Facing Disruption - Accelerating Innovation, Growth, and Resilience

AJ Bubb

Facing Disruption is a webcast that explores the intersection of technology and humanity through conversations with leaders across industries. We help leaders understand how emerging trends and technologies are impacting their businesses and customers, ultimately turning shifting market trends into new opportunities. Our content spans three key pillars: The Future of explores emerging technologies and their industry impact Rockstar Product Teams reveals strategies for building better products faster The Experimenter's Mindset showcases how calculated risk-taking drives innovation

  1. MAR 26

    China's Investment Edge: Can Private Capital Save US Defense?

    Ever wonder where the billions of dollars for defense innovation actually come from? 💰 It's not just Uncle Sam! AJ Bubb sits down again with Sam Moyer from NDIA's Emerging Technology Institute to reveal the shocking truth: $440 BILLION in private capital has flowed into the defense industrial base in just five years! This isn't just theory; it's grounded in NDIA's latest research. In this candid conversation, we cut through the noise and explore what's truly working, what's broken, and what needs to change for private capital and defense to collaborate effectively. Sam shares insights from NDIA's comprehensive report, offering a peek behind the curtain of defense financing that most people never see. You'll discover: How the U.S. stacks up against global competitors like China in investment, and the unique role private capital plays. The different types of "risk" investors see in defense and why understanding them is crucial. What "demand signals" and "catalytic capital" truly mean for the future of defense innovation, and how they bridge the infamous "Valley of Death." The often-overlooked barriers preventing small businesses from accessing vital financial services. Actionable low-hanging fruit strategies that could immediately streamline the flow of capital. This isn't just another tech discussion; it's about the financial engine driving national security and how we keep the human element at the center of technological advancement. If you're an innovation leader, strategist, or executive navigating rapidly changing landscapes, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. 00:00 - Introduction: The $440 Billion Story 01:00 - Why Private Capital in Defense Matters Now 02:30 - Understanding Investor Risk in the Defense Sector 04:30 - The Mentality of Investment: Time to Return and Velocity 05:58 - America's Competitive Capital Marketplace Advantage 07:35 - The Challenge: Small Businesses and Financial Services Access 08:35 - Key Findings from NDIA's Research: Surprising Numbers 09:50 - The Evolving Landscape of Financial Services & Government Lag 11:00 - Navigating the Strategic Asset of Innovation 12:25 - US vs. China: Investment Strategies Compared 14:15 - The Power of American Private Capital in Early Stage Growth 15:20 - The "Public Good" Dilemma: Private IP vs. National Security 17:30 - Demand Signals & Catalytic Capital: DOD's New Playbook 20:30 - The Durability of Government Demand Signals 23:55 - How Catalytic Capital Strengthens Demand Signals 27:10 - Low-Hanging Fruit: Overcoming Barriers to Capital Mobilization 30:05 - The Barriers to Centralized Application Processes 32:20 - The Trend Line: Progress in a Sustainable Way 33:45 - How to Get the Full Report & Event Details 35:05 - Next Best Actions: Advice for Companies, Investors, & Government 36:05 - Closing Thoughts: An Exciting Time for National Security & Innovation Join the conversation! Don't forget to: 👍 LIKE this video if you found it insightful. 💬 COMMENT below with your thoughts on mobilizing private capital for defense. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Facing Disruption for more authentic insights into innovation, AI, and emerging technologies. Connect with the NDIA and Sam Moyer: https://www.ndia.org/

