エピソード

  • #65 He Replaced 100 Employees with AI Agents (Here's how) ft. Ryan Carson, 3x Founder & AI Builder
    2026/02/27

    Is the era of massive startup teams over? In this episode, Ryan explains how he transitioned from running a company of 100+ people to operating as a solo founder powered by AI agents.We dive into the exact "AI loops" Ryan uses every night at 11:30 PM to monitor his app, solve problems, and keep the business running while he sleeps. If you've ever wondered how the smartest developers are using AI to stop writing code by hand and start operating at a "higher level," this conversation is for you.In this video, you’ll learn:

    • The Solo Founder Shift: Why we are moving toward a reality where solo founders outpace large teams.
    • The 11:30 PM Workflow: How Ryan uses AI loops to identify his app's biggest problems automatically.
    • The End of Manual Coding: Why the most talented developers Ryan knows have stopped coding by hand.
    • Skills vs. MCP: How "skills" are changing the way agents interact with software.
    • The Reality Check: Why AI isn't a "magic shortcut" to millions, but a tool for a different kind of work.

    To follow Ryan Carson,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancarson/ Twitter: https://x.com/ryancarson/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About the host : I’m Aishwarya, a product builder obsessed with turning raw ideas into real, working tools, especially with AI in the mix. Over the last 9+ years in SaaS, I’ve shipped zero-to-one products, scaled product marketing & GTM motions, and built across MarTech automation, real-time collaboration tools, and live event tech.Today, I work hands-on as an AI-first builder & forward-deployed PM/Engineer, working closely with AI models, agents, and orchestration systems to shape next-gen AI products.You can follow me here,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/Twitter: https://x.com/aishashok14/My product memos: https://aishashok.com/

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 - Trailer
    • 00:49 - Guest Intro
    • 02:10 - How AI changed what “coding” means today.
    • 04:04 - What’s different now & how new builders should think about AI.
    • 07:34 - Why random prompting fails & what good structure looks like.
    • 11:40 - Context = Better AI Output
    • 15:32 - Compound Products & Daily AI Workflows
    • 20:10 - Making Tools & Data Work Together
    • 22:01 - Getting Past the Fear of AI
    • 25:19 - MCPs: Data vs Code Agents
    • 29:07 - Skipping Painful Integrations with MCPs
    • 31:32 - Compound Engineering (Small Wins Daily)
    • 32:25 - How to Evaluate AI Output
    • 35:52 - Being Specific ≠ Micromanaging AI
    • 40:21 - Double Down on What’s Working
    • 41:42 - Staying Updated Without Overwhelm
    • 43:37 - Can One Person Build a Company with AI?
    • 47:32 - Ryan’s 3-Step System for AI Agents
    • 51:23 - Outro
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    52 分
  • #64 How to Leverage Your Human Superpower with Improv ft. Jessia Hoffman (Founder, On Deck Workshops)
    2026/02/04
    What if the real competitive advantage in an AI-saturated workplace isn’t more tools, but how human it still feels to build things together? In a world where “vibe coding” and AI copilots can translate almost any instruction into code, the leverage shifts to how clearly people communicate, how bravely they improvise in uncertainty, and how much imagination they are willing to bring into the room.​Jessia Hoffman lives exactly at that intersection. As founder of On Deck Workshops and a Stanford instructor in applied improvisation, she’s spent years using improv, story, and play to help teams at companies like Google, Bloomberg, and Cisco become more connected, courageous, and creative. Her fully experiential sessions – connective games, shared rituals, and teachable moments – impactfully transform how people relate to risk, failure, creativity, and one another – which is exactly the humanness that AI can’t automate. We talk about:Why improv is actually a trainable skill, not a personality traitHow teams that fail together build stronger bonds and better products than teams that just “win”Why brainstorming fails in most companies (and how improv fixes it)The real meaning of “Yes, And” and how it unlocks thriving team cultureHow psychological safety is built in the body, not in slide decksWhy culture, not tools, is the real differentiator in an AI-saturated worldIf you’re a founder, manager, or builder navigating ambiguity, this episode will change how you think about communication, creativity, and leadership.To follow Jessia Hoffman,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessiahoffman/Website: https://ondeckworkshops.com/RESOURCES!- Want to talk to Jessia or ask her a question? Connect with her at: linkedin.com/in/jessiahoffman/- Could your team benefit from improv at your next offsite? Check out On Deck Workshops: ondeckworkshops.com- And for improv magic in your inbox, sign up for their (every-other-month) newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/598b8d6ac148/ondeckworkshops-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About the host : I’m Aishwarya, a product builder obsessed with turning raw ideas into real, working tools, especially with AI in the mix. Over the last 9+ years in SaaS, I’ve shipped zero-to-one products, scaled product marketing & GTM motions, and built across MarTech automation, real-time collaboration tools, and live event tech.Today, I work hands-on as an AI-first builder & forward-deployed PM/Engineer, working closely with AI models, agents, and orchestration systems to shape next-gen AI products.You can follow me here,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/Twitter: https://x.com/aishashok14My product memos: https://aishashok.com/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Timestamps:00:00 - Trailer01:09 - Intro04:01 - What is improvisation, and how did you discover improv?07:03 - From high school to starting On Deck: your journey12:18 - Can improv be learned as a skill? The right mindset for beginners21:34 - Is improv always a team activity? Can solo improv help personal growth?29:17 - Tools & techniques used with teams at Google, Cisco, LinkedIn, etc.37:25 - How improv naturally helps people loosen up and open up41:25 - Do you use these tools in the first few minutes to make people feel at ease?44:51 - Theatre & stand-up improv: practice vs reading the room48:02 - Improv as a creative boundary to build on others’ ideas01:02:05 - Parallels between improv and working with AI as a co-partner01:06:10 - Tech is abundant, but creativity and execution still matter most01:07:56 - Quick improv exercise: “Name three things” game01:14:52 - Why human creativity is key to using AI effectively01:17:08 - Outro
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    1 時間 18 分
  • #63 Growth in 2026 - The REAL IMPACT of AI on Work, Startups, and Creators ft. Casey Winters
    2026/01/26

