612 - AI Agents Are the New Hires with Ken Gavranovic
Why you should listen
- Learn how to build your own AI revenue streams now with agents and digital employees.
- Get a reality check on where AI adoption is really at, and how it’s disrupting mid-tier SaaS faster than you think.
- Hear practical agent use cases across sales, support, and delivery, straight from a tech leader who's helped raise $400M+ and worked with Fortune 500s.
If you’re still hanging your hat on your SaaS vendor adding AI features, you’re already behind.
In this episode, I talk with Ken Gavranovic, a tech exec who’s been building with AI since before most people could spell LLM. Ken shares how agents (aka “digital employees”) are quietly becoming the next big service you should offer, and why relying solely on platform tools like Salesforce’s Agent Assist will cost you deals, not win them.
We dive into the difference between LLMs and agents, how to package AI advisory work for clients, and the mindset shift SaaS Consulting Partners must make to stay relevant and profitable in 2025.
Key Highlights
- Agents Are Your Next High-Margin Offer: Ken explains how AI agents, like quoting assistants or reporting bots, act as digital employees you can bill for. They solve real business problems and create $10K–$50K+ upsell opportunities.
- No-Code is Slowing, AI-Augmented Devs Are Winning: Many no-code platforms are plateauing as small dev teams using AI build faster, better solutions. The new play? Offer strategic AI orchestration, not just no-code builds.
- Don’t Wait for Vendors Like Salesforce to Catch Up: Platform-native AI tools are slow and expensive for most clients. Ken warns that if you wait for your vendor, a more agile firm will take your seat at the table.
- You’re Not a Platform Partner: You’re a Results Partner - Clients want outcomes, not just CRM work. Your value now lies in spotting where agents can replace manual steps, and owning that advisory lane.
- Use AI Workshops to Drive Bigger Projects Ken shares a simple method: run cross-functional workshops to identify inefficiencies and map agent opportunities, then package that into a scoped, high-value solution
About Ken Gavranovic
Ken Gavranovic is a seasoned technology executive, global keynote speaker, and member of Thinkers50 and the Forbes Council, renowned for helping brick-and-mortar businesses leverage AI and advanced technologies for immediate, impactful results. With over three decades of experience, Ken has collaborated with top venture firms, guiding over 18 successful exits, 35 mergers and acquisitions, and one IPO. Ken’s expertise spans iconic brands like Disney World and 7-Eleven, where he implemented technology solutions that improved customer engagement and operational efficiency.
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