What really drives AI transformation: technology or people? In the latest episode of AI Heroes & Headaches, I sat down with Rosanne Werner, CEO of XcelerateIQ, to unpack what truly drives transformation inside global enterprises. Rosanne has led data and culture change at Coca-Cola and now helps organizations turn AI resistance into adoption, and data into a movement. Here are a few insights that stopped me in my tracks: 1️⃣ Data is contagious. Real transformation spreads through people, not programs. A five-minute habit can start a movement. 2️⃣ Change is psychological. Four parts of the brain resist disruption — the leaders who design for safety, not fear, build faster adoption. 3️⃣ Beware “watermelon metrics.” Ninety-percent adoption may look good on a dashboard, but engagement tells the real story. 4️⃣ AI can amplify inclusion. Used thoughtfully, it gives more voices a seat at the table and helps leaders bridge personality and communication gaps. Rosanne’s perspective is a reminder that technology alone doesn’t create intelligent enterprises. Trust, curiosity, and people do. Because transformation is about more than technology: it’s about people. Listen to Episode 7 of AI Heroes & Headaches now.

What happens when a serial entrepreneur, DJ and father decides to reinvent education for the AI age?

This week, I sat down with Alan Smithson, founder of Unlimited Awesome and Metavrse. From spinning records to building companies that redefine how we learn and connect, Alan’s career is a study in what happens when creativity meets exponential technology.

Here are three insights that stood out:

1. Creativity is the ultimate human edge. As AI gets faster and smarter, imagination and emotional intelligence will become our most valuable skills.

2. The next education revolution will be experiential. Alan envisions learning that’s immersive, AI-driven, and accessible to everyone, not limited by geography, privilege, or traditional systems.

3. Technology should create equality, not widen the gap. His mission with Unlimited Awesome is to build an economic system where innovation lifts communities rather than leaving them behind.

Alan’s story reminds us that the future of AI is anbout amplifying what makes us human.

AI isn’t magic. It’s business. And according to Vin Vashishta, it's like electricity in the 1900s.

On the latest episode of AI Heroes and Headaches, I sat down with @Vin Vashishta, author of Data to Profit, to explore how leaders can unlock the true value of AI.

Here are a few takeaways that stood out:

- From physics to AI thought leader: Vin’s journey shows how technical expertise becomes powerful when paired with business leadership.

- The Data to Profit mindset: AI only matters when it creates and captures measurable business value.

- Why AI is like electricity in the 1900s: the organizations that figure out how to integrate it everywhere will be the ones that win.