Christopher Lochhead Follow Your Different™

On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we sit down with Chris Happ, co-founder and CEO of Virtuous AI, to discuss the urgent need for businesses to embrace AI. We explore how companies have a narrow two-year window to integrate AI deeply or risk being left behind. Chris shares real-world insights on closing the “execution gap” with AI, treating AI as a true business partner, and why curiosity is now the top skill for leaders. This episode is essential listening for marketing professionals and executives navigating the AI-driven future. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go. CHRIS HAPP ON THE AI TIPPING POINT FOR BUSINESS If you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or marketer, you’re standing at a crossroads. The AI revolution isn’t coming—it’s already here. Christopher sat down with Chris Happ, CEO of Virtuous AI, to tackle a critical question: Do businesses have just two years to embrace AI, or risk being overtaken by it? This is not just another tech hype cycle. As Chris Happ puts it, companies will either become AI-first or become fossils. The pace of change is relentless, and the window to act is closing fast. THE URGENCY: WHY THE NEXT TWO YEARS MATTER Chris Happ and Christopher Lochhead draw a powerful parallel between today’s AI moment and the dawn of the commercial internet in the late 1990s. Back then, the fear was being “Amazoned”—disrupted by a digital-first competitor. Today, the risk is being left behind by AI-native businesses. Chris estimates that businesses have about a two-year window—maybe less—to make AI a core part of their operations before the competitive gap becomes insurmountable. The pace of AI development is exponential. What seemed impossible last year is table stakes today. And this isn’t just a tech problem; it’s a business survival issue. Every industry, from butchers to billion-dollar enterprises, is at risk. The advice is clear: start now. Don’t wait for AI to “mature.” The companies that experiment, learn, and iterate today will dominate tomorrow. Look at how leading companies are using AI—not just in Silicon Valley, but in your own industry. THE EXECUTION GAP: THE REAL BARRIER TO GROWTH Most successful companies already have solid strategies. The real challenge is execution. Chris Happ calls this the “execution gap”—the chasm between what you plan and what you actually deliver. As companies grow, executing on strategy becomes exponentially harder. Critical information is often locked away in different departments or systems, and too much time is spent on repetitive, low-value tasks. AI can close this gap by analyzing data and generating insights in seconds, not weeks. AI-driven processes reduce human error and ensure best practices are followed every time, enabling you to do more with less and scale your operations without scaling your headcount. Chris Happ shared a story where Virtuous AI’s “Violet” answered a complex business question in just 26 seconds—a task that would have taken a traditional data team two weeks. The lesson: map out where your strategy breaks down in execution, identify the bottlenecks, and pilot AI solutions in high-impact areas like sales forecasting, customer segmentation, or process automation. To hear more from Chris Happ and how you can turn AI into a valuable business partner, download and listen to this episode. BIO Chris Happ has served as Chief Executive Officer of Virtuous AI since June 1, 2024, leading the company’s move from beta into enterprise-ready deployments of its “AI in a Box” platform. An experienced tech executive and entrepreneur, he previously co‑founded blueSolutions (exiting to Hubwoo), led Goby through growth to exit via Conservice, and scaled MarketTime to 780 % revenue growth and Inc. 5000 recognition. A graduate in Economics from Miami University, Happ also advises startups like Ivee and LUDEX and serves on the board of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. LINKS Find out more about Chris Happ! LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/clhapp/] | VirtuousAI [https://www.virtuousai.com/] We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email [https://lochhead.com/contact/] him, connect on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/legendsandlosers/], X (formerly Twitter) [https://twitter.com/lochhead], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lochhead/], and subscribe on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christopher-lochhead-follow-your-different/id1204044507?mt=2] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1DEYi0U8XGMQTvIMfP0nul]!

