In this episode of Next Gen Case Studies, host Devon Jones sits down with Sage Wohns, CEO and founder of Jericho Security. Sage shares his journey from founding his first business in the Seattle tech scene to his current work in cybersecurity, where Jericho Security uses artificial intelligence to combat phishing attacks powered by generative AI. Sage’s insights into using technology to accelerate business growth and stay ahead of cyber threats make this a fascinating conversation for anyone interested in tech-driven solutions.

The episode kicks off with Sage's background, growing up in Seattle and how he began his journey in computer science and entrepreneurship. From building websites for local businesses as a teen to founding Jericho Security, Sage walks us through his evolution in the tech world. His early experiences at companies like Rakuten and Agolo helped form the foundation for his focus on machine learning and natural language processing, technologies he now leverages in cybersecurity.

The conversation dives into how AI is revolutionizing product creation, speeding up processes that once took years, and enabling faster, more adaptive business models. Sage discusses how Jericho Security is using AI to identify and counter novel phishing attacks and other cyber threats. He emphasizes how generative AI has allowed his team to achieve rapid growth, from building their product to market engagement.

Sage also talks about the importance of customer relationships in business development. He explains how listening closely to clients, particularly Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), has allowed Jericho to build solutions that address real-world security concerns. By working closely with industry experts and creating collaborative environments for sharing knowledge, Sage ensures Jericho remains at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation.

Devon and Sage explore the role of AI in sales and marketing, touching on how automation has transformed client engagement, messaging, and sales processes. Sage shares valuable insights for entrepreneurs on the transition from founder-led sales to professional sales teams, highlighting the challenges and milestones along the way. He also explains the importance of building a strong team around you—people who share your vision and are experts in their fields.

Finally, Sage offers advice for aspiring founders and entrepreneurs, encouraging them to seek out in-person interactions and expert advice as they build their businesses. His focus on collaboration, adaptability, and leveraging technology offers a roadmap for those looking to scale their companies quickly in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

If you'd like to learn more or reach out to Sage, you can contact him directly at sage@jerichosecurity.com or on Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/sagew/. For more on how Devon and his team can assist with your marketing or AI needs, visit nextgengrowth.com.