In today’s episode, host Solomon Williams sits down with Aya Dorado, Vice President at DEFCON 1 Marketing, to explore the intersection of automation, AI, and human psychology in marketing.

Aya shares her unique journey from automation specialist to executive leader, unpacking how DEFCON 1’s CRM solution was originally built to solve real problems for aesthetic clinics—and why it only worked thanks to the critical blend of workflow automation and genuine human connection. Hear firsthand how Aya and her team approach AI as a tool to enhance—never replace—the personal touch in their marketing, and why authentic rapport is still the key to scaling growth.

From lessons on nurturing leads to the pitfalls of relying too heavily on chatbots and the challenges of team leadership, get ready for insights you can use to future-proof your own business with smart tech and sharper people skills. Let’s dive in!

Key Moments:

03:20 Expanding Nationwide through Strategic Marketing

08:02 AI: Treat It Like a Child

10:51 Employee to Leader: A Transformation

15:27 Chatbot Frustrations Increase Customer Anger

17:22 CSAT Impact on Call Center Jobs

22:42 Employee Feedback and HR Concerns

24:19 Assessing Client Operations & Team Dynamics

29:06 Empowerment and Leadership Reflections

32:32 "Focused Growth Through Specialization"

33:20 "Building Lasting Business Relationships"

37:35 "Preference for Direct Communication"

About the guest :

Aya Dorado began her career as an automation specialist, where she quickly discovered a passion for marketing and strategic operations. With a background in psychology, Aya became fascinated by the interplay between technology, human behavior, and sales.

During the pandemic, the rapid emergence of AI platforms inspired her to deepen her knowledge, leading her to take a course on generative AI - not just learning how to use these tools, but how to build them.

Her expertise in AI and automation landed her a role at DEFCON 1 Marketing, where she expanded her skills even further, mastering the art of leveraging technology for marketing success. Aya’s journey is defined by her curiosity, adaptability, and commitment to bridging the gap between innovative tech and human-centered strategy.

How to connect Aya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayadorado/

About the host :

Solomon Williams is the founder of Solonox and the host of the podcast "AI Advantage." Dedicated to helping modern leaders navigate the future of technology, Solomon cuts through the noise and hype to deliver clear, insightful conversations about AI and automation. On his podcast, he shares his expertise—sometimes solo, sometimes alongside the brightest minds in tech—offering practical advice on what it really takes to grow smarter in a rapidly evolving digital world. With "AI Advantage," Solomon invites listeners to join him on a journey to decode the technologies shaping tomorrow.

Contact Solomon:

In this insightful conversation, host Solomon Williams sits down with Madinah Ali, President of Safe PC Solutions, to explore the evolving landscape of AI, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.

Madinah shares her journey into the world of generative AI, her passion for building AI literacy frameworks, and the crucial need to bridge the digital divide - especially for underrepresented communities.

Together, they dive deep into the challenges of AI security, data governance, and the real impact of automation on today’s workforce. You’ll also hear how Safe PC Solutions is leading the way in international cybersecurity, compliance, and training initiatives, as well as what it takes to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing digital world.

If you’re curious about how AI can truly empower people and businesses - or you’re interested in practical strategies for building a future-ready team, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Moments:

05:22 AI's Dual Role: Innovation and Security

09:49 Custom Roles & AI Literacy Development

13:29 Building AI Literacy for All

14:39 Data Governance and AI Challenges

20:22 "Anticipating and Preventing Cyber Attacks"

24:19 "Global Expansion in Cybersecurity"

26:29 Global Expansion and Diverse Leadership

30:05 Networking to Land a Job

32:29 Transitioning to Agile Challenges

35:31 AI Evolution: Future Aspirations

About the guest :

Madinah Ali is the Founder and President of Excelente Inc., operating as SafePC Solutions, Safe PC Cloud, and SafePC EdTech.

SafePC EdTech was created to ensure no one misses out on education or career opportunities due to lack of devices, internet, or digital tools. The digital divide disproportionately affects low-income households, single mothers, People of Color, and marginalized communities, and SafePC is committed to closing that gap.

Through partnerships with global leaders like Microsoft, InfoSec, Fortinet, Certiport, Google Education, Locelle, and Isograd, SafePC EdTech provides devices, connectivity, and certifications such as Microsoft IT, IC3 Digital Literacy, and TOSA Digital.

The mission is clear: empower underserved communities—and inspire more women and People of Color to join and thrive in the technology industry.

How to connect Madinah :

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madinahali/

Websites: https://www.safepcsolutionsusa.com/ (Company)
Business Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/safe-pc-solutions-usa/
Business Linkedin...

In today's show, host Solomon Williams sits down with Dr. Irene Katzela, managing consultant at Axio4Tech and an expert in network technologies, enterprise system architecture, and startup growth. Dr. Katzela brings a wealth of experience from her journey through academia, consulting for industry giants, supporting startups as a fractional CTO, and helping organizations—large and small—navigate the complexities of integrating new technologies like AI and blockchain.

Together, they dive deep into the realities of adopting AI in business, the importance of building a strong foundation before chasing flashy features, and how AI is reshaping everything from operations to employee experiences. They also explore the practical challenges small and medium-sized businesses face, why human buy-in still matters, and what ethical and technological trends Dr. Katzela sees on the horizon for the next wave of AI and automation.

Whether you’re a startup founder, tech leader, or just curious about the ever-changing world of intelligent automation, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons and forward-looking insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s get started!

Key Moment:

00:00 Journey from Greece to Tech Innovator

05:46 AI Solutions for Business Growth

08:46 AI as a Tool, Not a Trend

11:48 Consultant Insights on Client Education

12:50 AI Resistance and Adoption Challenges

16:45 AI Data Ethics Concerns

20:31 Enterprise AI & Blockchain Opportunities

22:09 Navigating AI Implementation Challenges

26:00 Innovative Consulting Solutions

28:57 "LinkedIn Preference for Social Media"

About the guest :

Dr. Irene Katzela, Founder at Axio4Tech, was born and raised in Greece, where she earned her first degree in engineering from one of the country’s top universities. Driven by a passion for network technologies and the evolution of the Internet, she moved to North America to pursue her master’s and PhD at Columbia University in New York City. After completing her graduate studies, Dr. Katzela joined the University of Toronto, teaching electrical and computer engineering as well as computer science. However, her fascination with large systems called her to industry during the early 2000s- a time of rapid technological change - where she focused on building advanced network systems and shaping the future of Internet communications.

How to connect with Dr. Irene Katzela:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenekatzela/

About the host :

Solomon Williams is the founder of Solonox and the host of the podcast "AI Advantage." Dedicated to helping modern leaders navigate the future of technology, Solomon cuts through the noise and hype to deliver clear, insightful conversations about AI and automation. On his podcast, he shares his expertise—sometimes solo, sometimes alongside the brightest minds in tech—offering practical advice on what it really takes to grow smarter in a rapidly evolving digital world. With "AI Advantage," Solomon invites listeners...