Why Founders Must Rethink Their Teams in the Age of AI
5/15/202627 min
AI is changing more than workflows — it is changing what teams are, how leaders lead, and what kinds of people businesses need next. In this episode, Ryan Alford talks with Veronica Shelton, co-founder of Oak Theory, about accessibility, inclusive design, neurodivergent thinking, leadership without ego, and why curiosity is often the trait that separates good founders from great ones. They also go deep on the practical side of AI adoption: how roles are blending, how companies can stay lean without losing humanity, and why resisting change is no longer a viable option. Ryan connects with Veronica especially around founder leadership, team evolution, and the challenge of helping people adapt to a world where AI is becoming part of nearly every role. The result is a smart, current conversation for anyone building a company, managing creative work, or trying to understand where modern work is actually headed. Topics Covered Veronica Shelton’s path into product design and creative tech Why curiosity drives real success Accessibility, psychology, and better digital experiences The human implications of AI at work How Oak Theory is evolving team roles with AI Why leaders need to drop ego and tell the truth Ryan Alford and Veronica Shelton on what adaptation really looks like Links Oak Theory: oaktheory.co Under the Oak: undertheoak.co Veronica Shelton on LinkedIn: LinkedIn profile for Oak Theory co-founder Veronica Shelton. Right About Now / Ryan Alford: ryanisright.com
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsVeronica Shelton· Guest0:00
Leave your ego at the door and always be straightforward and honest. People who will wanna work with you will work with you. I don't think I'm smarter than anyone on my team, or else why the hell would they be there? I think with those things in mind, it allows me to be honest with my team and open. I'm not anyone on my team's competitor. There's nothing in me that wants to feel better than you. I want you to feel like you wanna be here because at the end of the day, the truth is, each one of those people on your team are building your dream.
Ryan Alford0:24
[upbeat music] Most business advice is wrong, built on opinions echoed by people who've never done it. But the truth, it's simpler and harder. You don't win by following the playbook. You win by rewriting it. 700 episodes deep with the people who actually built something real. No theory, no fluff, no shortcuts. This is Right About Now with Ryan Alford.
Ryan Alford· Host0:55
[upbeat music] Hello and welcome [laughs] to Right About Now. We're always mixing things up. You never know what to expect, even with our countdowns for our guests. I am excited today. I'll be honest. You do this show, I've had 700 guests, and sometimes I get in here and I start talking with the guest, I'm gonna java this person, but we're gonna make some lemonade out of lemons. I don't have a problem today. We have the lovely Veronica Shelton. She is the co-founder of Oak Theory. What's up, Veronica?
Veronica Shelton· Guest1:22
What's up, Ryan? Hi, how are you?
Ryan Alford· Host1:24
I am fabulous. Reading everything you've done, all the brands you're working with, everything you're doing with Oak Theory, it's cool.