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**Please note there are some audio issues in this episode that we've tried to smooth over as best as possible**

In this C-List episode Jen and Arash sit down with Nick Tzanev, Vice President, Information Technology at USAble Life, who shares his journey as an "intrapreneur". He discusses overcoming challenges like gaining support for new ideas, stressing the need to understand others’ concerns and align innovations with company goals. He also highlights the importance of documenting learnings digitally, using AI responsibly, and advises being confident, stakeholder-focused, and persistent in driving innovation.

• Intrapreneurship vs. Entrepreneurship: An intrapreneur is a person who uses new and innovative ideas to help a company advance. An entrepreneur is someone who identifies a need in the market and finds an original solution or idea to solve it.
• Failure can help you develop better leadership skills and learn how to persevere.
• Nick reframes “power” not as control or dominance, but as “the relative ability to add value.” Power isn’t about fear or authority, it’s about enabling others to contribute meaningfully.
• AI is a great tool to utilize in an academic environment.
• Nick created an AI version of his executive coach Bill Tingle. It’s trained on their lessons, reflections, and assignments, so Nick can “talk” to it for leadership advice.
• The hosts challenge Nick on whether too much tech distances people from self-awareness. Nick’s response: balance is key. AI should enhance, not replace, human reflection.
• Nick warns that AI could shrink entry-level tech jobs, as tools like Copilot handle simpler coding or customer service work. His solution: invest in experiential learning. Such as internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships to ensure young professionals still develop real skills.