What happens when a 10-year-old SaaS company blows up its roadmap and rebuilds itself around AI—from culture to code?
In this episode, John Waldmann, Founder and CEO of Homebase, shares exactly how and why they did it.
Homebase, a platform serving over 150,000 local businesses, has shifted from traditional development to a radically faster, prototype-driven approach powered by AI. But this isn’t just about new tools—it’s about reshaping the DNA of an entire organization.

We explore how Homebase went from 20-page PRDs to live demos, why John had to reclaim product leadership to drive change, and what it means to push employees—gently or not—into their "oh shit" moment with AI. John opens up about the cultural friction, the leadership reckoning, and the tactical moves that made AI real across the company—from engineering to customer support.
Plus, we zoom out: what does this transformation mean for small businesses, the future of SaaS, and how AI can actually bring teams closer to the humans they serve? Along the way, we dive into the tension between speed and craftsmanship, the underrated power of vertical software, and why inaction might be the most dangerous leadership choice of all.

If you’re navigating an AI shift inside your company—or trying to figure out how to lead your team through one—this conversation is packed with battle-tested insight, hard-earned lessons, and a whole lot of real talk.

Key Takeaways:

• You Can’t Wait for Buy-In—Leadership Means Pushing the Shift — John didn’t wait for excitement or alignment—he took back product leadership and forced the move toward AI. It wasn’t about consensus, it was about momentum. If you’re leading a team through this kind of shift, your job isn’t to ask for permission—it’s to create urgency before it's obvious.
• Speed Over Specs — Prototypes Are the New Strategy — Homebase moved from 20-page PRDs to live demos built in hours. That switch didn’t just make shipping faster—it changed the way teams learn, think, and listen to customers. The takeaway? Stop planning in the abstract. Ship something real, now.
• Culture Is the Real AI Roadblock — The hardest part of going AI-first isn’t tech—it’s trust, fear, and inertia. From engineers to support teams, John had to help people reach their “oh shit” moment with AI. That’s when change sticks. Until then, it’s just optional homework. Leaders need to make adoption inevitable.
• AI Should Bring You Closer to Your Customers, Not Farther — This episode isn’t about chasing shiny tools. It’s about using AI to reduce the noise—so your team can focus more on humans, not less. For John, pragmatic AI is about freeing up time, getting closer to customer problems, and making the org feel smaller, not colder.

LinkedIn: John Waldmann | LinkedIn
Homebase: All-in-one Employee Scheduling, Time Clocks, Payroll, & More | Homebase

00:00 Introduction and Initial Reactions to AI
00:31 Meet John Waldmann and the Story of Homebase
00:53 Reinventing Homebase as an AI-First Company
01:46 From PRDs to Prototypes: Building Faster, Learning Smarter
05:02 How AI Is Reshaping the Customer Experience
09:19 Culture Shock: Resistance, Skepticism, and AI Adoption
14:03 The End of SaaS as We Know It?
19:34 Leading Through Disruption: Ownership, Urgency, and Org Design
25:12 Forcing the Shift: Getting Teams to Embrace AI
27:50 Hiring the Unemployed—and Other Nontraditional Talent Bets
28:56 Curiosity > Credentials: What to Look for in AI-Ready Teams
31:57 New Expectations, OKRs, and Holding Teams Accountable
37:10 Serving Small Businesses Better with AI
44:52 Final Thoughts: Team Dynamics, Founder Risk, and What’s Next

📜 Read the transcript for this episode:

For more prompts, tips, and AI tools. Check out our website: https://www.beyondtheprompt.ai/ or follow Jeremy or Henrik on Linkedin:

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Show edited by Emma Cecilie Jensen.

In this episode, Joshua Wöhle, co-founder and CEO of Mindstone, shares how AI can go beyond automation to truly augment thinking, strategy, and workflows. He walks us through the personal rituals and frameworks he uses to spot high-leverage opportunities, and why iteration—not speed—is the real unlock.

We explore how non-technical teams can build custom tools without code, why HR is the real AI driver in most orgs, and how the shift from SaaS to tailored internal solutions is reshaping the future of work. Packed with practical insights for anyone ready to move beyond the buzzwords and into real AI-powered productivity.

