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...

In this episode, host Solomon Williams sits down with Mike Jones, founder of EthixU, for a candid conversation on the unpredictable nature of AI, pressing ethical concerns, and the crucial role of testing and transparency.

Mike shares his journey from seasoned IT pro to AI ethics advocate, revealing eye-opening personal experiences with AI’s limitations and “hallucinations.” Together, they dive into hot topics like data training, copyright challenges, and the infamous unpredictability of “black box” AI models. They also spotlight the need for accessible, community-driven education around AI ethics - especially as the technology evolves at breakneck speed.

Tune in for practical insights, real-world cautionary tales, and a look at how founders, creators, and everyday users can navigate the opportunities and risks of AI with greater confidence and responsibility. Whether you’re new to AI or already building with it, there’s something here for everyone looking to future-proof their business- and our society - against the unknowns of tomorrow’s tech.

Key Moments:

03:52 "Free Access for Tech Learning"

07:08 Unforeseen AI Behaviors

11:21 AI Training and Ethical Concerns

15:01 Ethical Concerns of AI Testing

17:11 Balanced Approach to AI Ethics

21:02 Promoting Collaboration in AI Safety

24:26 Real AI Cognition Wish

26:18 AI Collaboration and Caution Conversation

About the guest :

Mike Jones is Founder of EthixU, a collaborative ecosystem where anyone can learn about AI and connect with other builders, with a focus on safety and ethics by design. EthixU offers a community-driven blog, a forum to discuss all things AI, and a learning hub with free resources for AI ethics and general AI/ML topics.

How to connect Mike:

Website: www.ethixu.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ethixu

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:

Website: https://solonox.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swilliams1992/

In this episode, host Solomon Williams sits down with Orit Yaron, VP of Engineering at Attribute, to explore the rapidly evolving world of cloud cost management and financial operations, also known as FinOps, in the age of AI.

Orit shares her two decades of experience leading engineering teams, from startup beginnings to major milestones like IPOs. Together, they dig into the challenges organizations face as they migrate to the cloud: the simplicity that lures you in, the painful surprises that appear on the monthly bill, and the pressure to keep costs aligned with business value.

Orit reveals how Attribute is tackling these issues head-on, bringing innovative, automated solutions that give businesses deep insight into every dollar spent, all without the burden of manual tagging.

You’ll hear their candid take on the pitfalls and possibilities of AI-driven automation, the importance of true cost accountability, and why blending technology with culture and clear business outcomes is essential for sustainable growth.

Plus, Orit gives practical advice for aspiring tech leaders and shares her vision for the future of work, from hiring in the AI era to building resilient, empowered teams.

If you’re ready to learn how smarter cost management, automation, and a focus on “the why” can give your business the AI Advantage—this episode is a must-listen.

Key Moments :

00:00 Bridging Engineering and Business Strategy

04:57 AI and Automation in IT Governance

09:24 "AI Tools: Balance and Focus"

10:46 Engineering Focus Amid AI Trends

16:09 "Balancing Automation and Human Collaboration"

19:18 Empowering Teams Through Trust

23:14 Driving Growth Through AI Partnerships

25:49 "Integrating Human Intuition with Technology"

About the guest :

Orit Yaron is an expert in cloud cost management with a keen understanding of how organizations navigate the financial complexities of moving to the cloud. She focuses on helping companies gain clarity around cost attribution—breaking down every dollar spent to reveal how it supports the business, affects customer costs, predicts future expenses, and impacts internal teams. Orit recognizes that while the initial transition to the cloud may seem simple, unexpected billing challenges soon emerge, making it essential to manage and optimize costs across departments. Her insights help organizations move beyond the surface ease of the cloud to achieve true cost efficiency and control.

How to connect Orit :

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/attrb/

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orit-yaron/
Company Website: https://attrb.io/

About the host :

Solomon Williams is the founder of S...

