Love your analysis in this piece! Now if we could only avoid the colonial and extractive horrors of the EIC, and create a community-centered AI treasure map conglomerate.
This article is so helpful as I try to figure out how what we are teaching people about AI ties to the marketplace. Thank you for helping me structure my thoughts a little better by "mapping" the concept that we are not selling more AI training, but how to work with AI with a new mindset and AIQ - AI Emotional Intelligence. That is our "map" to everyone else's "shovel". Now to go explore how we can expand that like Beck and others did with their concepts. Love this! ❤️
Always love the historical examples (East India, Cholera, London Tube) but having re-listened to the Acquired episode on Walmart this morning, that one really resonated.
I have also listened to 6-7 podcasts where AI tools makers just keep selling speed and downplaying the lack of "moat" and instead say it's all about being "sticky". Sorry, "moat" doesn't always need to be structural (benefit/barrier), but it can also be "momentum" but only if you are digging in the right place / the right way using the right map.
I was always curious looking at metro maps in multiple cities that the metro lines always depicted in straight lines away from actual contours. Not accurate but helpful.
Mostly I see ‘Shovels’ everywhere. Thank you for this food for thought how AI could b more strategic
yes, shovels are easy. Yet all technologies that use data eventually create the best value by making what's hidden visible for the first time and then allowing you to restructure your business around that new visibility, That's why I like the Kmart vs Walmart example so much.
What a powerful distinction. Too often, the deep tech founders I work with have a narrative that's focused on selling shovels — albeit cutting-edge shovels — instead of a way to make better decisions. It's the same difference as hacks vs principles.
I’ve recently discovered your Substack and have now recommended it to all of my friends who I know are working in the AI space. It truly is required reading! I find the way in which you deconstruct a system and put it into historical context truly wise. Coupling the analyses with easy-to-understand metaphors and heuristics defuses the hype and allows us to see things for what they are. It’s really helping develop my instincts for how to grasp the fast-moving world of AI more clearly. Very grateful to you for making your insights available to us in this space!
Thanks a lot, Jorge. I'm glad to hear this is resonating. I feel stories bring systems to life otherwise it's not very clear how smaller changes in a system drive larger outcomes.
There aer a few which I feel do a good job. And I've mentioned the obvious example of Palantir.
I like Project44, which takes fragmented supply chain data and creates a map of what's moving where, which then becomes a source of truth across procurement, sales, customer service etc. I had included this in the original piece. Perhaps I should edit it back in.
Your post has inspired my team to consider treasure maps for AI era entrepreneurship. Thanks for making time to create and share profound perspectives.
Thank you, Sangeet. I’ve been reading your posts alongside the development of an MVP to use A.I. (augmenting) to support human and org development (think Teal Org) and connect more deeply with our network (and network of networks). Your takes feel like what I’d been missing: proper framing. Can’t wait to read your book! Cheers. -Zach
Fascinating! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
Love your analysis in this piece! Now if we could only avoid the colonial and extractive horrors of the EIC, and create a community-centered AI treasure map conglomerate.
This article is so helpful as I try to figure out how what we are teaching people about AI ties to the marketplace. Thank you for helping me structure my thoughts a little better by "mapping" the concept that we are not selling more AI training, but how to work with AI with a new mindset and AIQ - AI Emotional Intelligence. That is our "map" to everyone else's "shovel". Now to go explore how we can expand that like Beck and others did with their concepts. Love this! ❤️
Great to hear!
Always love the historical examples (East India, Cholera, London Tube) but having re-listened to the Acquired episode on Walmart this morning, that one really resonated.
I have also listened to 6-7 podcasts where AI tools makers just keep selling speed and downplaying the lack of "moat" and instead say it's all about being "sticky". Sorry, "moat" doesn't always need to be structural (benefit/barrier), but it can also be "momentum" but only if you are digging in the right place / the right way using the right map.
Yeah, this logic of being 'sticky' doesn't make any sense. True stickiness is called lock-in and lock-in is structural, not just usage-based.
Yep. This is the least sticky period for tools I can remember. So easy to switch.
I was always curious looking at metro maps in multiple cities that the metro lines always depicted in straight lines away from actual contours. Not accurate but helpful.
Mostly I see ‘Shovels’ everywhere. Thank you for this food for thought how AI could b more strategic
yes, shovels are easy. Yet all technologies that use data eventually create the best value by making what's hidden visible for the first time and then allowing you to restructure your business around that new visibility, That's why I like the Kmart vs Walmart example so much.
What a powerful distinction. Too often, the deep tech founders I work with have a narrative that's focused on selling shovels — albeit cutting-edge shovels — instead of a way to make better decisions. It's the same difference as hacks vs principles.
Agree! Getting the treasure map narrative right is not easy but can be transformative if you do.
I’ve recently discovered your Substack and have now recommended it to all of my friends who I know are working in the AI space. It truly is required reading! I find the way in which you deconstruct a system and put it into historical context truly wise. Coupling the analyses with easy-to-understand metaphors and heuristics defuses the hype and allows us to see things for what they are. It’s really helping develop my instincts for how to grasp the fast-moving world of AI more clearly. Very grateful to you for making your insights available to us in this space!
Thanks a lot, Jorge. I'm glad to hear this is resonating. I feel stories bring systems to life otherwise it's not very clear how smaller changes in a system drive larger outcomes.
2nd article I read from you, second brilliant piece of wisdom. Makes me really excited about the new book =) Thanks!
Thanks Veith!
Superbly written as always 🌞
Excellent narration!
Amazing Piece. Thank you SPC.
Great piece but did have me screaming "so who sells the treasure maps!" by the end 😄
Fair point.
There aer a few which I feel do a good job. And I've mentioned the obvious example of Palantir.
I like Project44, which takes fragmented supply chain data and creates a map of what's moving where, which then becomes a source of truth across procurement, sales, customer service etc. I had included this in the original piece. Perhaps I should edit it back in.
simply loved this article. Thanks Sangeet!
I'm not 100% sure that the map metaphor is always well fitting for the examples you gave 😜 But I totally agree with your critique about the gold rush and shovel metaphor! And I totally agree about building systems as a key to grow with AI. I recently wrote an article exploring that idea further: https://open.substack.com/pub/theafh/p/the-extraction-machine-is-running?r=42gt5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Your post has inspired my team to consider treasure maps for AI era entrepreneurship. Thanks for making time to create and share profound perspectives.
Thank you, Sangeet. I’ve been reading your posts alongside the development of an MVP to use A.I. (augmenting) to support human and org development (think Teal Org) and connect more deeply with our network (and network of networks). Your takes feel like what I’d been missing: proper framing. Can’t wait to read your book! Cheers. -Zach
Fascinating! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
check us out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com