CH-CH-Changes: Smarter Teams and Better Tools for a future-ready workforce - AV Verekar and Doug Mapp

About our Guests

AV Verekar is the founder and CEO of Avero Advisors, a nationally recognized consulting firm helping local governments modernize through technology and strategic innovation. Under AV’s leadership, Avero has been named an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company multiple times, and his expertise in change management and digital transformation has saved municipalities across the U.S. millions of dollars. This year, AV is also serving as Lead Growth Advisor for The Works, KEC’s flagship startup accelerator, where he’s mentoring high-growth founders navigating complex transitions.

Doug Mapp is the founder of ThinkUp, a company dedicated to cognitive development and leadership training. As a board-certified cognitive development professional, Doug helps individuals and organizations rethink how they learn, lead, and collaborate. His Exceptional Professional Framework™ has transformed teams by improving performance, resilience, and decision-making. Doug is also a 2024 graduate of KEC’s The Works startup accelerator, where he sharpened ThinkUp’s mission to help companies develop adaptable, high-performing teams.

Why This Matters

The workplace is evolving faster than ever. AI is changing how teams function, expectations for leadership are shifting, and organizations are grappling with what it really means to future-proof their workforce.

This episode is for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone navigating workplace transformation. AV and Doug bring real-world insights from their work with companies, governments, and growing startups—offering practical advice on how to build smarter, more resilient teams in the face of constant change.

A big thank you to Courtney Jones, founder of MomSource Network and BE Labs, for kicking off the conversation with a thought-provoking question on the biggest AI-driven changes in teamwork—and the human elements that will always matter most.

Key Takeaways:

• AI isn’t the future, it’s the present. Smart organizations aren’t waiting; they’re actively learning and experimenting.
  
  
• Technology alone doesn’t solve problems, people do. The most successful teams focus on talent development, communication, and trust before rushing into new tools.
  
  
• Hybrid work is here to stay, but human connection matters more than ever. AI should enhance collaboration, not replace it.
  
  
• Leadership must be intentional. Growing strong teams takes discipline, mentorship, and a culture of continuous learning.
  
  
• Internal growth fuels external success. The best companies don’t just hire A-players, they develop them.
  
  
• AI can streamline tasks, but it can’t replace emotional intelligence. Companies that balance automation with authentic human leadership will have the greatest competitive edge.
  
  

Why It Matters to You

The world of work is changing, but the fundamentals of great teams remain the sam

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and at bigideaswelcome.com.

This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible.

Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker.