"You’re using AI to build an AI product." - Jason Eubank

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff Martin sits down with Jason Eubanks, CEO and co-founder of Aurasell, the world’s first AI-native CRM built to replace Salesforce, HubSpot, and the bloated ecosystems holding teams back.

A multi-time CRO and go-to-market leader, Jason shares how years of building high-performance revenue teams inspired him to reimagine the CRM from first principles — not as another SaaS layer, but as an intelligent platform designed for how modern GTM teams actually work.

The conversation explores the future of AI in product development, how Aurasell is collapsing 15+ tools into one unified system, and why AI-native architecture is transforming how teams build, sell, and scale. Jason also discusses how his engineers and PMs use AI to accelerate innovation — from no-code AI agents to fully autonomous workflows — and what it means to unleash human potential through intelligent systems.

Chapters
00:00 The Acceleration of AI in Business
00:38 Building an AI-Native Architecture
00:44 The Fast-Paced AI Race

Watch now to hear how Aurasell is leading a new era of product development — where AI builds AI, and teams focus on what truly moves the needle.

📘 Learn more about the book Peak Teams – Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-Backed Companies > https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

🌐 Visit Collective Genius™ to build your growth team with the Peak Operating System™ > https://www.collective-genius.com/

⏱️ Got 5 minutes? Take the Peak Teams Assessment to see where your team can level up > https://www.collective-genius.com/peak-teams-assessment

Music by: andrewapplepie.bandcamp.com

#AI #Aurasell #TechScenes #ProductDevelopment #Innovation #Engineering #CRM #Startups #Leadership #PeakTeams

"You want to do well by doing good." - Austin GadientIn this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff Martin sits down with Anthony and Austin Gadient, the father-and-son founders of Vali Cyber — the company behind ZeroLock, the first Linux security platform to protect hypervisors against ransomware in real time.With deep experience spanning startups, software engineering, and military service, the Gadients share how they’ve built a company focused on protecting one of the most overlooked layers in cybersecurity — the hypervisor. They unpack the realities of fighting ransomware, the discipline behind risk management, and the lessons of building a business together as family.The conversation dives into the importance of communication, patience, and data-driven decision-making in scaling a sustainable company — and how Vali Cyber’s approach is transforming enterprise and defense-grade security for the Linux ecosystem.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Vali Cyber01:55 Understanding Hypervisors and Their Importance03:48 Market Focus and Competition in Cybersecurity05:44 Founding Story: Family Dynamics and Entrepreneurship07:42 The Impact of Ransomware on Society09:38 Building a Sustainable Business11:16 Organizational Structure and Military Influence15:23 Communication and Team Dynamics in Startups20:37 The Importance of Managing Risk23:25 Lessons in Patience and Persistence26:22 The Learning Loop in Growth Companies28:41 The Role of Data in Decision Making30:29 Teaching Entrepreneurship: Key Insights34:39 Future Product Developments and PatienceWatch now to hear how Anthony and Austin are redefining Linux and hypervisor protection — and what it takes to scale a mission-driven cybersecurity company from the ground up.📘 Learn more about the book Peak Teams – Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-Backed Companies👉 https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu🌐 Visit Collective Genius™ to build your growth team with the Peak Operating System™👉 https://www.collective-genius.com/⏱️ Got 5 minutes? Take the Peak Teams Assessment to see where your team can level up👉 https://www.collective-genius.com/peak-teams-assessment#Cybersecurity #ValiCyber #ZeroLock #TechScenes #Startups #LinuxSecurity #Entrepreneurship #RansomwareProtection #Leadership #PeakTeams

"You can’t be what you can’t see." - Joey Mak

In this episode of Tech Scenes, Jeff Martin sits down with Joey Mak, CEO of Chicago:Blend, a nonprofit driving inclusion and equity in venture capital. With over two decades in community and economic development, Joey shares how Chicago:Blend is breaking systemic barriers and opening doors for underrepresented investors and founders across the tech ecosystem.

The conversation explores the realities of DEI in a polarized world, the power of representation, and how initiatives like the Chicago Blend Venture Fellowship are creating lasting pathways into venture capital. Joey also reflects on lessons from leading through complexity — from building coalitions to finding gratitude amid challenge.

Chapters:

00:00 The DEI Landscape and Its Challenges

00:49 Introduction to Chicago Blend

02:15 The Mission and Impact of Chicago Blend

04:30 Personal Journey and Motivation

06:32 Breaking Barriers in Venture Capital

09:44 The Chicago Blend Venture Fellowship

11:18 Recruitment and Selection of Fellows

13:16 Addressing Diversity in Venture Capital

14:57 Collaborative Efforts for Inclusion

16:49 Chicago's Tech Ecosystem and Its Potential

17:50 Data Insights on Diversity in VC

20:49 Capital Flow and Investment Trends

22:51 The Importance of DEI in Business

24:13 Humanity in DEI Practices

29:51 Building a Thriving Ecosystem

33:22 Staying Motivated in Challenging Times

36:01 Lessons Learned and Mistakes Made

38:23 A Fun Desert Island Scenario

Watch now to explore how Joey and Chicago:Blend are helping reshape the future of venture capital — one inclusive connection at a time.

Learn more about the book Peak Teams – Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies

https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Growth Team with the Peak Operating System™

https://www.collective-genius.com/

Got 5 minutes? Take the Peak Teams Assessment to see where your team needs to level up

https://www.collective-genius.com/peak-teams-assessment

Music by Andrew Applepie – https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#DEI #VentureCapital #ChicagoBlend #TechScenes #Inclusion #EconomicDevelopment #Leadership #PeakTeams