As a young builder running my own AI agency, I quickly realized that my success wasn’t just about mastering prompts and algorithms; it was about mastering the art of building relationships. That’s why I joke that business isn’t built in “meetings” — it’s built in “MEAT-ings.”
Whenever I sit down with a client or mentor over a meal — at a local diner, a hibachi counter, or a Brazilian churrascaria like Fogo de Chão — we connect on a level that a Zoom call just can’t replicate. It’s not just the endless cuts of picanha and crispy pork belly; it’s the opportunity to slow down, put our phones away and really listen to each other. It’s about paying attention to body language, celebrating wins with a shared plate, and building trust.
When I’m at a MEAT-ing, I’m present. My phone stays in my pocket so I can make eye contact and ask thoughtful questions. Instead of racing through an agenda, we share stories and ideas. The lessons I’ve learned over meals — like asking about someone’s family, or offering to help beyond what’s expected — have opened more doors than any technical skill I’ve ever learned.
That’s what we teach in our program. Yes, you’ll gain the technical skills to build and scale AI-powered campaigns, but the young adults who truly succeed are those who show up early, stay late, do the extra work and genuinely care about the people they’re serving.
You can’t fake empathy with ChatGPT. You can’t hide behind a keyboard when you’re sitting across from someone sharing a steak.
So if you’re a young adult dreaming of leading an AI agency, remember: your next breakthrough might not happen in a classroom or in code. It might happen over a sizzling plate of meat. Make time for MEAT-ings, develop your people skills, and watch how quickly your network — and your business — grows.
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