• (00:00:00) - Why the Cloud Is Affecting Business Cost
• (00:01:02) - How to Lead a Cloud-centric Team with Accountability
• (00:07:56) - How to Manage the AI Cost in IT
• (00:11:08) - How to Stick to the AI Core
• (00:12:14) - MR: The Recruitment Process
• (00:14:16) - WSJD Live: Will AI Replace Software Engineers?
• (00:16:40) - How Do You Build a Startup Team?
• (00:20:19) - How to Set and Achieve a Goal
• (00:21:08) - The Need for More with Less in Technology
• (00:24:41) - What would you automate in the world?
• (00:26:34) - The AI Advantage: Your Company's Journey

In this episode, host Solomon Williams sits down with Ali Mirzaei, CEO of Dimension Studio, to explore the seismic shifts happening at the intersection of AI, social commerce, and the explosive rise of platforms like TikTok Shop.

Ali shares his journey from a teenage social commerce entrepreneur to building a VC-backed, AI-driven company that’s transforming how brands approach TikTok Shop in the U.S. Discover how Dimension is pioneering full-service, tech-powered solutions for social commerce, why AI is redefining the very nature of “engineering” in today’s market, and what it takes to stay ahead when the rules of the game are changing faster than ever.

Whether you’re a tech leader, brand innovator, or just fascinated by the future of e-commerce and automation, this conversation is packed with hard-earned insights, practical advice, and a real look at what it takes to drive growth in the new era of AI.

Key Moments:

05:03 TikTok Shop's Impact on Social Commerce

09:23 AI Integration and Market Vision

10:19 Stealth Startup Tackles TikTok Shop

16:22 Teamwork and Metrics Evaluation

17:23 "Unseen Agency's Operational Mastery"

22:10 TikTok's Economic Impact

24:10 AI Avatars and Market Impact

About the guest :

Ali Mirzaei is a social commerce strategist helping brands crack the code of modern online selling. After years of watching influencer campaigns deliver mixed results, he discovered how TikTok Shop is transforming the game—using algorithms, not guesswork, to drive real engagement and sales. Ali now helps brands harness this power to turn views into conversions with data-driven, platform-native strategies.

How to connect Ali :

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-mirzaei-a411791b4/
Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dimensionstudios/
Website: https://dimensionstudios.co/

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:

Website: https://solonox.net/
LinkedIn:

• (00:00:00) - TikTok: How Influencers Are Triggering Sales
• (00:01:09) - How to Build a TikTok Shop Startup With Just One Company
• (00:03:12) - What Made TikTok So Important For Business?
• (00:06:50) - Top Executives: The Need for AI Engineers
• (00:10:03) - Discovery CEO on the Company's Vision
• (00:13:44) - What Does a Typical Day Look Like at Scale?
• (00:16:57) - Can Tech Enhance The Partnership Process?
• (00:19:34) - TikTok: Growing the Business
• (00:25:31) - The AI Advantage

This week, host Solomon Williams sits down with Tomás Bacigalupo, CTO and co-founder of SpacePal—a platform revolutionizing how people find and rent spaces by the hour or day. Tomás shares his journey, from SpacePal’s humble beginnings focused on coworking spaces to a creative rebrand embracing all types of venues, from photo shoots to baby showers.

In this candid conversation, Tomás unpacks how his tight-knit, entrepreneurially driven team leverages the latest AI tools—like ChatGPT and emerging frameworks—to stay nimble, innovate fast, and scale their business with limited resources. He discusses the importance of fostering a team culture where everyone feels empowered to experiment with new technologies, explains SpacePal’s unique workflows for discovering and integrating emerging AI solutions, and offers actionable advice for founders looking to build high-impact tech teams in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Whether you're building, leading, or simply curious about how AI is fundamentally changing business, this episode is packed with practical insights, real-world wins, and a glimpse into the future of creative tech startups.

