2026: Pilots Are Out, MVPs Are In
Wed Jan 28 2026
What’s powering real progress in 2026? In this episode of Pure Signal, the team highlights the stark shift from AI experimentation to execution, and what that means for leaders navigating complexity, change, and transformation.
As Kevin Erickson, Jake Carter, and Ryan Medellin reflect on the early signals of the year, they explore how AI strategy is maturing, why MVPs have replaced pilots, and where leadership focus is shifting. From the return to fundamentals to the evolving role of the C-Suite, this conversation highlights how clarity, simplicity, and substance are becoming critical differentiators.
For leaders looking to drive meaningful business outcomes, this episode offers a grounded perspective on where to double down and how to move with intent.
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Quotes
"There are a lot of companies that are getting to the point of, ‘Yes, I care about the MVP, [but] I also want the system that's going to produce the next MVP and the one after that.’ Which, frankly, is where things get real. That's where you start moving from experimentation into actual enterprise momentum.” – Jake Carter
"I keep hearing the word ‘simple.’ You have to keep it simple at the beginning and focus on how do we best serve our client? How do we best serve our people? Then build out from there. What does that look like in practice across both of those lanes?" – Ryan Medellin
“We're becoming more comfortable operating a bit in that uncertainty. You're going back to the themes that we typically return to: do right by your customers, grow and innovate, care for your employees. Those themes are timeless. And now, if you can throw on this huge technological and process change, it gives you a moment to rethink your business in a way that's really fun."– Kevin Erickson
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Time Stamps
00:00 Intro
01:10 Stay safe Texas
05:05 Kicking off 2026
12:35 Where to focus efforts amidst an uncertain market
15:15 Pilots are out, MVPs are in
17:10 Is the C-Suite changing?
22:00 What are the themes of 2026?
29:05 Focus on empowering your team
34:10 Closing thoughts
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Links
Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn!
Kevin Erickson
Ryan Medellin
Jake Carter
Learn more about Credera
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What’s powering real progress in 2026? In this episode of Pure Signal, the team highlights the stark shift from AI experimentation to execution, and what that means for leaders navigating complexity, change, and transformation. As Kevin Erickson, Jake Carter, and Ryan Medellin reflect on the early signals of the year, they explore how AI strategy is maturing, why MVPs have replaced pilots, and where leadership focus is shifting. From the return to fundamentals to the evolving role of the C-Suite, this conversation highlights how clarity, simplicity, and substance are becoming critical differentiators. For leaders looking to drive meaningful business outcomes, this episode offers a grounded perspective on where to double down and how to move with intent. — Quotes "There are a lot of companies that are getting to the point of, ‘Yes, I care about the MVP, [but] I also want the system that's going to produce the next MVP and the one after that.’ Which, frankly, is where things get real. That's where you start moving from experimentation into actual enterprise momentum.” – Jake Carter "I keep hearing the word ‘simple.’ You have to keep it simple at the beginning and focus on how do we best serve our client? How do we best serve our people? Then build out from there. What does that look like in practice across both of those lanes?" – Ryan Medellin “We're becoming more comfortable operating a bit in that uncertainty. You're going back to the themes that we typically return to: do right by your customers, grow and innovate, care for your employees. Those themes are timeless. And now, if you can throw on this huge technological and process change, it gives you a moment to rethink your business in a way that's really fun."– Kevin Erickson — Time Stamps 00:00 Intro 01:10 Stay safe Texas 05:05 Kicking off 2026 12:35 Where to focus efforts amidst an uncertain market 15:15 Pilots are out, MVPs are in 17:10 Is the C-Suite changing? 22:00 What are the themes of 2026? 29:05 Focus on empowering your team 34:10 Closing thoughts — Links Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn! Kevin Erickson Ryan Medellin Jake Carter Learn more about Credera