Key Takeaways:

• AI’s Real Value: Augmentation Over Automation — Joshua explains why the biggest win with AI isn’t cutting tasks—it's using AI to amplify your thinking. If you’re only automating, you’re missing out on AI as a creative and strategic partner.
• Crack the Code on the "Utility Threshold" — AI should save you time or improve outcomes. If it doesn’t, you haven’t hit the utility threshold yet. Joshua shares how to spot when AI becomes truly useful—and how small tweaks can unlock massive gains.
• Why You Should Build, Not Buy (No Coding Needed) — Forget pricey SaaS tools. Joshua reveals how anyone—yes, even non-tech teams—can quickly build custom AI solutions that fit their workflow, saving time, money, and boosting flexibility.
• HR: The Unexpected Hero of AI Adoption — It’s not your CTO driving AI success—it’s HR. Joshua makes the case for why empowering people, not just deploying tech, is key to creating AI-augmented teams that thrive in the future of work.

LinkedIn: Joshua Wöhle | LinkedIn
Mindstone: Mindstone - Empower Your Team with Practical AI Skills

00:00 Introduction to Joshua Wöhle and Mindstone
01:10 Personal Practices for Automation
02:35 Early Wins in AI Automation
11:23 Levels of AI Proficiency
14:59 Utility Threshold in AI
24:51 AI in Organizational Structures
33:21 Introduction to the Early Space and AI Integration
33:45 Joshua's Entrepreneurial Journey and AI Augmentation
34:37 Challenges and Breakthroughs with AI
35:32 The Evolution of Building with Generative AI
37:56 The Future of SaaS and Internal Development
40:34 Practical Examples of AI Implementation
50:14 The Importance of Iteration and High-Value Tasks
54:56 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

📜 Read the transcript for this episode: Transcript of Why HR not CTOs Will Lead AI Augmentation - with Joshua Wöhle |

For more prompts, tips, and AI tools. Check out our website: https://www.beyondtheprompt.ai/ or follow Jeremy or Henrik on Linkedin:

Henrik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/werdelin
Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyutley

Show edited by Emma Cecilie Jensen.

In this episode, Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, shares a personal and expansive look at how AI is reshaping creativity, leadership, and human connection. From using ChatGPT in marathon training to rethinking journalism in the age of agents, Nicholas explores AI not just as a tool—but as a thought partner.

We dive into cognitive offloading vs. augmentation, the ethics of AI-generated content, and why preserving “unwired” intelligence still matters. He also reflects on leading through disruption, building analog habits, and fostering team-wide experimentation. A rich conversation on staying human in an increasingly automated world.

Key Takeaways:

• Your “unwired” intelligence is your AI superpower — The more human skills you build—like deep focus, emotional presence, and analog thinking—the better you’ll be at wielding AI. Thompson argues that cultivating these unwired abilities isn’t just about staying grounded—it’s about unlocking the full potential of the tools.
• Don’t fight the storm—gear up and adapt — AI is already transforming media and creative industries. Thompson compares it to a coming storm: you can’t stop it by yelling at the clouds. Instead, embrace it, understand it deeply, and make strategic decisions based on where it’s heading.
• Leadership means showing, not just telling — As a CEO navigating disruption, Thompson doesn’t just advocate for AI exploration—he models it. From training staff on GPTs to walking the halls and testing ideas live, he treats leadership as a practice of visible experimentation and continuous learning.
• AI relationships can’t replace real connection—but they can confuse it — Whether it's logging meals with a bot or losing a personalized Enneagram coach to a reset, Thompson highlights the emotional pull of AI and the dangers of relying on digital companions over human ones. Staying socially connected, especially through “third spaces,” is more important than ever.

LinkedIn: Nicholas Thompson | LinkedIn
The Atlantic: World Edition - The Atlantic
Website: Home - Nicholas Thompson
X: nxthompson (@nxthompson)
Strava: Cycling & Biking App - Tracker, Trails, Training & More | Strava
Caitlin Flanagan – Sex Without Women: Article:SexWithoutWomen-TheAtlantic

00:00 Introduction to Nicholas Thompson
00:11 Navigating the Information Overload
01:10 Daily Tech Insights and Tools
02:10 Using AI for Content Creation
04:39 AI as a Personal Trainer
08:02 Emotional Connections with AI
12:12 The Risks of AI Relationships
16:17 Preparing for AGI and Cognitive Offloading
30:26 AI's Impact on Leadership
31:10 Navigating AI Competitors
32:01 Internal AI Strategies
32:49 Ethical Considerations in AI Usage
34:07 AI in Journalism and Writing
36:32 Practical AI Applications
40:27 Balancing AI and Human Skills
49:27 Future of AI in Media
53:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections

📜 Read the transcript for this episode: Transcript of What AI Can't Replace – How The Atlantic Deals with Disruption |

For more prompts, tips, and AI tools. Check out our website: https://www.beyondtheprompt.ai/ or follow Jeremy or Henrik on Linkedin:

Henrik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/werdelin
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Show edited by Emma Cecilie Jensen.

