I Am Future Proof with Keaton Olson

Most AI solutions today rely on massive data centers that consume unimaginable amounts of energy—and still struggle with hallucinations and inaccuracies. What if there was a different approach? In this episode, pioneering AI researcher David Sherwood uncovers a revolutionary software architecture that could make AI faster, far more accurate, and dramatically more energy-efficient—potentially transforming industries from defense to medicine.
You’ll discover why Sherwood’s technology, which shifts away from traditional deep learning, allows AI to operate with mere zeros and ones—no massive training, no hallucinations, and no reliance on data-hungry infrastructure. We break down how his approach finds exact matches in a knowledge base, vastly reducing errors and energy use, and how it can be scaled for natural language processing without the colossal resource requirements of today’s models. Sherwood shares insights from early neural network breakthroughs—like perceptrons and associative memory—showing how those ideas are guiding his current innovation.
We also dive into the future implications: how energy-efficient AI could mitigate the environmental impact of data centers, eliminate hallucinations, and provide reliable, explainable results for critical applications like medical diagnostics, defense targeting, and autonomous systems. Why does Sherwood believe that AI regulation will lag behind its rapid evolution, and what can society do now to prepare? From mental models for future-proofing careers to the potential of quantum computing, this episode offers a compelling view of AI’s next frontier—one where technology works with the planet, not against it.
This conversation is perfect for innovators, engineers, policy-shapers, and anyone curious about a smarter, safer AI future—without the dystopian risks. Sherwood’s groundbreaking approach offers hope that AI can be both powerful and sustainable, changing the way we think about machine intelligence forever.
David Sherwood is founder of Cognitive Science and Solutions, known for his pioneering work on memory-informed AI architectures that rival today’s deep learning models in efficiency and accuracy.
Learn more about Cognitive Science and Solutions: https://cogscisol.com/Learn more about David Sherwood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sherwood-70656b75/
Learn more about Keaton Olson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keatonolson/https://www.instagram.com/keatontolson/
Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to David Sherwood and his extensive background01:13 - Sherwood’s career trajectory from physics to neurophysiology and AI02:50 - The evolution of memory research and Hebb's theory06:25 - The impact of creating new synaptic connections vs. modifying existing ones08:23 - Advances in neurogenesis and the dynamic nature of brain structures09:37 - The emergence of neural networks and Sherwood’s early contributions13:36 - The “winter of AI” and breakthroughs at the 1987 neural network conference16:21 - Differences between generative AI and database retrieval models17:01 - How Sherwood’s approach avoids hallucinations and misconceptions20:02 - The importance of levels of abstraction in natural language understanding22:18 - Other neural network models of the 80s like Hopfield networks and SOMs25:26 - Practical demonstrations: accurate arithmetic with Diamond AI30:13 - Use cases for high-accuracy, low-resource AI in defense and healthcare32:08 - Future resource requirements and the innovative Hercules ER chip39:28 - Addressing societal concerns: AI’s environmental impact and regulation42:59 - The concept of technological acceleration from Alvin Toffler’s third wave45:24 - Preparing for societal disruption and future careers in an AI-driven world50:07 - Future adaptability through broad education and soft skills54:34 - Society’s rapid evolution towards superintelligence and AGI55:28 - Potential regulation and oversight challenges for AI technology68:35 - Sherwood’s personal strategies for remaining future-proof70:23 - Final thoughts on embracing change and the exciting frontier ahead

The Unexpected Path to VP of Marketing: A Conversation with Russell Reams
Join us for a captivating conversation with Russell Reams, Vice President of Marketing and Client Services at Calligraphy. Russell shares his unique journey from early roles at Nabisco and UPS to leading marketing strategy, emphasizing that "marketing is the thread of everything I do".12
Russell dives deep into his lifelong passion for curiosity, learning, and the intersection of psychology and data science. Discover how his extensive academic background—including a doctorate in marketing and data science—fuels his data-driven approach to marketing strategy, which he simplifies as: "Follow the data".34567
Learn about:How Russell uses data and insights to help customers strategically grow and "future-proof" their business (by understanding the operating environment and innovation).
His experience launching the U.S.-based healthcare segment at UPS, operating under the tagline, "It's a patient, not a package".Why human psychology adapts to technology but remains a reliable constant for marketers.
Russell's perspective on the massive investment in AI and its current and future impact on the job market, data analytics, and the marketing industry.The surprisingly "low-tech" strategy (thought leadership and public speaking) that is currently driving the most success for Calligraphy.Russell’s advice for staying "future-proof" through lifelong learning, sharpening soft skills, and building a strong network.
Don't miss Russell's thoughts on the power of curiosity, the value of being the least smart person in the room, and his take on the future of business in the age of accelerating technology.Chapters
Learn more about Keaton Olson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keatonolson/Learn more about Russell Reams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellreams/
0:00 Future-Proofing Your Business
0:47 The Career Thread: From Nabisco and UPS to Calligraphy
1:29 Curiosity, Psychology, and Marketing
1:55 Working at UPS: Patients, Not Packages
3:20 Why Russell Pursued Academic Degrees
6:48 The Lifelong Learning Mindset
8:01 The "Smartest Person in the Room" Adage
10:07 Psychology in the Age of Accelerating Technology
13:49 AI in the Classroom and the Psychology of Efficiency
16:02 Efficiency and Strategy at Calligraphy
19:37 Oil Painting and Professional Juggling
21:56 Favorite B2B Marketing Strategy: Follow the Data
23:48 Outcome-Driven Nonprofits
27:48 Where AI is Headed and the Problem of "Work Slop"
33:07 Leveraging AI Safely for a Competitive Advantage
37:48 The Best Strategy Working Now: Low-Tech Thought Leadership
41:58 How to Personally Stay Future-Proof

From UN internships to HubSpot’s IPO to running a modern events + content agency.Nick Sal unpacks how he shifted from politics to social entrepreneurship, became an early HubSpot Academy leader, helped scale through INBOUND and partner ecosystems, and now builds high-impact webinars, field events, and customer storytelling programs.
We cover sales math (why “1 in 6” closes), offers that convert (audits and graders), culture at scale, and how AI accelerates B2B marketing without losing the human spark.
You’ll learn→ How to productize “assessments” to turn interest into pipeline→ What changed inside HubSpot from ~300 to 1,300 employees and IPO→ The partnership motion: software + services “better together”→ Sales tactics that shorten time to yes→ Practical AI stack for decks, prompts, agents, and post-event content
Guest: Nick Sal, founder of Next Level Inbound; former HubSpot Academy leaderHost: Keaton Olson
Nick Sal Links
Website: https://nextlevelnbound.com
YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@visiontovibe-nsi
All Links: https://linktr.ee/nicksal
Tools Mentioned
Gamma (AI deck builder): https://gamma.app
MetaPrompt (Dharmesh Shah’s prompt optimizer): https://github.com/dharmesh/metaprompt
Agent.ai (AI agent builder by Dharmesh Shah): https://agent.ai
Riverside (remote recording studio): https://riverside.fm
Other References
HubSpot Academy: https://academy.hubspot.com
INBOUND Conference: https://www.inbound.com
Website Grader: https://website.grader.com
Drift / Salesloft Lineage: https://www.salesloft.com/blog/salesloft-acquires-drift
Keaton’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keatonolson/
Chapters
00:00 – Intro00:30 – Nick’s path: PR intern → HubSpot Academy01:19 – UN and State Assembly internships → entrepreneurship03:30 – Discovering HubSpot and “idea whose time has come”05:15 – Inside early HubSpot and Academy’s one-to-many model06:22 – Paramify and HubSpot use07:24 – What it felt like at ~300 employees10:01 – Keaton’s Paramify startup story11:38 – Why in-person years still matter in a remote world15:14 – Scaling to ~1,300 and the IPO mechanics18:01 – Negative churn, rebuilds & culture as a product20:54 – Culture durability and founders’ role24:42 – Going solo: skills, sales resilience & law of large numbers29:41 – Content as sales ammo and social proof34:13 – Sales math: why “1 in 6” closes & how to get to six35:53 – Offers that convert: graders, audits & assessments39:53 – Closing tactics: ask directly, bring in SMEs, start small42:45 – Low-risk paid diagnostics to kick off45:27 – How AI changed B2B marketing workflows49:16 – Templates, research, invites & event ops with AI55:00 – “Underground” tools: Gamma, MetaPrompt, Agents1:01:16 – Agent.ai & HubSpot’s free-tool playbook1:01:33 – Staying future-proof in the age of AI1:07:49 – Wrap and where to find Nick

In this conversation, Yi, co-founder of Besimple AI, shares his journey from product management at Meta to founding his own AI company. He discusses the challenges and insights gained from his experience in the AI landscape, the importance of human elements in technology, and the evolving nature of workplace dynamics due to AI. Yi emphasizes the significance of building strong teams and relationships in entrepreneurship, as well as the need for continuous learning to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Chapters:00:00Introduction to Yi and Her Journey02:37Understanding Be Simple AI05:26The Pain Points of Product Management08:15B2B Marketing Strategies for AI Companies10:55Adapting Marketing Strategies in a Changing AI Landscape13:38The Future of AI and Its Impact on Work16:34Favorite AI Tools and Their Applications21:40Exploring AI Tools and Their Applications24:35The Human Element in Automation27:17The Challenges of Achieving AGI29:52Building Relationships in a Digital Age31:27Lessons from Startup Failures34:05The Importance of Team in Startups38:53Advice for Aspiring Founders39:33Staying Future-Proof in a Changing World
Learn more about Yi:   / yzhong94  
Learn more about Besimple AI: https://besimple.com/
Learn more about Keaton:   / keatonolson  Learn more about Syntray: syntray.com

In this conversation, Tamerlan, co-founder and CEO of Armenta AI, shares his journey from being a commercial manager to leading an AI company focused on engineering compliance. He discusses the importance of compliance in the engineering sector, the expansion of his company beyond Kazakhstan, and the future of AI in government. Tamerlan emphasizes the role of AI in automating workflows and enhancing job creativity rather than replacing jobs. He also shares insights on effective sales strategies in government contracts, the significance of building relationships, and offers valuable advice for aspiring founders.
Learn more about Armenta AI: https://armeta.ai/Learn more about Temirlan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/temirlan-rakhmetzhanov/Learn more about Keaton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keatonolson/
Chapters
00:00 From Commercial Manager to AI Innovator02:53 Understanding Armenta AI's Mission05:45 Navigating Compliance in Engineering08:39 Expanding Horizons: Future Markets for Armenta AI11:55 The Future of AI in Governance14:39 AI's Role in Job Transformation17:47 Essential AI Tools for Founders20:49 Building Relationships in Government Sales23:39 Marketing Strategies for Government Contracts26:22 Advice for Aspiring Founders29:29 Staying Future-Proof in a Rapidly Changing Landscape

In this conversation, Vincent Roberts shares his journey from a sales executive to the head of growth at US Digital Partners. He discusses the evolution of marketing strategies in the age of AI, emphasizing the importance of human connection in B2B relationships. Vincent highlights various AI tools that are transforming sales and marketing, and he reflects on the future of AI and its implications for businesses. The conversation also touches on the significance of trade shows and conferences in a digital world, as well as the value of soft skills in an increasingly automated landscape.
Learn more about Vincent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-roberts-194955112/US Digital Partners: https://www.usdigitalpartners.com/Vincent's favorite favorite AI tools:https://www.rb2b.com/https://www.surfe.com
Chapters:00:00Introduction to Vincent Roberts and His Podcast Journey03:39Vincent's Career Path and Transition to US Digital Partners08:09Understanding US Digital Partners and Its Services12:27B2B Marketing Strategies and the Impact of AI16:59The Role of Content and Thought Leadership in Marketing21:33The Future of Podcasts in Marketing and Relationship Building24:14Human Interaction in a Digital World27:16The Role of Conferences and Trade Shows30:33Under-the-Radar AI Tools for Business35:22The Importance of Soft Skills in the AI Era39:29I am Future Proof Intro Concept-copy.mp4

She scaled Wix globally. Then jumped to cyber. Here’s the playbook.
I sat down with Diana Rabba, VP Marketing at AccessiWay (ex-Wix, Exein), to unpack:
 • How to scale growth across 20+ markets without losing authenticity
 
 • Brand + community as the B2B cheat code for pipeline
 
 • Why AI isn’t magic, but a multiplier for senior talent
 
 • What it really takes to stay “future proof” in marketing
Chapters
00:00 Diana's Journey in Marketing02:52 Transitioning to Cybersecurity Marketing06:07 B2B Marketing Strategies in Cybersecurity08:57 The Impact of AI on Marketing11:59 Favorite AI Tools for Marketing15:07 Future of AI in Marketing18:04 The Role of Humans in AI-Driven Marketing20:56 Building Trust in B2B Marketing23:58 Advice for Aspiring Marketers27:00 Staying Future-Proof in Marketing

In this conversation, Eric Campos shares his journey into freelance marketing with a focus on cybersecurity and B2B SaaS. He discusses the challenges and rewards of helping businesses navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape, the importance of understanding niche markets like GRC, and how he leverages AI tools to enhance his content creation process. Eric emphasizes the need for authenticity and authority in marketing, and he reflects on the future of AI in the industry, advocating for a balanced approach that combines foundational skills with technological advancements. In this conversation, Keaton Olson and Eric Campos discuss the evolving landscape of marketing in the age of AI. They explore the importance of adaptability, empathy, and soft skills in a world increasingly dominated by technology. Eric emphasizes the need for marketers to stay informed about industry trends and to leverage content strategies that foster engagement and drive sales. The discussion also highlights the significance of continuous learning and the value of networking on platforms like LinkedIn and Reddit.
Learn more about Eric here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-campos-875b0545/
Learn more about Keaton here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keatonolson/
00:00Introduction to Freelancing and Cybersecurity Marketing02:28The Appeal of B2B SaaS Marketing05:19Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape08:57Learning Niche Markets: The GRC Experience12:34The Role of AI in Content Creation17:47Future of AI in Marketing and Content Creation31:07Navigating AI in Marketing37:24Essential Skills for New Marketers46:08Content Strategies and Engagement52:05Continuous Learning and Resources

The “Dead Internet” theory is no longer a theory. It’s happening.
I sat down with Sky Yang, founder of Imagine AI, for the first episode of my new podcast, "I Am Future Proof."
His take? As AI creates more and more content, our digital world is becoming a sea of generic noise.
So how do you stand out when everyone has the same tools?
You double down on being human.
Here’s what we covered:
☑ Authenticity is your new moat. When everyone sounds like a robot, a genuine, human voice becomes the ultimate competitive advantage. People are tired of corporate jargon; they trust real personality.
In-person matters more than ever. As the internet gets noisier, trade shows and face-to-face meetings become even more critical. Sky sees this in SF, and we see it at Paramify. Real connections close deals.
The most future-proof skill isn't technical. It’s an interpersonal connection. Your ability to build trust and communicate one-on-one is the one thing AI can't replicate.
We also talked about the single best piece of advice for any founder (The Mom Test) and the under-the-radar AI tools he uses daily.
Learn more about ImagineAI here: https://imagineai.me/Learn more about Sky Yang:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/skyyang/
The Mom Test clip i was talking about:    • Exploring Joshua Baron's Transition to a R...   at 47:30
Timestamps:00:00 – Meet Sky Yang: CEO & Co-Founder of Imagine AI00:40 – The “Aura Farming” LinkedIn Hook01:08 – From Surfboards to AI Startups: The Founder Journey03:39 – Why Personal Branding is the Future of Marketing04:27 – Building a High-Fidelity Digital Persona06:22 – The Vision: Your AI Twin Running Your LinkedIn08:29 – Where AI is Headed in the Next 5 Years11:32 – The “Dead Internet” Theory & Digital Twins13:01 – Will In-Person Events Become More Valuable?15:10 – Trade Show Hacks: How to Stand Out & Get Leads17:22 – Imagine AI’s Event Strategy & ICP Targeting18:39 – Sky’s Favorite Under-the-Radar AI Tool21:43 – The Most Future-Proof Skill in an AI World24:18 – Why Authenticity Beats Corporate Jargon25:34 – Best Advice for B2B SaaS Founders27:40 – The “Mom Test” & Avoiding Fluff Feedback30:16 – Book & Essay Recommendations for Founders32:14 – Sky’s Go-To AI Tools for Daily Work35:33 – Fighting Content Burnout with AI36:22 – AI Hype vs. What’s Actually Working40:14 – How Sky Plans to Stay Future-Proof42:19 – Dream Big, Set Goals, Go After Them