AI is everywhere—but most small and mid-sized business leaders are still stuck between hype, fear, and scattered experiments. In this episode of The Value Factory Podcast, host Andrew Ballard sits down with John Manzanares, fractional CIO at OneAccord and seasoned technology executive, to cut through the noise and explain how AI actually creates leverage for leaders.
John makes it clear why AI is not a technology problem, but a leadership one. They unpack how AI can remove decision bottlenecks, preserve institutional knowledge, and give owners time back—without replacing people or breaking trust. From building a “virtual Chief of Staff” to setting guardrails, governance, and realistic roadmaps, this conversation stays grounded in execution, not buzzwords.
If you’re an SMB leader trying to move from curiosity to clarity on AI, this episode lays out what matters, what doesn’t, and where to start if you want real results.
