From Microsoft to Mastering AI: Dave Hajdu on Leadership, EO, and the Future of Work | Ep 167

Guest: Dave Hajdu, Founder of Edge8 AI, Founder of the AI Officer Institute, Serial Entrepreneur, Founding Member of EO Vietnam since 2012, and Area Director for EO Southeast Asia
Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member and Owner of Outsourcing Angel

In this episode, Dave Hajdu shares his remarkable 25+ year journey in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. From his early career at Microsoft during the rise of machine learning to building and exiting a Silicon Valley–backed startup, Dave’s experience spans the full evolution of modern tech.

He has worked with fast-scaling startups like Stitch Fix and global enterprises such as Sands Casino in Macau.

Today, Dave leads Edge8 AI and the AI Officer Institute, where he is training the next generation of AI leaders.Dave reveals why 95% of AI programs fail, a statistic backed by MIT, and explains the two biggest reasons behind this failure:
1️⃣ Poor data organization and lack of systems
2️⃣ Lack of proper leadership guiding AI integration

He also shares how he pivoted his business three months ago to launch the AI Officer Institute, a solution built to equip companies with the internal AI leadership they desperately need.

As the founder of the EO Vietnam chapter and now an Area Director for EO Southeast Asia, Dave also opens up about his leadership journey, the power of EO, and how building community has shaped his life and career.

Whether you're implementing AI, leading a growing team, or navigating entrepreneurship, this episode offers clarity, depth, and actionable wisdom.

ABOUT DAVE HAJDU
With over 25 years of experience, Dave Hajdu has been at the forefront of business transformation since the early days of machine learning and relational database design. His career began in the 90s at Microsoft, and since then, he has worked with companies ranging from hyper-growth startups like Stitch Fix to global brands like Sands Casino in Macau.

Dave’s entrepreneurial path includes founding Vinasource, building and exiting TINYpulse (a Silicon Valley–backed startup), and now leading Edge8 AI and the AI Officer Institute, where he develops the next generation of AI leaders.

In 2016, Dave founded the Vietnam chapter of the Entrepreneur's Organization (EO). Today, as an Area Director for Southeast Asia, he empowers entrepreneurs worldwide by helping EO Presidents grow their chapters and strengthen their communities.

CONNECT WITH DAVE:
Website: www.ai-officer.com
LinkedIn:   / davehajdu  
Company:   / dhajdu  

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ABOUT EO

Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.

Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.

If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/ap....

For further information, please contact:
Podcast Host Linh Podetti: [email protected]
General Inquiries: [email protected]
EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au
EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/
EO Youtube    / @entrepreneursorganization  

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ABOUT THE HOST

Linh Podetti is the CEO and Founder of Outsourcing Angel, a Sydney-based company that helps to create jobs for people in the Philippines while creating freedom for business owners around the world. Outsourcing Angel provides Systemise & Scale Up Services as well as Recruitment of Virtual Assistants to help business owners grow a business that doesn't rely on them.

Linh has been an active member of EO Sydney since June 2022, and she actively seeks out opportunities to promote and uplift fellow entrepreneurs.

Business Website: www.outsourcingangel.com
Personal Website: https://www.linhpodetti.com
YouTube:    / @linhpodetti  
Linkedin:   / linhpodetti  
Instagram:   / linh.podetti