Your AI Strategy, Our Expert Team
Diving into AI often feels like trying to solve a complex puzzle with pieces that keep changing.
But you're not alone; our team of researchers, architects, and strategists are here to put the pieces together with you.
We envision a world where everyone understands the best ways to benefit from AI.
We exist to help people create an AI strategy that drives understanding, confidence, and positive impact.
Our Team
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Alex Castrounis
Founder, CEO
Alex Castrounis is founder of Why of AI, a TEDx speaker, book author, and professor at Northwestern Kellogg’s MBAi program. He helps mid-market leaders turn AI chaos into clarity, drawing on 20+ years advising startups to Fortune 100s—and as a former INDYCAR strategist and data scientist for teams like Andretti Autosport, driving winning results at races like the Indy 500. He’s known for making AI complexity clear, actionable, and valuable.
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Erik O'Brien
Chief Product Officer
Erik is a data-driven strategist, researcher, and product manager with over a decade of experience across industries. He has helped create new value for brands by designing, launching, and optimizing technology-enabled, customer-centric programs for companies like Verizon, Citi, Kimberly-Clark, Duracell, BCBS, and SC Johnson.
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Justin Johnson
Chief Growth Officer
Justin, a multi-award-winning marketing executive with over 15 years of experience, specializes in creating iconic campaigns for brands such as Disney, Snickers, and Anheuser-Busch. A serial entrepreneur, he has launched three startups, demonstrating deep expertise in GTM, brand, creative, and growth marketing. Justin finds joy in merging the art of storytelling with the science of technology.
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Bobby Basham
Advisor
Bobby is the Chicago Cubs’ Director of Baseball Innovation, identifying emerging trends and technologies to enhance baseball operations. A former pro player, he previously led Player Development and Special Projects for the Cubs. He founded Union Baseball Systems, advises sports tech startups, and serves on multiple advisory boards. Bobby holds a B.S. from the University of Richmond and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School. He has been a featured speaker at numerous sports conferences, including twice at SXSW.
Bobby resides in San Diego with his wife, Leslie, and their three wonderful children. -
Disha Gulati
Advisor
Disha Gulati is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with deep expertise in consumer insights, data-driven growth strategies, and emerging CPG innovation. As the Founder & CEO of Here Here Market, she is revolutionizing how food brands scale by combining marketplace access with rich consumer analytics.
Prior to launching Here Here Market, Disha led Global Analytics for Mondelez International (MDLZ), where she leveraged data science to drive strategic decision-making across one of the world’s largest CPG portfolios. With a background in corporate strategy, analytics, and venture building, she brings a unique perspective on how AI can empower businesses to make smarter, more impactful decisions.
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Richard Noyes
Advisor
Richard is a graduate of Dartmouth’s Tuck School MBA program, as well as an active angel investor and former CFO of Astra Pharmaceuticals, Foster Miller, and QinetiQ. He also taught corporate finance at Bentley University.
