#82: Alex Hung - AI Tools, Leading Productive Teams, and Navigating the Changing Workforce

#82: Alex Hung - AI Tools, Leading Productive Teams, and Navigating the Changing Workforce

J.R. Yonocruz welcomes back Alex Hung for his third appearance to discuss AI tools, agents vs chat models, and how his company is rolling out Claude to improve efficiency. They share real examples like automating sales-lead prioritization through a CRM and summarizing work across Slack/Jira, while noting its clear limitation due to lack of context and inconsistencies. The conversation also explores AI’s impact on layoffs and entry-level roles, plus advice to broaden skills, build proof-of-work, and develop resilience through failure. Alex closes with leadership insights from his LinkedIn posts on toxic high performers, professionalism, and keeping teams engaged through progress, clarity, and recognition. 02:45 Career Shift and AI 04:42 From Chatbots to Agents 08:42 Claude Product Breakdown 14:37 Rolling Out AI at Work 17:42 Automation Use Cases 21:59 Birthday Freebie Workflow 25:52 AI and Layoff Reality 34:44 Entry Level Jobs Squeeze 36:19 Doom Loop and Entrepreneurship 39:33 Go Horizontal With AI 42:41 Advice For Students 46:33 Gen Z And Caring 48:14 AI Fake Content Labels 51:32 LinkedIn Topics 52:55 Toxic High Performers 54:29 Be Yourself At Work 57:46 Keeping Teams Engaged 01:03:23 Managing Toxic Stars 01:06:51 AI Anxiety And Gratitude 01:10:54 Disconnect And Reset Guest bio: Alex is the Chief of Staff at a start-up that provides back-office solutions for property managers, focusing on business enablement and strategy to grow the business, and unblock operational challenges. He loves debating with friends to challenge his ideas and opinions. His best friend is his white and grey shih tzu, Teddy. * Instagram: @hungonlife / https://www.instagram.com/hungonlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/hungonlife/] * LinkedIn: @AlexanderHung / https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-hung/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-hung/] Links/resources: * #34: Alex Hung - From HR to Chief of Staff, the Velocity of Money, and Understanding Women [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/17154931] * #47: KM Class of 2010 - Being on a Competitive Team, Maintaining Friendships, the Burdens of Leadership, and 15-Year Aspirations [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/17567847] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/support] One Thousand Gurus Podcast: Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, and serial hobbyist with a passion for learning. He interviews unique guests from various fields to distill the strategies, habits, and mindsets we can use in our own lives. Each “guru” has a chance to give the audience a peek into a new world. * 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com [https://www.onethousandgurus.com/] * 🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus [https://bio.site/onethousandgurus] * 📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter] * 📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz [https://stan.store/marloyonocruz]

#81: Random Show with Aeden Pham - Self-Care vs. Indulgence, Speaking with Integrity, and Spending Habits

Relaxation, Compassion, and the Hidden Cost of “Good Deals” | Random Show with Aeden Pham J.R. Yonocruz welcomes repeat guest Aeden Pham for a chill random-show catch-up on recent life updates and personal reflections. They discuss how relaxation improves learning and performance in music and dance, plus navigating dating by managing eagerness and staying genuine. They also unpack therapy lessons on compassion and emotional processing, frustrations with people whose words and actions don’t align, and the difference between self-care and indulgence. The conversation closes with reflections on spending habits, recurring subscriptions, and the “phantom cost” of buying things that take up space. 02:31 Life Updates Catch-up 03:50 Relaxation In Music 06:13 Relaxed Dance Mindset 09:29 Managing Dating Eagerness 11:25 Adult Authenticity Talk 16:47 Therapy And Compassion 23:12 Burnout Versus Self-Care 27:30 Boundaries And Recovery 31:37 People Who Just Talk 35:05 Aspirational Talkers 38:25 Ethics Versus Deals 42:42 Phantom Cost Of Space 49:04 Spending Habits Reset 56:41 Questioning Your Subscriptions 01:00:24 Own Your Vices 01:01:25 Gratitude And Sign Off Guest bio: Aeden Anthony Pham is a published researcher, knowledgeable in the topics of race, gender, and sexuality in popular media, has 2 masters degrees, and has studied in 5 different countries. Professionally, he has worked in multiple industries, including service, non-profit, entertainment, and technology. In their 20+ years of work experience, they've received recognition from the city council, the state government, the office of the president, and even Disneyland. Aeden is an award-winning singer, dancer, writer, and film director also enjoys investing their time in various activities, such as stand-up comedy, archery, ice skating, and video/board gaming. * IG: @aedenanthony [https://www.instagram.com/aedenanthony] - https://www.instagram.com/aedenanthony / @iamajrp [https://www.instagram.com/iamajrp] - https://www.instagram.com/iamajrp Links/resources: * #50: Random Show with Aeden Pham - Dieting Tips, Dating Stories, Long-Term Goals, Personality Tests, and More [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/17668489] * #31: Random Show with Aeden Pham - Karaoke Enthusiasts, Project Management Tips, and Unexpected Hot Takes [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/16846582] * #16: Aeden Anthony Pham - Adaptability for Growth, the Power of Therapy, and Investing in Relationships [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/16181697] * The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up [https://marloyonocruz.com/2018/06/05/book-notes-the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up/] (book summary) Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/support] One Thousand Gurus Podcast: Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, and serial hobbyist with a passion for learning. He interviews unique guests from various fields to distill the strategies, habits, and mindsets we can use in our own lives. Each “guru” has a chance to give the audience a peek into a new world. * 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com [https://www.onethousandgurus.com/] * 🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus [https://bio.site/onethousandgurus] * 📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter] * 📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz [https://stan.store/marloyonocruz]