On this episode of Follow Your Different, Christopher Lochhead welcomes “IRON” Mike Steadman, a former Marine officer, national boxing champion, and entrepreneur into another installment of Creator Capitalist Conversations. Together, they explore Mike’s inspiring journey from military service to empowering Black veteran entrepreneurs. The conversation highlights the importance of identity, resilience, and mindset in overcoming challenges and reinventing oneself. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and actionable advice on personal growth and entrepreneurial success. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.   EMBRACING IDENTITY TRANSFORMATION In the world of entrepreneurship, few stories are as compelling as that of “IRON” Mike Steadman: a former Marine officer, three-time national boxing champion, and now a category designer and advocate for Black veteran entrepreneurs. Mike’s identity was deeply rooted in his military service. Transitioning to civilian life, he faced the challenge of being seen as “just a boxing coach” rather than the multifaceted leader he knew himself to be. Working with performance psychologists and entrepreneurial mental health coaches, Mike learned to step back and view himself from a broader perspective, a process he calls “psychological distancing.” By intentionally shaping his identity, Mike was able to move from being defined by his past roles to actively designing his future as an entrepreneur and advocate.   RESILIENCE THROUGH “TIME UNDER TENSION” Just as boxers build strength and skill through grueling training, entrepreneurs develop their instincts and capacity by enduring the pressures of business. When COVID-19 shut down Mike’s in-person boxing business, he faced a moment of defeat. Instead of giving up, he used the crisis as a catalyst to pivot—launching a podcast and building a new business model from scratch.   MOTIVATION BEYOND MONEY Financial goals are important, but lasting motivation comes from deeper sources—purpose, impact, and community. Mike found that helping others succeed (as a ghostwriter and editor) was more fulfilling than chasing personal accolades. Inspired by a business coach’s analogy, Mike emphasizes nurturing the “soil” of your life—health, relationships, and mentorship—so your business can thrive. Mike also noticed that as he hit financial milestones, the excitement faded. He began to set new, personal challenges—like running a marathon or reaching Everest Base Camp—to keep himself engaged and fulfilled. To hear more from “IRON” Mike Steadman and his thoughts on reinventing oneself and looking at things from different POVs, download and listen to this episode.   BIO “IRON” Mike Steadman is a Marine Corps Infantry Officer turned entrepreneur, author, and boxing coach. As the founder of IRONBOUND Boxing, he empowers youth in Newark through boxing, mentorship, and enrichment programs. Mike also leads IRONBOUND Media, helping veteran-owned businesses build impactful brands through podcasting. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate and combat veteran, his leadership philosophy integrates discipline, resilience, and service. Mike hosts the “Confessions of a Native Son” podcast, exploring race, business, and personal growth. Passionate about social impact, he continues to create opportunities for underserved communities, embodying his mission to fight for those without champions in their corner.   LINKS Connect with “IRON” Mike Steadman! Website: IronboundBoxing.org [https://www.ironboundboxing.org/] | IronboundMedia.com [https://www.ironboundmedia.com/] | DogWhistleBranding.com [https://www.dogwhistlebranding.com/] Linkedin: in/Iron-Mike-Steadman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/iron-mike-steadman-3387586a/] Instagram: @IronMikeSteadman [https://www.instagram.com/ironmikesteadman/?hl=en]   We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email [https://lochhead.com/contact/] him, connect on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/legendsandlosers/], X (formerly Twitter) [https://twitter.com/lochhead], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lochhead/], and subscribe on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christopher-lochhead-follow-your-different/id1204044507?mt=2] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1DEYi0U8XGMQTvIMfP0nul]!

On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, the script is flipped and we listen to Christopher Lochhead explore the critical theme of customer obsession, especially within startups on the Building with Buyers podcast, hosted by Anna Furmanov. This conversation focuses on the importance of empathy, both for customers and within teams, and advocates for breaking down departmental silos to foster collaboration and drive sustainable growth. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.   CHRISTOPHER LOCHHEAD ON UNDERSTANDING THE “EXISTING MARKET TRAP” Christopher Lochhead explains that many startups fall into the “existing market trap,” where they build something new but compare it to existing products. This approach stifles innovation and fails to create new demand. Instead, startups should focus on understanding their customers deeply and innovating based on their needs. Christopher introduces the concept of “super consumers,” who are passionate individuals at the edges of the bell curve. These customers are not just users; they are evangelists who can help shape and define categories. He suggests that you look for customers who are highly engaged with your product and vocal about their experiences. You then create exclusive communities or programs for these super consumers to gather feedback and encourage them to spread the word about your product.   THE IMPORTANCE OF AUTHENTIC DIALOGUE Christopher discusses the decay of civil discourse in society and its impact on authentic dialogue. He believes that healthy debate and the exchange of differing viewpoints are essential for a functioning society and fostering innovation in business. Christopher also shares his personal experiences with being de-platformed on social media for promoting free speech. He argues that the ability to engage in civil discourse is crucial for personal expression and fostering innovation.   CHALLENGES IN STARTUPS Anna and Christopher discuss the common pitfalls startups face as they grow, such as shifting focus from customer feedback to product development and sales. Christopher shares examples of companies that have thrived by prioritizing customer relationships and adapting their offerings based on customer needs. Some of the things they could do are to analyze how successful companies maintain their customer focus and apply similar strategies to your business. They should also be willing to pivot your strategies based on customer feedback and market changes. To hear more from Christopher Lochhead and Anna Furmanov, download and listen to this episode.   LINKS Like what you hear? You can check out Anna Furmanov’s podcast, Building with Buyers [https://podcast.furmanovmarketing.com/].   We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email [https://lochhead.com/contact/] him, connect on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/legendsandlosers/], X (formerly Twitter) [https://twitter.com/lochhead], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lochhead/], and subscribe on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christopher-lochhead-follow-your-different/id1204044507?mt=2] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1DEYi0U8XGMQTvIMfP0nul]!

