Rodney Runolfson

On AI and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

We stand at the threshold of arguably the most profound socio-economic transformation of our time. And thinking back not that long ago as we watched the slow-motion train wreck of the dot-com bubble burst, and I looked on in disbelief as scores of companies failed and billions of dollars in market value vanish overnight. As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries, labor markets, and global infrastructure, it is hard not to draw significant comparisons to that dark time between 2000 and 2002. In fact, it can easily be said that the Fourth Industrial Revolution combined with the global adoption of AI promises to be an even larger transformation of our global markets and the day-to-day ways of working for everyone, than the dot-com era ever was...by orders of magnitude. That’s sobering.

However, I refuse to be swept up in the noise of the nearly hysterical speculation that is so rampant when discussing the promise of AI. Instead, I pursue a fundamental understanding of what this revolution truly means, how it will unfold, and what strategies will enable people and organizations to thrive.

Guided by lessons learned from history, I understand that every great transformation demands clarity over hype, discipline over frenzy, and long‑term vision over short‑term gains. My philosophy is simple yet uncompromising: to advise and build with rigor, providing guidance, feedback, and tough love so that tactics combine seamlessly to form an enduring strategy. In doing so, I help founders, leaders, and institutions define their future in the Fourth Industrial Revolution with confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Current Roles

Last Mile

Last Mile is delivering an AI‑powered integration platform designed to bringing clarity to operational chaos, and creating actionable insights from hidden signals.

At its core is Singularity™, a pioneering data set that finally unifies disparate OT assets and telemetry into one authoritative source of truth.

Nexus : Idaho

Defining Idaho's statewide coalition on the adoption of AI by uniting universities, industry, and government to re-imagine a shared future on their terms.

Our vision is to position Idaho as the epicenter of AI thought leadership in Agricultural and Operating Technology industries, making Idaho "the most investable state in America".

Strategic Advisor

The game is already changing. I provide advisory for entrepreneurs and high-growth ventures as they traverse the obstacles presented by the AI‑driven, Fourth Industrial Revolution.

I work closely with my clients to provide guidance, feedback, and when needed, tough love to align near term tactics with long term strategy, enabling a more frictionless businesses flow and greater market capture.

Client Portfolio

Speaking & Engagement ··· Contact Me ✉

Designs and Principles for the Future