The Human Code

Don Finley
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The Human Code" podcast unravels the intricate blend of technology, leadership, and personal growth, featuring insights from visionary leaders and innovators shaping the future. Host Don Finley dives deep into the human stories behind technological advancements, inspiring listeners at the crossroads of humanity and tech.

  1. hace 1 día

    AI, Sales & the Future of Human Connection | The Human Code ft. Jarod Bowersett

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Human Code, Don Finley sits down with Jarod Bowersett — sales veteran, entrepreneur, and co-founder of HeyRafi — to explore the fascinating intersection of AI, sales, and what it means to be human in an era of rapid technological change. Jarod shares hard-won lessons from 15 years of building high-ticket sales teams, why the "unsexy" fundamentals of sales still matter, and how AI voice agents are quietly transforming how businesses connect with prospects. The conversation expands into the future of SaaS, agentic commerce, the role of human relationships in enterprise deals, and a thought-provoking vision of what work — and life — might look like when AI handles the grind. Whether you're a founder, a salesperson, or just someone trying to make sense of where technology is taking us, this episode is packed with candid insights and real-world perspective. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations at the intersection of humanity and technology. Table of Contents Introductions & Jared's Background — 0:00 Don welcomes Jarod and they kick off with Jarod's origin story: 15 years building sales teams and closing multi-million dollar deals, and what drew him to the messy, unsexy reality of high-ticket sales. The Real Secret to Sales: Just Follow Up — 1:30 Jarod breaks down why relentless follow-up is the most underrated (and undervalued) skill in sales, and how figuring that out changed everything for him. HeyRafi: AI That Makes Outbound Sales Calls — 3:02 An introduction to HeyRafi and what it actually means to replace a sales rep with an AI that calls, texts, and emails prospects at scale. Will People Actually Talk to an AI? The Data Says Yes — 4:58 Jarod shares surprising data on how people respond to AI-driven outreach — and why most callers simply don't care if it's a robot, as long as it serves them well. What Excites Jarod Most About AI in Sales — 8:28 The vision of a future where salespeople spend their entire day on quality discovery and demo calls — with AI handling all the prospecting grunt work. Will Micro-SaaS Disappear? — 10:44 Jarod poses a friendly debate: does the rise of AI agents kill micro-SaaS products? Don shares why micro-SaaS may be the most vulnerable segment — and what larger platforms still have going for them. The Shift from Per-Seat Licensing to Usage-Based Models — 12:47 Don points to Atlassian's declining enterprise seat sales and the broader trend toward compute- and outcome-based pricing. Jarod connects this to HeyRafi's own experiments with usage-based distribution. Selling to Agents: The Future of B2B Discovery — 14:50 How do you sell a product when the buyer's first touchpoint is an AI agent doing comparison research? Don and Jarod explore what "agent-friendly" marketing might look like. Human Relationships Still Win in High-Ticket Sales — 17:47 Despite all the automation, both agree: for seven- and eight-figure deals, the human element isn't going anywhere. Emotional connection, trust, and the ability to "shake a hand" still close contracts. AI, Time, and the 50% Net Margin Future — 22:39 Jarod's personal take on what AI gives back most: time. He paints a picture of a near future where lean, AI-first companies run at 50%+ net margins with a fraction of today's headcount. New Jobs We Can't Imagine Yet — 25:31 Don reflects on how "content creator" didn't exist when they were growing up — and asks what the next unimaginable job category will be as AI frees up human potential. Entrepreneurship for Everyone & Sacred Economics — 26:15 A philosophical stretch: what if AI lowered the barriers to entrepreneurship so much that everyone could be a builder? Don references Sacred Economics and the idea that commoditized intelligence makes real-world, human experiences more valuable than ever. Closing Thoughts: Be Curious — 30:09 Jarod leaves the audience with one simple piece of advice — and Don wraps up a wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation. Sponsored by FINdustries Hosted by Don Finley

    31 min
  2. Human-Centric AI: Navigating the Intersection of Technology, Business, and Life

