Why CEOs Must Use AI Themselves in 2026 | Ryan Kohler on AI Agents & Business

AI First or Get Left Behind: AI Strategy, Business Automation & Future-Proofing Your Company

What does it actually mean to become an AI-first company? In this episode of the AI Profit Leaders Podcast, Chris Wiser sits down with Tyler Wallace, CEO of CTS Computers and author focused on helping businesses understand and adopt AI strategically. The conversation goes beyond ChatGPT and simple AI tools to explore how business leaders can use AI to automate processes, increase profitability, improve customer experiences, and future-proof their organizations. Tyler shares why many businesses are approaching AI the wrong way by chasing tools instead of solving real problems and explains why leadership, clean data, and strategic implementation matter more than the latest AI trend. Inside this episode: • Why AI should be a business strategy, not just a tool  • How automation can eliminate hidden profit leaks  • The difference between using AI and becoming AI-driven  • Why small businesses and larger companies need different approaches  • The role of leadership in AI adoption  • Privacy concerns and AI usage inside organizations  • How AI search is changing customer behavior and marketing If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, MSP leader, or executive trying to understand where AI fits into your company, this episode provides practical insights you can implement now.

Why Most Business Owners Are Using AI Wrong (And How to Fix It)

In this episode of the AI Profit Leaders Podcast, Lindsey Badillo sits down with Jerem Morris, founder of Data Tech, a managed service provider (MSP) based in the East Valley of Arizona serving 50+ clients across the valley and into Texas. Jerem shares how he built his business over the past 10 years by rejecting the "break-fix" IT model in favor of recurring, relationship-driven service and how AI is now reshaping the way he works with clients. Growing up in a family of business owners (one of nine kids, with entrepreneur parents and brothers), Jerem has always seen himself as more than just "the IT guy," and AI has accelerated his shift into a true business consultant who sits in the boardroom. We cover: * Jeremy's hands-on AI journey, from the launch of ChatGPT to self-hosting open-source large language models for privacy and control * Why he tells clients it's not about the tool and how AI exposes weak internal processes and communication gaps * Using AI as a "devil's advocate" to poke holes in your thinking instead of just agreeing with you * The two camps slowing AI adoption: the doubters who call it a fad, and the over-eager who skip the education * How AI can help long-time business owners finally understand their key metrics, margins, and their "why" * Declaring "we are an AI company now" to his team, providing ChatGPT business licenses, and running daily 9 a.m. huddles around AI use Whether you're a skeptic, an enthusiast, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a practical look at how small businesses can adopt AI the right way by educating first and automating second. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders putting AI to work in the real world.

The Future of MSPs and AI Enablement for Small Businesses

In this episode of the AI Profit Leaders Podcast, host Lindsey Badillo sits down with John Britt, founder of US Technical Services Group [https://www.ustsg.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com], to discuss the evolution of IT services, the rise of AI in business, and why balance is the key to successful AI adoption. John shares his journey from running a traditional break-fix IT business to helping companies embrace managed services and AI enablement. He explains why AI is both the biggest opportunity and one of the greatest risks businesses face today, especially for companies resisting change or adopting tools too aggressively without proper guardrails. The conversation dives into: *  Why AI is becoming essential for every business  *  The dangers of AI hallucinations and misinformation  *  AI policies, security, and employee usage guidelines  *  How MSPs and tech leaders must evolve or risk becoming irrelevant  *  The importance of measured AI implementation instead of chasing every shiny tool  *  Using AI to reduce employee stress, improve operations, and increase profitability  *  Why authentic leadership matters in the AI era  John also shares practical insights on helping business owners adopt AI without overwhelm and why technology leaders must guide clients through this transformation responsibly. If you're a business owner, MSP, marketer, or leader trying to understand how AI fits into your business strategy, this episode delivers practical wisdom and a grounded perspective on navigating the future of technology.

Women Leading the AI Revolution: How She Leads Securely Is Changing Tech Leadership

In this inspiring episode of the AI Profit Leaders Podcast, Lindsey Badillo sits down with Melanie Padron and Sheila Hair to unpack the powerful movement behind She Leads Securely — a growing community empowering women in AI, cybersecurity, leadership, and business. What started as a challenge to “build their own stage” evolved into a transformational conference bringing together women entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders ready to embrace AI, lead boldly, and stop waiting until they feel “ready.” In this conversation, they discuss: *  Why leadership matters more than technical expertise in the AI era  *  How women are using AI to scale businesses, improve operations, and reclaim time  *  The mindset shift from perfectionism to progress  *  Building AI-first company cultures and empowering teams  *  Using AI for automation, productivity, sales preparation, and operational efficiency  *  Why collaboration beats competition in modern business leadership  *  The vision behind the She Leads Securely movement and its growing community  The episode also dives into practical examples of AI implementation inside MSPs and tech companies, from AI-powered time tracking apps to automated client summaries and internal workflows. If you’re a business owner, MSP leader, entrepreneur, marketer, or anyone navigating leadership in the AI age, this episode is packed with encouragement, strategy, and actionable insights.

AI First Leadership: Why Businesses That Ignore AI Will Be Replaced | Eddie Kee & Chris Wiser

In this episode of the AI Profit Leaders Podcast, Chris Wiser sits down with Eddie Kee, founder of Kee Innovations, to discuss what it really means to become an AI-first business in today’s rapidly changing world. Eddie shares how he transitioned from running a traditional IT company since the late 1980s into building an AI consulting business focused on strategy, leadership, and long-term business transformation. Together, Chris and Eddie break down why most AI projects fail, why CEOs must lead AI adoption from the top down, and why businesses that ignore AI may eventually be displaced by competitors who embrace it. The conversation dives into: *  Why AI should augment employees, not replace them  *  The rise of AI-first leadership teams  *  How AI is changing skilled trades, manufacturing, healthcare, and consulting  *  Why strategy and mindset matter more than tools  *  The danger of chasing AI only for cost-cutting  *  Building AI advisory boards for smarter business decisions  *  How businesses can uncover entirely new markets and opportunities using AI  *  Lessons from ERP, cybersecurity, and IT adoption that apply directly to AI today  Eddie also shares real-world examples from working with manufacturers, optometrists, and service businesses, explaining how AI can create efficiency, innovation, and new revenue streams when implemented correctly. If you're a CEO, entrepreneur, MSP owner, consultant, or business leader trying to understand how AI will reshape business over the next decade, this episode is packed with practical insights and future-focused thinking.