    37 min
  2. MAR 24

    Beyond Tech: Why EQ is Your Ultimate AI Superpower

    Emotional Intelligence in the Age of AI: Thriving in Disruption with Rich Hua In a world reshaped by AI, your most valuable skill isn't just what you know - it's how you connect, adapt, and lead with empathy. This is what truly drives success in a disruptive era. Join AJ Bubb as he sits down with Rich Hua, founder of Epic Leadership Group and former head of one of Amazon's largest corporate Emotional Intelligence (EQ) initiatives. Rich believes EQ is the new IQ, an indispensable capability for navigating today's rapid technological shifts. With over 1.5 million people impacted by his work, Rich is on a mission to democratize these essential "human skills" for a billion people worldwide. You'll discover why success in the AI age isn't about being a "genius robot," but about developing a powerful blend of EQ and IQ. Rich shares his personal journey from socially awkward beginnings to pioneering emotional intelligence programs, revealing how these skills are not just "nice-to-haves" but mission-critical for high performance, strong relationships, and authentic leadership. EQ vs. IQ in the AI Era: Understand the crucial distinction between cognitive intelligence and emotional intelligence, and why both are essential for success. Beyond "Soft Skills": Why the term "human skills" is a more accurate and powerful way to describe abilities like empathy, adaptability, and judgment. The Power of Self-Awareness: How better understanding your own emotions can dramatically improve your personal well-being and professional effectiveness. Leading with Humanity: Discover how leaders are leveraging EQ to inspire commitment, build psychologically safe environments, and foster true innovation amidst constant change. Cultivating Positivity: Practical strategies, like a simple gratitude practice, to combat negativity and rewire your brain for a more optimistic outlook. Rich provides actionable insights and frameworks that challenge conventional thinking, helping you cut through the hype and focus on what truly matters: keeping the human element at the center of technological advancement. 00:00 - High Performance + High Humanity: The Core of EQ 00:43 - Rich Hua's Journey: From Robot to EQ Evangelist 05:30 - EQ vs. IQ: What's the Difference? 08:00 - Why "Human Skills" Matter More Than Ever 11:00 - Learning EQ: A Skill Not Inherited 16:00 - Identifying Emotions: The Key to Empathy 19:00 - Personal Impact: Health, Loneliness, and Performance 22:00 - Organizational Risk: The Cost of Low EQ Leadership 27:00 - Inspiring Leaders: Brain Capital in the AI Age 31:00 - Psychological Safety: More Than "Safe to Fail" 37:00 - Incentivizing Desired Behaviors 41:00 - Battling Negativity & The Power of Gratitude 46:00 - Introducing EPIQ: EQ + IQ for the Future 49:00 - Human-AI Teams & The Unknown Future 53:00 - Where to Connect with Rich Hua Don't just survive disruption - lead through it. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for any leader looking to navigate complexity, inspire their teams, and make impactful decisions in the age of AI. Join the conversation: What "human skills" do you believe are most critical for future success? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Liked this episode? Hit the Subscribe button and the notification bell so you don't miss out on future insights from Facing Disruption! And if you found this valuable, please give us a thumbs up! Connect with Rich Hua: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richhua Substack: https://eqandsuccess.substack.com/ Website: https://richardhua.co/ Connect with Facing Disruption & AJ Bubb: Website: https://www.facingdisruption.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajbubb What You'll Learn:Chapter Markers:

    55 min
  3. MAR 10

    Uncovering Agriculture's Hidden $170 Billion Value Chain

    Ever wondered about the hidden $170 billion industry that keeps our world green? 🌳 Courtney Kwan, CEO of Eartha Pro, spills the beans on the incredible growth and untapped potential of the 'green industry' - no, not agriculture as you know it, but everything from AI lawnmowers to landscaping for major sports stadiums! In this candid conversation with AJ Bubb, Courtney shares her journey from selling Frito-Lay chips to building a thriving tech startup for an industry often overlooked. You'll gain exclusive insights into: How to spot massive business opportunities where others see only dirt (literally!). The unique challenges and incredible passion driving small, family-owned landscaping businesses. Why building authentic relationships and speaking your customer's language is far more important than fancy tech jargon. The intense, often absurd, "critically delusional" mindset it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur – especially when friends and family just don't 'get it'. Practical advice for aspiring founders on finding the right co-founder, building resilience, and maintaining personal well-being amidst the startup grind. If you're an innovation leader, strategist, or executive tired of the same old tech hype, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on disrupting a traditional market with human-centered solutions. And hey, it might even inspire your next million-dollar idea! 🔥 Hot Take Alert: Nobody cares if you worked at a FAANG company... (unless you're pitching a Silicon Valley investor!) 😉 Timestamp Highlights: 0:00 - Courtney's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: Fall in love with your customers! 0:45 - Unpacking the $170 Billion "Green Industry" 4:43 - Defining the "Green Industry": It's more than just farming! 8:15 - Why the "Green Industry" is a Hidden Gem for Entrepreneurs 10:00 - Unexpected Tech & Innovation in Lawn Care Equipment 11:11 - The Mom & Pop Problem: Business Acumen vs. Passion 14:45 - Building Trust & Speaking Your Customer's Language 18:45 - The "Hot Take" on FAANG experience in the real world 20:15 - The Entrepreneurial Journey & Dealing with Skepticism 22:30 - The "Critically Delusional" Founder Mindset 24:08 - Safeguards Against Burnout: Co-founders & Personal Well-being 29:45 - The Sacred Alignment: Co-founder Relationships Beyond Business 32:08 - Launching a Company the Morning After Your Wedding! 35:50 - The Value of Hands-On Industry Experience 40:06 - Advice for Green Industry Entrepreneurs: Building Generational Wealth 42:05 - Advice for Aspiring Founders: Fall in Love with Your Customers 43:54 - Advice for Post-College Grads: Embrace AI, No Matter Your Field 45:15 - Connect with Courtney Kwan & Eartha Pro Connect with Courtney Kwan & Eartha Pro: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneykrisch/ Eartha Pro: https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthapro/ Want more authentic conversations that cut through the hype? 👍 Like this video if you found Courtney's insights valuable! 💬 Comment below with your biggest takeaway or what industry you think is ripe for disruption! ✅ Subscribe to Facing Disruption for more no-nonsense discussions on innovation, AI, and emerging tech that truly matter. We're here to build a community of leaders who prioritize human outcomes and strategic reality over buzzy trends. Thanks for watching!

