98: How to Build AI Agents That Automate Workflows Without Coding with Etan Polinger

Most leaders think AI agents are too technical to build, but the real barrier is not skill, it is clarity.
In this episode Chris talks with Etan Polinger, AI Solutions Architect and Head of AI Solutions, about how non-technical professionals can design, build, and deploy AI agents that drive real business outcomes. Etan breaks down what an agent actually is, how to think about automation versus agentic workflows, and why fundamentals matter more than tools in a rapidly changing AI landscape.
They explore practical examples from inbox automation to project intelligence systems, along with the frameworks Etan uses to help operators move from idea to deployed solution. If you want to move beyond AI curiosity and start building systems that create leverage inside your business, this episode shows you where to begin and how to think about it.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:12 Why Asking Better Questions Unlocks AI
00:33 What Is Actually Possible With AI Today
00:52 What an AI Agent Really Is
01:46 Bridging AI Hype and Real Execution
03:05 Why Non-Technical People Can Now Build
05:19 Where Business Leaders Should Start
08:52 Real Examples of AI Agents in Action
13:57 The Right Way to Start Building With AI
17:36 How Long It Takes to Learn This Skill
22:13 Why Your AI Builds Keep Breaking
33:29 Common Mistakes When Building Agents
38:02 The SCOUTS Framework Explained
44:20 The Most Powerful Question You Can Ask AI

🔎 Find Out More About Etan Polinger

LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/etan-polinger

🛠 AI Tools and Resources Mentioned
AI Agents + Automation Certification
CAIO.cx/agent (caio.cx/agent)
ChatGPT (OpenAI)
chat.openai.com
Claude (Anthropic)
claude.ai
OpenAI
openai.com
Cursor (AI Code Editor)
cursor.sh
Lovable (AI App Builder)
lovable.dev
OpenClaw (AI Agent Framework)
github.com/openclaw/openclaw
N8N (Workflow Automation)
n8n.io
Salesforce
salesforce.com
Notion
notion.so
Perplexity AI
perplexity.ai
Context7 (Code + Documentation Tool)
context7.com
Chief AI Officer Program
chiefaiofficer.com
Support the show (buzzsprout.com/2278116/support)