Reaching More Clients with Less Effort through AI Sales Automation – With Kyle Kun Ji

AI Sales Automation was once a common fear that robots will one day replace us all. While that may not be entirely true, one thing is certain. Today, Artificial Intelligence is powerful. It’s not just powering search engines or writing content. It’s reshaping how we sell, connect, and grow. For small business owners, that means real leverage. Not through a bigger team or a massive ad budget but through smart, scalable outreach tools. And for those who feel behind or overwhelmed, that’s exactly where the opportunity lies. AI isn’t about replacing humans, rather it’s about amplifying what one person can do.

In this episode of The Best Business Podcast, host Daryl Urbanski sits down with Kyle Kun Ji. He’s a former CTO of billion-dollar companies and now co-founder of StrategyBrain.ca. Based in Toronto, Kyle’s team builds AI sales agents that automate LinkedIn prospecting, lead qualification, and appointment setting. His background spans Baidu, Zynga, and several startups, giving him rare insight into what actually scales. He explains how small business owners can compete with large teams using the right AI tools. If you’re tired of cold outreach or lead generation bottlenecks, Kyle’s strategies are built to lighten that load.

This episode dives deep into how AI sales automation to boost performance. You’ll hear practical use cases, real-life examples, and simple tools you can start using today. Whether you’re a solo founder or building a lean sales team, you’ll walk away with ideas you can act on. Because in today’s competitive market, knowing how to apply AI is how you stay in the game.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode: 

1. Understand how to automate LinkedIn sales outreach using AI agents for higher lead generation efficiency
2. Learn insider strategies from a former billion-dollar CTO on using AI sales automation to build lean, scalable startups
3. Gain practical tips for leveraging tools like StrategyBrain to save time, reduce cost, and improve engagement with ideal clients

Resources

• Strategy Brain: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | X | Medium   
• “The Startup Owner’s Manual: The Step-by-Step Guide for Building a Great Company” by Steve Blank and Bob Dorf
• Best Business Podcast with Daryl Urbanski - Where you can find more insightful interviews like this one.

Episode Highlights 

Empowering Entrepreneurs Through AI Sales Automation

• One of the biggest challenges for small businesses today is scaling sales without growing overhead.
• Manual prospecting, cold outreach, and inconsistent lead flow make it difficult to grow sustainably.
• This episode features Kyle Kun Ji, former CTO of billion-dollar tech firms and co-founder of StrategyBrain.ca.
• Kyle’s expertise in AI sales automation makes him the perfect guest to discuss how entrepreneurs can scale smarter with fewer resources.

Engineering Genes, Entrepreneurial Heart

• Kyle shares that he comes from a long line of engineers but was drawn to entrepreneurship early on.
• His first venture during China’s internet boom was an e-commerce company selling baby products, which later went public.
• He co-founded a robotics company that deployed 5,000+ car wash units across China, emphasizing scalable automation.
• Reflects on the value of staying in the game. Second movers often win by learning from early players’ mistakes.

From Corporate CTO to Startup Founder in Canada

• Kyle discusses moving to Toronto to launch his AI startup, citing Canada’s strong talent and startup ecosystem.
• Believed Canada offered the right environment to build tools that empower small businesses globally.
• In early 2024, he launched StrategyBrain to help automate LinkedIn-based sales conversations.
• He also notes that AI tools are accelerating the adoption of AI sales automation even among non-technical founders.

Crafting Scalable Startups with AI

• Kyle explains that success comes from capital efficiency, product-market fit, and thoughtful iteration, not just speed.
• Shares that his experience with lean startup principles shaped how he builds for scale.
• AI now allows solo founders to move quickly without needing large development teams.
• StrategyBrain reached nearly 1,000 users in its first few months through practical results, not hype.

Technical Leverage: The First Best Use of AI for Entrepreneurs

• Kyle recommends AI tools like Devin AI and ZeroDev to help non-technical founders build prototypes fast.
• Explains that AI reduces the need for full-time engineers, enabling solo entrepreneurs to execute bold ideas.
• Coding is no longer a blocker; AI bridges the talent gap and accelerates development.
• With the right tools, founders can validate ideas in weeks instead of years.

How StrategyBrain Uses AI to 10x LinkedIn Sales

• StrategyBrain AI agents simulate natural conversations instead of sending generic sales messages.
• Outreach is tailored using data like job roles, company info, and interests to build relevance.
• The system adapts in real time, responding based on user behavior, timing, and engagement patterns.

Small teams can run enterprise-level LinkedIn sales funnels without hiring SDRs.

LinkedIn Sales the Wrong Way, And the Better Way

• Kyle outlines common mistakes like weak profiles, unclear messaging, and premature sales pitches.

• Many users neglect personal branding and fail to build emotional rapport with prospects.
• StrategyBrain uses a structured sequence (connect, converse, then convert) to build trust first.
• Daryl emphasizes that relying only on referrals leaves too much opportunity on the table.

From Conversations to Conversions: AI as Your Sales Setter

• StrategyBrain’s AI identifies, qualifies, and engages high-fit leads across LinkedIn.
• Once a prospect shows interest, the system gathers contact info and books calls automatically.
• Kyle compares it to a 24/7 appointment setter that never gets tired, sick, or distracted.
• This frees founders to focus on product and client success instead of constant prospecting.

Budgeting for AI-Powered Sales

• Kyle shares that StrategyBrain offers a free trial and affordable plans. It’s comparable to “a few cups of coffee.”
• Sales Navigator is optional but adds additional data mining and advanced targeting features.
• Founders can start small and scale as ROI grows, without taking on high upfront costs.
• The tool pays for itself with just a few high-quality leads or calls, making it a smart AI sales automation investment..

What AI Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Replace

• Kyle explains that while AI excels at automation, it can’t replace human qualities like empathy or intuition.
• Founders should still lead with storytelling, trust, and purpose. These are things machines can’t replicate.
• Some industries, like craftwork or personal caregiving, remain deeply human and resistant to AI takeover.

AI should support meaningful work, not replace the human connection behind it.

The Shift Ahead: AI Agents as the New Workforce

• Kyle predicts AI will soon take full actions, not just make suggestions, replacing many tool stacks.
• AI agents will become digital workers. They’re able to manage tasks that once took teams and software bundles.
• Solo founders and freelancers will access capabilities once limited to major enterprises.
• This shift has global potential. It gives underfunded communities tools to compete and thrive.

Smarter Growth with AI Sales Automation

• With the right tools, small teams can now compete at a level that once required entire departments.
• AI allows founders to scale outreach, qualify leads, and drive growth without burning out or over-hiring.
• Kyle highlights AI’s data insight power, saying, “AI may know your customers better than you.”
• AI sales automation is not about removing humans. It’s about using tech with purpose to achieve real, scalable results.