John Sansoucie, President and Chief Growth Officer of CogNet, joins host Nadia Atwal to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry—particularly within HR. With two decades of experience, John shares how his global team is helping HR service providers scale through smart automation and process optimization.

• The Origin Story: John traces his journey from building an HR outsourcing company in the U.S. to creating a 600-person global workforce, beginning with early ventures in India.
• AI's Infiltration into HR: He explains the shift from traditional BPO to Business Process Management, where automation and robotics—not just offshoring—are driving efficiency.
• Real-World Example: John describes how legacy HR paperwork (PDFs, paystubs, forms) can now be processed using robotic systems, drastically reducing human labor and time.
• Security & Compliance: He emphasizes the critical need for caution when dealing with sensitive HR data—especially in the age of large language models and potential AI “hallucinations.”
• The Human Touch: Despite AI advances, John predicts humans will remain vital for auditing and oversight—especially in areas like payroll and compliance.
• Future Readiness: He urges HR companies to embrace AI or risk falling behind, drawing on lessons from his father: "Be ahead, not behind."

Companies in HR that fail to integrate AI into their operations will lose their competitive edge. Through robotic process automation and cautious AI implementation, firms can double output without doubling staff. However, John cautions: thoughtful security protocols and human oversight are non-negotiable in this new era.

John Sansoucie’s message is clear: the future of HR isn’t just about outsourcing—it’s about smart scaling. Leaders must embrace AI not as a buzzword, but as an operational necessity.

Ken Mahoney, President of Mahoney Asset Management returns to Perceived Reality to break down what’s really happening in the markets—from AI-fueled innovation to interest rate tailwinds—and why investors shouldn’t fear volatility but use it. Drawing on 36 years of experience, Ken shares why 2026 is shaping up to be an investor-friendly year and which overlooked stocks are set to surprise.

Key Discussion Points

Bubble or Boom?

• Ken explains why current market conditions resemble a 1990s-style tech boom—minus the frothy valuations—and how today's AI and data center spend are anchored in real earnings, not clicks.

His Market Thesis for 2026

• With the Federal Reserve expected to continue cutting rates, Ken believes a "risk-on" environment is inevitable. Investors should position for AI-adjacent companies and those already realizing ROI from tech investments made in 2024–2025.

Strategic Stock Picks

• Mahoney calls Microsoft and Nvidia the “Boardwalk and Park Place” of AI. But he also likes companies like Walmart, which he says could unlock billions in operational efficiency through logistics automation.

The Political Cycle & Pro-Business Policy

• From deregulation to international deal-making, Ken praises the current administration for creating a capital-friendly climate, especially for AI and defense sectors.

Crypto Skepticism

• Ken voices caution on digital assets, calling most altcoins “modern-day pyramid schemes,” while conceding that a modest crypto allocation (3–5%) is tolerable—especially for younger investors.

Volatility as a Strategy

• Rather than fear corrections, Ken urges investors to anticipate them. His advice: take profits during parabolic upswings and keep dry powder ready for the elevator down.

Takeaways

• AI and data infrastructure are not hype—they’re the growth engine of this decade.
• Smart investors use volatility to reposition, not panic.
• Companies that invested heavily in tech in 2024–2025 will reap rewards in 2026.
• The Fed’s rate cuts and pro-business policies are major tailwinds for U.S. equities.
• Crypto can be part of a diversified portfolio—but only in moderation.

Closing Thoughts

Ken Mahoney offers clarity in a confusing market. Whether you're a Gen Z investor chasing crypto or a Gen X retiree focused on risk management, his approach is grounded, forward-looking, and refreshingly unafraid to call out market noise. One thing’s clear—2026 won’t be dull, and Mahoney plans to be ahead of it.

John Sampogna, CEO of modern advertising agency Wondersauce, joins Nadia Atwal to break down what it really means to accelerate a business in today’s saturated and fast-changing digital world. With over 15 years in digital marketing and a client roster that includes Subway, Scott’s, and Brookfield, John shares why most companies are doing brand-building backward—and how to fix it.

• What Business Acceleration Actually Means:
• John defines business acceleration not as a buzzword, but as the custom process of helping each business grow through a unique mix of creative, tech, and media—because “no two businesses are the same.”
• Why Performance Marketing Alone Isn’t Enough Anymore:
• Brands have become over-reliant on short-term, performance-driven marketing strategies. John explains why brand building needs a longer-term strategy focused on storytelling, trust, and a diversified media mix.
• Mindset Is the Strategy:
• Sampogna emphasizes building a strategy you can trust and stick to, helping clients avoid panic pivots two weeks into campaigns. He urges brands to prioritize brand awareness early—even if sales are slow at the start.
• B2B vs B2C Is a Myth:
• John believes the lines between business and consumer marketing have blurred. Whether you’re selling software or sneakers, you’re targeting the same people across the same platforms—so your messaging must adapt accordingly.
• The Wondersauce “Secret Sauce”:
• The agency’s strength lies in anticipating shifts in human behavior and designing strategies around them. Their holistic approach blends platform optimization, content creation, and diversified paid strategy to future-proof brands.
• The Role of Influencers Today:
• According to John, influencer marketing is no longer optional—it’s a baseline tactic. Whether through macro creators or niche micro-influencers, brands must plug into the creator economy with consistency and relevance.
• Where Wondersauce Is Headed in 2026:
• With the rise of AI and experiential commerce, John is excited about the creative possibilities. He sees a future where shopping merges real and digital experiences—tailored, personalized, and immersive.

• Building a brand is not a plug-and-play formula—it’s a custom journey.
• Performance marketing must be balanced with storytelling and top-of-funnel awareness.
• Marketing in today’s world means understanding where culture, platforms, and people are heading.
• The future of consumer experience lies at the intersection of AI, personalization, and creativity.

Closing Thoughts:

John Sampogna reminds us that the future of advertising isn’t about chasing quick wins—it’s about designing memorable, strategic experiences that build trust and scale over time. His message: stop over-optimizing and start building something people actually care about.