About
Story
Our founder Ryan's AI journey began in 2013 when he walked into Narrative Science with a notebook crammed full of ideas. The company was pioneering generative language technology—what would later become a core element of today's Large Language Models (LLMs). That interview turned into a 12-year run at the cutting edge of AI.
At Narrative Science, Ryan led go-to-market strategy on the leadership team, working alongside brilliant AI researchers from Northwestern University. The company's client roster included Deloitte, PwC, USAA, Target, and even the CIA.
Not long after Salesforce acquired Narrative Science in 2022, Ryan was among the thousands who got the axe. But every ending is a beginning. He and his wife Sara started advising CEOs, and quickly discovered companies were eager to harness AI but didn’t have the expertise to actually pull it off.
A stint back at Salesforce as a founding member of the AgentForce team only reinforced this insight. Ryan was advising executives at their biggest clients, watching smart leaders struggle with the same strategic blind spots.
In May 2025, Ryan took the leap and founded The AI Lab. Today, we're the team that bridges the gap between AI's promise and its execution—helping companies not just dream about their AI future, but actually build it.
Values
Trust
We act in our clients’ best interests—always. Radical transparency, integrity, and long-term partnership beat short term interests.
Exceptional Talent
We don’t staff bodies; we curate elite, trusted practitioners. Our network is proven AI leaders and builders who can think, teach, and execute.
Impact
We are uninterested in marginal gains. We help leaders rethink what’s possible, design the future of their business, and rebuild how work gets done.
Human-Centric
AI is a tool; humans are the point. We help our clients design systems that expand people’s impact, not erase it - unlocking capabilities they didn’t know they had.
Generational Stewardship
We’re building with our kids in mind. We help organizations navigate AI responsibly so the world they inherit is safer, more equitable, and opportunity-rich.
Team
Our team is growing fast!
Ryan Kurt
Founder, CEO
12+ years in GenAI. 1000's of exec GenAI strategy conversations. One of first hires at the first GenAI company, Narrative Science in 2013. Part of executive leadership team until Salesforce acquisition in ‘22. Founding member of Agentforce team in 2024.
Callie Cavanaugh
Creative Director
With a Master’s degree in Interaction Design and User Experience, Callie has spent over a decade owning and operating startups. She has experience at all levels of design from branding and product to marketing.
Advisors
In addition to guiding AI Lab’s leadership, our advisors contribute to thought leadership, shape research initiatives, and are available to collaborate directly with select clients.
Jennifer Stave, PhD
Chief Operator of Digital Data Design Institute, Harvard Business School
As the Inaugural Leader and Chief Operator of Harvard Business School’s institute on business and AI, Jen is at the forefront of AI capabilities and organizational transformation.
John Winsor
Harvard Fellow
John Winsor is a globally recognized leader in the future of work and AI-driven workforce strategies. He focuses on the evolving intersection of work, technology, and talent.
Testimonials
“Ryan Kurt is one of the rare individuals who has been deep in the generative AI space long before it became the buzzword it is today. We have collaborated on AI initiatives over the past 15 years at multiple Fortune 100 financial services firms. Many of these were early, pioneering AI initiatives in financial services — setting the standard and well ahead of their time. What makes Ryan so impactful is his ability to quickly earn the trust of senior executives through his ability to connect technology to creating tangible business value while bringing grounded, strategic insight that helps leaders move forward with confidence. He’s a trusted guide in a space filled with noise, and AI Lab reflects that ethos.”
- Zack Gipson, former head of digital at Schwab & Chief Innovation Officer at USAA