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# Fireside Q&A with Michael J. (MJP) Prichard

### From Reactive Tools to Proactive Teammates: The Next Shift in AI

Featuring: Michael J. Prichard — Founder & CEO, Shift AI
Michael (MJP) is a serial founder whose ventures have helped shape Charlottesville’s tech scene — from WillowTree Apps to Metis Machine (Skafos.ai) and now Shift AI, where he’s building intelligence systems that anticipate human needs.

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## About the Talk

Join us for a candid, fireside-style Q&A exploring the next evolution in AI — moving from reactive tools to proactive teammates that understand, learn, and collaborate.
Topics we’ll explore include:

  • How AI can move beyond commands to anticipate human intent
  • What it really takes to build and fund AI startups in 2025
  • Why the “future of work” is about augmenting human creativity, not replacing it
  • Lessons from scaling multiple tech companies — and what’s next for AI builders in Charlottesville

Bring your questions, curiosities, and ideas. This will be an open, interactive discussion about where AI is heading and how our community can help shape it.

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## Event Details

Date: Tuesday, Oct 28th
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Studio IX – 969 2nd St SE, Charlottesville, VA

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## Schedule

5:30 PM – Setup begins
5:45 PM — (Optional) Book Club Track
6:00 PM – Doors open (feel free to bring snacks or grab something nearby)
6:30 PM – Fireside Q&A with Michael J. (MJP) Prichard
7:30 PM – Breakout Track Reports and 3-Minute Pitches
7:45 PM – Open Forum Discussion
Share your projects, demo tools, or bring a topic for group discussion.
8:00 PM – Wrap-up and networking

Organizerss

Owen Zanzal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenzanzal/
Mike Powers - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-powers-4262033/
Chat with us on Cville Slack #cvilleaiexplorers
If you aren't a member of Cville Slack, DM me your email, and I'll send you an invite.

Sponsors

Studio IX
Coworking space in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia, designed for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.
Studio IX offers a flexible shared office environment with options for open workspaces, dedicated desks, and private offices. The space fosters a collaborative community through weekly events and mixers, featuring a 'warm industrial' atmosphere with ample natural light.
Amenities include high-speed internet, soundproof phone booths, conference rooms, and premium coffee. Studio IX is staffed by a community manager on weekdays and provides 24/7 access for members.
Tours of the space are available; interested individuals can contact them via:

Events in Charlottesville, VA
AI Algorithms
AI and Society
New Technology
Professional Networking
Technology

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