    46 min
  4. Learning Leadership in the Moment | Ben Perreau

    FEB 24

    Learning Leadership in the Moment | Ben Perreau

    Are you an IC considering a leadership role, or a manager struggling to find your footing? This is for you! Ben Perreau, founder of Parafoil and a veteran across BBC, SY Partners, Google, Meta, and Apple, reveals the harsh truths and overlooked necessities of modern leadership. Ben, a builder and engineer at heart, experienced the rapid rise to leadership himself, building the world's biggest music website at 24. He dives deep into the common pitfalls, unexpected challenges, and the crucial skills often missing in today's leadership development. Discover why 82% of managers feel "accidental" and how this impacts team retention and company growth. Walk away with actionable takeaways for every stage of your career journey: from aspiring ICs to seasoned leaders. This isn't just about managing tasks; it's about leading people, fostering empathy, and creating a resilient, high-performing culture. 00:00 - 00:00: The crucial question ICs must ask before stepping into leadership: Progression or Vocation? 00:00 - 00:00: Ben's fascinating career arc: from building the world's biggest music website to consulting for tech giants. 00:00 - 00:00: Why moving from IC to Manager is a complete vocation change, not just a progression. 00:00 - 000:00: The shocking stats: 82% of managers feel "accidental," and 1/3 of new manager's teams leave within the first year. 00:00 - 00:00: Ben's personal leadership journey: From "over-delegating or laissez-faire" to becoming a respected leader. 00:00 - 00:00: The essential traits of a respected leader: Self-awareness, empathy, and empowering teams to take breaks. 00:00 - 00:00: The rise of Staff and Principal Engineer roles: Keeping technical talent out of management. 00:00 - 00:00: The concept of "glue roles" and how to identify organic leaders in your organization. 00:00 - 00:00: Why focusing on AI utilization over actual outcomes is a dangerous trap. 00:00 - 00:00: The IBM cultural transformation workshop: A unique approach to leadership development through mindfulness. 00:00 - 00:00: Introducing Parafoil.co: Ben's new AI-powered tool for real-time leadership intelligence and growth. 00:00 - 00:00: Actionable Takeaways: Specific advice for ICs, managers, and seasoned leaders. Are you ready to truly learn leadership in the moment? Hit play and uncover the insights that will transform your approach to leading and managing people. 👉 Don't forget to LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to our channel, and leave a COMMENT below with YOUR biggest leadership challenge! Let's connect: Learn more about Ben Perreau and Parafoil: https://www.parafoil.co