    23 jun

    Human-Centric AI: Navigating the Intersection of Technology, Business, and Life

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, guest Bill McLane joins the conversation to share his journey through more than 30 years in the technology industry, from early coding rooms to co-founding Apon AI. The discussion explores the critical role of empathy in technical support and why maintaining a human touch is essential even as AI voice agents and automation become more prevalent. Bill offers profound insights on business leadership, the evolving landscape of AI development, and his philosophy that "work-life balance" is simply "all life". Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode provides a unique perspective on leveraging modern tools like ChatGPT and Claude while staying grounded in core human values and family. Table of Contents: The Importance of Empathy in Technology (01:04): The guest explains his motivation for becoming a "go-between" for technical experts and everyday users, emphasizing the need for empathy when solving catastrophic technical issues.Simplifying Tech-Speak for the Boardroom (03:35): A discussion on the art of communicating complex AI concepts without overusing jargon or being condescending to diverse audiences.The Genesis of Apon AI (05:04): Bill recounts how he and his partner transitioned from their backgrounds in telecommunications to building their own AI voice agent platform.Managing the "Fire Hose" of AI Innovation (08:50): How business leaders can stay sane amidst the rapid pace of AI releases by focusing on customer problems rather than chasing every new technical curve.A Unique Approach to Global Hiring (12:00): Insights into building a self-funded, global team where personality and empathy are prioritized over technical skills during the hiring process.Accelerated Development and AI Tools (15:07): Comparing the long development cycles of the past to today’s rapid prototyping, including how the team uses AI to build internal tools and curriculum in hours.Philosophy on Life and Work (27:00): A deep dive into why "work-life balance" is a misnomer, the value of being present for family milestones, and treating a company like a larger family.The Future Impact of AI on the Economy (35:11): Bill shares his optimistic view of AI as a tool for opportunity, comparing its current disruption to historical milestones like the automobile and electricity.Sponsored by FINdustries Hosted by Don Finley

    37 min
  3. Human-Centric AI: Navigating the Intersection of Technology, Business, and Life

    23 jun

    Human-Centric AI: Navigating the Intersection of Technology, Business, and Life

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, guest Bill McLane joins the conversation to share his journey through more than 30 years in the technology industry, from early coding rooms to co-founding Apon AI. The discussion explores the critical role of empathy in technical support and why maintaining a human touch is essential even as AI voice agents and automation become more prevalent. Bill offers profound insights on business leadership, the evolving landscape of AI development, and his philosophy that "work-life balance" is simply "all life". Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode provides a unique perspective on leveraging modern tools like ChatGPT and Claude while staying grounded in core human values and family. Table of Contents: The Importance of Empathy in Technology (01:04): The guest explains his motivation for becoming a "go-between" for technical experts and everyday users, emphasizing the need for empathy when solving catastrophic technical issues.Simplifying Tech-Speak for the Boardroom (03:35): A discussion on the art of communicating complex AI concepts without overusing jargon or being condescending to diverse audiences.The Genesis of Apon AI (05:04): Bill recounts how he and his partner transitioned from their backgrounds in telecommunications to building their own AI voice agent platform.Managing the "Fire Hose" of AI Innovation (08:50): How business leaders can stay sane amidst the rapid pace of AI releases by focusing on customer problems rather than chasing every new technical curve.A Unique Approach to Global Hiring (12:00): Insights into building a self-funded, global team where personality and empathy are prioritized over technical skills during the hiring process.Accelerated Development and AI Tools (15:07): Comparing the long development cycles of the past to today’s rapid prototyping, including how the team uses AI to build internal tools and curriculum in hours.Philosophy on Life and Work (27:00): A deep dive into why "work-life balance" is a misnomer, the value of being present for family milestones, and treating a company like a larger family.The Future Impact of AI on the Economy (35:11): Bill shares his optimistic view of AI as a tool for opportunity, comparing its current disruption to historical milestones like the automobile and electricity.Sponsored by FINdustries Hosted by Don Finley

