Free The CEO

Welcome to the Free The CEO Podcast—the go-to show for founders, solopreneurs, and fractionals who want to lead with vision, not get stuck in the weeds. Get expert insights, real-world strategies, and battle-tested tactics to help you create a business that runs smoothly through smart systems and strong teams.

Free The CEO is a business podcast hosted by Kahlil Dumas, with 94 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Kahlil Dumas hosts Free The CEO, a business show with 94 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #92

  EP #92: Beyond AI: The Critical Role of Human Expertise in Tech Innovation

  Apr 7, 202518 minS4

  <p>In today's episode, I'm answering that question burning in everyone's inbox: "How is AI going to impact my job?"</p><p>As someone working with both startups and Fortune 500s, I wanted to bring you the employer's perspective on this incredibly nuanced topic.</p><p>The truth?</p><p>While technological advancement is accelerating at a pace that would make your head spin, companies are facing a critical challenge—they have amazing tech but lack employees who can actually leverage it.</p><p>Connect with me on LinkedIn</p><p>Work with my fractional firm</p><p>Work with my...

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  Episode #91

  EP #91: Why Diverse Leadership is Non-Negotiable for Startup Success (Execnow Linkedin Live)

  Mar 31, 202527 minS4

  <p>In this Execnow Linkedin Live, we’ll explore why talent diversity is essential for you as a startup, the common hiring pitfalls you face, and actionable strategies to leverage inclusivity and build diverse, high-performing teams.</p><p>Connect with me on LinkedIn</p><p>Work with my fractional firm</p><p>Work with my executive search and advisory firm</p><p>Connect with our panelists</p>

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  Episode #90

  EP #90: The Business Case for DEI: What CEOs Need to Know About Pulling Back

  Mar 17, 202533 minS4

  <p>In this episode, we dive deep into the pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and its true business impact. Our panelists—Ayanna King, Abby Adamson, and Colin—discuss the reality of DEI rollbacks, the myths surrounding meritocracy, and how leaders must be held accountable for real change.</p><p>What You’ll Learn in This Episode:</p>Why DEI backlash is happening and how we got hereThe business case for DEI and why it’s not just a trendHow performative actions have replaced real commitmentsWhy neutrality is complicity—and what leaders must do insteadHow companies can avoid short-term thinking a...

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  Episode #89

  EP #89: Emotional Intelligence, AI, and the Future of Content Marketing with David Baum

  Mar 10, 202534 minS4

  <p>In this episode, I dive into the power of emotional intelligence and AI in leadership and content marketing. David Baum, a seasoned founder and investor, shares how empathy-driven leadership and building in public have shaped his startup, Relato. We explore the role of AI in content creation, its limitations, and how human connection remains irreplaceable in storytelling.</p><p>David also breaks down product-market fit, the importance of user research, and how bold leadership helps founders navigate uncertainty.</p><p>What You’ll Learn in This Episode:</p>How emotional intelligence sets great leaders apart.The balance between AI an...

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  Episode #88

  EP 88: Engineering the Future: AI, Policy, and Inclusive Technology with Ishvaraus Davis

  Mar 3, 202521 minS4

  <p>In my conversation with Ish, we explored his journey from Southeast Georgia to becoming an engineering leader in Silicon Valley. Starting with computer science at the University of Pittsburgh, Ish shared how a college startup project led to his recruitment at Meta, where he worked on B2B advertising algorithms. His career path included roles at IBM, where he learned business fundamentals, and later a shift to tech policy work in Congress, focusing on emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI.</p><p>Links</p><p>Connect with me on LinkedIn</p><p>Work with my fractional firm</p><...

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