Ep. 51 | Reinventing Search for the AI Era Part I - Michael Novielli
Michael Novielli on Legacy, Lessons, and Launching SwiftSift
This week on the Shakin’ Hands Podcast, Jack Moran sits down with Michael Novielli, a global investor turned first-time tech founder, to talk about reinvention, resilience, and building an AI-powered app that just might change the way we search forever. From decades on Wall Street to sweating it out in a startup lab, here we go;
From Frustrated Searches to Future-Facing Tech
The idea for SwiftSift came not from a boardroom, but from a failed protein shake search in South Beach. Michael typed his query into Google… and got a list of “Top 10” distractions that had nothing to do with what he actually wanted. That’s when he knew the search was broken, and that he might be the one to fix it. The only problem? Michael didn’t yet know how to actually build an app that understands you.
Yet Again, Team is Everything
Michael’s spent decades listening to startup pitches. His verdict? You can have the best idea in the world, but if your team can’t deliver, it’s game over. What matters most isn’t just fixing the problem; it’s finding the right people to fix the problem. So, how do you find partners who won’t bail when things get hard?Mentorship, Drive, and Real Talk
Mentorship. When teaching the next generation of founders, Michael shares what he looks for: hunger, grit, balance, and a willingness to keep going when the sky falls, because in startups, it always does.
How Does AI Play into All of This?
Michael sees striking parallels between the internet boom of the ’90s and the AI explosion happening now. Back then, people thought malls were dead. Today, some say AI will replace people altogether. He disagrees, but warns that standing still isn’t an option. So, as a tech founder, what’s the right way to ride the wave without getting swept under?
How Michael Defines Success Today
Success for Michael isn’t about net worth anymore, like it was on Wall Street. It’s about user adoption, scalable impact, and building something real with a team he trusts. SwiftSift isn’t just a business, it’s the next chapter of a career defined by evolution.
Catch the Full Episode to Learn More
Whether you’re just starting out or wondering what reinvention looks like after 30 years in the game, Michael Novielli’s story is proof that it’s never too late to take a swing at something new.
At Shakin’ Hands, we provide a platform for entrepreneurs and thought leaders to share their stories, helping others escape the rat race and chase their own dreams.
Listen to the full episode here.
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