Future Factory

Anthony Amunategui

The Future Factory Podcast is your go-to business podcast for seeing the future in real time. Hosted by founder of CDO Group, Anthony Amunategui, where he is joined by some of the most influential and respected guests in the business world. From young entrepreneurs changing the world via startups, to leaders of established big name brands across the world.

  1. 4D AGO

    Stop Hiring People You Like | John Pezoulas

    Summary In this episode, Anthony sits down with John Pezoulas, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Ready Set Exec, to talk about why so many companies struggle to hire the right leaders. John explains how AI is changing executive recruiting, why founders often hire based on comfort instead of fit, and how hidden bias, weak vetting, and unclear expectations can quietly hold a company back. Anthony and John also dig into ageism, culture, leadership, management mistakes, and what entrepreneurs need to understand before bringing in their first executive team. Special Guest John Pezoulas is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Ready Set Exec, a North American executive search firm focused on helping companies hire leadership talent in sales, marketing, HR, operations, and executive roles. With deep recruiting and leadership experience, John helps founders and CEOs build stronger teams by improving vetting, reducing hiring bias, and creating a more intentional executive search process. Chapters: 00:00 - Celebrating 100K subscribers & introducing John Pezoulas 00:56 - How AI is changing executive hiring 03:12 - Why some companies are avoiding the AI rush 04:40 - Construction, resistance to change, and old-school systems 07:04 - The biggest mistake founders make when hiring executives 09:13 - Why hiring people like you creates blind spots 10:10 - Ageism, bias, and missed experience in recruiting 12:37 - Politics, culture fit, and what really matters at work 14:56 - Values, leadership, and protecting company culture 15:37 - Why top performers do not always make great managers 18:43 - Hiring your first executive and learning to let go 25:18 - How to make the recruiting partnership successful JOHN’S INFO: Website: https://readysetexec.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    28 min
  2. 5D AGO

    How AI Is Rebuilding Construction | Ty Sharp

    Summary In this episode, Anthony sits down with Ty Sharp, Co-Founder and CEO of inBuild, to talk about how AI, automation, and better systems are changing the future of construction. Ty shares how he went from data analytics into construction technology, why implementing tools like Procore can still be so difficult, and how inBuild helps construction teams eliminate manual entry and move faster. Anthony and Ty also discuss the massive opportunity for young talent in construction, the future of estimating, supply chain visibility, robotics, and why the companies that digitize now will have the biggest advantage in the years ahead.   Special Guest Ty Sharp is the Co-Founder and CEO of inBuild, a Y Combinator-backed construction finance automation platform built to help builders streamline document processing, invoice workflows, and back-office operations. After working inside a construction company and seeing how much time teams lost to manual entry, Ty helped build inBuild to automate repetitive workflows and give contractors more time to focus on building.   Chapters: 00:00 - Celebrating 100K subscribers & introducing Ty Sharp 02:14 - Ty’s path from data analytics into construction technology 05:06 - Why Procore implementation can take months 07:23 - Legacy software, tech debt, and the need for faster systems 12:30 - Construction is accelerating faster than most people realize 14:11 - AI tools, process knowledge, and building from bottlenecks 17:20 - Why young talent has a major opportunity in construction 21:19 - Supply chains, source materials, and AI-ready construction data 25:16 - How manual bookkeeping led to building inBuild 29:40 - Focus, prioritization, and solving the top bottlenecks 36:08 - Dirt to dishes in four weeks: the future of speed in construction 43:11 - Finding opportunity in outdated trade businesses 46:26 - How to connect with Ty Sharp and inBuild   TY’S INFO: Website: https://www.inbuild.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-sharp Y Combinator: https://www.ycombinator.com/companies/inbuild Social: Sharp Builds   PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://x.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1   ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3   Find great guests at PodMatch https://joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    49 min
  3. MAY 7

