Embracing AI and Innovation with Dawid Naude, Co-Founder of Pathfindr.ai

In this episode, Nicola Steel speaks to Dawid Naude who is Co-Founder of Pathfindr.ai, an AI innovation studio.

Dawid shares his journey from a tech-curious kid to a leader in AI and innovation. He began his career with a 5-year stint as an Associate Director at NAB Financial Markets.

Dawid's career took a pivotal turn when he joined Accenture, where he quickly transitioned to senior roles in AI, Salesforce, Cloud, Digital and the Metaverse.

Inspired by colleagues who successfully launched and sold their businesses, Dawid saw an opportunity to start something focused on AI. This led to the creation of Pathfindr with a mission to help businesses embrace AI and amplify its impact.

Dawid discusses the challenges of growing his team, particularly hiring senior staff with high salaries, and the importance of generating quality leads. His strategy focused on creating demand before worrying about supply, significantly enhancing Pathfindr's lead generation approach.

For aspiring founders, Dawid advises making your business about you, positioning yourself as an industry influencer and developing a robust lead generation strategy. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasises embracing risk early and understanding that discomfort often signals growth.

Dawid describes entrepreneurship as an intense learning experience, teaching him more in 16 weeks than the past 10 years. Despite longer hours, he feels more energised than ever and encourages others to give entrepreneurship a try and learn from those who routinely start businesses.