- EP #92: Beyond AI: The Critical Role of Human Expertise in Tech Innovation
In today's episode, I'm answering that question burning in everyone's inbox: "How is AI going to impact my job?"
As someone working with both startups and Fortune 500s, I wanted to bring you the employer's perspective on this incredibly nuanced topic.
The truth?
While technological advancement is accelerating at a pace that would make your head spin, companies are facing a critical challenge—they have amazing tech but lack employees who can actually leverage it.
S4E92 - 18m - Apr 7, 2025 - EP #91: Why Diverse Leadership is Non-Negotiable for Startup Success (Execnow Linkedin Live)
In this Execnow Linkedin Live, we’ll explore why talent diversity is essential for you as a startup, the common hiring pitfalls you face, and actionable strategies to leverage inclusivity and build diverse, high-performing teams.
S4E91 - 27m - Mar 31, 2025 - EP #90: The Business Case for DEI: What CEOs Need to Know About Pulling Back
In this episode, we dive deep into the pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and its true business impact. Our panelists—Ayanna King, Abby Adamson, and Colin—discuss the reality of DEI rollbacks, the myths surrounding meritocracy, and how leaders must be held accountable for real change.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why DEI backlash is happening and how we got here
- The business case for DEI and why it’s not just a trend
- How performative actions have replaced real commitments
- Why neutrality is complicity—and what leaders must do instead
- How companies can avoid short-term thinking and invest in DEI for long-term success
S4E90 - 33m - Mar 17, 2025 - EP #89: Emotional Intelligence, AI, and the Future of Content Marketing with David Baum
In this episode, I dive into the power of emotional intelligence and AI in leadership and content marketing. David Baum, a seasoned founder and investor, shares how empathy-driven leadership and building in public have shaped his startup, Relato. We explore the role of AI in content creation, its limitations, and how human connection remains irreplaceable in storytelling.
David also breaks down product-market fit, the importance of user research, and how bold leadership helps founders navigate uncertainty.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How emotional intelligence sets great leaders apart.
- The balance between AI and human creativity in content marketing.
- Why building in public is a game-changer for startups.
- How David identified product-market fit signals at Relato.
- The biggest mistakes founders make in early-stage growth.
Links
S4E89 - 33m - Mar 11, 2025 - EP 88: Engineering the Future: AI, Policy, and Inclusive Technology with Ishvaraus Davis
In my conversation with Ish, we explored his journey from Southeast Georgia to becoming an engineering leader in Silicon Valley. Starting with computer science at the University of Pittsburgh, Ish shared how a college startup project led to his recruitment at Meta, where he worked on B2B advertising algorithms. His career path included roles at IBM, where he learned business fundamentals, and later a shift to tech policy work in Congress, focusing on emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI.
Links
S4E88 - 20m - Mar 3, 2025 - EP #87: Unleashing Team Potential & Beating Founder Burnout with Jhana Li
We are back—rebranded as Free The CEO! This pivot perfectly aligns with my current work and lifestyle. While UNSTUCKKD will always be my launchpad, Free The CEO now represents my fractional firm and solopreneur business, along with Execnow, my executive search firm.
In this new chapter, I'll be interviewing founders, CEOs, and visionary leaders—diving deep into their journeys, insights, and the innovative strategies that drive their success. Learn more about these exciting ventures through the links below.
In this episode, I chat with Jhana, founder of Spyglass Ops, about her journey in mastering operations and scaling businesses efficiently. Mentored early on by Leila Hormozi, Jhana discovered her talent for spotting inefficiencies and creating robust systems—skills that have helped hundreds of startups free founders from daily operational tasks and drive sustainable growth.
Links
Register for Solo Summit Presented by Lettuce Financial
S4E87 - 25m - Feb 24, 2025 - EP #86: The Rise of the Fractional Executive with Kahlil Dumas
In this episode, I explore the rapid growth of fractional executive roles, which have expanded from 2,000 to over 125,000 on LinkedIn in just a few years. I break down how fractional execs go beyond traditional consulting to drive real results.
