Ventures & Visionaries Podcast with Mordy Hackel

Episode 18: Creative Destruction: Ideas for Thriving in the AI Economy

What happens when AI doesn't just change how we work but changes the business models themselves?

In Episode 18 of Ventures & Visionaries, Mordy Hackel sits down with Drew Donaldson to explore how AI, automation, and rapid technological change are reshaping businesses, careers, and the way we think about work.

Drew shares the story of how a GoDaddy Super Bowl commercial became a wake-up call that pushed him to rethink his marketing agency and pivot toward AI, automation, systems integration, and custom development.

The conversation goes beyond AI tools. Together, they explore what happens when technology disrupts the work you've built your career around and how businesses and individuals can adapt before the change forces them to.

In This Episode

How AI is changing business models, not just individual tasks
Why Drew decided to pivot his marketing agency as AI transformed the industry
How to think through build vs. buy technology decisions
Why business owners should understand the basics of APIs and integrations
How automation is changing the development and technology job market
What happens when technology disrupts the work you've built your identity around
Why continuous learning and adaptability matter in a rapidly changing economy
Opportunities emerging in skilled and licensed trades
What businesses should reconsider when implementing AI

A Wake-Up Call: When AI Changes the Business Model

Drew explains how a GoDaddy Super Bowl commercial became a turning point in his career. Seeing what AI could do to dramatically change how businesses approach marketing forced him to rethink the future of his own agency.

Instead of resisting the change, Drew began exploring AI, automation, systems integration, and custom software development.

Build vs. Buy: When Should You Create Your Own Technology?

One of the challenges businesses face when adopting technology is deciding whether to purchase an existing solution or build something customized.

Drew shares his perspective on evaluating those decisions and understanding when custom development can create a meaningful advantage.

Think in APIs: Connecting the Systems Behind the Business

APIs are becoming increasingly important as businesses use more software platforms and AI tools.

Drew explains why business owners don't necessarily need to become developers, but understanding the basic concept of how systems communicate can help them make better technology decisions.

How AI Is Changing the Job Market

AI and automation are changing the nature of many technology and development roles.

The conversation explores what these changes could mean for workers and why continuous learning and adaptability are becoming increasingly important.

When Technology Changes More Than Your Job

For many professionals, their career is closely connected to their identity.

Drew discusses what happens when technology disrupts the work you've built your career around and how individuals can begin thinking about what's next before they're forced to make a change.

Where Are the Opportunities?

As technology transforms traditional knowledge work, new opportunities are emerging in areas that are harder to automate.

Drew discusses skilled and licensed trades and why some of these industries may become increasingly valuable as technology continues to evolve.

What Business Owners Should Stop Doing

Businesses shouldn't adopt AI simply because it's the latest trend.

Drew shares why leaders should first understand the problem they're trying to solve and then determine whether AI, automation, an existing software solution, or custom technology is actually the right answer.

Drew's Philosophy

The biggest takeaway from the conversation is the importance of adaptability.

Technology will continue to change. The businesses and individuals that remain curious, continue learning, and are willing to rethink how they work will be better positioned to respond to those changes.

About Drew Donaldson

Drew Donaldson is a technology and business professional focused on AI, automation, systems integration, and custom development. His work helps businesses understand and implement technology solutions that support their growth.