Liftoff with Keith Newman: For Founders looking for a new growth playbook and further inspiration.

2025 has officially become the year of AI — and the pace isn’t slowing down.In this episode of Liftoff, we sit down with Michael Palmer, CEO & Chief Scientist of Taos Research Corporation and author of the new book Agentify: The Art, Science, and Engineering of Successful AI Agents. Michael brings decades of experience spanning Silicon Valley startups, venture capital at Kleiner Perkins, and leadership roles at Yahoo and U.S. Bank, where he led AI, data, and digital transformation.We dive deep into how AI agents are evolving beyond simple prompts into systems with real agency, autonomy, and initiative — and what that means for startups, enterprises, and solopreneurs alike. Michael explains why vertical focus matters, how companies should rethink org structures in an AI-first world, and why the next billion-dollar company might be built by just one person and a fleet of AI agents.If you’re a founder, operator, or builder trying to understand what’s next in AI — this conversation is essential listening.🎧 Tune in to learn:- Why agents without agency are about to be replaced- How AI is changing org design, productivity, and hiring- What founders must get right to build durable AI companies- Why execution, adaptability, and specialization matter more than everConnect with Michael Palmer: - Website: https://taosresearch.ai - Agentify Book: https://taosresearch.ai/learning/agentify-the-art-science-and-engineering-of-successful-ai-agents - Substack: https://substack.taosresearch.ai- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellpalmer Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected]#AI #AIAgents #Agentify #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork#Startups #SaaS #TechLeadership #Innovation #Founders#AITransformation #EnterpriseAI #Solopreneur #Podcast

Chronic back pain affects more people than heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined — yet treatment hasn’t meaningfully changed in decades.In this episode of Liftoff, Keith talks with Dr. Steven M. Falowski, MD, FAANS — Director of Functional Neurosurgery and Strategic Advisor at SynerFuse, the company pioneering a transformational approach to spinal surgery.SynerFuse’s patented e-TLIF procedure blends spinal fusion + neuromodulation in a single surgery, placing electrodes during the operation to prevent the chronic pain that affects nearly 30% of fusion patients today. Early proof-of-concept results show over 80% improvement — a milestone that could reshape the future of spine care.Dr. Falowski breaks down:- Why traditional fusion fails so many patients- How neuromodulation evolved into a proven, minimally invasive therapy- The entrepreneurial challenge of competing with med-tech giants- How a 15-person company is preparing for a nationwide U.S. clinical study- Why AI is accelerating breakthroughs in chronic pain treatmentIf you're interested in med-tech, innovation in regulated markets, or the business of healthcare, this episode is a must-listen.Connect with Dr. Steven M. Falowski: - Website: www.SynerFuse.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-falowski-876926118/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected]#MedTech #HealthcareInnovation #ChronicPain #BackPainRelief #Neuromodulation #SpineSurgery #SynerFuse #MedicalTechnology #Entrepreneurship #HealthTech #WellnessInnovation #PodcastEpisode #LiftoffPodcast #HealthcareFuture

Luis Derechin is the CEO or NirYu and is the first Mexican citizen to get US venture capital for his startup and was actually successful selling it, a serial founder now leading Nir-Yu a nearshoring business based in Mexico and focused on staffing services from teams across Latin America but Not Just Staffing—A New Way to Build Remote Teams and Save 70%, - Learn what the acronym: REMOTE stands for? - How to Prevent the 73% Offshoring Failure Rate- Catch the highlights from Luis'#1 Amazon bestseller "The Offshore Team Deathtrap"Building a high-performing team doesn’t require Bay Area budgets anymore. In this episode, Keith sat down with Luis, the founder behind the Remote Intelligence Framework, NIR-Yu to explore how top companies are scaling faster and smarter by tapping into world-class LATAM talent.They dive into:- Why offshore hiring often fails — and how to avoid the “offshore trap”- Cultural alignment and time-zone proximity as competitive advantages- Why execution beats ideas every single time- Lessons from raising capital while everyone said it was “impossible”- The mindset founders need to go from survival to scaleWhether you’re a startup founder, team leader, or investor — this episode unlocks a smarter, more resilient way to build global teams that win.🎧 Listen now and discover how Remote Intelligence is reshaping the future of work.Connect with Luis: - Website: https://www.nir-yu.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisderechin/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected]#RemoteWork #LATAMTalent #FutureOfWork #StartupJourney #EntrepreneurMindset #TeamBuilding #TechLeadership #HiringStrategies #GlobalTeams #ScalingStartups #LatinAmerica #RemoteHiring #ExecutionMatters

Meet Anya Cheng, founder and CEO of Taelor AI — a Silicon Valley startup that’s changing how busy men dress. With a background leading product at Meta, eBay, McDonald’s, and Target, Anya now applies AI to help customers look sharp without the hassle of shopping or laundry.Taelor AI uses artificial intelligence to select outfits that fit your lifestyle, size, and goals — helping you look your best for meetings, dates, or life’s big moments. Beyond personal style, Taelor AI also helps reduce clothing waste and carbon emissions by repurposing excess inventory from fashion brands.In this episode, Anya shares:- -Her unconventional path from Taiwan to Silicon Valley- Lessons learned from working in big tech and applying them to startup life- How AI and human stylists work together to deliver a seamless clothing experience- The importance of using your strengths as your superpower- Why sustainability and personalization are the future of fashion🎧 A must-listen for entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and anyone who secretly hates shopping.Connect with Anya: - Website: https://taelor.style/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyacheng Experience effortless style with rental and personal styling services:Taelor: Get 25% OFF your first month of men's clothing subscription.Use code: PODCAST25Sign up at: https://taelor.style/pages/membershipArmoire: Get 50% OFF your first month of women's clothing subscription.Use code: ArmoirexTaelorSign up at: https://www.armoire.style/refer/ArmoirexTaelorGive the gift of time, convenience, and effortless style:Taelor Gift Cards: Get 10% OFFUse code: PODCASTGIFTPurchase at: https://taelor.style/products/menswear-rental-gift-cardSubscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected]#TaelorAI #AnyaCheng #AIInFashion #FashionTech #AIFashion #StartupStory #EntrepreneurJourney #ArtificialIntelligence #AITools #TechInnovation #FutureOfWork #DigitalTransformation #AIDriven #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #WomenInTech #StartupFounder #SiliconValley #BusinessGrowth #Inspiration #SustainableFashion #EcoFriendly #SmartClothing #ConsciousConsumer #FashionRevolution

Did you know nearly half of online reviews are suspicious, with fake reviews projected to influence $787 billion in consumer spending by 2025? In this episode, Shane Barker — CEO and founder of TraceFuse, the first Amazon TOS-compliant negative review removal system — explains the scale of the problem and how his solution is helping sellers fight back.Shane shares:- Why fake reviews damage brands and consumer trust- How TraceFuse uses AI and compliance-based filings to remove unfair reviews- The real financial impact of even a half-star rating drop- Why both startups and big brands should take reviews seriouslyIf you sell on Amazon, you can’t afford to miss this conversation.Connect with Shane:- Website: https://tracefuse.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanebarker/Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithFor sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected]#AmazonSeller #AmazonFBA #EcommerceGrowth #AmazonBusiness #SellerTips #EcommerceMarketing #OnlineSelling #FBACommunity #FakeReviews #ProductReviews #ReviewManagement #ReputationManagement #AmazonReviews #AmazonTools #TraceFuse #CustomerTrust #EntrepreneurLife #StartupTips #SmallBusinessGrowth #DigitalMarketing #BusinessTools #OnlineBusiness