Host: Martin Rowinski, CEO of Boardsi
Guest: Mark Vange, Founder of autom8ly.com
In today’s fast-moving world of technology and business, it’s easy to get lost in the noise of the next “big thing.” But every once in a while, you meet a leader who doesn’t just follow the trends—they anticipate them. That’s why I was thrilled to sit down with Mark Vange, a visionary technologist, serial entrepreneur, and board advisor whose career has been a masterclass in scaling ideas that redefine industries.
From launching his first company at just 13 years old and creating a top-selling video game of the year, to shaping the future of gaming at Electronic Arts and now leading the charge in AI transformation with his company, Autom8ly, Mark’s story is one of relentless curiosity, adaptability, and practical leadership.
In this episode of Boardsi Leadership Talks, we dive deep into the lessons that only decades of innovation can teach.
The Human Side of Technology
Mark’s journey began with an Apple II and a language barrier. Immigrating from the Soviet Union to Canada at age 10, he found comfort and opportunity in code when words were still foreign. That early relationship with technology taught him a lesson that would shape his entire career: technology is only as powerful as the human experience it creates.
As he put it:
“In gaming, it doesn’t matter how cool your tech is—if it’s not fun, no one’s going to play it.”
This people-first perspective continues to guide his work in AI today.
AI as a Colleague, Not a Tool
While much of the business world is still grappling with whether AI is a threat or a savior, Mark offers a third perspective: AI as a collaborator.
Through Autom8ly, Mark has developed a methodology that treats AI like an employee you onboard, train, and measure for performance. He calls it cooperative AI, and it’s a concept that solves one of the biggest challenges companies face: scaling AI without losing control.
“AI isn’t something you just switch on. It’s a process. It’s about creating systems that learn, improve, and ultimately work alongside people, not replace them.”
This approach doesn’t just accelerate productivity; it bridges the gap between technology adoption and human trust—a critical factor for enterprise leaders and boards navigating compliance, governance, and cultural change.
Lessons for Boards and Executives
Mark’s advice for boards is clear: the time to experiment with AI isn’t tomorrow—it’s now.
He warns that too many executives still underestimate how dramatically AI will reshape industries. To stay ahead, companies need to:
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Start small, but start now: Pilot projects create the internal expertise needed for larger rollouts.
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Budget for ongoing costs: AI isn’t a “one-and-done” investment. It evolves like a workforce.
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Build governance around reality, not perfection: Establish workflows that balance compliance with speed of execution.
Boards that treat AI like an iterative process rather than a finished product will be far better equipped for what’s coming.
For Founders: It’s Not About Code, It’s About Customers
Mark also shared his perspective on what separates successful founders from those who stall. His biggest insight?
“We live in a post-code world. Your technology isn’t what makes you win—your ability to reach and serve your market does.”
With AI reducing the cost and time to build, the real differentiator is no longer the tech itself, but how quickly you can deliver value to the right customer.
Why This Conversation Matters
AI is no longer optional. It’s a strategic imperative that will touch every function of the enterprise. But Mark’s perspective reminds us that the future isn’t about machines replacing people—it’s about technology that empowers people to deliver more value than ever before.
If you’re an executive, board member, or founder who wants a clear-eyed, practical view of how to lead in this new era, this episode is a must-listen.
And if you’re ready to reimagine what AI can do for your organization, connect with Mark at:
Website: https://autom8ly.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markvange/