In this episode, Devin McNulty, founder of Funmentum Labs and creator of Funware, shares how he’s turning fun into a serious engine for creative work. After 15 years of running workshops for Fortune 500s, Devin built an AI-powered facilitation tool that helps hybrid teams generate better ideas—without needing a pro in the room.

We explore how he treats AI like a co-facilitator, not a thought partner, and what it means to “pre-train” AI the way you'd brief a human. Devin also unpacks how to turn creative intuition into scalable software—and why levity, timing, and rough ideas can unlock big breakthroughs. A smart listen for anyone building tools, workshops, or teams that need to think more boldly.

Key Takeaways:

• Fun Is a Strategic Tool—Not a Distraction – Devin challenges the assumption that “fun” and “serious work” are at odds. His facilitation method uses play to unlock alignment, compress timelines, and spark better ideas—especially in rooms that normally resist creative approaches.
• AI Can Facilitate, Not Just Assist – Most teams use AI as a solo tool or sidekick. Devin flips the script—designing AI to act like a group facilitator. Funware injects prompts, rephrases challenges, and even drops well-timed bad ideas to shift group dynamics and drive progress.
• Pre-training Your AI Is Like Prepping a Human Teammate – One of Devin’s biggest insights: treat your AI agents like collaborators. Build them with clear intent, layer in prompting strategy, and fine-tune them for the moment they’ll be used—just like you’d brief a co-facilitator before a workshop.
• Productizing Yourself Is the New Playbook – Devin’s journey is a case study in AI-first entrepreneurship—turning deep craft into software. His advice? Start with your workflow, atomize it into repeatable components, and build tools that deliver value with the push of a button.

Website: Funmentum™ Labs
LinkedIn: Devin McNulty | LinkedIn

00:00 Intro to Funmentum Labs & Funware
00:38 Why Fun Is a Powerful Work Strategy
01:41 Overcoming Skepticism in Serious Workplaces
02:27 Techniques to Engage Resistant Teams
06:32 Can AI Be Funny? Humor in Corporate Settings
08:03 How Funware Uses AI to Drive Group Creativity
11:43 Automating Workshops with AI-Powered Prompts
14:04 Devin’s Path from Facilitator to AI Builder
16:21 Advanced Prompting Techniques in Funware
28:34 Creative Prompting: Logos, Personas & Play
30:04 Exercises to Push Beyond Obvious Ideas
31:35 How AI Unlocks Group Innovation
36:55 Pre-Training AI for Better Collaboration
43:35 Using AI as Muse, Challenger & Focuser
48:46 Final Thoughts

📜 Read the transcript for this episode: Transcript of Prompting for Originality: How Devin McNulty Is AI-Enabling His Workshop Business |

For more prompts, tips, and AI tools. Check out our website: https://www.beyondtheprompt.ai/ or follow Jeremy or Henrik on Linkedin:

Henrik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/werdelin
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Show edited by Emma Cecilie Jensen.

In this episode, Mihir Shukla, CEO and Chairman of Automation Anywhere, shares how he’s building an autonomous enterprise—where AI doesn’t just assist work, but performs it. With over 300 million AI agents in action, Mihir argues the future of work is already here.

We dive into how Automation Anywhere automates everything from tax to customer service, how to spot high-impact use cases, and why culture—not tech—is the biggest blocker. Mihir also zooms out to explore the global productivity crisis, the shrinking workforce, and the moral imperative to upskill at scale. A powerful episode on what work can look like when AI is truly embedded.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t Wait for the Future of Work—Build It - Mihir’s team is already running 300 million AI agents across global enterprises. From automating 90% of tax operations to generating CEO-ready briefings on the fly, he shows how much of today’s work can be autonomous—and how fast it’s scaling.
• Stalled Productivity? AI Is the Only Way Through - Despite $40 trillion in global IT spend, productivity hasn’t improved since 2008—and now the workforce is shrinking. Mihir argues that doubling productivity isn’t a moonshot—it’s an economic necessity, and AI is our best shot.
• Change Doesn’t Come from the Top—It Starts with Teams - Transformation doesn’t begin in the boardroom. Mihir shares how just 2 out of 10 employees experimenting with AI can ignite org-wide momentum—if they’re given ambitious goals, proper training, and permission to lead.
• Upskill the World, One Community at a Time - From the Mississippi Delta to Nepal, Mihir’s upskilling efforts prove that AI fluency doesn’t require a degree—just access. With the right training, someone flipping burgers can land a $120K AI job in three months. Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn’t.