    The AI Revolution Happening In Construction | Procore Team

    Summary In this episode, Anthony sits down with Procore leaders Kris Lengieza and Sasha Reed to explore how AI, robotics, and emerging technology are transforming the construction industry faster than ever before. They discuss the massive demand for skilled workers, the rise of AI-driven workflows, and why construction may be one of the best industries for young people looking to build a future-proof career. From automation and robotics to leadership, culture, and the future of job sites, this conversation dives deep into the opportunities shaping the next generation of construction. Special Guests Kris Lengieza is a construction technology leader at Procore focused on innovation, AI adoption, and helping construction companies transform the way they build. With deep experience in VDC, BIM, and digital transformation, Kris works closely with contractors and industry leaders to drive operational efficiency and technology adoption across the construction industry. Sasha Reed is a construction industry strategist and leader at Procore specializing in workforce development, leadership transformation, and the future of construction. She is passionate about helping companies build stronger cultures, embrace technology, and create sustainable career paths for the next generation entering the industry. Chapters: 00:00 – Celebrating 100K subscribers & introducing Procore guests 01:32 – Why construction careers are booming in an AI-driven world 03:52 – Trades, six-figure paths & entrepreneurship in construction 05:45 – The talent crisis, five generations at work & mega projects/AI boom 09:28 – Young, ambitious talent and how AI is accelerating careers 12:41 – From data entry to prompt engineers: real salary and role transformations 15:27 – Killing tedious work: AI, rework reduction & letting experts do what they love 19:18 – Daily logs, voice assistants & “talking to your software” on the jobsite 23:32 – From dirt to dishes in four weeks: speed, organization & paying subs daily 30:02 – Women redefining leadership, culture, and sustainability in construction 40:10 – The future state: AI architects, human-in-the-loop & a call to join the industry now PROCORE INFO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-reed-66086b3/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/krislengieza/ Website: https://www.procore.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/procore-technologies/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProcoreTechnologies PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    54 min
  4. APR 29

    How AI Is Changing Content Forever | Vikram Chalana

    Summary In this episode, Vikram Chalana, CEO of Pictory AI, joins Anthony to break down how AI is transforming the way businesses create video content, train teams, and scale communication. From turning blogs, PDFs, and podcasts into videos in minutes to using agentic AI for software development, customer support, and workflow automation, Vikram shares how fast the landscape is evolving and why adapting now matters more than ever. Anthony and Vikram also dive into leadership, scaling businesses, overcoming fear, and why the future belongs to those willing to embrace AI and build faster. Special Guest Vikram Chalana is the CEO of Pictory AI, an AI-powered video creation platform helping businesses, creators, and teams transform text, blogs, presentations, and long-form content into engaging video in minutes. With a background in technology and entrepreneurship, Vikram is focused on making video creation accessible at scale while helping organizations modernize training, content marketing, and communication through AI. Chapters: 00:00 - Celebrating 100K subscribers & introducing Vikram 02:00 - What Pictory AI does and core use cases 04:10 - Why video works: multisensory learning & knowledge transfer 06:20 - The “bloody feet” of growth and pushing through discomfort 08:15 - Scaling a business: changing foundations and changing people 10:20 - Agentic AI at CDO Group: Mac Minis and AI in every department 13:00 - 90% AI-generated code and transforming software development 16:00 - Ego, fear, and shifting from traditional coding to AI-assisted work 19:20 - Beginner’s mindset, teenagers building apps, and learning fast 22:40 - Lowering the bar to start with AI and becoming creative again 26:00 - Live demo of “Zoe,” getting started with ChatGPT & Pictory, and closing call-to-action VIKRAM’S INFO: Website: https://pictory.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikramchalana/ Company: Pictory AI PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    31 min
  5. APR 27 ·  VIDEO

