Generative AI: A Bigger Shift Than the Internet? with Collin Graves

Guest:

Collin Graves

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Episode Overview:

Generative AI is not just another tech wave. According to Collin Graves, founder of North Labs and former U.S. Air Force air crew member, it is a shift bigger than the internet itself. In this episode of Executive Connect, Collin shares why winners in the AI era will not be the companies chasing every new tool but those who anchor technology strategy in human connection, disciplined leadership, and a strong data foundation. From NATO Special Operations missions to building one of the top fractional data and cloud advisory firms, Collin reveals why mid market companies cannot afford to spray and pray with AI. Instead, they must consolidate tools, create accountability loops, and align culture with execution to scale with clarity and confidence.

Timestamps:

00:00 | Why human connection matters in the AI era
00:41 | Military precision meets cloud data strategy
02:00 | From Air Force missions to early cloud obsession
04:28 | First startup and the Dropbox before Dropbox
06:05 | Launching North Labs and advisory first model
08:44 | Fractional data teams explained
09:36 | Why spray and pray AI investments fail
11:41 | AI engineers vs data engineers two disciplines
14:31 | Building a data culture that drives real decisions
16:29 | From rear view reports to windshield visibility
21:47 | Consolidating tools and using AI for automation
25:58 | Mid markets acting like startups with AI agility
28:03 | Leadership lessons from high stakes missions
30:02 | In brief and out brief building accountability
34:16 | Delegation and empowerment as growth drivers
39:39 | Why cross training builds resilience and profit
41:35 | Removing fear of training your replacement
44:34 | Where to start with AI and data modernization
46:43 | How to connect with Collin

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