LinkedIn: Mihir Shukla | LinkedIn
Automation Anywhere: The Leading Agentic Process Automation System | Automation Anywhere

00:00 Introduction to Mihir Shukla & Automation Anywhere
01:20 Vision for Autonomous Enterprises
03:03 Reimagining Work Processes
04:17 Principles of Automation
06:12 Challenges and Solutions in AI Adoption
09:15 The Importance of AI in Modern Workplaces
21:31 Studying and Rethinking Work
26:55 The Challenge of Adapting to AI-Powered Workflows
27:55 The Impact of AI on Task Management
31:24 AI in Customer Service and HR Operations
33:03 The Strategic Value of AI in Finance
37:30 The Social Impact of AI and Upskilling Initiatives
40:40 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

📜 Read the transcript for this episode: Transcript of How Mihir Shukla Is Reimagining Work With 300 Million AI Agents (and Counting) |

For more prompts, tips, and AI tools. Check out our website: https://www.beyondtheprompt.ai/ or follow Jeremy or Henrik on Linkedin:

Henrik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/werdelin
Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyutley

Show edited by Emma Cecilie Jensen.

In this episode, Eric Porres, Global Head of AI at Logitech, shares how he’s working to turn a 7,000-person company into an AI-fluent organization. From running a GenAI survey to personally training 800+ colleagues in his first 100 days, Eric lays out the foundations of a practical, human-centered AI strategy.

He discusses building a culture of “augmented intelligence” through habits, champions, and clear frameworks—like prompt refinement, long-form instructions, and task-focused design. Looking ahead, Eric explores the rise of agentic AI, internal tools, and how to measure impact beyond usage metrics. A must-listen for anyone driving meaningful AI adoption at scale.

Key Takeaways:

• AI Fluency Starts with Behaviour, Not Just Tools – Eric’s approach isn’t about pushing more AI - t’s about teaching people how to think differently. From measuring conversation depth to rewriting prompt habits, Logitech is focused on real behavioural change.
• Train 800, Influence 7,000 – Before becoming Head of AI, Eric trained 800+ colleagues himself. That grassroots effort - combined with identifying “quiet champions” across teams- created the internal momentum for company-wide transformation.
• Build the Right Interface, Not Just the Right Model – A powerful insight: it’s not which model you use, it’s how people interact with it. Logitech prioritized intuitive, user-friendly AI experiences to meet employees where they work.
• From Individual Fluency to Agentic Teams – Looking ahead, Eric envisions a world where employees work alongside custom AI agents. The future isn’t just prompt mastery - it’s knowing what to delegate, what to own, and how to manage an AI-augmented team.

LinkedIn: Eric Porres | LinkedIn
Logitech: logitech.com/
Eric's website: Porres
Psychedelic GPT: Trippin' The Chat Fantastic
These screenshots showcase how Eric Porres organizes AI research using NotebookLM, as discussed in the episode.
NotebookLM Dashboard: NotebookLM Dashboard - Eric Porres
NotebookLM Research: NotebookLM Research - March 9-15, 2025

00:00 Intro to Eric Porres
00:46 What the First 100 Days Look Like as Head of AI
01:51 Measuring AI Adoption: Surveys, Usage & Quality
05:34 Training 800 Colleagues: How Eric Taught AI Mastery
19:50 From Side Role to Head of AI: Eric’s Transition Story
23:02 Scaling AI Across Teams: Tools, Access & Equity
28:56 Choosing the Right Model for the Right Job
30:28 Measuring Success: NPS, Feedback, and Real Usage
32:05 The Rise of AI Champions and Teaching as Proof of Mastery
34:31 Beyond Fluency: Preparing for the Agentic Future
36:45 Atomizing Workflows: Making AI Work for You
39:10 AI in Sales & Customer Service: The Agent Use Case
43:26 Personal Knowledge Bases and AI-Augmented Thinking
50:49 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

📜 Read the transcript for this episode: Transcript of Eric Porres is Rewiring Logitech’s Org for the AI Age. First; he trained 800 people himself.

For more prompts, tips, and AI tools. Check out our website: https://www.beyondtheprompt.ai/ or follow Jeremy or Henrik on Linkedin:

Henrik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/werdelin
Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyutley

Show edited by Emma Cecilie Jensen.

In this episode, Blair Vermette, founder of Rabbit Hole, shares his journey from traditional TV production to becoming a pioneer in AI-powered storytelling. Once frustrated by the rise of AI in creative work, Blair chose to lean in—leading to the creation of Floral, a viral Adidas spec ad that transformed his career.

