AI, Innovation, and Community: A Conversation with Brad Griffith
The Intersection of Technology, Innovation, and Human Connection: Insights from Brad Griffith
In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and technological advancement, Brad Griffith, founder of Buckeye Innovation, brings a refreshingly human-centered perspective to the conversation. As one of the first tenants in New Albany's business incubator space (now known as Innovate New Albany), Brad has witnessed firsthand the evolution of this innovation initiative that has helped position New Albany as "a great place to raise a company."
Innovate New Albany represents the city's commitment to fostering an ecosystem for growing businesses and innovation. The space has evolved significantly from its humble beginnings around 2009, when it started with just a handful of small offices, to its current impressive collaborative environment at BrickHouse Blue. This transformation mirrors the growth of the tech industry itself—constantly evolving, adapting, and finding new ways to connect people and solve problems.
The conversation naturally gravitates toward artificial intelligence, a topic that dominates technology discussions today. Brad offers a balanced perspective on AI's potential and limitations. While acknowledging that AI poses a threat to businesses, he contextualizes this within the broader landscape of constant change: "Is AI a threat? Yes, but there are so many other threats to business. We need to constantly be evaluating what is changing." Rather than viewing AI as an existential crisis, Brad sees it as another technological evolution—similar to how WordPress transformed web development, with 40% of all new websites now built on this platform.
What makes Brad's approach to technology particularly compelling is his focus on using it to bridge equity gaps. Through Buckeye Innovation, he has developed applications like VocFit, a vocational fit assessment tool that helps students with disabilities find suitable employment opportunities. What began as a spreadsheet model that could only assist one student per month has been transformed into a software-as-a-service platform that can generate reports efficiently and has even gained international recognition. Another impactful project, Opportunity Port, helps justice-involved individuals navigate the record-sealing process, potentially increasing their annual income by $10,000 on average within a year of getting their record sealed.
The discussion extends beyond technology to work-life balance and productivity. Buckeye Innovation operates on a four-day work week, challenging the conventional notion that more hours equal more productivity. Brad explains that the same behaviors that enable them to cut their work week by 20% are the same ones that drive growth: identifying what truly delivers value to clients and cutting out waste. This philosophy is informed by books like "Rest" and "Shorter," which explore how intentional rest can actually enhance creativity and productivity.
Family life plays a central role in Brad's approach to business. With two daughters, aged 15 and 11, he values the flexibility that entrepreneurship provides to be present in their lives. His older daughter is homeschooled, while the younger attends Columbus School for Girls. This flexibility allows him to volunteer extensively, including serving as vice president of the PTO and participating in Girl Scout activities. He even created an NFC tag system and packing slip generator for Girl Scout cookie sales, introducing technology in practical, engaging ways.
Brad's passion for community is evident in his involvement with various local organizations. He serves as the chair for City Year Columbus, an AmeriCorps program that places young professionals in Columbus City Schools to support teachers and students. He also volunteers with Garden for All, an organization that has expanded from New Albany to include a farm in Johnstown that helps address food insecurity in the region.
Throughout the conversation, Brad emphasizes the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world. While technology can sometimes divide people, it also has tremendous potential to bring them together—whether through augmented reality experiences like the Apple Vision Pro or through applications that solve real human problems. This human-centered approach to technology is what sets Brad and Buckeye Innovation apart in an industry often criticized for losing sight of the human element.