    AI is moving fast, faster than most of us expected.

    I went into this conversation thinking we’d talk about AI tools, models, and speed. But what it really became was a conversation about why so many of us still don’t build, even when AI feels easier than ever.

    In this episode, I spoke with Casey Winters, co-founder and CEO of Superme, someone who has spent years helping startups grow and guiding builders through the messy, uncertain parts of execution.

    What stood out to me wasn’t the tools. It was how differently he thinks about building.

    We spoke deeply about things I know many of us struggle with:

    • Why most AI ideas never turn into real products

    • The biggest mistake people make when building with AI

    • Why overthinking kills momentum in the AI era

    • How MVPs look different when execution becomes cheap

    • Why curiosity matters more than clarity

    • How to use AI as a thinking partner, not a shortcut

    What I appreciated most about this conversation is how honest it felt. Just a grounded perspective on what it means to build when things are uncertain, and why starting imperfectly matters more than waiting for clarity.

    If you’ve been sitting on ideas, feeling overwhelmed by how fast AI is moving, or unsure where to begin, this episode might help you reframe things. It definitely did for me.

    To follow Casey Winters,

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseywinters/

    Website: https://www.caseyaccidental.com/

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    About the host :

    I’m Aishwarya, a product builder obsessed with turning raw ideas into real, working tools, especially with AI in the mix. Over the last 9+ years in SaaS, I’ve shipped zero-to-one products, scaled product marketing & GTM motions, and built across MarTech automation, real-time collaboration tools, and live event tech.

    Today, I work hands-on as an AI-first builder & forward-deployed PM/Engineer, working closely with AI models, agents, and orchestration systems to shape next-gen AI products.

