Walter Paulsen: Lead Like a Pro – Thriving with AI and Innovation for CEOs

Want to Future-Proof Your Business? Start by Superhumanizing Your Team, Not Replacing Them.

In this episode of the [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, Hamlet Azarian sat down with Walter Paulson, a seasoned entrepreneur, executive coach, and founder of Blackhawk Network.

Walter brings over 25 years of leadership experience across industries like e-commerce, fintech, and climatetech—including multiple successful exits and a unicorn.

This conversation offers a deep dive into how CEOs and leaders can embrace AI responsibly, foster resilient teams, and scale businesses intelligently without losing their core strengths.

What We Discussed with Walter

Adopt AI Mindfully, Not Recklessly
Walter emphasizes that companies must experiment with AI through small, strategic bets—without destabilizing their core operations. AI should empower teams, not replace them.

Avoid Creating “Skunk Works” AI Teams
Rather than isolating AI innovation into a separate department, AI adoption should be embedded within each functional team (finance, marketing, ops) where domain expertise lives.

Overcome Fear of the Unknown
Many CEOs hesitate to adopt unfamiliar technology. Walter coaches leaders to face these fears, make intelligent small bets, and stay proactive—or risk falling behind competitors.

Invest in Small Experiments, Not Giant Risks
Rather than betting the company, leaders should place small R&D bets across multiple areas. The goal: either gain operational improvements or collect valuable data.

Build Cultures Comfortable with Discomfort
Change is stressful. Successful organizations create cultures that embrace uncertainty, foster a growth mindset, and normalize constant learning and adaptation.

Superhumanize Your Teams with AI
Walter reframes AI as a superpower amplifier for employees—not a threat. Organizations that view AI as a tool for superhuman productivity, rather than a replacement, are the ones that thrive.

Stay Humble and Hungry During Hypergrowth
During periods of rapid scaling, companies must strengthen their core, stay humble, and avoid arrogance. Even explosive growth can hide dangerous weaknesses if unchecked.

Learning from Missed Innovation: Redbox vs. Netflix
Walter shares insider stories about Redbox missing the streaming revolution while Netflix bet big at the right time—highlighting the importance of betting aggressively when the data supports it.

CEO Essentials for Scaling
Great CEOs focus on vision, culture, and hiring exceptional people. They delegate operational execution and spend their energy on strategic leadership, not micromanagement.

Final Thoughts: Growth Requires Courage and Discipline

Walter’s message to leaders is clear:

• Experiment constantly.
• Invest intelligently in change.
• Superhumanize teams, not replace them.
• Stay humble even when growing fast.

In an AI-driven era, success hinges not just on adopting new technology but on creating resilient cultures that embrace innovation without fear.
Walter’s blend of real-world stories and actionable strategies makes this episode a masterclass in leading sustainable, future-proof growth.

Key Takeaways

01:40 – Why mindful AI adoption protects strengths and addresses weaknesses
04:30 – Why embedding AI across departments beats isolated innovation labs
06:00 – Helping CEOs overcome tech fear with small, strategic bets
08:45 – Small AI experiments as a path to de-risking bigger moves
14:00 – Building resilient company cultures that thrive on discomfort
18:00 – How to view AI as a tool to “superhumanize” workflows
25:00 – Redbox vs Netflix: the danger of avoiding big innovation bets
32:00 – Key CEO roles: hiring smart, empowering teams, leading culture
40:00 – How to stay grounded and vigilant during periods of hypergrowth

Connect with Walter

LinkedIn: Walter Paulson on LinkedIn