelebrun/
• Seema Alexander on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander
Newsletter + consulting – https://www.disruptive.ceo/

If this episode sparked an aha-moment, tap 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and leave a one-sentence review—helps us land more game-changing guests like Felipe!

AI Security Is Now a CEO Priority
What high-growth companies already know about protecting their AI infrastructure, and why waiting could leave you behind.

In this episode of The AI CEO Podcast, host Seema Alexander sits down with Jerome Johnson II, Director of Solutions Architecture, National Security & Defense at Amazon Web Services (AWS), to break down the future of AI security, agent-based cybersecurity, and why AI governance is no longer optional for scaling businesses.

If you're a founder, CEO, or business leader navigating the rise of AI, this is your strategic briefing.

• AI security risks and what’s really changing

• Agent-based threats & autonomous systems

• AI governance, red buttons & model safety

• Data integrity, compliance & responsible AI

• The parallels between cloud and AI adoption

• How to protect your business in an AI-first future

(00:00) Intro
(01:50) Jerome Johnson on AI + Cybersecurity
(04:04) Cloud vs. AI Adoption
(07:14) The Urgency of AI for CEOs
(19:57) Governance, Compliance, and Security Gaps
(24:32) Future of AI-Powered Cybersecurity
(44:44) Deepfakes, Digital Identity Theft, and Risk
(52:46) Multi-Agent AI Ecosystems Explained
(56:50) The AI-Powered Business Model
(01:18:06) Rapid Fire Q&A
(01:26:19) Final Takeaways

Director, Solutions Architecture – National Security & Defense, AWS
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

Co-founder, Virgent AI | Disruptive CEO Advisory
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

• Virgent.ai – AI consulting + implementation

• Disruptive CEO Advisory – Strategic business transformation

• Video Studio: Legacy Session – DC Studio
• Post-Production: EZPZ Podcasting

📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to get notified about future episodes!

#AIsecurity #AIleadership #CybersecurityforCEOs #AIforBusiness #AgenticAI #AIgovernance #AItrust #EnterpriseAI #TheAICEOPodcast #ResponsibleAI #FutureofWork #AWS #SeemaAlexander

She Gave Her Team Permission to AI… You Won’t Believe What Happened Next | Laura Seuschek, COO of WiseWire

What actually happens when a COO tells her entire team: “You’re allowed to experiment with AI”?

In this episode of The AI CEO Podcast, host Seema Alexander sits down with Laura Seuschek, Chief Operating Officer of WiseWire, a trailblazing edtech company reshaping how content is designed, delivered, and optimized using AI.

Over the past two years, Laura has helped lead WiseWire through an intentional AI adoption journey—building internal capabilities, setting bold KPIs, and challenging her team to reimagine their roles. The result? Increased creativity, reduced operational costs, and a new level of team engagement.

🎯 What you'll learn:

• How to create a culture of AI experimentation—without chaos

• Why AI doesn’t make employees lazy, it makes them leaders

• The measurable impact of automation on team productivity and cost savings

• What every mid-sized company needs to know before scaling AI

🧠 If you're a founder, COO, or functional leader navigating AI integration, this episode will give you a practical playbook—and inspiration to act.

🌎Reach out to Laura Seuschek
LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-seuschek
Twitter https://twitter.com/lauraseus?lang=es
Wisewire https://www.wisewire.com/for-teachers/

🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander

Virgent AI: www.Virgent.ai
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander
IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en

📌Make sure to check out Virgent.ai https://virgent.ai/ and WiseWire https://www.wisewire.com/

👉 In this episode

(00:00) Coming Up Next

(00:31) Welcome to the AI CEO Podcast

(01:12) Introducing Laura WiseWire

(03:03) The Impact of AI on Employee Productivity

(06:24) Laura's Background and Journey

(09:01) Wise Wire's Evolution and AI Integration

(12:23) Implementing AI: Challenges and Strategies

(16:21) Prototyping and Experimentation with AI

(29:15) Operationalizing AI for Cost Savings and Efficiency

(35:34) Building a Culture of Innovation

(40:24) Startup Mentality in Established Organizations

(41:27) AI's Role in Content Alignment

(44:07) Cost and Efficiency of AI in Education

(45:37) Shifting Employee Mindsets for AI Adoption

(51:46) Transparency and Ethical Use of AI

(01:00:08) Future of Learning and AI Integration

(01:05:02) Empowering Learners with AI

(01:18:45) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.

