Rik van der Woerdt, Founder & CEO of Amsterdam Data Collective, joins Giorgio Ponticelli on Frames of Tech to discuss the future of AI consulting, building a purpose-driven company culture, and why adopting AI is about more than hype.
You’ll learn:
- How Rik built Amsterdam Data Collective into a leading AI consultancy
- What founders must learn when moving from founder to manager mode
- The impact of private equity on culture and growth
- Why collective culture outperforms traditional partner models in consulting
- Where AI is hype vs. where it’s already driving real results
- How to recruit and develop AI talent
- Why transitions fail and how leaders can get them right
- The real role of consultants in the AI era
- What advice students need for the AI-driven economy
- Why languages and culture still matter in a world of instant translation
----------------------
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Intro & welcome
01:10 Rik’s background & founding Amsterdam Data Collective
01:54 Why start in data & AI back in 2017
04:50 Private equity acquisition, impact on culture & leadership
07:51 Founder mode vs. Manager mode
11:43 The Collective model vs. Partner model in consulting
14:25 Adapting culture & ownership for the new generation
17:19 Trends in AI adoption across industries
22:37 AI Hype vs Real Benefit
27:27 Will AI replace consultants?
29:45 Recruiting & developing AI talent
33:19 AI Implementation and Change vs Transition
38:09 Advice for students preparing for an AI future
40:34 The value of languages & culture in global business
----------------------
Watch the full video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@Frames-Of-Tech