Sharing my own journey into fractional leadership after a layoff, I discuss how it boosted my income and gave me the flexibility I needed as a new dad to twins. This experience led me to launch Execnow, a platform connecting companies with diverse fractional talent.
I’m here to guide both companies and executives into this exciting shift – because the future of work is fractional.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The exponential growth of fractional executive roles and what it means for the future of work.
- Key distinctions between fractional executives and consultants.
- Kahlil’s personal journey into fractional leadership, from layoff to lifestyle shift.
- The benefits of fractional executives for companies and for leaders seeking flexibility.
- How Execnow aims to bring more diverse talent into early-stage leadership roles.
- Why diverse teams consistently outperform non-diverse teams by 35%.
Links
- Connect with Kahlil on LinkedIn
- Learn about Execnow: Hire Diverse Talent
S3E86 - 18m - Nov 18, 2024 - EP #85: The Intuitive CEO with Sabrina Guler
In this episode, we sit down with Sabrina Guler, former engineering project manager at Apple, turned successful entrepreneur and co-founder of an eight-figure business. Sabrina opens up about her decision to leave corporate life, the fears she faced, and how listening to her intuition guided her through the transition.
We explore the power of transformation, the importance of aligning intention with action, and how embracing discomfort can lead to growth. Sabrina also shares her unique perspective on integrating spirituality in business, defining it as "coming back to your truth," and highlights the role of self-trust in entrepreneurial success.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Sabrina’s journey from corporate life at Apple to entrepreneurship.
- How to listen to your intuition and take the leap despite fear.
- The role of transformation and why discomfort is necessary for growth.
- Aligning your actions with your true purpose for better outcomes.
- Spirituality in business: how self-trust and authenticity fuel success.
- Insights into Sabrina’s six-week cohort program for business and personal growth.
Links
S3E85 - 31m - Nov 4, 2024 - EP #84: The Highs, Lows, and Lessons of Going All-In on a Startup with Jack Beckwith
In this episode of Free the CEO, we chat with Jack Beckwith, founder and CEO of The DataFace, a leading data visualization and storytelling agency.
Jack talks about his journey from analyst to CEO, overcoming startup challenges, and how side projects can evolve into thriving businesses. Listeners will gain valuable insights on:
- The Power of Side Projects: How Jack’s passion for data evolved from a blog in college to a full-fledged agency.
- Taking the Leap: What led Jack to leave his job and go all-in on his own business.
- Finding Clients and Scaling Smartly: Jack’s experience landing major clients like Yelp and Universal Music Group and how cold outreach played a pivotal role.
- Navigating Business Models: The pros and cons of hourly, fixed-fee, and retainer models, and how The DataFace found its niche.
- Setting Boundaries as a CEO: Why saying “no” helped Jack grow his business.
- Maintaining Balance: Tips on prioritization, empowering your team, and keeping work-life harmony as a founder.
Links
S3E84 - 29m - Oct 28, 2024 - EP #83: Double the Joy: Welcoming Twins & New Beginnings with Kahlil Dumas
And Just Like That, We’re Back!
After a nearly three-month break, we’re back in full force!
In this episode, I open up about what’s been happening during this hiatus, including the life-changing arrival of my identical twin boys, Braxton and Beau.
I share reflections on parenthood, personal growth, and the exciting expansion of both ExecNow and Free The CEO. It’s been a wild ride, and I'm excited to reconnect with you all, dive back into providing valuable content, and share updates on the journey ahead.
Links & Resources:
- Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates.
- Check out Execnow for executive placement services.
- Learn more about Free The CEO and how we help founders scale their businesses.
S3E83 - 6m - Oct 21, 2024 - EP #82: Free The CEO: Building Black Economic Power & Venture Capital to Uplift Black Founders with Evan Poncelet
In my conversation with Evan Poncelet, we discussed his shift from the tech industry to community work after George Floyd's murder. He joined his family's nonprofit, Africatown Community Land Trust, to build an economic engine for the Black diaspora in Seattle. Evan started an angel investing syndicate and is developing a VC fund to support Black founders and investors.
