Ken McLoud is the Founder of Laconic Technology, a technology company focused on helping businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence and custom software to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and unlock growth. Drawing on his experience in AI engineering and strategic consulting, he partners with clients to design solutions that integrate smoothly with existing systems and deliver measurable business results. Prior to founding Laconic Technology, Ken worked as a Design Engineer at Ruger Firearms, where he leveraged his technical expertise to develop innovative products.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [03:39] Ken McLoud explains the difference between layering AI on top of a process versus architecting it into the business
- [05:49] How AI lead magnets boost call bookings and sales
- [06:54] Insider lessons from global brands on disciplined execution
- [09:35] Avoiding the biggest mistake companies make with AI strategy
- [17:28] Manufacturing’s biggest AI opportunity with custom data analysis
- [20:32] Why empowering teams is crucial for successful AI adoption
In this episode…
Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now, but most conversations still revolve around tools, prompts, and hype. So what actually happens when a company stops chasing AI trends and starts using the technology to solve real business problems?
According to Ken McLoud, a seasoned engineer who has spent years building complex systems, the first step is shifting the question entirely. Instead of asking where they can deploy AI, businesses should start by identifying the real constraint in the system and attacking that problem directly. In practice, that often means automating repetitive tasks, improving lead generation, or building systems that analyze opportunities and make smarter decisions at scale. When companies focus on the right problem first, AI becomes a practical tool for measurable impact rather than a shiny experiment.
In this episode of In Good Company: Where Relationships Drive Results, Lisa Kilrea is joined by Ken McLoud, Founder of Laconic Technology, to discuss how businesses can implement AI in ways that actually drive revenue and efficiency. Ken explains why “we need AI” is often a red flag, how custom systems differ from simple AI integrations, and where B2B companies are missing the biggest opportunities. Ken also shares advice on identifying the real business constraints AI should solve.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Lisa Kilrea on LinkedIn
- WSI eResults
- Ken McLoud: LinkedIn | Email
- Laconic Technology
- “How Great Leaders Build Trust in Uncertain Times With Dean E. Carter” on In Good Company: Where Relationships Drive Results
- “Leading Commercial Strategy and Growth in MedTech With Chris Reese” on In Good Company: Where Relationships Drive Results
- Dr. Jeremy Weisz on LinkedIn
- ChatGPT
- Claude
Quotable Moments
- “We don’t want to attack these problems as we’ve got to use AI somewhere.”
- “The actual constraint of the business is where you ought to be putting your effort.”
- “We’re going to take our existing team and use this amazing new technology to give them superpowers.”
- “You need to be ruthless in pruning the list of things that you’re going to research and look into.”
- “Organizations that are good at empowering employees to do jobs on their own are similarly also good at empowering AI to do these jobs.”
Action Steps
- Identify the real business constraint first: Solving the most critical bottleneck ensures AI investments deliver meaningful ROI rather than marginal improvements.
- Avoid treating AI as a solution in search of a problem: Starting with clear business challenges leads to smarter implementations and more measurable outcomes.
- Document processes with clear SOPs: Well-defined procedures make it easier to train both people and AI systems to perform tasks consistently.
- Focus AI efforts on repetitive and time-consuming tasks: Automating routine work frees teams to concentrate on higher-value strategic activities.
- Frame AI as a tool that empowers employees: Positioning AI as a way to enhance human capabilities increases adoption and strengthens collaboration during implementation.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is sponsored by WSI EResults Manufacturing Marketing — revolutionizing digital marketing for the manufacturing industry.
At WSI EResults, we help B2B manufacturers, OEMs, and industrial distributors elevate their digital presence through AI-powered, data-driven strategies designed to generate targeted, impactful leads.
From AI-powered SEO and content marketing to tailored campaigns built for the unique challenges of the manufacturing sector, WSI EResults delivers the tools and expertise to help your business stand out, grow, and thrive.
Learn more at wsi-manufacturing-marketing.com. Your blueprint for smarter, more effective manufacturing marketing.
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