The Human + AI Advantage

Dave McManus

The Formula for the Future: Human X AI = Edge In an era where technology is becoming a commodity, humanity has become the ultimate premium. The Human + AI Advantage is the definitive podcast for leaders, visionaries, and architects of the future who realize that the greatest competitive leap isn't found in the code it’s found in the person directing it. We are moving away from the era of the "Labourer" and into the era of the Architect. Hosted by Dave McManus, this show explores the one thing technology cannot replicate: Architectural Intent. While the rest of the world is obsessed with "how" to use AI tools, we sit down with world-class CEOs, innovative founders, and industry giants to focus on the "who" the humans using strategic logic to build empires, drive global impact, and design a future worth living in. Why the "Up-Market" Leader Listens: For CEOs & Executives: Master the transition to Agentic Workflows and high-level AI Strategy without losing the human-centric culture that defines your brand.For Founders & Entrepreneurs: Learn how to out-pace the competition by focusing on Product Vision and Logic rather than technical overhead. Move faster, stay leaner, and scale your "Edge."For Parents & Educators: Discover a hopeful, actionable framework for the next generation. We deconstruct the "Human-Only" skills empathy, ethics, and critical thinking that will be the most valuable currencies in an automated economy.Stop chasing the tools. Start mastering the advantage. Every episode is a masterclass in Human-AI Synthesis, designed to help you solve complex problems through the lens of logic, leadership, and legacy. Welcome to the Edge. Welcome to The Human + AI Advantage.

  1. 03/10/2025

    #17 Brent Schlender on Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship

    Send us a text In this episode of Unconventional Founders, Brent shares his journey from his early interactions with computers during college to his experiences with tech pioneers like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. He discusses the evolution of computing, the significance of software, and the innovative contributions of both Jobs and Gates to the tech industry. The conversation highlights the challenges of early computing, the visionary approaches of these entrepreneurs, and the transformative impact of their work on personal computing and software development. This conversation delves into the evolution of computing, the pivotal role of ARPANET, and the transformative journey of Steve Jobs from a flawed leader to a compassionate visionary. It highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and the lessons learned from Pixar that shaped Jobs' leadership style. The discussion also touches on Jobs' complex personality and his relationships with colleagues and family, providing a nuanced view of his character and legacy. Join our Lightning Products accelerator program. Take your idea to working product!Sign up here: https://www.skool.com/lightning-accelerator-5204 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more insights and updates. Visit our website at www.lightningproduct.io for additional resources and episode transcripts.

    58 min
  2. 02/24/2025

    #16 Kevin Holmes on Founders Network and Peer Mentorship in Tech

    Send us a text In this episode of Unconventional Founders, Kevin Holmes is the CEO and founder of Founders Network, the largest community of founders in the world. The genesis of Founders Network came from Kevin's own experience as a founder during the dot-com bubble. He realized the importance of peer mentorship and support for founders, which led to the creation of Founders Network. The network has grown to include over 650 active members and has impacted over 3,000 founders. Founders Network focuses on humility, reciprocity, and authenticity, creating a supportive community where founders can learn from each other and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Kevin emphasizes the importance of taking the leap as a first-time founder and the misconception around fundraising. He advises founders to focus on customer development and validation before seeking funding. Additionally, he highlights the need for founders to understand the sales cycle and not give up too easily. In this conversation, Kevin Holmes discusses the qualities and characteristics of successful founders. He emphasizes the importance of commitment, energy, resilience, and resourcefulness. He also highlights the need for founders to be able to sell and communicate the value of their product or service. The conversation touches on topics such as the role of sales in startups, the importance of pricing and capturing value, and the need for founders to take calculated risks. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the mindset and strategies of successful founders. Join our Lightning Products accelerator program. Take your idea to working product!Sign up here: https://www.skool.com/lightning-accelerator-5204 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more insights and updates. Visit our website at www.lightningproduct.io for additional resources and episode transcripts.

    46 min

About

The Formula for the Future: Human X AI = Edge In an era where technology is becoming a commodity, humanity has become the ultimate premium. The Human + AI Advantage is the definitive podcast for leaders, visionaries, and architects of the future who realize that the greatest competitive leap isn't found in the code it’s found in the person directing it. We are moving away from the era of the "Labourer" and into the era of the Architect. Hosted by Dave McManus, this show explores the one thing technology cannot replicate: Architectural Intent. While the rest of the world is obsessed with "how" to use AI tools, we sit down with world-class CEOs, innovative founders, and industry giants to focus on the "who" the humans using strategic logic to build empires, drive global impact, and design a future worth living in. Why the "Up-Market" Leader Listens: For CEOs & Executives: Master the transition to Agentic Workflows and high-level AI Strategy without losing the human-centric culture that defines your brand.For Founders & Entrepreneurs: Learn how to out-pace the competition by focusing on Product Vision and Logic rather than technical overhead. Move faster, stay leaner, and scale your "Edge."For Parents & Educators: Discover a hopeful, actionable framework for the next generation. We deconstruct the "Human-Only" skills empathy, ethics, and critical thinking that will be the most valuable currencies in an automated economy.Stop chasing the tools. Start mastering the advantage. Every episode is a masterclass in Human-AI Synthesis, designed to help you solve complex problems through the lens of logic, leadership, and legacy. Welcome to the Edge. Welcome to The Human + AI Advantage.