In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Michael LaVista, Founder and CEO of Caxy Interactive, a software company based in the Midwest. They discuss various topics including handling adversity, the rise of AI, and its implications for businesses. Mike shares insights on the software industry's evolution, the significance of automation, and the challenges posed by AI security. He also provides his perspective on the future of the tech industry, the impact of quantum computing, and the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. The conversation gives listeners a comprehensive view of the current and future trends in technology and business. Learn about all this and more in this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS Adapting to AI: The discussion emphasizes the rapid integration of AI in businesses, moving from experimental phases to becoming part of operational systems. Efficiency and Automation: Mike discusses his passion for automation, stressing the importance of optimizing processes to eliminate manual, time-consuming tasks. AI and Security: There's an outlined concern about AI's role in cybersecurity, particularly the risks of AI being exploited for malicious purposes. Economic Volatility: Tariffs and geopolitical changes are influencing operational costs and strategies for businesses, especially those involved in manufacturing and trading. Technological Talent: There's a notable shortage of skilled developers, emphasizing the necessity for continuous learning and adapting hiring practices to include self-taught individuals. Future Trends: Quantum computing poses significant future risks to current encryption methods, indicating a paradigm shift in cybersecurity. QUOTES "I hate the idea of people doing manual slow, stupid things that drives me crazy." "The idea of like kind of protecting yourself and, you know, putting it in a walled garden where it's protected against hacking." "We're really looking for all of our growth around Chicago to develop like a good, you know, culture, corporate family there." "For me, cryptocurrency is really just gambling and that's okay. I'm not putting a judgment on it." "You have to be able to compete. And I feel like when you have all that waste lying around, that's where your margin dollars just slip away." "Developers aren't going away completely. It's just like a different, your job will be different." Get to know more about Michael LaVista through the links below. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellavista/ To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.