We explored challenges Black founders face, like assuming demand without validation, overspending on development prematurely, and limited fundraising networks. Evan stressed conducting customer discovery, building a minimum viable product, and leveraging community resources for traction. He shared Dreamward Ventures investment criteria, prioritizing strong teams, technical abilities, coach-ability, market potential, and a clear path forward.
Links
Connect with Kahlil on LinkedIn!
Subscribe to the UNSTUCKKD Newsletter
S3E82 - 28m - Jun 25, 2024 - EP #81: Pivoting with Purpose with Danni Buie
In my conversation with Danette Buie, we explored her multi-faceted roles as a mother, tech professional, and founder of Thrive Limitlessly. She recounted how she transitioned from providing free career coaching to monetizing her expertise by starting her own business, despite initial hurdles. We delved into strategies for achieving work-life harmony, such as leveraging calendars, relying on support systems, and prioritizing self-care.
Danette emphasized the importance of revisiting goals regularly to ensure daily actions align with long-term aspirations. Moving forward, she aims to amplify her brand and message through public speaking engagements focused on self-advocacy and leveraging one's voice to achieve desired outcomes in life.
Links
Connect with Kahlil on LinkedIn!
Subscribe to the UNSTUCKKD Newsletter
S3E81 - 30m - Jun 17, 2024 - EP #80: Free The CEO: Four-Step Framework for Revenue Optimization with Anjanee Ferguson
In my conversation with Anjanee Ferguson, we discuss her journey to becoming the founder and CEO of Ampere Business Solutions, a firm that helps Christian, nonprofit, and mission-based organizations maximize their resources. Anjanee shares her four-step framework for identifying and closing gaps in revenue-generating processes and the unique perspective she brings by intermingling biblical and business best practices, helping her clients operate in overflow and abundance.
Anjanee addresses the challenges faced by CEOs, such as overcoming the normalization of burnout and the importance of reinventing oneself to align with one's true identity. She also shares her exciting new pivot, "Operating in Overflow" event, podcast, and academy.
Links
Connect with Kahlil on LinkedIn!
Subscribe to the UNSTUCKKD Newsletter
S3E80 - 30m - Jun 10, 2024 - EP #79: Reimagining Classics: Fusing Classical Artistry with Cutting-Edge AI with Ayse Deniz
In my conversation with Ayse Deniz, we discuss her groundbreaking project, "Classical Regenerated Initiative with AI." Ayse, a renowned classical pianist and composer, shares how she uses AI to amplify human artistry in her live performances by generating music in the style of great composers like Chopin and featuring an AI-generated Chopin as a speaker.
Ayse also opens up about her early start in classical piano, the challenges of building a creative career, and her mission to break down elitist attitudes in classical music. She aims to unite people through her performances, showcase the incredible artistry of playing piano at the highest level, and incorporate AI into her online piano academy for beginners. To learn more about Ayse's innovative work fusing classical music and AI, visit the links below.
Links
Connect with Kahlil on LinkedIn!
Subscribe to the UNSTUCKKD Newsletter
S3E79 - 26m - Jun 3, 2024 - EP #78: Free The CEO: Becoming a Better CEO with Kahlil Dumas
In the first episode of Free The CEO, we explore what it means to be a CEO and how to become one, discussing common misconceptions and the importance of setting direction and vision.
We delve into the different paths to becoming a CEO, the keys to success, such as setting the right strategy, communicating effectively, and building a strong team. The challenges faced by CEOs are also addressed, including loneliness, high pressure, and navigating failure. Finally, we offer advice for aspiring CEOs on staying focused, continuously learning, taking calculated risks, and seeking help when needed.
Links:
Subscribe to the UNSTUCKKD Newsletter
S3E78 - 21m - May 28, 2024 - EP #77: Trailer for Free The CEO with Kahlil Dumas
I'm excited to announce the launch of my new show within UNSTUCKKD called "Free the CEO." This project has developed organically through my work with CEOs of ambitious startups, helping them overcome challenges and scale their businesses.