    56 min
  5. Rewiring Your Enterprise for AI: Why Your Old Org Chart Will Fail

    FEB 10

    Rewiring Your Enterprise for AI: Why Your Old Org Chart Will Fail

    The AI-Native Enterprise: What No One Tells You About Rewiring Your Business Are you feeling overwhelmed by the AI hype but know your business needs to adapt? This webcast with Melissa Reeve, author of Hyper Adaptive Enterprise, cuts through the noise. Discover how AI is fundamentally changing business operations and what you, your leaders, and your organization MUST do to prepare. AJ Bubb and Melissa Reeve dive deep into: - Why traditional organizational structures need to evolve for an AI-native future. - The critical role of "ownership" in the age of AI, and how to foster it. - How AI is shifting decision-making, budgeting, and even strategic planning. - Practical frameworks to help individuals and organizations navigate AI-driven change effectively. - Learning from past technological disruptions to inform our future strategies. Melissa highlights that AI integration is overwhelmingly about PEOPLE, not just tools or algorithms. This candid conversation reveals the real challenges and opportunities as organizations rewire themselves to become "hyper adaptive." Join us to get grounded insights and actionable advice on thriving in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to AI and Leadership 00:43 Welcome to Facing Disruption 00:52 Meet Melissa Reeve 02:14 The Birth of Hyper Adaptive Enterprise 03:48 Historical Context of Organizational Transformation 05:23 Challenges of Functional Silos 08:26 Agile and Cross-Functionality 11:42 Ownership and AI's Role in Transformation 18:21 Hyper Adaptive Model Explained 24:04 AI in Decision Making and Budgeting 29:04 The Changing Role of QA in AI 29:32 Prioritization and Alignment in Creative Work 30:56 Frameworks for Organizational Focus 34:08 The Importance of Ownership and Decentralization 36:10 Leadership Strategies in the Age of AI 39:30 The Overwhelm of AI and Information Management 46:20 Actionable Frameworks for Individuals and Organizations 51:01 Lessons from Past Disruptions and Future Strategies 55:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Don't let the future of AI leave you behind. Like this video, subscribe to Facing Disruption for more insights, and tell us in the comments: What's your biggest challenge in adapting to an AI-native world? Find Melissa Reeve on LinkedIn or visit Hyper Adaptive Solutions for more information. #AI #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #OrganizationalChange #Leadership #MelissaReeve #HyperAdaptiveEnterprise #FacingDisruption #FutureofWork #BusinessStrategy ---------------------------------------------------------- AJ Bubb is the founder of MxP Studio - a human first innovation agency, founded on the principles of customer obsession, and helping teams adopt and augment their capabilities with AI, not replace. Bringing more than 15 years of experience across tech, consulting, startups, and enterprise - AJ has led engineer and product teams at places such as Amazon, Accenture, Google, and many more, launching over 100 prototypes, pilots, and products. AJ is also and active mentor for leaders, teams, and innovators. Connect MxP Studio: https://mxp.studio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajbubb/ -------------------------------------------------------- 🎤 Subscribe for more insights, like, and share how YOU are Facing Disruption! Check out our playlists Want to build better products and teams? Rockstar Product Teams: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzb8muOeIslVT92614HCepmI0NqZT5cL_ Looking to grow and stay resilient as an entrepreneur? Experimenter's Mindset: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzb8muOeIslX_Jl1dbtCnE2sHjauafk1u Interested in learning how AI is disrupting industries? The Future of Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzb8muOeIslUlbTyR9poIFXKVqcnXqLrh

    56 min
  6. Precision healthcare and digital biomarkers

    FEB 3

    Precision healthcare and digital biomarkers

    The future of healthcare is here! 🚀 In this episode of Facing Disruption, we dive deep into the world of precision healthcare and digital biomarkers with Dev Roy, CEO of Intra Intel AI. Discover how AI is revolutionizing clinical trials, democratizing data insights, and accelerating medical breakthroughs. Dev shares his incredible journey and offers critical advice for businesses and individuals looking to thrive in this rapidly evolving AI-driven landscape. Don't get left behind! What you'll learn: How AI is cutting clinical trial timelines and reducing failure ratesThe power of context engineering and why data is no longer a "swamp"The critical role of AI in personalizing patient care and democratizing medical knowledgeWhy every business, big or small, needs an AI strategy NOWActionable advice for job seekers to future-proof their careers in the AI eraJoin us as we explore how AI is not just automating, but augmenting human capabilities to create a more united and efficient healthcare ecosystem. Timestamp Highlights: 00:00 - AI: A Catalyst for a United World00:24 - Introducing Dev Roy: From India to AI Pioneer03:46 - The Broken Clinical Trial System & AI's Solution08:00 - Demystifying Data: The Challenge of Context17:20 - AI & Context Engineering: Connecting the Dots19:18 - Human + AI: Augmenting Creativity & Precision22:20 - Digital Biomarkers & Patient Adherence in Trials25:30 - AI's Role in Patient Care: Supporting Clinicians29:14 - Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) & Precision AI32:42 - AI & Rare Diseases: Democratizing Dr. House35:41 - The Urgency of Now: Why Businesses Can't Wait for AI40:45 - The New Paradigm: Value Over Traditional Roles45:52 - Future-Proofing Your Career in the AI RevolutionIf you're interested in the future of medicine, the impact of AI on business, or how to navigate your career in an evolving technological world, this is a must-watch! 👍 Like this video if you found it insightful! ✅ Subscribe to Facing Disruption for more conversations shaping our future: 💬 Leave a comment below with your thoughts on precision healthcare or AI's role in society!

    56 min

About

Facing Disruption is a webcast that explores the intersection of technology and humanity through conversations with leaders across industries. We help leaders understand how emerging trends and technologies are impacting their businesses and customers, ultimately turning shifting market trends into new opportunities. Our content spans three key pillars: The Future of explores emerging technologies and their industry impact Rockstar Product Teams reveals strategies for building better products faster The Experimenter's Mindset showcases how calculated risk-taking drives innovation