From Navy to SaaS to AI with Ian Hogg

From Navy to SaaS to AI with Ian Hogg

Author: PM Power Consulting June 19, 2026 Duration: 46:13


My guest today is Ian Hogg, the Chairman of SolvedBy.ai, an applied AI company helping SaaS vendors embed enterprise-grade forecasting, demand and decision intelligence directly into their platforms. In this conversation,

  • Ian shares his background, from the Royal Navy and Xerox to building early web businesses, a SaaS platform, and an AI-focused company.
  • He describes how his SaaS business began by solving his own operational problem and then expanded when others in the industry recognized the same need.
  • He shares how, In enterprise AI,  one needs to  distinguish decision-support and forecasting systems from generative AI
  • Ian highlights that AI adoption in organizations depends heavily on leadership behavior
  • The conversation also covers mindset barriers, the empowerment of non-technical users, and the need to build confidence through hands-on experimentation rather than waiting for formal permission or perfect readiness.
  • On branding and customer acceptance, Ian explains that people may resist AI if it feels like replacement, but respond more positively when it is framed as assistive and human-in-the-loop.
  • He shares career advice for both newcomers and mid-career professionals
  • In closing, he shares aspects that help him stay grounded 


Ian Hogg is Chairman of SolvedBy.ai, an applied AI company helping SaaS vendors embed enterprise-grade forecasting, demand and decision intelligence directly into their platforms.

He has spent his career building, scaling and investing in software businesses, with a particular focus on workforce management, SaaS partnerships and AI-driven operational optimisation.

Ian is a strong voice on the “SaaS apocalypse” — the idea that AI will expose weak, seat-based SaaS models while creating huge opportunities for vendors that own deep workflow, data and distribution.

At SolvedBy.ai, he is focused on helping SaaS companies add the AI layer their customers now expect, without needing to build specialist AI engines from scratch.


Ian may be reached at:

https://x.com/ianhogg88

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianhoggworktechgroup/

https://solvedby.ai/



Behind every line of code, there's a person with a story. Software People Stories, from PM Power Consulting, moves beyond abstract theory and polished case studies to explore the real, human experience of building technology. This isn't about hypotheticals; it's a collection of candid conversations with the practitioners themselves-developers, designers, product managers, and architects-who share firsthand accounts from the trenches. They talk about the paths that led to success and, just as importantly, the unexpected detours and failures that provided the most valuable lessons. Each episode delves into the nuanced journey of discovering what users need, designing elegant systems, navigating complex development, and ultimately delivering solutions that matter. By focusing on these personal narratives, the podcast reveals the core of software creation: a blend of technical skill, creative problem-solving, and team dynamics. Listeners gain practical wisdom and relatable perspectives on the challenges and triumphs inherent in the tech industry. Tune in for an honest look at the craft, where the stories of people are just as crucial as the software they build. You'll find this podcast a refreshing source of insight for anyone involved in or curious about the technology and business landscapes, offering career lessons learned the hard way.
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