#80: Season 8 Recap - Favorite Takeaways from Episodes 71–79

Host J.R. Yonocruz recaps Season 8 of One Thousand Gurus (episodes 71–79, recorded February through early April) to highlight key lessons and invite listeners to revisit the season. He reviews solo episodes on Tony Robbins’ achievement vs fulfillment and Marie Kondo’s KonMari “spark joy” method, plus interviews on frugal homebuying, LinkedIn recruiting and personal branding, dance/DJing to audio engineering, 75 Hard and self-talk, depression and faith, and an unconventional creative life in Europe. He also summarizes a long, wide-ranging conversation on AI, careers, and practical life decisions. 00:00 Season Eight Recap Intro 01:27 Episode 71 Tony Robbins 02:37 Episode 72 My Vo 03:37 Episode 73 Max Navarro 04:38 Episode 74 Marie Kondo 05:48 Episode 75 Herbie De Guzman 07:10 Episode 76 Richard Hardy 08:11 Episode 77 Andre Malicdem 09:24 Episode 78 Random Show Julie 10:49 Episode 79 Kenta Naoi 12:40 Season Wrap Up Sign Off Links/resources: * #71: Tony Robbins - Decision-Making, Science of Achievement & Art of Fulfillment [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/18710552] * #72: My Vo - Growing Up Frugal to Buying Your First Home, Teaching Chemistry, and Enjoying Life Through Hobbies [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/18743608] * #73: Maximillian Navarro - Retail Sales to LinkedIn Recruiting, Fashion Tips, and Building a 10-Year Relationship [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/18744592] * #74: Book Highlights - The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/18830303] * #75: Herbie De Guzman - Dance & DJing to Audio Engineering, Aging Parents, and Learning from Breakups [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/18847039] * #76: Richard Hardy - Door-to-Door Solar Sales, Mental Discipline of 75 Hard, and the Power of Self-Talk [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/18959653] * #77: Andre Malicdem - Childhood Reminiscing, Male Modeling, Overcoming Depression, and Building a Family [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/18959888] * #78: Random Show with Julie Huynh - Careers in an AI Apocalypse, Buying vs. Renting, Productivity Coaching, Avoiding Internet Stalkers & More [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/18960110] * #79: Kenta Thomas Naoi - Joyful Movement, Creative Design, Business Coaching, and Building a Life in Europe (link TBD) Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/support] One Thousand Gurus Podcast: Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, and serial hobbyist with a passion for learning. He interviews unique guests from various fields to distill the strategies, habits, and mindsets we can use in our own lives. Each “guru” has a chance to give the audience a peek into a new world. * 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com [https://www.onethousandgurus.com/] * 🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus [https://bio.site/onethousandgurus] * 📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter] * 📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz [https://stan.store/marloyonocruz]

#79: Kenta Thomas Naoi - Joyful Movement, Creative Design, Business Coaching, and Building a Life in Europe

Reconnecting Through Movement, Coaching, and Non-Attachment with Kenta Thomas Naoi J.R. Yonocruz reunites with high school friend Kenta Thomas Naoi, now Denmark-based, to reflect on their dance-era origins and Kenta’s journey from design school to New York entrepreneurship, burnout, and a shift into integrative business coaching. Kenta shares an origin story of losing mobility from transverse myelitis, how movement and storytelling shaped his work, and his current projects Studio Rana and Movement Design Research. They discuss joyful movement, critical thinking, and lessons on non-attachment, expectations, and giving grace. 02:35 High School Dance Memories 06:37 From Design to Europe 11:11 Not With That Attitude 15:02 Coaching and Self-Trust 18:04 Personality Types and Perception 28:37 Mobility Loss and Healing Through Movement 32:10 Connecting the Dots to New York 37:19 Scrappy Survival Jobs 44:27 Agency Growth and Burnout 49:38 Coaching Business Model 55:39 Non-Attachment Lessons 59:06 Joyful Movement Practice 01:03:19 Finding Dance Joy Again 01:08:16 Host Journey and Coaching 01:12:13 Loneliness and Ambition 01:16:38 Integrating Work and Passion 01:18:17 Five to Ten Year Vision 01:22:22 Rapid Fire Begins 01:26:57 Non Attachment and Identity 01:35:18 Critical Thinking and Nuance 01:39:53 Gratitude and Wrap Up Guest bio: Kenta is a multi-modal creative-researcher, integrative business coach, designer, inbodied-inquiry practitioner and facilitator, bog-person, and level 4 animist druid world builder. His work often centers the body as location for insight, play, and possibilities for more loving futures. He runs 'movement-design-research', a project in making and moving sustainably, he also runs studio-rana, a movement studio, with his wife, and he talks to cats. * Instagram: @kentathomas / https://www.instagram.com/kentathomas [https://www.instagram.com/kentathomas] * Website: https://kentathomasnaoi.com/ [https://kentathomasnaoi.com/] Links/resources: * #54: Way Liu - Dancer to DJ, Navigating Sobriety, Chronic Back Pain, and Finding Creative Outlets [https://www.onethousandgurus.com/2389613/episodes/17784112-54-way-liu-dancer-to-dj-navigating-sobriety-chronic-back-pain-and-finding-creative-outlets] * Awareness by Anthony de Mello [https://marloyonocruz.com/2021/12/07/book-notes-awareness-by-anthony-de-mello/] (book summary) * Built to Move by Kelly & Juliet Starrett [https://marloyonocruz.com/2021/12/07/book-notes-awareness-by-anthony-de-mello/] (book summary) * Love and Rage by Lama Rod Owens [https://amzn.to/4vkOD8R] (Amazon - affiliate link) Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/support] One Thousand Gurus Podcast: Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, and serial hobbyist with a passion for learning. He interviews unique guests from various fields to distill the strategies, habits, and mindsets we can use in our own lives. Each “guru” has a chance to give the audience a peek into a new world. * 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com [https://www.onethousandgurus.com/] * 🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus [https://bio.site/onethousandgurus] * 📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter] * 📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz [https://stan.store/marloyonocruz]

#78: Random Show with Julie Huynh - Careers in an AI Apocalypse, Buying vs. Renting, Productivity Coaching, Avoiding Internet Stalkers & More

Random Show with Julie Huynh: Mastery Tradeoffs, AI at Work, Love Languages, Burnout, and Purpose J.R. Yonocruz chats with returning guest Julie Huynh in a wide-ranging “random show,” covering her life updates (travel, untraditional engagement, wedding planning, and moving to LA) and reflections on turning 30-something. They also dig into mastery tradeoffs, automation and AI at work, atypical love languages, renting vs owning parallels with jobs vs business, and burnout, purpose, and coaching. Guest bio: Julie is an OC native, though originally from Chicago. She went to school for bio and Asian American Studies, and ended up joining the workforce as a graphic, web, UX, and product designer. She's passionate about community building, service, and in her free time, likes to dance, bake, read, draw/paint, and side hustle. * Design website: https://www.jbhuynh.com/ [https://www.jbhuynh.com/] * Design IG: @designedby_julie [https://www.instagram.com/designedby_julie/] / https://www.instagram.com/designedby_julie/ [https://www.instagram.com/designedby_julie/] * Dance IG: @jujubeatsz [https://www.instagram.com/jujubeatsz/] - https://www.instagram.com/jujubeatsz/ [https://www.instagram.com/jujubeatsz/] * Cake IG: @cakehuynhner [https://www.instagram.com/cakehuynhner/] - https://www.instagram.com/cakehuynhner/ [https://www.instagram.com/cakehuynhner/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huynhjulie/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/huynhjulie/] Links/resources: * #20: Random Show with Julie Huynh - KPOP Idol Worship, Dating Culture, and the Secrets of Attraction [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/16337370] * #35: Julie Huynh - The Path to UX Designer, Mastering Your Craft, and Upgrading Our Life to 2.0 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/episodes/17154990] * 10 Relationship Lies [https://youtu.be/JQYa2nxOIto?si=qkWBMXqw5A3P9Apc&t=214] (YouTube) * How AI is Causing a White Collar Purge [https://youtu.be/Zcpj-U5lcAc?si=vDR0xzDaj-LPZrVS] (YouTube) * Dr. Stone [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Stone] (anime) * Ikigai [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai] (concept) * Zoolander [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoolander] (movie) * Death Note [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Note_(2006_TV_series)] (anime) * Phantom Lawyer [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_Lawyer] (K-Drama) Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389613/support] One Thousand Gurus Podcast: Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, and serial hobbyist with a passion for learning. He interviews unique guests from various fields to distill the strategies, habits, and mindsets we can use in our own lives. Each “guru” has a chance to give the audience a peek into a new world. * 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com [https://www.onethousandgurus.com/] * 🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus [https://bio.site/onethousandgurus] * 📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter] * 📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz [https://stan.store/marloyonocruz]