Leadership

Executive Network

Peer-level AI implementation exchange for C-suite leaders. Real experience, shared openly. Not a conference. Not a vendor pitch.

What it is

An executive peer network for AI leaders

The SDx Executive Network brings together C-suite leaders and senior decision-makers navigating AI implementation. Small-group roundtables, off-the-record conversations, and direct access to peers who are solving the same problems you are. No vendors. No pitches. Just real experience shared openly.

Peer Roundtables

Intimate sessions with fellow executives tackling AI adoption

Off-the-Record

Candid conversations in a trusted, closed-door environment

Practical Focus

Real use cases, real inhibitors, real solutions

Curated Network

Vetted membership of senior leaders across industries

Limited to 50 executive members

Apply

Join San Diego's AI executive network.

Questions? hello@sdx.community

Members

Grayson Lafrenz

Founder and Chairman

Power Digital

Scaled Power Digital from 0 to 1,0000+ employees having 2 PE transactions along the journey as well as acquiring 6+ companies onto the platform.

Founder, Cadre AI — helping executives drive growth through AI adoption.

M&A Leader — grew EBITDA 600% through acquisitions and integrations.

Award-Winning CEO — 2× CEO of the Year, culture and growth recognized nationally.

Serial Entrepreneur — six ventures across tech, marketing, and strategy.

Peer Leader — active YPO/EO member shaping executive collaboration.

Neal Bloom

Managing Director

Rising Tide Partners

Engineer to Entrepreneur — Former aerospace engineer who helped launch 84 astronauts before pivoting to tech startups.

Startup & Exit Success — Co-founded Portfolium (acquired by Instructure) and launched Hired.com.

Ecosystem Builder — Founded Fresh Brewed Tech, the Tacos & Tech podcast, Builder Bay, and Pixel Port hubs, spotlighting and growing San Diego's innovation community.

Community Leader — Chair of Startup San Diego, driving growth through events like Startup Week.

VC & Investor — Managing Partner at Rising Tide Partners, backing top technologists and innovation districts.

Al Bsharah

Managing Partner

Interlock Capital

Managing Partner, Interlock Capital — founded and runs a community-driven early-stage fund.

Operator-Turned-Investor — 25+ years as founder/operator with exits via Seismic & Return Path.

Product & Data Leader — ex-VP at Seismic, scaling SaaS analytics and product ops.

Serial Founder — built and sold Email Copilot; earlier startups and technical / business leadership roles.

Mentor & Builder — guides founders through Techstars, Founder Institute, and San Diego's ecosystem.

Engineer-Investor — electrical engineer turned angel, backing 100+ companies through syndicates and funds.

Jerry Swain

CEO Coach

CEO Coaching International

CEO Coach, CEO Coaching International — guides founder-led teams to scale revenue and EBITDA.

Entrepreneur — founded and sold Jer's Chocolates, a global gourmet brand.

IBM Sales Veteran — built expertise in enterprise sales, finance, and strategy.

Peer Leader — Chair of TIGER 21 San Diego, facilitating CEO and investor roundtables.

Community Advocate — nonprofit board member and author of Tell Me Something Sweet.

Speaker & Mentor — international voice on entrepreneurship and leadership.