Alex Castrounis’ Home Page

Founder of Why of AI | NU Kellogg MBAi Professor | TEDx Speaker | Author

Former INDYCAR Engineer, Race Strategist, & Data Scientist

Where to Connect

Meet Alex

Alex Castrounis is the founder and CEO of Why of AI, a book author on AI, and a professor of AI for Northwestern University's Kellogg & McCormick MBAi program. 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.

Alex is also a former INDYCAR engineer, race strategist, and data scientist who drove winning results for teams such as Andretti Autosport in world-renowned races, including the Indy 500. His experience applying analytics to make smarter, data-driven decisions in racing now helps businesses gain and maintain a competitive advantage in their industry.

Castrounis, A. (2019). AI for People and Business. O’Reilly Media.
TEDx Talk: "How to Turn AI Chaos into Clarity"
SXSW Talk: "A New Turing Test: Can AI Find a Missing Rabbit?"
Knowledge@Wharton: "How to Turn ‘Data Exhaust’ into a Competitive Edge"
Northwestern MBAi Feature: "From the Racetrack to the Classroom"
Article: “From INDYCAR Racing to Business Success“
Detailed speaking list: whyofai.com/alex-castrounis/speaking

Select Publications & Presentations

In this TEDx talk, Alex Castrounis helps business leaders and professionals turn AI confusion into confident action by drawing on his experience as an INDYCAR race strategist and AI advisor.

What People Are Saying

STEPHANIE MILLER

CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER (CXO), 1871

“Alex is an excellent partner and has a proven track record, depth of expertise, and ability to talk to both technical and non-technical leaders. He has been an asset to 1871 and an amazing resource for our corporate partners.”

GARRETT SMITH

FOUNDER, GUILD AI

“Alex has an uncanny ability to distill the vast complexities of AI without over simplifying. He reaches deep into his technical background to find the right formula for a given business strategy. I can't think of a better guide to help executives navigate this challenging terrain.”

DAN PARK

GM AND DIRECTOR, UBER

“AI for People and Business is a must read for business executives and managers interested in learning about AI and unlocking its benefits. Alex has simplified complex topics so that anyone can begin to leverage AI within their organization.”

Some of the Organizations Our CEO Has Worked With