He talks about scaling his creative studio, navigating the chaos of AI-generated content, and how his editing background gave him a competitive edge. Blair also breaks down his “break the spine” storytelling philosophy, the balance between curation and creation, and the enduring role of human instinct in an increasingly AI-shaped creative world.

Key Takeaways:

• Curation is as Vital as Creation – AI doesn’t replace creativity; it enhances it. Blair emphasizes that knowing how to curate and refine AI-generated content is just as important as generating it.
• Spec Ads Can Open Doors – Blair’s Adidas Floral campaign proved that self-initiated projects can be career-defining, attracting industry attention and unlocking new opportunities.
• Instinct and Storytelling Still Matter – While AI can generate stunning visuals, human intuition, taste, and storytelling structure remain irreplaceable in making content truly compelling.
• Adapting to AI is Crucial for Creatives – AI is reshaping creative industries, and those who embrace experimentation and evolve their skill sets will be best positioned for success.
• Breaking the Spine Unlocks Originality – Blair challenges traditional storytelling structures by disrupting linear narratives, starting in unexpected places, and reshaping story arcs to keep audiences engaged.

Adidas Spec Ad: BlairVermette/AdidasAd
Blair's Instagram: Blair Vermette (@_blairvermette) •
Rabbithole: RABBITHOLE | creative studio
LinkedIn: (10) Blair Vermette | LinkedIn

00:00 Introduction to Blair and Rabbit Hole
00:25 Blair's Journey into Generative AI
01:53 The Impact of Generative AI on Creativity
04:35 Creating 'My Name is Gary'
07:51 The Cost and Constraints of Traditional Animation
14:38 The Making of the Adidas Spec Ad
19:02 The Viral Success and Its Aftermath
24:08 Scaling Up to Meet Demand
27:20 The Dilemma of Building a Team
28:55 The Importance of Instinct and Originality
29:48 Professionalism in Creative Work
30:16 Leveraging AI in Storytelling
34:50 The Value of Obsession and Specificity
36:02 Entrepreneurial Ideas for Creative Growth
44:02 Breaking the Story Spine
48:18 Navigating the AI Transition
50:58 Final Reflections and Encouragement

📜 Read the transcript for this episode: Transcript of How Blair Vermette Went from AI Skeptic to a Pioneer of Viral AI Videos |

For more prompts, tips, and AI tools. Check out our website: https://www.beyondtheprompt.ai/ or follow Jeremy or Henrik on Linkedin:

Henrik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/werdelin
Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyutley

Show edited by Emma Cecilie Jensen.

Berlin-based artist Boris Eldagsen made headlines when he won—then refused—the Sony World Photography Awards after revealing that his winning image was AI-generated. In this special episode of Beyond the Prompt, Eldagsen takes us through his transition from traditional photography to what he calls promptography—a new category for AI-generated images.
He explores the fundamental differences between photography and AI-generated art, why clear definitions matter in creative competitions, and how AI unlocks new dimensions of artistic freedom. The conversation dives deep into the philosophical and technical aspects of AI-generated images, the role of surprise in the creative process, and what the future holds for photography in the age of AI.
If you've ever wondered where art and AI collide—or how to embrace the unexpected in your creative work—this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• AI expands artistic freedom, not replaces artists – AI removes physical limitations, allowing artists to create purely from imagination. But vision, composition, and storytelling remain essential—great art is still shaped by human experience.
• Surprise fuels creativity – Whether capturing an unexpected moment in street photography or experimenting with AI-generated images, Boris believes that embracing the unpredictable is key to artistic innovation.
• AI isn’t photography—it needs its own category – Boris argues that AI-generated images aren’t made with light and shouldn’t compete in photography contests. Instead, he calls for a new category—promptography—to recognize AI’s distinct creative process.

Website: boris eldagsen | photo & video art berlin
Instagram: Photomedia & AI Artist (@boriseldagsen)

00:00 Introduction to the Special Episode
00:41 Meet Boris Eldagsen: The AI Photographer
01:07 The Sony World Photography Awards Controversy
05:20 Defining Photography in the Age of AI
07:39 The Art of Promptography
12:10 Boris's Creative Process and Workflow
19:30 The Future of Photography and AI
30:53 Tips for Aspiring Promptographers
38:51 Exploring AI Tools and Techniques
41:29 Conclusion and Reflections

📜 Read the transcript for this episode: Transcript of BONUS EPISODE: Boris Eldagsen: Why AI-Generated Images Aren’t Photography |

For more prompts, tips, and AI tools. Check out our website: https://www.beyondtheprompt.ai/ or follow Jeremy or Henrik on Linkedin:

Henrik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/werdelin
Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyutley

Show edited by Emma Cecilie Jensen.