A Signal in the Noise
Finally getting around to my first post of 2026.
Not because I've been slacking - I've actually been pretty buried. One of the reasons? I just published my ninth book (third fiction, if you're counting).
It's called "A Signal in the Noise", and it's a techno-thriller about a self-taught programmer who builds noise-cancellation software that... well, let's just say it crosses some lines. Think mind control, AI, and a lot of "what if?" moments that'll keep you turning pages.
Hire Great People and Get Out of Their Way - Is Bad Leadership Advice
I've heard it a thousand times:
"Hire the best people and get out of their way."
Sounds empowering, right?
Here's the problem: it's often just an excuse for leadership avoidance.
Stop Chasing AI Tools and Start Fixing Your Data Plumbing
Your AI is only as smart as the data you feed it — and most companies are starving it.
Everyone's hunting for the next big AI tool. The smarter model. The faster LLM. The automation platform that promises to change everything.
But here's what nobody wants to hear: your shiny new AI isn't going to save you if your data is a mess.
You Can’t Have an AI Strategy Without a Business Strategy
I know — not the sexy AI take you were hoping for.
But here's what I keep seeing: companies racing to "leverage AI" without actually knowing what they're racing toward.
AI ROI is Real – But Not Where Most Leaders Expect It
Here's what nobody tells you about AI in business:
The companies winning with it didn't find one big use case. They found 100 tiny ones.
AI is the New Gold Rush – But Most People Are Still Digging in the Wrong Place
Everyone's racing toward AI right now. And I get it – the promise is real.
But here's what I'm seeing: most companies are asking the wrong question.
Everyone Wants AI—But Nobody Can Explain What They Actually Need
Yesterday while getting my oil changed, a guy saw "Lucus Labs" on my hat & jacket, and asked what we do. I told him we build AI, cybersecurity, and integration software for SMBs and enterprises.
His response? "Could you join my company's board to help with AI?"
Plot twist: He doesn't have a company. But he's convinced when he starts one, he'll need AI because "it's the future."
Before I could even respond, another guy chimes in. He wants me to join his company's board too—even though he's not on it and has no decision-making authority. He just knows they've been "talking about AI for years" and testing random tools that never actually do anything useful.
Two strangers. Two completely different situations. Same problem.
AI Doesn’t Learn Just Because You Use It
It's time we level-set expectations when it comes to AI.
Your AI isn't getting smarter just because you're using it.
And honestly? If it was, you'd probably be concerned.
The Real Job of a Technical Leader: Removing Constraints
Most people think a technical leader's job is to have all the answers.
It's not.
Your real job? Remove the constraints slowing your teams down.
I Lost a Brilliant Engineer
One of our customers, a large call center, challenged us with developing a noise cancellation app that runs directly on their agents' computers, provides real-time speech-to-text transcribing, and leverages AI to ensure the agents follow the company's customer service talk tracks.
My engineers were already busy working on defects and implementing new feature requests for our AI platform, Symbient.ai, and our other products too.
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