What you'll learn in this episode
In this conversation, Amir Elion, CEO of Think Big Leaders and former AWS Innovation Programs lead in the Nordics, sits down with Keyhole Software's Chief Architect Zack Gardner to explore how enterprises are actually adopting generative AI in 2024.
The discussion covers Amir's experience bringing Amazon's Working Backwards innovation methodology to Nordic companies like Volvo and KONE, and how he now helps organizations build practical AI strategies through Think Big Leaders. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Amir brings a unique perspective that blends deep innovation methodology expertise with hands-on generative AI skills. These are topics Amir regularly speaks about at conferences and corporate events across Europe.
From Amazon to AI consulting
Amir shares his journey from leading AWS training in Israel to running the Innovation Programs for the Nordics in Stockholm, and how the Working Backwards methodology he taught to enterprise customers became the foundation for his approach to AI strategy consulting. The core insight: start with the customer problem, not the technology.
The three buckets of enterprise AI value
A central theme is Amir's framework for thinking about AI value creation. Rather than chasing every new model release, enterprises should categorize their AI initiatives into three buckets: boosting productivity (doing existing work faster), creating new value (AI-enhanced products and services), and driving disruption (rethinking entire business models). Each bucket requires a different strategy, investment level, and organizational approach. This framework is a core part of Amir's keynote presentations and workshops.
AI as innovation co-pilot
One of the most practical segments covers how Amir taught ChatGPT established innovation methodologies like SCAMPER, TRIZ, and Working Backwards, turning it into a scalable innovation facilitator. This approach lets organizations run innovation processes faster and challenge assumptions in ways that weren't possible before generative AI.
The 30x30 challenge and scaling with AI
The conversation closes with Amir's 30x30 challenge, building 30 AI applications in 30 days using no-code tools, demonstrating that the barrier to building AI-powered business tools has dropped dramatically. Applications were often built in under 30 minutes, proving that the real bottleneck isn't technical capability but strategic clarity about what to build and why.
Book Amir as a speaker
Amir regularly delivers keynotes and workshops on the topics covered in this episode, including enterprise AI strategy, Working Backwards innovation, and practical generative AI adoption. He speaks at conferences, corporate leadership offsites, and industry events across Sweden, the Nordics, and Europe. Learn more about Amir's speaking topics and availability.