Neil and Eric break down Hamilton Helmer’s 7 Powers framework for building a durable competitive business: branding, process power, switching costs, scale economies, cornered resources, network economies, and counter positioning. They apply these strategy concepts to agencies, then shift to AI moats and vertical integration, noting why Google stands out across the AI stack (apps, models, cloud, and chips like TPUs). The conversation closes with practical leadership lessons on AI fluency programs, hackathons, KPI-driven adoption, and avoiding “AI theater” so automation actually drives revenue and profit.

Key takeaways:

-7 Powers = clearer moat strategy

-AI fluency must move KPIs

-Vertical integration wins AI stacks

Chapters

(00:00) 7 Powers moat framework

(00:26) Counterpositioning examples

(00:36) Network effects and platforms

(00:47) Cornered resources explained

(01:04) Switching costs in agencies

(01:22) Process power in manufacturing

(03:12) AI leader and best moat

(05:40) AI fluency hackathons

(10:35) KPI-first AI adoption

(12:30) Don’t give up, stay alive