Welcome to Episode #085 of The Long Game, where I have conversations about tech startups, AI, entrepreneurship, and the ideas and principles to make it all happen.

Kenneth Carrera shares his groundbreaking experience of running his business with AI guidance, achieving 25% growth without increasing headcount.

From creating an AI board of directors to implementing multi-agent systems in various industries, Kenneth provides practical insights into the future of human-AI collaboration.

TOPICS:

• Building and implementing AI agent networks
• Real-world applications in pharmaceutical sales and manufacturing
• How AI augments rather than replaces human work
• The failed experiment of an AI boss
• Practical implementation of multi-agent systems

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome & Introduction

(01:43) The Year of AI Agents

(02:44) Defining AI Agents vs Traditional Software(06:11) Real-World Applications

(07:38) Case Study: AI in Pharmaceutical Sales

(17:38) AI Board of Directors Experiment

(24:26) Future of AI and Human Collaboration

(34:42) Specialized AI Assistants

(42:00) Case Study: AI in Meat Processing

(47:01) AI's Role in Job Optimization

(53:39) The AI Boss Experiment

(57:26) Closing Thoughts

#TheLongGame #AIAgents #DigitalTransformation #BusinessAutomation #AIImplementation#MultiAgentAI #AIBoard #BusinessInnovation #AIProductivity

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/

Kal Amin is the President at 1848 Ventures, bringing 25 years of experience from companies like Google, Spotify, and Flipboard. In this conversation we explored how venture studios are evolving with AI, focusing on key topics like building defensible AI companies, the upcoming transfer of SMB ownership to a new generation, and how technology is changing the landscape for small business owners.

EPISODE LINKS:• 1848 Ventures: https://1848ventures.com

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(02:00) What is an SMB? The $33M opportunity

(04:15) Why hasn't this been done before?

(07:23) How 1848 Ventures builds companies

(11:45) The venture studio advantage

(15:30) The great SMB transfer

(19:40) Building defensible AI companies

(23:15) Data as the new moat

(25:00) Kal's journey (AOL, Google, Spotify)

(31:45) What makes a great founder in 2024?

(36:20) Why building products isn't enough

(38:30) Finding and developing startup leaders

CONNECT:• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Jenny Fielding is a veteran venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and Cornell professor bringing unique insights from multiple angles of the startup ecosystem. In this conversation, we explored the evolving landscape of startup funding, discussing how AI tools are changing the game for entrepreneurs, the return of bootstrapping as a viable strategy, and what VCs are really looking for in today's market.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro and Welcome(02:00) Current State of Venture Capital(05:00) Bootstrapping vs Traditional VC(09:30) Finding the Right Balance in Funding(13:00) Lessons from 2021's Funding Frenzy(16:00) What VCs Look for in Entrepreneurs Today(19:00) Evolution of Entrepreneurship Culture(24:00) Jenny's Book & Global Entrepreneurship(26:30) Key Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs(29:30) Women in Venture Capital(32:00) Building Diverse Networks in NYC(35:00) Looking Ahead to 2025(36:00) Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Jenny

EPISODE LINKS:Jenny's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyfielding/Jenny's Webpage: https://www.jennyfielding.com/Jenny's Twitter: https://x.com/jefieldingEveryWhereVC: https://everywhere.vc/

Adam Nathan is the founder and CEO of Blaze.ai, a marketing platform built for solo entrepreneurs and small business owners. In this conversation, we explored Adam’s journey from big tech to startup life, the challenges of standing out in a saturated AI market, and how Blaze.ai empowers “teams of one” to compete like Fortune 500s.

We also discussed key insights around VC dynamics, the mindset of a founder, and Adam’s vision of AI as a practical tool—not just hype.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Blaze.ai Website: https://www.blaze.ai/

• Adam Nathan on Twitter: https://x.com/adampnathan

• Adam Nathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adampnathan/

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:01:07) The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

(00:04:36) The Reality of Startup Life

(00:10:40) Navigating Pivots and Market Challenges

(00:11:22) Navigating Venture Capital and Business Pivots

(00:17:25) Embracing AI and the Birth of Blaze

(00:25:11) The Reality of Startup Life

(00:26:56) Introducing Blaze: AI for Small Businesses(00:26:56) Introducing Blaze: AI for Small Businesses

(00:30:05) The Future of AI in Business

(00:39:17) The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Creativity

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/

• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray

• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Mike Todasco is a technologist, educator, and writer who led innovation at PayPal for over a decade and now teaches at the University of San Diego. In this conversation we explored how AI is reshaping code, creativity, and careers — focusing on key topics like AI-powered solopreneurs, vibe coding with voice prompts, and the evolution of storytelling in an AI-driven world.