    How To Sell Your Company For Maximum Value | Cameron Bishop

    Summary In this episode, Cameron Bishop breaks down what it really takes to sell a business — and why most companies aren’t actually sellable. As a Managing Director at Raincatcher with decades of experience in M&A and private equity, Cameron shares the hard truths business owners need to hear before they ever think about exiting. Anthony and Cameron dive into the difference between a lifestyle business and a true asset, the financial and operational factors that drive valuation, and the biggest mistakes owners make when trying to sell. This conversation is a practical, no-nonsense guide to building a business that can run without you — and ultimately, one that buyers will actually pay for. Special Guest Cameron Bishop is a Managing Director at Raincatcher, specializing in mergers and acquisitions for privately held companies across a wide range of industries. With over 40 years of executive leadership experience, Cameron has built, scaled, and sold multiple businesses, including leading organizations backed by private equity. He brings deep expertise in valuation, deal structure, and exit strategy, helping business owners maximize value while navigating the emotional and financial complexities of selling their company. Chapters: 00:00 - Hitting 100K subscribers & introducing Cameron 03:40 - Is your business actually ready to sell? 07:05 - Lifestyle business vs. sustainable, sellable company 10:30 - Building a team that can run the business without you 14:40 - Servant leadership and hiring people smarter than you 18:40 - Emotional roller coaster of selling your business 22:40 - Valuation realities and leaving money on the table 26:40 - Creating a bidding war and maximizing sale price 30:40 - What buyers really look for in a company 34:40 - The baby boomer sell-off and succession realities 38:40 - Exit playbook, working on vs. in the business & Cameron’s contact info CAMERON’S INFO: Website: https://raincatcher.com/ Email: Cameron.Bishop@raincatcher.com LinkedIn:   / cameron-bishop-19b6804   PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    44 min
  6. APR 22

    The Truth About Male Sexual Health | Todd Malloy

    Summary In this episode, Anthony sits down with Todd Malloy to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in modern life - male sexuality. From performance anxiety and lack of education to the impact of stress, health, and communication, Todd breaks down why so many men struggle in silence. The conversation dives into how sexual health evolves over time, why most men were never properly taught about intimacy, and how shifting from performance to connection can completely transform relationships. This episode offers a raw, honest, and practical look at improving confidence, communication, and overall quality of life through a deeper understanding of sexual wellness. Special Guest Todd Malloy is a leading expert in male sexual behavior and one of the first African American sex therapists. With over a decade of experience working with men on sexual health and relationship dynamics, Todd helps individuals and couples improve intimacy, confidence, and communication. Through coaching, education, and therapy, he focuses on breaking stigmas around male sexuality and empowering people to take control of their personal and relational well-being. Chapters: 00:00 - Introducing Todd Malloy & why men’s sexual health matters 02:02 - Early sexual experiences, confusion, and stigma for young men 04:51 - Normalizing sex talks with boys and creating safe spaces to share 08:46 - Learning from partners: slowing down, foreplay, and mutual pleasure 13:25 - Understanding women’s anatomy and why education changes everything 16:52 - How to talk to kids about sex as a lifelong, age-appropriate conversation 19:32 - Aging, erections, “new normals,” and debunking porn expectations 26:42 - Presence, emotional safety, and creating an “intimacy container” 33:42 - Taking ownership: planning intimacy like you plan your career 41:32 - What sex therapy actually looks like & sensate focus touch exercises 49:30 - Practical next steps: working with a sex therapist & closing remarks TODD'S INFO: Website: https://toddmalloy.com/ Programs: Layers of a Man (coaching & educational series) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-malloy/ Book: Time to Rise - Available on Amazon  PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    54 min
  7. APR 17 ·  VIDEO