On this special 400th episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, Christopher and guest Al Ramadan discuss their new book, “The Existing Market Trap.” They explore the pitfalls businesses face when trying to innovate within established market categories, emphasizing that fitting new ideas into old frameworks stifles innovation. They advocate for category design, which involves creating new market categories rather than competing within existing ones. They also introduce the “13 deadly sins” that entrepreneurs often commit, offering insights to help avoid these common mistakes. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.   AL RAMADAN ON UNDERSTANDING THE EXISTING MARKET TRAP The “existing market trap” refers to the tendency of businesses to try to fit new ideas into old categories. This approach often stifles innovation and growth, as companies focus on competing for market share rather than creating entirely new markets. Al and Christopher argue that this mindset is fundamentally flawed and that true innovation comes from redefining problems and opportunities rather than fitting new solutions into outdated categories. Some of the consequences of the market trap include financial loses, Constantly competing in saturated markets can lead to exhaustion and disillusionment among founders, and loss of strategic direction by the company.    AL RAMADAN ON THE POWER OF CATEGORY DESIGN Category design is a business strategy that focuses on creating new market categories rather than competing within existing ones. This approach allows businesses to escape the constraints of established market definitions and pursue groundbreaking innovations. Why is Category Design Important? Category design is essential because it empowers companies to reshape the market landscape rather than simply compete within it. Instead of fitting into existing frameworks, successful businesses create entirely new categories that address previously unmet needs, unlocking fresh opportunities for innovation and growth. This strategic approach also plays a critical role in building belief, both internally and externally, in a company’s vision. By shaping perception and defining a unique space, category design helps generate demand, positioning the business as a leader rather than a follower.   THE 13 DEADLY SINS OF CATEGORY DESIGN Al and Christopher introduce the concept of the “13 deadly sins” that entrepreneurs often commit when scaling their businesses. These sins serve as cautionary tales for founders who may be tempted to chase after existing market demand rather than focusing on creating new opportunities. Several common pitfalls can hinder a company’s success in the market. One is the Engineer’s Dilemma, where teams become overly focused on technical features instead of addressing broader market needs. Another is the Obviously Better Fallacy—the mistaken belief that having a superior product alone guarantees market success. Finally, the Horizontal Tool Illusion occurs when a company tries to serve everyone, rather than honing in on a specific market segment. These missteps can dilute value, confuse customers, and ultimately prevent a product from gaining traction. To hear more from Christopher and Al Ramadan about the existing Market Trap, download and listen to this episode.    BIO Al Ramadan is a co-founding partner of Play Bigger Advisors and coauthor of the book, Play Bigger. He also co-founded Quokka Sports, which revolutionized the way people experience sport online. Al then joined Macromedia and Adobe, where he spent almost ten years changing the way people think about great digital experiences. At Adobe, Al led teams that created the Rich Internet Applications category and helped develop the discipline of experience design. In the early ‘90s he applied data science to Australia’s Americas Cup — an innovation in sports performance analytics. His work in sailing led directly to the idea for Quokka. He lives in Santa Cruz, California. LINKS Connect with Al Ramadan! Play Bigger [https://www.playbigger.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alramadan/] | Category Contenders [https://www.playbigger.com/contender-list] | The Science Behind Category Design [https://www.playbigger.com/science] We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email [https://lochhead.com/contact/] him, connect on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/legendsandlosers/], X (formerly Twitter) [https://twitter.com/lochhead], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lochhead/], and subscribe on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christopher-lochhead-follow-your-different/id1204044507?mt=2] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1DEYi0U8XGMQTvIMfP0nul]!

On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we have a Dude conversation with the chief Dudes of DUDE Wipes to talk about how they wiped their competition and became the leader in their category. This episode is part of the Creator Capitalist Conversations, a mini-series spotlighting real-life legends who have rejected traditional career paths and built lives around what makes them different. These are stories of people who didn’t wait to get picked. They picked themselves—and started building careers that pay them to be radically them. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go.   LINKS Learn more about Dude Wipes! LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/spriles/] | Dude Wipes [https://dudewipes.com/]   We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email [https://lochhead.com/contact/] him, connect on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/legendsandlosers/], Twitter [https://twitter.com/lochhead], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lochhead/], and subscribe on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christopher-lochhead-follow-your-different/id1204044507?mt=2] / Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1DEYi0U8XGMQTvIMfP0nul]!