AI is moving faster than your strategy with Sebastian Wohlrapp, ex-Porsche Digital and Mercedes-Benz

In this episode of Offscript, we sit down with Sebastian — entrepreneur, former Porsche Digital and Mercedes-Benz digital leader, and current CEO of Y1 — to talk honestly about what actually works in digital transformation and AI adoption. Sebastian has spent three decades building companies at the intersection of business and technology: from early web commerce in the 90s, to scaling digital ventures inside global automotive giants, to founding and running deep-tech startups. In this conversation, we go beyond hype and unpack real lessons from success, failure, and timing. We cover: Why AI adoption fails when companies start with tools instead of purpose. The difference between machine learning, generative AI, and agents (and why most companies mix them up). How corporates really change — and why silos aren’t the villain everyone thinks. What traits matter more than degrees when hiring for AI-first teams. Why “build your own LLM” is usually a terrible idea. How leaders should think about jobs, automation, and human skills in an AI-driven economy This episode is for founders, executives, operators, and decision-makers who are tired of AI theater and want clarity, not noise. As Sebastian puts it: “Don’t be late to the party — but don’t drink too much.”