Key Moments:

01:23 Opus Service Rebrands to Spaceball

05:38 Tech Team's Three-Month Triumph

07:36 Weekly AI Tech Evaluation

10:17 "Dive In to Learn Tech"

14:28 Empowering Teams to Experiment

About the guest :

Tomás Bacigalupo is an advocate for building entrepreneurial teams in the fast-evolving world of business and technology. Recognizing that change is constant and new challenges emerge daily, Tomás believes that hiring individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset is crucial for staying ahead. Rather than waiting for directions or tasks, his ideal team members are proactive problem-solvers, eager to adapt and lead in the face of innovation—especially as technology and AI tools rapidly reshape industries. Tomás’s approach centers on fostering creativity and initiative, ensuring that his teams can navigate and thrive in a landscape where flexibility and forward-thinking are essential.

How to connect Tomás :

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomás-bacigalupo-75012215b/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomasbacigalupo/

Twitter: https://x.com/TomyBacigalupo
Website: https://space-pal.com/en

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 deco...

In this episode, host Solomon Williams sits down with Dr. Brianna Rhue, CEO and co-founder of Dr. Contact Lens, to explore the real-world challenges and breakthroughs at the intersection of healthcare and technology. Brianna shares her journey from optometrist to tech entrepreneur, offering candid insights into building and scaling a SaaS business in the healthcare space.

You'll hear Brianna discuss how she curates her LinkedIn for constant learning, the importance of consistency and focus as a leader, and why scaling a healthcare tech company comes with unique obstacles. She breaks down her favorite business books, the lessons they’ve taught her, and practical tactics like her “three frogs” productivity method to keep her team— and herself—on track. Together, Solomon and Brianna examine how AI and automation are transforming daily operations, lead generation, and team culture, while also addressing the mindset shifts required to lead a growing company.

If you’re interested in the messy reality of bringing innovation into a highly regulated industry, building value-driven partnerships, and nurturing a culture of curiosity and continuous growth, you don’t want to miss this episode. Tune in for actionable advice, honest stories, and plenty of inspiration for founders and leaders navigating change in today’s rapidly evolving world.

Key Moments:

05:21 "Time Management and Focus Shift"

08:05 "Data Utilization in Business Growth"

11:29 Impact of Reading and Automation

13:43 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

16:42 Tesla Bot Outperforms Humans in Sales

22:40 "Collaborative Growth in Contact Lenses"

23:28 Scaling Without Chaos

26:41 "Value Relationships and Integrity"

31:55 Valuing Community Relationships

34:23 Weekly CEO Peer Support Sessions

37:15 "Communication in Marriage"

40:41 Reverse Engineering Success

43:10 Mission-Driven Journeys and Values

46:09 "Three Frogs Accountability Game"

About the guest:

Brianna Rhue discovered her passion for optometry as a young girl, after a visit to the eye doctor and being inspired by her father’s optometrist friends. Determined to pursue this path, she went on to attend optometry school and became a doctor. Brianna realized her dream of owning her own private practice in 2015 and later bought out her partner in 2022. Along the way, she’s experienced both fruitful and challenging partnerships, shaping her journey as a practice owner. Brianna is active on LinkedIn and welcomes new connections there.

How to connect Brianna :

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

Business Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drcontactlens/
Website: https://www.drcontac...

• (00:00:00) - How to Get to Know AI Faster
• (00:00:52) - Meet Dr. Contact Lens CEO Brianna Rue
• (00:02:37) - Lead Generation in the Medical IT Industry
• (00:03:16) - How to Read More in Your Career
• (00:04:13) - Beyond the Tech: A CEO's Book List
• (00:06:38) - How Salesforce Is Making Your Marketing More Productive
• (00:08:51) - Dr. Solomon on Healthcare Industry Trends
• (00:13:29) - How to Overcome Your Limiting Beliefs
• (00:18:06) - Blind Spotting
• (00:22:25) - What's Your Biggest Metric?
• (00:27:56) - Atomic Habits: Your 3 Frogs
• (00:29:12) - 3 Frogs for Dr. Convict Liz within the Next 6
• (00:32:24) - How to Enhance Your Marriage with a LinkedIn Community
• (00:37:21) - The 50 Words For Marriage
• (00:41:32) - The Vision of Your Business
• (00:44:29) - The 3 Frogs Challenge