Machine Minds
Machine Minds - the minds behind the machines! This is the show where we dive deep into the intricate worlds of robotics, AI, and Hard Tech. In each episode, we bring you intimate conversations with the founders, investors, and trailblazers who are at the heart of these tech revolutions. We dig into their journeys, the challenges they've overcome, and the breakthroughs that are shaping our future. Join us as we explore how these machine minds are transforming the way we live, work, and understand our world.
Machine Minds
Episode 99 | Unlock Human + Machine Potential | Zac Engler
In this conversation I sit down with Zac Engler, founder of Bodhi AI, to talk about turning generative-AI hype into practical wins for smaller companies—and why “shadow-AI” bans often backfire.
We cover:
- The moment Zac realised a recruiter could build a full-stack product in three weeks for < $1 k.
- Tactical first steps for any team: discovery sprint → 30/60/90 quick-win plan → agentic workflows.
- The trifurcation of work (AI-only, human-in-loop, human-only) and how to spot the right bucket.
- Why vertical, hyper-niche agents will beat one-size-fits-all models.
- What an 18-month adoption window really means—and how to avoid being “automated chaos.”
Links:
Bodhi AI – https://bodhiai.io
Forbes feature: “AI’s Trifurcation of Work” – https://bit.ly/ZEForbes-AITrifurcation
Turning On Machines (Zac’s forthcoming book) – https://www.zacengler.com/buy-book
MN AI Tools directory – https://mnaitools.com
Connect with Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacengler/
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/