Ex-Google Director explains: The truth about AI agents (your new secret weapon)

The Adam Shilton Podcast

Adam Shilton sits down with Jacob Bank, the Stanford AI lab alumnus, Ex-Google Product Director and founder of Relay app, to demystify AI agents and their practical applications. Jacob cuts through the hype to explain the meaningful differences between AI workflows, agents, and co-pilots, offering actionable advice for businesses looking to implement these tools.

Their discussion moves beyond technical definitions to explore how AI is reshaping go-to-market strategies, with both agreeing that authentic human connection and trust will become increasingly valuable differentiators in an AI-saturated marketplace.

-- SHOW NOTES ---

Jacob Bank: Founder and CEO of Relay app | www.linkedin.com/in/jacobbank/

- Relay app: AI workflow platform | www.relay.app

- Matt Barker: Copywriter mentioned for content strategy | LinkedIn

- Will Barron: Founder of Salesman.com podcast | salesman.com

- "Market of One": Will Barron's upcoming book/training program

- Magic Post: AI tool for LinkedIn content creation

- Clay: Sales intelligence platform

- Napkin AI: Graphics creation tool mentioned by Jacob

- Make.com: Automation platform Adam uses for invoice management

- Stanford AI Lab: Where Jacob studied

- Timeful: Jacob's previous company (acquired by Google)

- Google: Where Jacob worked as product director

--CHAPTERS --

(00:04:00) - AI agents vs. workflows: What business owners need to know

(00:07:00) - Why "agent" terminology caught on despite its creepy connotations

(00:10:00) - The fundamental difference between AI agents and co-pilots

(00:13:00) - How AI reduces complexity in workflow creation

(00:16:00) - Picking the right AI tool for different business tasks

(00:20:00) - AI in sales outreach: Personalization vs targeting efficiency

(00:24:00) - Why timing and trigger events matter more than message content

(00:30:00) - Domain-specific AI tools like Magic Post for LinkedIn content

(00:33:00) - How AI will transform product go-to-market strategies

(00:37:00) - Building trust in the "Market of One" approach

(00:43:00) - Creating valuable content vs chasing LinkedIn engagement

(00:49:00) - Why YouTube tutorials drive more qualified traffic than LinkedIn posts

(00:54:00) - What it means to be irreplaceable in the age of AI

(00:58:00) - Finding value as the "creative director" of AI outputs