In this episode of The Long Game, host Elijah Wood talks with Michelle Thames—digital marketing strategist, podcast host, influencer, and former healthcare worker turned full-time entrepreneur.
After getting fired from her 9-to-5, Michelle turned her natural hair blog into a personal brand that built a massive following and launched a career. Today, she runs a boutique marketing agency, teaches multi-passionate women entrepreneurs, and builds digital products that sell in her sleep.
We explore how Michelle uses AI tools like ChatGPT to plan entire marketing campaigns, launch events, and organize her content calendar. We also break down what clarity in your personal brand really looks like, why simple content wins, and how to balance multiple income streams without burning out.
🎯 What You’ll Learn:
How Michelle grew an Instagram following to 500K without a marketing degree
Why your content doesn’t need a production team—just a smartphone
How to build a personal brand around your life and interests
Michelle’s tech stack: ClickUp, ChatGPT, Circle, and more
A playbook for launching digital products and making them sell
The importance of visibility, clarity, and long-term strategy in marketing
How to think about AI as your business assistant, not your replacement
🎙️ “People will pay thousands just for your thoughts. You just need to package them right.” – Michelle Thames
Whether you're a solopreneur, content creator, or scaling your agency, this episode is full of real talk and actionable strategy.
In this episode of The Long Game, host Elijah Wood sits down with Sridhar Muppidi, CTO of IBM Security, to talk about the evolving landscape of AI threats, cybersecurity strategy, and quantum computing risks.
With over 30 years at IBM and deep expertise in enterprise security, Sridhar shares what keeps him up at night—and what gives him hope. From AI-powered phishing attacks to malware agents with decision-making abilities, we dive into how attackers are using the same tools defenders rely on, and why crypto agility is the key to surviving what’s next.
We also explore the future of quantum-safe encryption, the decline of ransomware, and how organizations can prepare for AI-driven cyber attacks before it’s too late.
🎯 Topics Covered:
• The rise of AI-powered phishing and why it’s growing 74% YoY
• IBM’s strategy for proactive vs reactive cybersecurity
• What “crypto agility” means in the post-quantum era
• Real-world attack vectors: LIDAR hacks, prompt injection, poisoned models
• How the dark web is evolving with generative AI
• The urgent need for cross-industry collaboration in AI defense
🔐 “Security today is too reactive. We need AI systems that protect AI systems.” – Sridhar Muppidi
If you're a CISO, technologist, founder, or just curious about the future of cybersecurity, this one’s a must-listen.
In this episode of The Long Game, host Elijah Murray sits down with Ajay Srivatsavai, a veteran asset management executive, to unpack why private equity firms are falling behind in the AI revolution - and what it means for the future of the $15 trillion industry.
Timestamps:(00:00) Risk factors in asset management and technology adoption(01:00) Introduction and guest overview(02:00) Asset management fundamentals and industry breakdown(04:00) Technology adoption challenges in finance(08:00) Private equity's lag in tech adoption(10:00) Unstructured data challenges in PE(13:00) Build vs buy technology decisions(17:00) Case study: Wealth management technology(20:00) Future of PE technology integration
Whether you're a PE professional, tech entrepreneur, or interested in the future of finance, this episode offers a rare glimpse into how artificial intelligence is reshaping one of the world's most profitable industries.
Follow The Long Game for weekly conversations about tech, AI, & entrepreneurship.
#privateequity #ai #fintech #assetmanagement #venturecapital #technology #finance #investing #business #entrepreneurship
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:
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:
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:
EPISODE LINKS:
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:
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:
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:
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:
EPISODE LINKS:
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:
Lucas Lovell is the Director of Product at Paddle, a global payments platform helping SaaS founders optimize their pricing, payments, and go-to-market strategies. He has firsthand experience launching and scaling startups across multiple international markets.
In this conversation, we explore:
Lucas shares his personal experiences from running a startup through COVID, the pitfalls of not localizing correctly, and his insights on the evolving global SaaS landscape.
EPISODE LINKS:
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Intro and Background
00:01:12 Paddle
00:01:44 The Merchant of Record Model
00:05:38 Localization Strategies for SaaS
00:07:31 Importance of Currency and Language Localization
00:10:22 Local Payment Methods and Pricing Strategies
00:14:13 Expanding Internationally
00:18:54 Prioritizing Global Expansion for SaaS
00:19:30 When Should SaaS Founders Consider Global Expansion?
