AI Lab Unfiltered

Walter Ward III, co-founder of TiiCKER, joins the AI Lab Unfiltered podcast to share how he’s building a fintech startup that lets everyday investors unlock perks—just for owning stock. Think free Häagen-Dazs for holding shares or a discount on the Stars app if you’re a Lionsgate investor. Walter also reveals how AI powers the platform behind the scenes and shares how he uses AI personally, including building a custom executive coach GPT that gives him daily motivation in the voice of Gary Vee and Tupac.

(00:00) Meet Walter Ward III & the Origin of TiiCKER
(01:06) What TiiCKER Does: Perks for Stockholders
(03:10) Gamifying Ownership with TiiCKER 3.0
(04:50) AI-Powered Verification: How It Works
(07:47) Why TiiCKER’s Workflow Was Built to Scale
(09:08) AI’s Role in Future Customer Support
(09:48) AI for Personal Investing: Satellite Data & Parking Lots
(11:11) Compliance & Fintech Partnerships
(13:28) Using AI Daily: “Coach” & “The Archivist”
(16:18) Building a GPT-Based Executive Coach
(18:02) Prompt Engineering Tips & AI Daily Use
(20:36) Why Everyone Should Be a Student of AI
(22:19) Voice Clones, Motivation & David Goggins
(23:52) Using AI to Replace Friction in Daily Life
(25:52) AI Therapy & Self-Discovery Prompts
(27:30) AI as the Ultimate Unbiased Coach
(28:09) A Motivational Sample from “Coach”
(29:39) Where to Find Walter Online
(30:32) Grand Rapids Plans & Final Thoughts

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
Walter Ward III
Walter Ward III is the Co-founder and CEO of TiiCKER, a platform connecting retail investors with perks from the brands they own. A former BlackRock executive with deep experience in finance and innovation, he’s passionate about turning shareholders into brand advocates.

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.