Stop Buying AI Slop: How Mid-Market Companies Actually Get ROI from AI
In this episode of Just Curious, Stu Willson sits down with Arman Hezarkhani, Managing Partner at Tenex, one of the fastest-growing AI transformation firms working with mid-market and growth-stage companies. Arman breaks down why AI is easy for individuals but hard for businesses, how to avoid “AI slop,” and how Tenex helps leaders move from hype to measurable revenue, cost savings, and execution—fast.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & Arman’s background
01:30 – Why AI is easy for individuals but hard for businesses
03:45 – From “we want AI” to real business goals
06:10 – Why AI doesn’t change fundamentals—but changes speed
08:30 – Building a culture of AI experimentation
10:45 – The Tenex diagnostic: surveys, interviews, and roadmaps
14:20 – Why AI power users and skeptics matter most
17:00 – Tenex’s output-based pricing model (story points, not hours)
20:10 – How uncapped upside attracts top engineering talent
22:40 – Generative vs agentic AI vs AI-enabled software builds
24:50 – What “AI slop” looks like—and how to avoid it
27:00 – Build vs buy is harder than ever
29:10 – Billboard case study: unlocking inventory & revenue with AI
32:00 – Measuring ROI and handling AI accuracy in production
33:45 – Advice for new Heads of AI: how to land your first win
34:40 – Closing thoughts
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Managing Partner at Tenex, leading enterprise AI transformation for mid-market and growth companies across product, process, and people to drive efficiency, margin, and growth.
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