00:20:21 Challenges and Strategies in International Markets
00:22:18 Case Study: Multilingual Customer Support Platform
00:24:10 Emerging Trends in the Payment Space
00:26:10 AI and the Future of Transactions
00:31:04 Paddle, AI and Customer Value
00:38:31 Advice for SaaS Founders
00:39:26 Closing
CONNECT:
Dan Curran is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Chapters.io, an AI-driven publishing platform that helps individuals turn their experiences into books. With a background in content creation, multiple business exits, and leadership in entrepreneurship organizations, Dan shares his insights on how AI is reshaping publishing, the challenges of maintaining editorial integrity, and why storytelling matters.
In this conversation, we explored:
EPISODE LINKS:
Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/currandan/Chapters.io: https://www.chapters.io/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Intro and background
00:01:20 The Intersection of AI and Publishing
00:02:30 Challenges and Innovations in Book Publishing
00:04:05 The Process of Writing with Chapters
00:05:49 Human-AI Collaboration in Storytelling
00:11:09 Addressing AI Concerns and Ethical Considerations
00:14:19 Lessons Learned from Building AI Applications
00:19:10 Balancing Human and AI Elements in Writing
00:22:34 Building with AI: Frameworks and Guidelines
00:23:37 Tailoring Content for Different Audiences
00:25:06 The Future of Content Creation
00:26:32 Navigating the Rapid Changes in AI
00:42:27 Entrepreneurial Insights and Advice
00:45:39 Closing
CONNECT:
Anya Cheng is the Founder and CEO of Taelor, a leading men's clothing subscription service that provides personal styling and curated rentals, powered by expert stylists and AI. A Girls in Tech 40 Under 40 honoree, she previously led eCommerce and digital innovation teams at Meta, eBay, Target, and McDonald's.
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In this conversation, we explore:
EPISODE LINKS:
TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Intro and background00:01:03 From Big Tech to Entrepreneurship00:03:20 Networking and Building Relationships00:05:38 Obstacles as an Immigrant in the US00:13:56 Taelor: AI-Powered Menswear Rental00:19:48 The Fast Fashion Conundrum00:20:20 Challenges in the Rental Fashion Market00:24:21 AI's Role in Fashion and Business00:24:38 Founding and Growing Taelor00:25:54 AI and Investment00:27:10 Unique Data00:36:03 Authoring Books and Giving Back00:40:14 Closing
CONNECT:
Aytekin Tank is the founder of Jotform, an automation enthusiast, and author. In this conversation, we explore his journey from rural Turkey to New York, building Jotform without outside funding, and the role customer feedback played in shaping the product. Aytekin also shares strategic insights on company culture, his approach to leadership, and how AI is shaping Jotform’s future.
EPISODE LINKS:
Aytekin’s Twitter:
Aytekin’s LinkedIn:
JotForm Website:
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Intro and background
00:00:17 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
00:00:35 Discovering a Passion for Computers
00:06:02 From Employee to Entrepreneur
00:08:06 Building JotForm: The Early Days
00:12:24 Facing Competition and Growth
00:20:46 Bootstrapping and Company Culture
00:25:00 Balancing Work and Personal Life
00:28:06 Team Collaboration and Culture
00:29:08 Balancing Work and Personal Life
00:30:15 Delegation and Leadership
00:32:08 Focus on AI Product Development
00:33:27 Introducing JotForm AI Agents
00:42:45 The Future of AI in Business
00:54:17 Closing
CONNECT:
Website:
YouTube:
Twitter:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Apple Podcasts:
Spotify:
RSS:
Bryan Trilli is an AI expert, entrepreneur, and author of Soulless Intelligence. In this conversation, we explore the ethics and philosophical implications of artificial intelligence, focusing on: -The moral dilemmas of AI development. -Whether AI can ever become conscious. -How AI is changing our understanding of humanity, sentience, and value.