#AIAdoption #AITransformation #AIinBusiness #AIAutomation #AIIntegration

🎤 Production Studio: Legacy Sessions

🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

📌Make sure to check out Virgent.ai https://virgent.ai/ and BootupStudios.ai https://www.bootupstudios.ai/

In this episode of the AI CEO Podcast, Seema sits down with Chandler Malone, CEO of BootUp Studios, to discuss the disruptive impact of AI on the labor market and the burgeoning opportunities for entrepreneurs.

We explore various topics including the ethical implications of AI, the evolving role of non-technical founders, and the necessity for personalized education in the AI age. Chandler outlines his latest venture, an AI-enabled venture studio designed to support new entrepreneurs.

From the democratization of tech tools to the importance of reading and writing skills, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to stay ahead in the rapidly changing landscape of AI and entrepreneurship.

🌎Reach out to Chandler Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chanoouttathere/?hl=en
Twitter https://x.com/chanoouttathere
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandler-malone-1a398392

👉 In this episode

(00:00) The Looming AI Disruption in Entry-Level Jobs
(00:32) Introduction to the AI CEO Podcast
(01:20) Meet Chandler Malone: CEO of Boot Up Studios
(02:12) The Power of AI for Young Entrepreneurs
(03:04) Building Credibility and Community with Technology
(04:09) Chandler's Entrepreneurial Journey
(06:32) From Venture Capital to EdTech
(07:07) The Impact of AI on Agriculture
(08:49) Launching a Software Company in Event Ticketing
(11:25) Navigating the Tech Hiring Landscape
(18:44) The Rise of Generative AI in Test Prep
(22:10) The Future of AI-Driven Businesses
(24:21) The Role of AI in Entrepreneurship
(33:09) The Concept of Vibe Coding
(38:45) The Changing Job Market and AI's Impact
(40:21) AI's Impact on the Labor Market
(40:42) Empowering Individuals with AI Tools
(41:55) The Future of Business and AI
(45:59) The Role of Education in the AI Era
(47:59) Challenges and Opportunities in EdTech
(48:20) The Importance of Reading and Writing
(50:41) AI Tools for Entrepreneurs
(51:49) The Future of AI in Business
(01:05:14) Boot Up Studios and the Future of Entrepreneurship
(01:10:45) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander
Virgent AI: www.Virgent.ai
Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en

Loved this episode?
Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.

🎤 Powered by Legacy Studio & Virgent AI
🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

If you don’t implement governance early, the market will do it for you—and it might be too late.”

In this episode of the AI CEO podcast, Seema Alexander is joined by Gerald Kierce, the co-founder of Trustible AI, to discuss the importance of AI governance for businesses.

We discuss how enterprises can adopt AI safely while maintaining regulatory compliance and mitigating risks.

Gerald emphasizes the need for AI literacy among employees and shares insights into how Trustible AI's platform helps organizations manage AI governance, risk, and compliance effectively. We also explore the potential future impacts of AI on labor, the economy, and the importance of fostering an innovative culture.

Tune in for valuable insights for CEOs, founders, and business leaders on navigating the complexities of AI adoption.

🌎Reach out to Gerald
LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldkierce
Trustible.ai https://www.trustible.ai/about

👉 In this episode

(00:00) Introduction to AI Capabilities
(00:30) Welcome to the AI CEO Podcast
(01:14) Guest Introduction: Gerald and Trustable
(02:23) The Importance of AI Governance
(03:48) Challenges in AI Governance
(05:57) AI Governance Strategies
(06:59) Use Cases and Risk Assessment
(08:31) Regulatory and Market Forces
(10:14) AI Governance in Practice
(12:58) Trustable's Role in AI Governance
(28:37) Real-World AI Governance Examples
(32:48) Leveraging AI for Organizational Efficiency
(33:38) AI in Healthcare Administration
(35:16) Addressing AI Literacy and Security Concerns
(38:00) The Rise of AI Agents and Governance
(43:11) AI in Business: Practical Applications and Benefits
(49:04) Challenges and Future of AI in Business
(56:11)Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander
Virgent AI: www.Virgent.ai
Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.

🎤 Podcast studio Legacy Session (DC)
🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

✨ Find out how AI can change your business. Check it out here: http://www.virgent.ai/ For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: info@disruptive.ceo

=================================

#AI #aigovernance #trustible #theaiceopodcast

What if everything you thought about AI was just the tip of the iceberg? In this powerful and provocative episode, futurist and technologist Peter Swain joins host Seema Alexander to unpack the real transformation AI is unleashing across business and society. From a jaw-dropping Monopoly analogy that reframes the post-normal world, to the rise of agentic ecosystems and solopreneur unicorns, this conversation pulls no punches.

