AI Lab Unfiltered

AI is everywhere—except in your results.
In this brutally honest episode of Brand in the Making, CTO and AI strategist Alex Mead unpacks the real reason most organizations fail to turn data and AI into business outcomes: they’re optimizing for dashboards, not decisions.
If your company has a “data strategy” but no lift in revenue, this episode will hit hard—and show you exactly where you’re going wrong.
Inside:
  • Why AI pilots rarely make it to production
  • The illusion of value in over-engineered pipelines
  • How most data teams are disconnected from real business pain
  • What execs should be asking—and what most get wrong
  • The new playbook: Build from the pain point backward, not the tech forward
🎯 “It’s not that you don’t have data. It’s that you’ve never weaponized it.”
Whether you're a product leader, founder, or trying to get real ROI from your AI efforts—this episode gives you the truth most vendors won’t.

Chapters

(00:00) The Future of White Collar Jobs and AI
(10:57) AI Tools and Their Impact on Work
(20:10) The Role of AI in Healthcare
(28:03) Generational Trust in AI Technology
(32:15) The Future of AI in Healthcare
(34:44) The Evolution of Warfare and AI
(36:39) Nuclear Threats and AI Warfare
(39:03) AI and Game Theory in Conflict Resolution
(41:57) AI's Role in Information Management
(44:05) Deep Research Tools and AI
(49:51) Enhancing Communication with AI
(54:18) AI in Personal and Professional Development

Creators and Guests

Host
Drew Veach
Drew Veach is the Senior Account Manager at BizStream, co-lead of West Michigan AI Lab, and co-host of AI Lab Unfiltered. He helps organizations build better brand experiences and apply AI to drive innovation and productivity.
Host
Pete Terryn
Pete Terryn is the Director of Operations at NuWave Technology Partners, co-founder of West Michigan AI Lab, and co-host of AI Lab Unfiltered. He helps organizations understand and apply AI to drive growth, innovation, and productivity.
Guest
Alex Mead
ChatGPT said: Alex Mead is the CTO of City Innovations and founder of Bear Creek Systems, helping businesses use AI to boost productivity and drive real results.

What is AI Lab Unfiltered?

The AI Lab Podcast is your gateway to the dynamic world of artificial intelligence, where innovation meets application. Each episode dives deep into the latest AI technologies, tools, and real-world use cases, providing practical insights for professionals, enthusiasts, and beginners alike. From groundbreaking advancements to ethical considerations, we explore how AI is reshaping industries, improving workflows, and solving global challenges. Hosted by experts passionate about making AI accessible, the podcast fosters a vibrant community of listeners eager to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.