    You can follow me here,

    LinkedIn: https: //www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/

    Twitter: https: //x.com/aishashok14

    My product memos: https://aishashok.com/

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Timestamps:


    00:00 - Trailer

    01:08 - Intro

    02:19 - How growth has evolved in AI-first companies

    05:31 - Hype vs. compounding work in AI growth

    08:04 - Speed, velocity, and rapid AI release cycles

    10:58 - Why shipping AI features ≠ distribution

    14:00 - Differentiation: apps vs. core AI model companies

    27:40 - Pricing, monetization, and retention in AI

    33:13 - LLM search, brand discovery, and growth budgets

    41:07 - Community-led growth and discoverability

    45:06 - SaaS vs. consumer distribution in an AI world

    49:40 - Wrapper companies and fast replication

    55:24 - Copying vs. owning execution and taste

    57:09 - Superme: structuring human knowledge with AI

    01:02:17 - Outro


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    1 時間 3 分
  • #62 You’re Using AI the Wrong Way! A Google Labs PM Reveals Why ft. Jaclyn Konzelmann, Google Labs Product Lead
    2026/01/09

    This episode stayed with me long after we hit stop.

    I went into this conversation thinking we’d talk about AI tools, models, and speed. But what it really became was a conversation about why so many of us still don’t build, even when AI makes things feel easier than ever.

    In this episode, I spoke with Jaclyn Konzelmann, a Product Manager at Google Labs, someone who spends her days working on AI experiments where nothing is fully clear, roadmaps keep shifting, and the only real way forward is to build and learn in public.

    What stood out to me wasn’t the tools.It was how differently she thinks about building.

    We spoke deeply about things I know many of us struggle with:

    • Why most AI ideas never turn into real products

    • The biggest mistake people make when building with AI

    • Why overthinking kills momentum in the AI era

    • How MVPs look different when execution becomes cheap

    • Why curiosity matters more than clarity

    • How to use AI as a thinking partner, not a shortcut

    She also shared how she actually uses AI in real life, across work, side projects, writing, and even parenting, not in a polished or perfect way, but in a very human one. We discussed real workflows using tools like Gemini, NotebookLM, Mixboard, and Opal, always coming back to the same question: are we actually building, or just consuming?

    What I appreciated most about this conversation is how honest it felt. No hype. No pressure to “catch up.” Just a grounded perspective on what it means to build when things are uncertain, and why starting imperfectly matters more than waiting for clarity.

    If you’ve been sitting on ideas, feeling overwhelmed by how fast AI is moving, or unsure where to begin, this episode might help you reframe things.

    It definitely did for me.

    To follow Jaclyn Konzelmann, do check here :

    Jaclyn KonzelmannProduct Manager, Google Labs

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclynkonzelmann/X (Twitter): https://x.com/jacaluluBlog: https://blog.jaclynkonzelmann.com/

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    About the host :

    I’m Aishwarya, a product builder obsessed with turning raw ideas into real, working tools, especially with AI in the mix. Over the last 9+ years in SaaS, I’ve shipped zero-to-one products, scaled product marketing & GTM motions, and built across MarTech automation, real-time collaboration tools, and live event tech.

    Today, I work hands-on as an AI-first builder & forward-deployed PM/Engineer, working closely with AI models, agents, and orchestration systems to shape next-gen AI products.