    How to Build Email Systems That Actually Generate Sales | Adam Rosen

    Summary  In this episode, Adam Rosen breaks down why email marketing isn’t dead — most people are just doing it wrong. As the founder of EOC and a specialist in building high-performing email systems, Adam reveals what actually drives results in today’s landscape, from landing in the inbox to crafting messages that convert into real conversations. Adam and Anthony dive into the realities of modern outreach, why most sales teams fail at email, and how entrepreneurs can build scalable pipelines without wasting time on tactics that no longer work. This episode is a practical masterclass on sales, systems, and how to turn email into a true growth engine for your business. Special Guest Adam Rosen is the founder of EOC, an email marketing and outbound systems company that helps businesses generate leads and build scalable sales pipelines. With years of experience in cold email, infrastructure, and deliverability, Adam has worked with companies ranging from early-stage startups to major brands, helping them turn email into one of their most profitable growth channels. He specializes in building end-to-end systems — from domain setup and targeting to messaging and booking meetings — allowing businesses to focus on closing deals instead of getting stuck in the weeds. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome, guest intro & why email isn’t dead 02:13 - Ideal customer profiles & the danger of over-niching 06:02 - How broad should your email list be? (10K vs 100K vs 1M) 08:10 - Cold outbound vs newsletters: two different email games 11:19 - Why DIY email fails: tools, tech complexity & SDR limitations 14:19 - Protecting your primary domain & avoiding blacklists 17:33 - Warming domains, sending limits & basic infrastructure rules 20:38 - Founder time, ego, and when to hire email experts 26:18 - Short, effective email copy: problem, solution, proof & CTA 29:14 - What to track in cold email (and why opens don’t matter) 36:12 - Using email across your business & final takeaways ADAM'S INFO: Website: https://www.eocworks.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamirosen/ Email: adam@eocworks.com PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    44 min
  8. APR 15 ·  VIDEO

    Why The Trades Are Beating College And AI | Gia Benline

    Summary  In this episode, Anthony sits down with Gia Benline, HR Director at CDO Group, to challenge the traditional narrative around college and career paths in today’s rapidly evolving world. As AI continues to disrupt entry-level white-collar jobs, they explore why the skilled trades are emerging as a powerful and often overlooked alternative. Gia shares her personal connection to the trades and highlights the financial freedom, career growth, and sense of pride that come from building something real. Together, they dive into the advantages of a performance-driven industry where grit outweighs politics, the growing opportunities for women in construction, and how companies like CDO Group are fostering a culture centered around training, safety, and developing strong, healthy individuals. This conversation offers a compelling look at why the trades may be one of the smartest career moves of the future. Special Guest Gia Benline is the HR Director at CDO Group and a passionate advocate for the skilled trades. Coming from a multi-generational background in blue-collar work, Gia brings a deeply personal perspective to the industry and champions the value, stability, and pride that come with careers in construction. At CDO Group, she plays a key role in developing talent, fostering a strong company culture, and supporting the next generation of professionals entering the trades. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction, AI fears, and why construction is a powerful alternative 00:43 - Gia’s blue‑collar roots and lifelong pride in the trades 02:19 - AI replacing entry‑level jobs vs 350K+ open roles in construction 04:00 - Debt-free career path, pay growth, and benefits in the trades 05:27 - Work ethic, climbing the ladder, and what construction companies value 07:56 - Anthony’s start in construction and rapid on-the-job training story 10:11 - Brotherhood, sisterhood, and camaraderie in the field 11:45 - Women in construction and growing opportunities on jobsites and in the office 13:50 - Company culture at CDO: leadership, community, and keeping the “human” alive 16:25 - Health, longevity, and building a lifestyle that supports long careers 18:16 - Safety, training, and a call for young people to choose the trades  GIA'S INFO: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gia-marie-benline-382208117/ Website: https://cdogroup.com/ PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory   FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1 ANTHONY'S SOCIAL: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamunategui/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.amunategui.3 Find great guests at PodMatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/futurefactorypodcast

    23 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Future Factory Podcast is your go-to business podcast for seeing the future in real time. Hosted by founder of CDO Group, Anthony Amunategui, where he is joined by some of the most influential and respected guests in the business world. From young entrepreneurs changing the world via startups, to leaders of established big name brands across the world.