AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a business strategy. In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Jamie Seeker explores how AI in business strategy is reshaping everything from product development to financial forecasting with technologist and inventor Ajay Malik.
Ajay is the CEO of StudioX-AI, based in San Jose, California, and has previously led engineering at Google, Cisco, HP, and Motorola. With over 100 patents to his name, he’s on a mission to make AI accessible and ethical for businesses of all sizes.
💡 How Ajay Malik Uses AI in Business Strategy
🚀 Inventing at Scale
Ajay began his journey inventing new tech at major firms—but the real spark came when he realized AI could be the ultimate strategic tool.
“I’m one of those guys who has to work 120 hours a week—not 9 to 5.”
🧠 From AI Forecasting at Google to Launching StudioX
At Google, Ajay helped forecast internet traffic growth—predicting infrastructure needs months in advance. Today, StudioX-AI gives small businesses those same forecasting capabilities.
“I wanted to bring that capability to every business—to help them see the future and prepare for it.”
⚖️ Ethics + AI: A Strategic Blindspot
One of the most overlooked challenges in business strategy today? The ethical use of generative AI. Ajay breaks it down using a simple metaphor.
“Using AI without knowing the source is like buying a fake Gucci bag—and not even knowing it’s fake.”
At StudioX, data is siloed and private—ensuring businesses use their own data to make decisions, not someone else’s IP.
📈 AI in Financial Strategy: Less Guessing, More Doing
When it comes to financial planning and operations, Ajay says AI is a game-changer. Not because it replaces people—but because it removes bottlenecks.
“Skill is no longer a differentiator. Everyone now has an employee—it’s called AI.”
He uses AI to analyze cash flow, evaluate risk, and streamline forecasting—relying on tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and others to generate multiple perspectives and validate strategies.
“Stop treating AI as an assistant. Use it as your co-founder.”
🔥 Internal Strategy Tips for Founders
Here are Ajay’s top suggestions for integrating AI into your business strategy:
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Make AI usage mandatory: Every employee should try solving problems with AI before escalating.
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Build AI teamwork: Share prompts across departments to encourage collaboration.
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Focus on prompt engineering: Your ability to ask the right question is now a leadership skill.
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Use AI in financial planning: Use tools to run cash flow models, generate reports, and get second opinions—fast.
Need a place to start? Check out our post on How Founders Can Reclaim Time Through Systems and Processes (← internal link)
💬 Memorable Quotes
“You don’t need to struggle to learn. You just need better tools.”
“The next big feature isn’t on your phone—it’s you and how you interface with AI.”
“Your AI isn’t a tool. It’s your co-founder.”
🛠️ Tools and Resources
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Connect with Ajay on LinkedIn
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Follow him on Instagram
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See our Podcast Production Process (← internal link)
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Recommended AI tools: ChatGPT, Claude, V0, Grok
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
✨ Final Thoughts from Jamie
This conversation shifted my thinking. AI isn’t just a way to get things done faster—it’s a strategy layer that can transform how we build, decide, and grow. Whether you’re bootstrapping a startup or leading a scaling company, make AI part of your strategy—not an afterthought.
