Your AI Strategy, Our Expert Team

Diving into AI often feels like trying to solve a complex puzzle with pieces that keep changing. As AI evolves, figuring out how to use it ethically and responsibly seems daunting.

But you're not alone; our team of researchers, architects, and strategists are here to put the pieces together with you.

At Why of AI, our mission is to harness AI for Good, benefiting organizations, people, society, and the environment. We are committed to advocating for and implementing solutions that are not only innovative but also responsible and ethical.

Our Team

Alex Castrounis

Founder, CEO
Alex is not just an expert; he literally wrote the book on designing successful AI strategies, use cases, and roadmaps. A professor of AI for Northwestern University's Kellogg & McCormick MBAi program, he also serves as the executive-in-residence at the University of Chicago Booth’s AI Transform Accelerator. He has over two decades of experience advising startups to Fortune 100 companies on using data, analytics, and AI models to drive business growth and customer success.
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.
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 consumer strategy, brand, creative, and growth marketing. Justin finds joy in merging the art of storytelling with the science of technology.
Masum Patel

AI Researcher
Masum is an Applied AI Engineer and Consultant with extensive experience in designing and building AI products for companies like CVS, Walmart, Kohl’s, and Deloitte. He is a problem solver at heart and has helped startups like TorchIt with product design and AI system design. He also leads the US local chapter for FruitPunch AI and often indulges in projects to use AI for Good.
Morgan Schaening

Sales & Partnerships
Morgan is an entrepreneur with 15 years expertise in sales and operational leadership. Driven by a passion for innovation and customer success, he is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex and rapidly changing landscape of AI with confidence and clarity.
Disha Gulati

Advisor
Disha is the Founder and CEO of Here Here Market and a graduate of the University of Chicago’s Booth MBA program.
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.