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 organisation 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

Dave Hajdu brings 25+ years of experience in business transformation, starting from the early days of machine learning and database design. His career began at Microsoft in the 90s and spans hyper-growth startups like Stitch Fix and global brands like Sands Casino Macau. He’s founded and exited companies, including Vinasource and TINYpulse, and now leads Edge8 AI and the AI Officer Institute to develop future AI leaders. Dave also founded EO Vietnam in 2016 and now serves as Area Director for Southeast Asia, supporting EO Presidents in growing stronger chapters and communities.

CONNECT WITH DAVE:

Website: www.ai-officer.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davehajdu/

Company: https://www.instagram.com/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/apply-for-membership-form.

For further information, please contact:
Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au
General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au
EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au
EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

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

The EO Business Podcast