We also dive into the future of agent-based communication, the societal shifts from automation, and how new generations can stay ahead by mastering AI tools.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Twitter: https://x.com/todasco

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todasco/

  
  

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Introduction and background

00:00:54 Vibe Coding and AI Innovations

00:04:57 Rise of Solopreneurs and Niche Markets

00:08:38 AI Curiosity to AI Revolution

00:14:49 AI-Generated Art

00:17:30 Next Frontier: Agent-to-Agent Communication in AI

00:17:47 Agent-to-Agent Communication and Future Implications

00:24:05 The Inefficiencies of AI in Business

00:26:21 University Students and AI: Career Concerns

00:27:37 The Future of Entry-Level Jobs

00:28:45 The Power of AI Skills in Job Applications

00:31:04 Creating an AI-Enhanced Resume

00:35:08 Building Connections with AI

00:39:58 Voice Technology: Unlocking New Possibilities with AI Assistants

00:44:14 Closing

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/

• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray

• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Garrett Rice is a tech entrepreneur and AI hiring innovator who has spent 25 years building and scaling startups. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Callings.ai, a platform helping job seekers find meaningful careers.

In this conversation, we explored:

• Lessons from Steve Jobs and the impact of NeXT on modern product development.
• AI’s role in job hunting, resume optimization, and standing out in the hiring process.
• Networking and career growth strategies in a competitive job market.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Garrett Rice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettrice/
• Callings.ai: https://www.callings.ai/app/landing

TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00:00 Intro and background

• 00:00:12 Working with Steve Jobs: A Grand Adventure

• 00:01:11 The Visionary Impact of Next Machines

• 00:05:06 Building Products: Lessons from Apple

• 00:15:38 The Harsh Reality of Job Hunting

• 00:19:32 Revolutionizing the Job Hunt with AI

• 00:22:31 Using AI to Find Job Opportunities

• 00:23:55 Balancing Effort and AI Assistance

• 00:27:12 The Future of Job Markets and AI

• 00:35:00 Standing Out to AI in Job Applications

• 00:40:29 Networking and Final Tips for Job Seekers

• 00:42:00 Closing

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Gregory Offner is the Founder and CEO of Global Performance Institute, an award-winning keynote speaker, and the author of The Tip Jar Culture: How to Re-Engage and Reignite Your Workforce.

In this conversation, we explore his journey from dueling pianist to professional speaker, the career-altering vocal cord injury that forced him to pivot, and how he now helps leaders drive workforce engagement. We also dive into the evolving role of AI in workplace culture and discuss strategies for creating a more fulfilling employee experience.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Gregory Offner’s Website: https://www.gregoryoffner.com/meeting-planners/
• Gregory Offner on Twitter: https://x.com/gregoryoffnerjr
• Gregory Offner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryoffnerjr/

• The Encore Experience: https://vimeo.com/1041523578
• The Tip Jar Culture: How To Re-Engage and Reignite Your Workforce: https://a.co/d/c9QVsTI

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Intro and background

00:01:18 The Art of Dueling Pianos

00:12:52 Transition to Keynote Speaking

00:16:43 The Power of Strangers and Seeking Help

00:18:00 Taking the Leap: From Idea to Action

00:21:00 Virtual Piano Bar: Innovating in Crisis

00:22:00 Networking, Support and Authenticity

00:25:00 Creating Impact: Speaking and Beyond

00:27:00 Strategies for Keeping Employees Engaged

00:30:00 Closing

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Brett Farmiloe is the Founder & CEO of Featured, a platform that connects experts with publishers for greater exposure. A serial entrepreneur, Brett previously founded Markitors, a digital marketing agency, and launched a career education startup that took him on a cross-country journey interviewing 300+ people about their careers.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The role of creativity in AI businesses
• Why new data is critical for AI products
• SEO and content marketing trends
• Market validation, customer feedback, and scaling

EPISODE LINKS:

• Brett’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettfarmiloe/
• Brett’s Website: https://featured.com/

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Intro and background

00:11:04 Featured

00:16:28 AI Landscape in Business

00:20:33 Democratization of Content Creation

00:21:33 The Need for Knowledge Sharing

00:24:07 SEO and Niche Content

00:26:12 Monetizing Unique Knowledge

00:28:27 The Future of AI and Content Creation

00:31:42 Featured in Action

00:33:23 The Changing Landscape of Publishing

00:38:18 Entrepreneurial Insights and Product Market Fit

00:42:03 Closing

CONNECT:

• Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/
• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray
• RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss