Episodes

  • Navigating the Insurance Landscape: The Human Element in Sales
    Oct 30 2025

    In this episode of EVKA Talk, host Eva Karnaukh interviews sales growth expert Calvino De Luca, who shares his extensive experience in the insurance industry. They discuss the unique characteristics of the insurance sector, the essential traits of successful salespeople, and the challenges of handling resentful customers. Calvino emphasizes the importance of differentiation in services and the impact of AI on the industry. He also shares insights on the human element in sales, the role of technology, and advice for sales executives navigating the evolving landscape.

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    27 mins
  • AI in Healthcare | Elevating Human Potential
    Oct 24 2025

    In this episode, Eva Karnaukh speaks with Milissa Campbell, a healthcare transformation executive, about the integration of AI in healthcare. They discuss Milissa's unexpected journey into the field, the evolution of AI usage, and the importance of overcoming fear to embrace AI technologies. The conversation highlights common questions about AI adoption, the significance of starting small with automation, and the necessity of AI literacy. They explore various use cases for AI in healthcare, emphasizing the role of human oversight and the potential for AI to transform patient experiences and improve health outcomes. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of AI in healthcare and the importance of elevating human potential through technology.

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    45 mins
  • The Unspoken Truth of Executive Networking
    Sep 13 2025

    Ever sat in your car outside a networking event, questioning why you're really there? Mel reveals the uncomfortable truth about what executives are actually looking for when they join those exclusive networks (hint: it's not what you think).

    In this episode, she breaks down the real psychological drivers behind executive networking – from leadership loneliness to imposter syndrome – and shares why 67% of executives are more stressed than ever. You'll discover the three biggest networking mistakes that waste your time and money, plus the honest questions you need to ask yourself before joining any group.

    If you've ever felt like networking is just expensive small talk, or if you're in a network wondering why it feels "meh," this episode will change how you think about building relationships at the top.

    Warning: Mel gets brutally honest about her own networking failures and the moment she realized she was joining groups for all the wrong reasons. No fluff, just the real talk you need to build connections that actually matter.

    Perfect for executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are tired of surface-level networking and ready for authentic relationships that transform their leadership.

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    16 mins
  • STOP Talking - START Doing - AI Transformation in Federal Space
    Sep 12 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Eva Karnaukh and Jamie Holcomb discuss the current state of AI in the federal government, emphasizing the need for action over discussion. They explore the historical context of AI adoption, the importance of cultural transformation, and the steps necessary for successful technology deployment. Jamie shares personal experiences with AI, the limitations of current models, and the significance of curating data for effective AI use. The discussion concludes with a hopeful outlook on AI's potential to solve significant human problems, urging listeners to embrace curiosity and take action.takeaways

    • AI adoption in the federal government is still in its infancy.
    • Action is more important than discussion in technology deployment.
    • Cultural transformation is essential for effective strategy implementation.
    • Fear and uncertainty hinder AI adoption in the federal space.
    • Successful technology deployment requires executive champions and measurable results.
    • The government should focus on its core missions and avoid unnecessary tasks.
    • Innovation often comes from small businesses rather than large corporations.
    • AI can help in various fields, including healthcare and cybersecurity.
    • Data curation is crucial for effective AI applications.
    • Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is vital for progress.
    • AI in the Federal Space: A Call to Action
    • Transforming Government Through AI and Innovation
    • "Act now, be bold, and create new."
    • "Culture eats strategy for breakfast."
    • "Stop talking, start doing."


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    46 mins
  • Transforming Healthcare: The Role of AI
    Aug 22 2025

    In this conversation, Dr. Hassan Tetteh shares his journey from a small town in Brooklyn to becoming a heart and lung transplant surgeon and a leader in AI in healthcare. He discusses the intersection of creativity and surgery, the evolution of AI in healthcare, and the significant role of military medicine in advancing healthcare practices. Dr. Tetteh emphasizes the importance of curiosity, the super forces driving AI evolution, and the need for society to embrace AI as a transformative tool in healthcare. He also addresses concerns about data privacy and the generational differences in attitudes towards technology, ultimately encouraging a shift from fear to curiosity regarding AI's potential.


    Link to a Book: https://a.co/d/bQiNZCw


    Takeaways

    • Dr. Tetteh's background as a surgeon and artist informs his approach to healthcare.
    • Creativity in surgery involves making connections and understanding complex systems.
    • AI has been a part of healthcare for decades, but its potential is just being realized.
    • Military medicine has historically advanced healthcare practices significantly.
    • The introduction of electronic health records marked a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery.
    • AI's evolution is driven by data, connectivity, investment, policy changes, and computing power.
    • AI can enhance patient care and improve healthcare outcomes.
    • Concerns about AI should be addressed through education and transparency.
    • Generational attitudes towards technology influence how individuals engage with AI.
    • The future of careers will be shaped by AI and technology advancements.


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    53 mins
  • Tanked AI Investments The Future of AI, Trends and Insights
    Aug 13 2025

    In this conversation, Kunal Topra discusses the evolving landscape of AI investment and adoption, highlighting the shift from hype to a more measured approach. He emphasizes the importance of understanding true AI use cases, the role of AI in compliance and workflows, and the cultural challenges organizations face in adopting AI technologies. The discussion also covers the significance of human-AI collaboration, the need for mid-sized companies to leverage AI for competitive advantage, and the critical factors in choosing the right AI partners. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the necessity of a mindset shift towards viewing AI as an enabler rather than a replacement for jobs.


    Takeaways

    • AI investment dynamics are shifting from hype to reality.
    • Understanding true use cases is essential for AI success.
    • Cultural challenges hinder AI adoption in organizations.
    • AI should empower employees, not replace them.
    • Mid-sized companies can gain a competitive edge with AI.
    • Choosing the right AI partner is crucial for success.
    • AI implementation requires a mindset shift towards outcomes.
    • The ROI of AI must be viewed in terms of productivity and cost savings.
    • Human-AI collaboration is key to maximizing AI benefits.
    • Education and upskilling are vital for effective AI integration.
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    52 mins
  • Revolutionizing M&A with AI and the future of valuations
    Aug 13 2025

    In this conversation, Eva Karnaukh and Jeff Cree explore the transformative impact of AI on the M&A landscape. They discuss how AI can streamline the quality of earnings process, enhance valuations, and provide predictive analytics for businesses. The importance of thorough due diligence and preparation for founders is emphasized, along with the need for companies to educate their teams about AI technologies. The discussion also touches on the limitations of AI and the necessity of integrating it thoughtfully into corporate environments to maximize its potential.

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    40 mins
  • Ambition vs Happiness The False Choice That's Stealing Your Power
    Jul 8 2025

    In this conversation, Eva Karnaukh explores the relationship between ambition and happiness, challenging the notion that one must sacrifice the other. She emphasizes the importance of redefining success on personal terms and balancing ambition with contentment to achieve true well-being. Through her insights, she provides practical steps for integrating both ambition and happiness into a fulfilling life.takeaways

    • Ambition does not have to equal suffering.
    • Happiness includes the satisfaction of growth.
    • Contentment enhances ambition, making it more powerful.
    • Redefining success on your own terms is crucial.
    • Balancing present appreciation with future ambition is key.
    • Gratitude and ambition can coexist.
    • Ambition should serve your values, not the other way around.
    • Real ambition is about personal growth, not external validation.
    • The journey can be as fulfilling as the destination.
    • You can afford to have both ambition and happiness.
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    5 mins