    37 min
  4. The Agentic Era: How Web 3 Browsers are Changing the Internet

    16 jun

    The Agentic Era: How Web 3 Browsers are Changing the Internet

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Don sits down with Brian Feinberg, the founder and CTO of the Tomorrow Company, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its integration with human experience. Brian shares insights from his 14-year journey in machine learning and automation, discussing whether modern technology truly "understands" its actions. The conversation delves into the vision behind the Tomorrow Company, its focus on capturing opportunities at the intersection of Web3 and AI, and the development of innovative financial products like the Carbon Utility Token. They also discuss the "dead internet theory," the importance of trustless environments, and how AI is revolutionizing productivity through "dark software factories" and rapid prototyping. Brian provides a forward-looking perspective on the next five years, emphasizing institutional adoption of blockchain, the need for seamless user interactions, and the critical role of authenticity in a world of large language models. Table of Contents The Concept of AI Understanding (00:00 - 00:50) The speakers discuss whether current technology has reached a point where it understands its own actions, exploring the idea that AI-human interaction is becoming increasingly intertwined and conversational. Introduction of Brian Feinberg (00:51 - 01:58) Don introduces Brian Feinberg, founder and CTO of the Tomorrow Company, who reflects on his long history in machine learning and the transition from process automation to modern AI. Testing AI and the Need for Execution (01:59 - 03:45) Brian emphasizes that while we expect conversation and obedience from AI, the ultimate goal is execution, which frees up human time for deeper philosophical pursuits. Vision of the Tomorrow Company (03:46 - 07:35) Brian outlines the vision for the Tomorrow Company, focusing on innovation at the intersection of Web3, AI, and Real World Assets (RWA) to unlock capital liquidity and build vertical intelligence. Carbon Utility Tokens and Financial Indexes (07:36 - 09:29) The discussion shifts to specific projects, including the Carbon Utility Token—which represents real carbon credits on-chain—and the creation of proprietary data indexes for top carbon and tech companies. Web3 Browser and the Agentic Era (09:30 - 11:28) Brian describes an experimental Web3 browser and network designed for secure application connectivity as we enter an "agentic era" where AI agents deliver requested services. The Dead Internet Theory and Trust (11:29 - 12:41) The conversation explores the "dead internet theory"—the idea that most online interaction will eventually be with bots—and the necessity of building trustless environments through technology. The Golden Era of Productivity and Dark Software Factories (12:42 - 14:46) Brian explains how AI has drastically reduced the number of employees needed to generate high revenue, mentioning their "dark software factory" that merges code automatically without human involvement. Rapid Prototyping and the Role of Creativity (14:47 - 18:24) A look inside the Tomorrow Company's lab reveals a 30-day process for launching products, where one AI might prompt another to design user interfaces and experiences in just hours. Authentic Engagement and Democratized Research (18:25 - 23:00) Brian discusses how AI-driven real-time analysis is disrupting expensive traditional research firms and allowing companies to engage authentically with global audiences across multiple languages. Regulatory Compliance and Tokenization (23:01 - 26:39) The importance of managing the full lifecycle of a token within regulatory guidelines is highlighted, noting that the next generation of public companies will be built on tokenized assets. Predictions for the Next Five Years (26:40 - 32:57) Brian predicts massive institutional adoption of blockchain, the inclusion of half a billion new users through seamless "one-click" interactions, and a continued focus on specific AI use cases to maintain authenticity. Sponsored by FINdustries Hosted by Don Finley

    33 min
  5. Beyond the Hype: Mastering Business Fundamentals and Security in the Age of AI Agents

    9 jun

    Beyond the Hype: Mastering Business Fundamentals and Security in the Age of AI Agents

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, experts explore the critical intersection of business fundamentals and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. The conversation delves into the shift from repetitive task-based roles to judgment-driven expertise, emphasizing that while robots are taking over automated tasks, human judgment and tribal knowledge remain a company's most valuable intellectual property. The discussion also provides a strategic framework for leaders to classify AI agents and implement essential security measures, such as virtual desktop interfaces (VDI) and VPNs, to protect corporate data in an increasingly agentic world. Table of Contents The Role of Human Judgment in an AI-Driven Business (01:30) Discussion on why teams are increasingly needed for their judgment and decision-making processes rather than just raw intelligence.Defining the Fundamentals of Business and AI (06:31) An exploration of "Mateoisms" regarding business roles, functions, and processes designed to deliver value using tools like AI to scale repetitive tasks.Managing by Exception and Proactive Problem Solving (08:41) How to utilize agents to handle high volumes of tasks while escalating complex exceptions to human experts for proactive process optimization.The Three Classifications of AI Agents (17:44) A strategic breakdown of agent types: built-in software agents, platform services on demand, and unauthorized rogue endpoint use cases.Securing the Agentic Environment (18:24) Critical security protocols for leaders, including the reintroduction of VDI and corporate VPNs to prevent data exposure through AI agent credentials.The Transition of the Workforce and Industry Evolution (40:02) Analyzing historical industry shifts, such as the automotive and mobile phone revolutions, to understand the current reduction of overhead and the "gig mindset."Strategic Implementation: What NOT to Automate (33:52) A decision matrix for leaders to identify processes that should remain human-centric due to legal, regulatory, or high-risk relationship factors.Sponsored by FINdustries Hosted by Don Finley