In "Free the CEO," I'll share strategies and advice to help CEOs, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, build sustainable businesses, eliminate bottlenecks, and increase revenue. I'll also explore the human side of being a CEO, discussing ways to show up as your best self and build the business you've envisioned.
Join me as we navigate the challenges and successes of being a CEO in today's fast-paced business world, and check out freetheceo.com to learn more!
Links
S3E77 - 7m - May 20, 2024 - EP #76: Blueprint for Black Women's Workplace Equity with Shanae Brown
In my conversation with Shanae Brown, we delved into the unique challenges and self-care practices vital for Black women navigating corporate America and entrepreneurship. Shanae powerfully dismantled the harmful "work twice as hard" myth, sharing a three-pronged strategy centered on high performance, displaying leadership potential, and cultivating an advocating network.
Our talk explored getting clear on your "why" before leaping into entrepreneurship and the mental, financial, and practical preparation required to weather that storm. Shanae shared her driving vision to create systemic change and better workplaces so future generations of Black women don't face the same biases and barriers.
Links
Subscribe to the UNSTUCKKD Newsletter
Connect with Kahlil on LinkedIn!
S3E76 - 39m - May 13, 2024 - EP #75: Redefining Success: Lessons in Emotional Intelligence and Purpose with Ben Broad
In my conversation with Ben Broad, we explored the transformative power of emotional intelligence and storytelling in personal growth and redefining success. We discussed the importance of vulnerability, challenging societal norms, and the potential of emerging technologies like virtual reality to foster empathy.
Our talk highlighted the role of habits, self-love, and servant leadership in finding fulfillment and shaping identity. We also touched on the need to address pressing issues like climate change, inequality, and the human-centered use of technology. The conversation left me inspired to embrace storytelling as a tool for increasing emotional intelligence and spreading hope for a better future.
Links
Subscribe to the UNSTUCKKD Newsletter
Connect with Kahlil on LinkedIn!
S3E75 - 38m - May 6, 2024 - EP #74: The Power of Perseverance: Lessons from Culture, Resilience, Community, and Success with Thokozani Mabena
In this episode, Kahlil sits down with Thoko, a chief creative officer from Zimbabwe who shares his incredible journey. From surviving ethnic cleansing to becoming a refugee in the US, Thoko faced poverty, learning disabilities, and homelessness. But his resilience and love for design drove him to excel at the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design. He earned a full ride and maintained a perfect GPA, all while supporting his family and living in his car.
Thoko dives into the importance of community, storytelling, and being true to yourself when times get tough. He shares lessons learned from working with big automotive companies and how different cultures have shaped his perspective. Thoko also discusses the role of faith, sustainability, and design in building a better future. To wrap up, he emphasizes the need for mental health support, strong communities, and reconnecting with our humanity during changing times.
Links
Subscribe to the UNSTUCKKD Newsletter
Connect with Kahlil on LinkedIn!
S3E74 - 29m - Apr 22, 2024 - EP #73: Mastering Time Management: Strategies for Balancing Work and Life
In this episode, Kahlil shares his insights on effective time management strategies that have helped him navigate the challenges of being a solopreneur. He introduces the Eisenhower Matrix, a method for prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance, and explains how he applies this concept to his business and personal life. Kahlil also emphasizes the significance of the Pomodoro technique, which involves breaking down tasks into 25-minute intervals to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
Throughout the episode, Kahlil stresses the importance of delegation, self-care, and setting boundaries. He encourages listeners to prioritize their mental health and well-being by taking regular breaks, engaging in activities that promote self-care, and learning to say no when necessary. Kahlil also touches on the concept of the 80/20 rule, noting that 80% of his results come from 20% of his efforts when he focuses on high-impact tasks that align with his goals
Subscribe to the UNSTUCKKD Newsletter
Connect with Kahlil on LinkedIn!
S3E73 - 15m - Apr 11, 2024