You’ll hear:

• 🔥 Why most companies are already exposed to AI risks—and don’t even know it

• 💥 How agentic systems will redefine jobs, workflows, and even what it means to be a CEO

• 🤖 Why AI isn’t just automating tasks—it’s challenging capitalism itself

• 🧠 Peter’s personal story of coding at 6 and building tech through 3 paradigm shifts

• 📉 The hidden dangers of doing nothing and how shadow AI is already at work inside your company

• 🌀 A bold look at the future of humanity, work, universal income—and what it might really take to thrive

If you’re a founder, executive, or builder wondering how to lead through this unprecedented shift, this is the deep, honest, and necessary conversation you need to hear.

🌎Reach out to Peter Swain
Website https://www.peterswain.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/peterswain247/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PeterSwain247/

🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander

Virgent AI: www.Virgent.ai
Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander
IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en

👉 In this episode

(00:00) The Reality of AI in Business

(01:16) Meet Peter Swain: A Futurist's Perspective

(03:00) Understanding the Post-Normal World

(05:47) The Compounding Effect of AI

(16:00) The Future of Work and AI's Impact

(22:19) The Ethical and Societal Implications of AI

(30:46) Navigating AI Adoption in Business

(42:46) Capitalism and Universal Basic Income

(44:43) The Future of Work and Gig Economy

(45:25) Wealth Disparity and Happiness

(51:27) AI as a Superpower and Societal Shifts

(54:11) The Future of Business Frameworks

(01:00:43) AI in Everyday Tasks

(01:13:07) Transparency and Ethics in AI

(01:19:34) AI's Impact on Business and Society

(01:27:02) The Missing Link in Entrepreneurship

(01:27:36) The Impact of AI on Small Businesses

(01:30:22) Business Roulette: AI Solutions Across Industries

(01:30:56) AI in Banking: Predictive Analytics and Beyond

(01:32:06) AI in Farming: Precision and Personalization

(01:33:24) AI in Healthcare: From Reactive to Proactive

(01:36:26) Comparing US and UK Systems: Healthcare and Beyond

(01:38:43) HVAC and AI: Efficiency and Effectiveness

(01:42:41) The Role of AI in Marketing

(01:43:17) Inherent Bias in AI Systems

(01:50:02) The Future of AI Agents

(01:51:40) Key Trends for Entrepreneurs in the AI Revolution

(01:55:53) Practical Advice for Founders and Executives

(02:03:58) Final Thoughts

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.

🎤 Podcast Studio: Legacy Sessions

🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

A pioneer in the intersection of artificial intelligence and business intelligence, Cenk Sidar is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Enquire AI. In today’s discussion with Seema, Sidar emphasizes the indispensability of human experts despite AI's growing capabilities and explains the concept of 'last mile experts' in AI-driven workflows.

The conversation also delves into Inquire AI's evolution from a political and economic consultancy to a multi-agent AI platform with a vast network of experts providing real-time insights. Sidar shares his views on leveraging proprietary data, imbibing holistic backgrounds for innovation, and the importance of founder-led sales in establishing trust with enterprise clients.

ludes with a discussion on the future of work and the societal implications of AI advancements, both the good and the not so good.

👉 In this episode

(00:00) Introduction to AI Dystopia and Utopia

(00:18) Welcome to the AI CEO Podcast

(00:59) Introducing Today's Guest: Jan Sadar

(01:56) The Role of Expertise in the Age of AI

(02:55) The Concept of the Last Mile Expert

(04:44) Human in the Loop: The Future of Expertise

(07:19) The Evolution of Inquire AI

(09:38) Building a Digital Expert Network

(14:59) Innovating with Network Pulse

(21:47) The Power of Proprietary Data

(35:35) The Centaur Model: Human-Machine Collaboration

(37:27) Challenges of Selling AI Solutions to Enterprises

(37:53) Navigating Sales Challenges in Startups

(38:57) The Importance of Founder-Led Sales

(40:08) Building Trust with Enterprise Clients

(43:01) Adapting Sales Strategies for Technology Products

(44:54) The Role of AI in Modern Business

(46:27) Future of AI and Business Innovation

(53:36) The Impact of AI on Society

(59:21) AI Dystopia vs. Utopia

(01:09:13) Final Thoughts and Reflections

🌎Reach out to Cenk Sidar

Business: Enquire.ai
LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/cenksidar
X https://x.com/cenksidar?lang=en
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cenksidar/?hl=en

🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander

Virgent AI: www.Virgent.ai

Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander

IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.

🎤Podcast Production Studio: Legacy Sessions (Washington DC)

🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting