What happens when AI fills 90% of the Internet with junk? The rise of AI-generated content is transforming the digital landscape—but at what cost? Mike Todasco, AI researcher and former Head of Innovation at PayPal, joins Natalie Born to discuss the impact of "AI slop"—a flood of low-quality, auto-generated content—and what it means for businesses, content creators, and consumers. He explores how AI is being used to create books, blog posts, and even fake news at an unprecedented scale. Will AI-generated junk take over, or will human creativity remain indispensable? Tune in to uncover how AI is reshaping everything from online search to personal productivity.

[00:01 - 06:07] The Evolution of AI & Innovation

• Mike Todasco shares his journey from finance to AI research

• His experience running innovation at PayPal after its split from eBay

• How AI became his focus at San Diego State University’s AI Center

[06:08 - 12:48] The Rise of "AI Slop"

• AI-generated content is flooding the internet with low-quality material

• Many AI-generated books on Amazon are essentially unreadable

• Gartner predicts 90% of internet content could be AI-generated by 2030

[12:49 - 16:33] Human vs. AI: What Will Win?

• AI-generated content lacks emotional depth and true storytelling

• People are drawn to human-made art and stories over machine-made creations.

• AI tools will enhance, not replace, human creativity.

[16:34 - 24:00] AI in Daily Life: Helpful or Harmful?

• Mike uses AI for personal productivity, parenting, and even healthcare

• AI can analyze health data, suggest parenting strategies, and help with cooking

• The future of AI in healthcare will see doctors using AI as an essential tool

[24:01 - 36:16] How Businesses Should Be Using AI Right Now

• Companies must set clear AI policies as employees are already using it

• AI should be integrated into workflows to improve efficiency

• Organizations should foster knowledge-sharing around AI use cases

Quotes:

"AI is great at generating content, but it still struggles to create anything with true heart and experience.” - Mike Todasco

"AI slop is just junk being thrown onto the internet—words without purpose or artistry." - Mike Todasco

Connect with Mike:

LinkeIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todasco/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikesaideas/



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Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

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Innovation is often seen as the domain of tech giants and industry disruptors, but what about small and medium-sized enterprises? Are they at a disadvantage, or do they have unique opportunities to innovate faster than their larger competitors?

Bruce Vojak, founder of Breakthrough Innovation Advisors and author of No Excuses Innovation, joins the podcast to discuss why mature businesses struggle with innovation, the fears that hold them back, and the simple, low-cost steps they can take to start thinking differently. He breaks down the myths surrounding innovation and provides practical insights for business leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve.

[00:01 - 05:48] The Innovation Struggle for Small Businesses

• Why mature enterprises often avoid innovation
• Understanding the S-curve and business growth cycles
• The danger of focusing only on efficiency instead of renewal

[05:49 - 10:33] The Three Barriers to Innovation

• Expertise gaps in mature companies
• Financial mindsets that resist risk-taking
• The role of fear in preventing new ideas

[10:34 - 15:24] Culture as the Key to Innovation

• How company culture can either unlock or stifle innovation
• The balance between empowerment and accountability
• Lessons from Hewlett-Packard’s Medal of Defiance

[15:25 - 20:00] Innovation Without Big Budgets

• Why innovation doesn’t have to be expensive
• Small but effective ways to start innovating today
• The power of listening to customers for ideas

[20:01 - 24:12] Practical Takeaways for Business Leaders

• Looking for patterns in customer behavior
• Turning small workarounds into real innovations
• The importance of a discovery mindset in leadership

"A lot of companies excel at streamlining operations, but few have the expertise to truly renew their business." – Bruce Vojak

"Innovation doesn’t have to be a massive initiative. It starts with asking the right questions and listening to your customers." – Bruce Vojak

Connect with Bruce:

Website: https://www.breakthrough-innovation-advisors.com/bruce-vojak/

LinkeIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bvojak



LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!

Are you building a personal brand that attracts opportunities, or are you hiding behind your title on LinkedIn?

In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, Natalie speaks with branding expert and serial entrepreneur Brandon Lee about the power of reputation in driving business success. Brandon shares insights from his decades of experience in personal branding, content marketing, and sales. He challenges leaders to step out of obscurity, leverage platforms like LinkedIn effectively, and build meaningful connections that create revenue opportunities.

[00:01 - 07:26] From Employee to Entrepreneur

• Brandon’s journey from being an unsatisfied employee to launching multiple businesses

• The excitement of startup culture and embracing uncertainty

• Learning the power of personal branding before it had a name

[07:27 - 14:38] The LinkedIn Networking Mistake Most People Make

• Why people treat LinkedIn differently than in-person networking events

• The dangers of “pitch-slapping” connections

• How traditional sales tactics are failing in a digital-first world

[14:39 - 21:53] Relationship-First Selling in a Digital World

• Why personal branding is essential for sales and leadership

• How posting valuable content creates trust before a sales conversation

• The power of authenticity in networking

[21:54 - 28:30] Why CEOs Need to Show Up on LinkedIn

• The impact of a CEO’s presence on business growth

• How executives can effectively use LinkedIn without feeling overwhelmed

• Lessons from iconic leaders like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk

[28:31 - 33:47] Practical Steps to Overcome Posting Fear

• How to ease into content creation without overthinking

• The benefits of live shows and podcasts for thought leadership

• Why consistency is more important than perfection

Quotes:

"Everything for me has always been relationship first, business second." - Brandon Lee

"You only fist bump people you have a connection with, but you'll shake hands with anybody." - Brandon Lee

Connect with Brandon:

Website: https://getfistbumps.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonleedigital

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!