Organic AI Adoption? (Episode 65)

Organic AI Adoption? (Episode 65)

Author: Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston February 12, 2026 Duration: 58:58

In Episode 65, Chad, Tony, and Lars explore how business owners can turn unexpected chaos into operational gold. When a rare North Carolina snowstorm threatened to derail a week of factory training for the Calgary team, the hosts pivoted to an impromptu Technician Exchange Program. They discuss the massive "ROI of fresh eyes" when a guest technician shadows your team and provides an unfiltered perspective on your culture and workflows.

The conversation then shifts to the "Invisible Employee"—Artificial Intelligence. One year after their first AI deep dive, the trio discusses how the tool has moved from a leadership-driven "ask" to an organic part of their employees' daily habits. Chad shares how he is currently using LLMs to "shake up" the accounting department to find efficiencies that were previously hidden by "the way we've always done it." Plus, Tony shares some major personal news as he prepares to "level up" his family with a second child.


Tune into Unlocked Podcast for a grounded, cross-border conversation about what it really takes to build a company meant to last. You’ll hear from three practicing business owners, each running their own operations from distinct locations-North Carolina, Minnesota, and Alberta, Canada. They don’t deal in abstract theory; instead, they draw directly from their own evolving playbooks, setbacks, and hard-won victories. The dialogue in this podcast revolves around practical strategies and philosophical shifts necessary for creating enterprises that can thrive beyond a single owner’s tenure. Episodes delve into the nuanced decisions around leadership transition, cultivating a resilient company culture, and implementing systems that ensure stability through market changes. It’s a candid exchange between peers who are in the trenches themselves, offering listeners a rare, ongoing case study from multiple industries and perspectives. If you’re steering a business and thinking about its legacy, this series provides a thoughtful, actionable companion for the long journey ahead.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 76

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