Michael Finkelstein

Ep. 258 | Start Small: A Smarter Way to Use AI in Business

Podcast Episode
April 29, 2026•2 min read

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AI isn’t coming. It’s already in the room. The real question is whether your business is asleep at the wheel.

Michael Finkelstein, founder and CEO of KINETK, joins Matthew and Luigi for a straight-up talk about AI, data, and why most businesses are still thinking way too small. This episode gets into what happens when data stops being static, why hidden relationships matter, and how small businesses can move faster than giant companies stuck in meetings about meetings.

🍸 What you'll hear in this episode:

  • Why data is the real power behind AI

  • What “building for the autonomous era” actually means

  • The difference between using AI as a tool vs using it as an operating layer

  • Why small businesses may have the edge over big companies

  • The trap of AI FOMO and shiny-object syndrome

  • A simple way to start using AI without blowing up your business

  • Why Michael believes the progress clock is broken

  • How hidden data relationships can shape better decisions

💡 Notable Takeaway:

“It is not for the weak of heart. You’ve got to be driven by something besides just money.”

👤 About our Guest:

Michael Finkelstein is the founder and CEO of KINETK, a company building AI-powered data systems that help businesses move faster, cut friction, and make smarter decisions at scale.

🎧 Why Listen:

Want to see how AI can help your business think faster and work smarter? Check out KINETK and connect with Michael to keep the conversation going.


🔗 Links + Stuff

📬 Want more than just the podcast?

Every Friday, we publish The Weekly. A fast, smart rundown of what actually matters in finance, tech, small business, and the economy...without the noise.

Subscribe here: 👉https://theweeklyfromshieldadvisory.substack.com/

💼 Need funding or working capital?

If today’s conversation raised questions about capital, cash flow, or financing options, you can schedule a conversation with our sponsor, Credit Banc.

Credit Banc helps business owners make sense of their options and move forward with a clear plan, without pressure or guesswork.

👉 Book a free 15-minute call here: https://shorturl.at/LwxsA

📲 Connect with the hosts

Follow along for behind-the-scenes clips, commentary, and things that don’t make it into the episode.

• Matt Meehan:https://www.instagram.com/matthew.r.meehan
• Luigi Rosabianca:https://www.instagram.com/luigi_rosabianca
• The Liquid Lunch Project:https://www.instagram.com/theliquidlunchproject/

💬 One last thing

Know a business owner who would appreciate this conversation?
Send them the episode. That’s how this show grows.

podcastmichael finkelsteinAIdata
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