    You can follow me here,

    LinkedIn: https: //www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/

    Twitter: https: //x.com/aishashok14

    My product memos: https://aishashok.com/

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 – Trailer / Hook

    00:01:00 – Intro

    00:03:05 – AI newness in today’s world

    00:05:00 – How she adopted and adapted to AI models

    00:06:25 – Execution is cheap, creativity is the bottleneck

    00:07:35 – Why people hesitate to start with AI

    00:09:15 – How to break the fear and just begin

    00:11:46 – Curiosity over clarity

    00:15:09 – Side projects as a way to learn AI

    00:17:48 – Starting with ideas, not tools

    00:25:33 – Two important keys for building with AI

    00:29:30 – Building in public & learning from users

    00:32:40 – Mixboard: how real AI products evolve

    00:36:00 – From MVP to features: learning from usage

    00:39:20 – Using AI as a thinking partner

    00:42:30 – Creativity, parenting & everyday AI use

    00:45:50 – Opal, workflows & no-code AI building

    00:49:10 – AI inside teams: roles are blurring

    00:52:20 – The future of building with AI

    00:55:10 – Staying curious without losing original thinking

    00:58:30 – Final reflections: why starting matters

    01:01:20 – Outro


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    1 時間 2 分
  • #61 Will AI Take Our Jobs? ⚠️The Real Answer ft. Anjan Panneer Selvam, CPTO at Acolyte Health
    2025/12/19

    Everyone is racing to “add AI” to their workflow. Very few are rethinking how work itself should feel in an AI-first world.In this episode of Founders’ Foyer, I sit down with Anjan Panneer Selvam, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Acolyte Health, to unpack what AI is actually changing inside modern product organisations.This isn’t a surface-level conversation about tools. We go deeper, into how product roles are being rewritten, not replaced, and how AI kills tasks, not careers.Anjan shares how his team uses AI to run product end-to-end: recording meetings, turning insights into decisions, and aligning teams through fast prototyping instead of long PRDs. He breaks down real workflows and leadership practices that help teams move faster ,without losing judgment.You’ll hear honest insights on:

    • Why Product Manager, design, and engineering roles aren’t dying , they’re evolving
    • Treating AI as a teammate, not just a tool
    • How judgment becomes the most valuable skill in the AI era
    • Building with prototypes first, PRDs later
    • Communal learning, micro-learning, and reducing AI fear inside teams
    • New frictions AI creates: choice overload, false progress and decision fatigue

    If you’re a product manager, founder, designer, engineer, or builder wondering how to stay relevant , this conversation will change how you think about work, leadership, and AI.This isn’t about being faster. It’s about being clearer.


    00:00 – Trailer01:12 – Setting the context and purpose of the discussion02:48 – Is AI really replacing jobs? Understanding the fear07:25 – Fear of AI in Teams and introducing it to the team13:28 – Common doubts when people start using AI17:05 – How leaders should approach AI adoption19:35 – Understanding the content/production cycle28:20 – Why dynamic documents matter.33:04 – What Makes an Idea Strong36:45 – Comparing ideas across different domains39:23 – How AI helps reduce content and work pressure43:55 – Blending creativity and technology48:18 – Content Creation with AI54:38 – New ideas emerging through AI 01:03:50 – Key takeaways and closing thoughts



