In today's show, host Solomon Williams sits down with Dr. Irene Katzela, managing consultant at Axio4Tech and an expert in network technologies, enterprise system architecture, and startup growth. Dr. Katzela brings a wealth of experience from her journey through academia, consulting for industry giants, supporting startups as a fractional CTO, and helping organizations—large and small—navigate the complexities of integrating new technologies like AI and blockchain.

Together, they dive deep into the realities of adopting AI in business, the importance of building a strong foundation before chasing flashy features, and how AI is reshaping everything from operations to employee experiences. They also explore the practical challenges small and medium-sized businesses face, why human buy-in still matters, and what ethical and technological trends Dr. Katzela sees on the horizon for the next wave of AI and automation.

Whether you’re a startup founder, tech leader, or just curious about the ever-changing world of intelligent automation, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons and forward-looking insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s get started!

Key Moment:

00:00 Journey from Greece to Tech Innovator

05:46 AI Solutions for Business Growth

08:46 AI as a Tool, Not a Trend

11:48 Consultant Insights on Client Education

12:50 AI Resistance and Adoption Challenges

16:45 AI Data Ethics Concerns

20:31 Enterprise AI & Blockchain Opportunities

22:09 Navigating AI Implementation Challenges

26:00 Innovative Consulting Solutions

28:57 "LinkedIn Preference for Social Media"

About the guest :

Dr. Irene Katzela, Founder at Axio4Tech, was born and raised in Greece, where she earned her first degree in engineering from one of the country’s top universities. Driven by a passion for network technologies and the evolution of the Internet, she moved to North America to pursue her master’s and PhD at Columbia University in New York City. After completing her graduate studies, Dr. Katzela joined the University of Toronto, teaching electrical and computer engineering as well as computer science. However, her fascination with large systems called her to industry during the early 2000s- a time of rapid technological change - where she focused on building advanced network systems and shaping the future of Internet communications.

How to connect with Dr. Irene Katzela:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenekatzela/

About the host :

Solomon Williams is the founder of Solonox and the host of the podcast "AI Advantage." Dedicated to helping modern leaders navigate the future of technology, Solomon cuts through the noise and hype to deliver clear, insightful conversations about AI and automation. On his podcast, he shares his expertise—sometimes solo, sometimes alongside the brightest minds in tech—offering practical advice on what it really takes to grow smarter in a rapidly evolving digital world. With "AI Advantage," Solomon invites listeners...