    53 min
  6. Humanizing Technology: How Agentic AI is Transforming Healthcare and Corporate Strategy

    2 jun

    Humanizing Technology: How Agentic AI is Transforming Healthcare and Corporate Strategy

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, guest Mary Kotch joins the show to discuss the evolving intersection of humanity and technology. Drawing from her extensive career beginning with early data processing to her current role as an AI fellow, Mary shares deep insights into how artificial intelligence is moving beyond simple automation to drive preventative healthcare and streamlined corporate workflows. The conversation explores the practical application of Agentic AI, the importance of data-centric engineering, and strategic advice for both startups and Fortune 500 companies navigating the rapid shift toward an AI-forward future. Table of Contents Introduction to Agentic AI Workflows (00:00) The speaker describes the power of Agentic AI by recounting how they rapidly built a functional Jira alternative and a complete insurance policy workflow from email to rating during a single afternoon. The Intersection of Humanity and Technology (00:56) Mary Kotch is introduced and shares her background, reflecting on how her interest in technology was sparked in the 1980s and developed through her education at Penn State. AI’s Impact on Healthcare and Elder Care (03:13) Mary discusses her current work with C10 Labs and healthcare startups, highlighting an AI-driven WhatsApp application designed to help the Hispanic elderly population manage medications. Preventative Care and Real-Time Clinical Data (06:38) The discussion shifts to how AI is used for risk mitigation and preventative healthcare by aggregating medical data to predict necessary doctor visits and assist clinicians with real-time patient care. The Adoption Curve and Generational Shifts (09:53) The speakers analyze the transition toward "dark factories" for software and predict that AI adoption will accelerate as the baby boomer generation retires from major corporations. Bridging the Gap: Data, Engineering, and Cyber Security (13:14) Mary emphasizes the critical need for a "data lens" in AI development, noting that many organizations rely too heavily on engineers without sufficient focus on data and cyber security. The Future of Corporate AI Training and Transformation (18:14) The conversation explores how organizations should restructure by turning service desk roles into AI trainers and using "pod" approaches to embed AI engineers directly into business departments. Personalized Software and the Shift in SAS (25:00) Mary illustrates how AI is challenging traditional software-as-a-service (SAS) providers by allowing users to build highly personalized tools, such as custom underwriting platforms, in a matter of hours. Strategic Advice for AI Implementation (34:36) In closing, Mary advises organizations to "slow down" and thoroughly document their current operations before using large language models to remodel their business and save costs. Sponsored by FINdustries Hosted by Don Finley

    37 min
  7. AI, Humanity & the Future of Work: A VC's Honest Take | The Human Code ft. Allen Smith

    26 may

    AI, Humanity & the Future of Work: A VC's Honest Take | The Human Code ft. Allen Smith

    Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to invest in AI when the same technology could disrupt the people it aims to serve? In this episode of The Human Code, Don Finley sits down with Allen Smith — Managing Partner of Musa Capital, a $15M VC fund investing at the intersection of enterprise and AI — for a candid conversation about the tension between innovation, responsibility, and human impact. Allen shares how his Stanford background in Science, Technology & Society shaped his worldview, why AI-powered teams consistently outperform bloated organizations, and why legacy companies may have an underrated advantage in the AI era — if leadership is willing to move. From autonomous agents to the risks of AI systems that learn to deceive, this conversation tackles the uncomfortable but necessary questions: How will AI reshape work, leadership, and human connection? And how do we preserve what makes us human while moving technology forward at full speed? 🎙️ Guest: Allen Smith, Managing Partner, Musa Capital 🎙️ Host: Don Finley, The Human Code Table of Contents 0:00 — Introductions & Allen’s Background Allen shares his journey from studying Science, Technology & Society at Stanford and playing football under Jim Harbaugh to founding Musa Capital, a $15M VC fund backed by Fortune 500 tech operators investing in AI and enterprise innovation. 5:27 — Fiduciary Responsibility vs. Human Impact The discussion explores the tension between delivering returns for investors while funding technologies that may replace jobs — and whether financial responsibility and social responsibility can coexist. 9:00 — AI as an Equalizer: Musa Capital’s Summer of Code Allen explains how his fund is preparing the next generation of talent through an AI-first model that rewards people who use automation to dramatically improve workflows. 11:00 — Why Pre-Seed Investing Looks Different in the AI Era With AI lowering the cost of execution, Allen argues smaller teams can accomplish more than ever — making pre-seed one of the most exciting opportunities in venture. 12:31 — The Dangerous Frontier: AI That Learns to Lie The conversation shifts to AI safety, autonomous systems, and the growing concern around models capable of obscuring their own behavior. 15:15 — AI Is Disrupting Every Discipline Unlike past technology waves, AI isn’t impacting just one sector — marketing, legal, finance, engineering, and operations are all changing simultaneously. 27:59 — The Optimal Human-to-Agent Ratio Allen breaks down why lean, AI-enhanced teams of five can outperform much larger organizations and why too many people in the loop often slows progress. 31:47 — AI Natives vs. Legacy Organizations — Who Wins? Don assumes startups have the edge, but Allen argues established companies may actually be better positioned if leaders move quickly and think creatively. 39:17 — Advice for Leaders: Get Out of Your Own Way Allen shares practical advice for organizations navigating AI — from decision-making and workforce strategy to avoiding paralysis during a period of rapid change. 44:03 — Preserving Humanity in an AI-First World The episode closes with a bigger question: as AI becomes embedded in daily life, how do we preserve human connection, meaning, and identity? Sponsored by FINdustries Hosted by Don Finley

    43 min

  8. 19 may

    Merging Code and Consciousness with Don Finley

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Bold Conscious Connections, technologist and builder Don Finley joins the show to discuss the intersection of innovation and intention. As the founder of Find Industries and host of The Human Code podcast, Finley shares his journey from intense software projects to a life-changing realization while climbing Kilimanjaro. This conversation explores the ethical use of AI to foster deeper human relationships, the evolution of agentic systems, and why success in the modern era depends more on deep listening than technical expertise. Table of Contents Introduction to Bold Conscious Connections (00:52): The host introduces the channel's mission to explore the journeys of visionary leaders and impactful entrepreneurs.Introducing Don Finley (01:20): A look at Finley’s background as a technologist, builder, and host of The Human Code podcast.The Kilimanjaro Turning Point (03:35): Finley describes how a grueling sunrise hike up Mount Kilimanjaro led to a profound realization about personal misery and the need for work-life integration.The Human Side of AI Automation (07:01): A discussion on what should not be automated, emphasizing activities that bring joy and foster personal connections.Innovation vs. Ego (09:09): Finley explores the importance of focusing on the "why" of a project rather than being beholden to a specific "how," illustrated by an AI-driven requirements gathering process.Defining Agentic Systems (13:45): An explanation of how agentic systems differ from standard LLMs by having goals and the ability to take action using various digital tools.AI as a Reflection of Consciousness (16:58): Finley discusses how AI mirrors human behavior and worldview, highlighting the ongoing challenges of AI alignment.The Power of Deep Listening (22:18): Reflecting on how effective software development requires translating human ideas into code through intensive listening and feedback loops.Finding the Center (25:15): Finley shares his personal practices for staying grounded, including meditation, breathwork, and the importance of self-care for leaders.Unlearning Worry (27:26): A personal look at Finley's current process of unlearning the mental safety mechanism of chronic worry.Find Industries’ Hidden Mission (29:39): The "sneaky spiritualism" behind the organization, aimed at using AI to help individuals find their purpose and deliver more joy.Rapid Fire Questions (33:12): A quick series of questions covering topics from hustle culture to the hardest parts of starting over.Closing Remarks and Gratitude (41:16): Finley and the host reflect on their long-term connection and the insights gained during the conversation.Sponsored by FINdustries Hosted by Don Finley

    43 min
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The Human Code" podcast unravels the intricate blend of technology, leadership, and personal growth, featuring insights from visionary leaders and innovators shaping the future. Host Don Finley dives deep into the human stories behind technological advancements, inspiring listeners at the crossroads of humanity and tech.

Información

  • Creador
    Don Finley
  • Años de actividad
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodios
    99
  • Clasificación
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Human Code
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    The Human Code