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    1 時間 5 分
  • #60 Are you ready for the AI Era ? ft. Raiza Martin | The Founder's Foyer with Aishwarya Ashok
    2025/12/06
    ⁠00:00⁠ – Trailer⁠01:10⁠ – Intro⁠04:15⁠ – Initial days of Raiza⁠07:00⁠ – Figuring out content⁠10:30⁠ – Why are people using the same prompt ?(Personalization issues)⁠12:31⁠ – Different aspects of AI⁠16:55⁠ – Voice AI & Huxe⁠20:00⁠ – Human interaction with AI⁠24:36⁠ – AI’s transformation in the podcast industry⁠28:55⁠ – Experience of building a product⁠33:00⁠ – Setting goals after creating a product⁠35:52⁠ – How to plan and build a product from scratch⁠38:55⁠ – How to rebuild, revise, and improve a product smoothly⁠41:33⁠ – The future and possibilities of AI as technology advances⁠44:16⁠ – The day after the product launch: What emotions did you go through?⁠48:30⁠ – How to view and interpret experiences.⁠50:00⁠ – OutroIn this episode, we dive deep into the world of AI, content creation, and product-building, uncovering the real stories behind innovation, From the early days of Raiza Martin, Co-Founder of Huxe, journey to figuring out content strategies, this conversation explores how creators adapt in an era where AI outputs look repetitive, templated, and predictable, and what it truly takes to stand out.We also break down the different aspects of AI, including voice AI, humanlike AI behaviour, and how our daily interactions with AI are reshaping creativity. You’ll hear insightful takes on how AI is transforming podcasts, changing workflows, and pushing creators to think differently.Moving beyond tech, we talk about the emotional and practical side of building something from scratchSetting goals after creating a productHandling rebuilds and revisionsNavigating the day after a launchSeeing experiences through a new, meaningful lensWhether you're a creator, a startup founder, or someone curious about the future of AI, this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and a fresh perspective on what’s possible in a rapidly advancing world.To follow Raiza Martin, do check here : LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/whatsaraiza/https://www.linkedin.com/in/whatsaraiza/Product Link : http://huxe.com--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About the host : I’m Aishwarya, a product builder, obsessed with turning raw ideas into real, working tools, especially with AI in the mix. Over the last 9+ years in SaaS, I’ve shipped zero-to-one products, scaled product marketing & GTM motions, and built across Marketing Technology automation, real-time collaboration tools, and live event tech.Today, I work hands-on as an AI-first builder & forward-deployed PM/Engineer, working closely with AI models, agents, and orchestration systems to shape next-gen AI products.You can follow me here,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/Twitter: https://x.com/aishashok14My product memos: https://aishashok.com/
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    51 分
  • #59 We’re Not Vibe Coding: We’re Building Real AI Products ft. Nicholas Charriere, Founder & CEO of Mocha
    2025/09/21

    In this episode of The Founder’s Foyer with Aishwarya Ashok, join Nicholas Charriere, Founder & CEO of Mocha, and discover how Mocha is democratising product creation enabling anyone, regardless of coding experience, to build functional apps.

    Nicholas shares Mocha’s mission to empower the 99%, the transformative role of AI in app development, their unique vertically integrated approach, and the future of product building.

    You’ll also learn about Mocha’s viral launch, innovative marketing strategies, and insights into the evolving economics of AI tools.

    Timestamps:


    00:00 – Intro
    00:55 – Welcome to Founder’s Foyer
    01:10 – Why Mocha Was Started and How It’s Useful for People
    07:33 – How to Build a Product for an Audience Who Doesn’t Know How to Explain Things
    12:05 – A Customer Who Built a Business with Mocha
    18:50 – Why “Easy” Features Like Payments Are Harder Than They Look
    27:56 – AI Unlocks New Ways to Help Small Businesses
    31:20 – AI Pricing Is Broken, And It’s On Purpose



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    50 分
  • #58 Why should founders treat AI like a teammate? | Claire Vo, Founder of ChatPRD.ai
    2025/09/04

    In this episode of The Founder's Foyers Podcast, Claire joins us to talk about building with AI, vibe coding, and the future of product creation.

    We cover everything from AI tools that speed up coding to why product fundamentals never change. Claire shares how solo founders, startups, and even large organisations can use AI to move faster and why ignoring AI could make you unemployable in just a couple of years.

    Highlights include:

    1. What vibe coding really means for non-technical builders

    2. Why AI-powered tools are changing how products are made

    3. How leaders can push teams to adopt AI without fear

    4. Claire’s take on employability in the next 24 months

    5. Building in public, product intuition, and speed over perfection

    6. Why “fast beats right” — and how AI makes fast easier

    This episode is full of practical insights, founder lessons, and future-facing advice for anyone building in tech today.


    00:00 - Intro

    01:08 – Welcome to The Founder's Foyer

    04:10 – What actually is vibe coding

    09:26 – Adaptation of AI with Product Managers & working people

    11:08 – The difference between leading teams and building solo

    13:38 – Why Claire pushed AI early in workplaces

    17:53 – Exploring AI tools like Cursor and Devin

    33:08 – Building in public and shaping AI products

    46:28 – The future of small AI-powered teams

    48:28 – Final thoughts and key takeaways



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    46 分