EPISODE LINKS:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bryantrilli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryantrilli Website: https://www.bryantrilli.comTIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Exploring Human Sentience and AI
00:03:34 The Ethics and Morality of AI
00:04:50 Philosophical and Religious Perspectives
00:13:25 Defining AGI and Its Implications
00:19:32 Consciousness and Near-Death Experiences
00:24:09 The Intelligence of Machines
00:25:22 Human Worth Beyond Intelligence
00:28:51 Moral Standards and AI
00:31:24 AI and Human Rights
00:38:37 The Future of AI in Physics
00:43:41 Misconceptions and Fears About AI
00:47:27 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/rssAssaf Weinburg is a serial entrepreneur and AI enthusiast with over 25 years of experience in product development and business leadership. In this episode of The Long Game, we discuss:
Whether you’re a startup founder or looking to stay ahead in an AI-driven world, Assaf’s insights will inspire and educate.
EPISODE LINKS:
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Welcome to the Long Game Podcast
00:00:49 The Solopreneur Golden Age
00:03:40 Disruption and Opportunity with AI
00:06:13 Building a Business with AI
00:11:36 Case Study: A Two-Person Company
00:21:49 Venturing into HVAC Industry
00:23:41 Childhood Perception of Technology and Business
00:25:13 The Motivation Behind Creation
00:26:13 The Art of Sandwich Making
00:27:53 Finding Joy in Work and Play
00:39:02 AI and the Future of Work
00:43:09 Failure and Playing the Long Game
CONNECT:
Kyle Bhiro is the 25-year-old co-founder of PensarAI, an open-source AI security platform addressing the challenges of weaponized AI. In this conversation, we explore Kyle's mission to combat AI vulnerabilities, democratize security solutions for developers, and foster open-source innovation. We also dive into his entrepreneurial journey, overcoming imposter syndrome, securing venture funding, and navigating the future of AI.
EPISODE LINKS:
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Intro and background 00:01:21 Pensar 00:02:55 Trends in AI and Startup Landscape 00:06:51 Building for Customers and Open Source 00:10:34 Pensar Use Cases 00:16:10 The Vision for Pensar 00:20:58 Getting Advisors: The Bold Approach 00:21:41 Leveraging Existing Relationships 00:27:24 Fundraising Tips and Experiences 00:28:48 The Role of Accelerators 00:34:32 The Future of AI 00:38:27 Closing
CONNECT:
Adam Nagus is a digital transformation leader who has built award-winning digital and data capabilities for organizations like Accenture and FTI Consulting, along with founding Digimasters. Adam's expertise spans strategic workforce planning, generative AI, and design thinking, making him a thought leader in the AI-powered world.
In this conversation, we explored:
EPISODE LINKS:
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Intro and background
00:01:07 Managing Large Teams: Insights and Challenges
00:07:25 Quantum Computing and Future Technologies
00:10:00 Revolutionizing Data Visualization
00:17:00 Building Effective Data Teams
00:27:14 Defining AI's Role in Organizations
00:28:18 The Chief Data Officer's Perspective
00:29:19 Integrating AI into Products
00:31:40 AI as a Tool, Not a Strategy
00:39:55 The Importance of Empathy in Tech
00:54:12 Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals
CONNECT:
Anthony Pierri is the co-founder of Fletch PMM, a consultancy that helps early-stage B2B startups sharpen their positioning and better articulate their value propositions.
In this conversation, we explored:
Anthony also dives into the importance of clear messaging, tangible go-to-market assets, and the psychology behind buyer decisions. A must-listen for B2B startups looking to stand out.
EPISODE LINKS:
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Intro and Background
00:01:20 Fletch PMM
00:01:58 Positioning and Messaging Strategies
00:05:55 Custom Services vs. Productized Services
00:07:50 Vagueness in Product Marketing
00:10:12 Stages of Product Market Fit
00:11:48 Investor Expectations and Market Focus
00:13:06 Executive Alignment and Brand Messaging
00:14:48 Mental Availability and Positioning
00:19:00 Belief Change and Niching Down
00:24:35 Organic Content and Personal Branding
00:29:00 Content Strategy and Funnel Building
00:33:22 Common Homepage Mistakes
00:35:39 The Importance of Focus in Marketing
00:36:39 Voice of the Customer
00:39:53 The Buying Decision Process
00:42:51 Homepages in Customer Acquisition
00:45:03 Positioning Transformation
00:49:24 Steps to Effective Positioning
00:50:53 Choosing the Right Market Segment
01:03:42 Closing
CONNECT: