By Spencer Hulse
Business consultant and mentor at Force Business Ecosystem, discusses his unique approach to AI implementation in business operations and what led to his recent recognition at the prestigious New York Mayor’s Award 2025
Mayor Eric Adams handed out the New York Mayor’s Award 2025 at Gracie Mansion last month, recognizing business leaders who’ve made a measurable impact on the city’s economy. Konstantin Zhuchkov earned his award for work that goes beyond typical consulting. As a mentor at Force Business Ecosystem, he’s helped grow one of the largest Eastern European business networks in the US. He also runs the SkillED Business Academy, which produces entrepreneurs who actually stick around and build companies here. His approach comes at a time when AI, blockchain, and other emerging technologies are reshaping how businesses operate in New York.
We spoke with Zhuchkov about what it means to receive recognition from City Hall, how his AI automation methods are spreading through New York’s business community, and why his approach to entrepreneurial education is producing results that competitors are trying to copy. He also shared practical advice for business owners looking to implement technology solutions that actually generate revenue rather than just impressive demos.
Konstantin, receiving the New York Mayor’s Award 2025, must have been quite significant. What does this recognition mean for your work with Force Business Ecosystem?
Receiving this recognition at such a prestigious ceremony was truly humbling. What really stood out to me was the incredible diversity among the innovators being honored; it just underscored how much New York values real, tangible impact. For the Force Business Ecosystem, this really validates our approach of blending community building with practical education. When you look at the results our SkillED Business Academy participants are achieving, it’s crystal clear we’re actively contributing to the city’s economic development – we’re not just about networking.
As a mentor at Force Business Ecosystem, you help lead the SkillED Business Academy. How does your focus on AI and automation integration fit into this educational mission?
Look, the Academy exists because we recognized a huge gap. Traditional business education just wasn’t cutting it for what actually works in today’s market. My focus? It’s all about showing entrepreneurs how to integrate AI and automation without losing that crucial human element, that connection that truly builds customer relationships. We’re talking practical, actionable stuff here, things our participants can implement right away. When someone finishes our program and they’ve boosted their business efficiency by, say, 40% through smart automation? That’s the tangible impact, the real-world outcome the Mayor’s Award celebrates.
You mention that your methods are “cloned and taken as a model of behavior.” How does this manifest in the business community?
You know, I really see this play out most clearly in my consulting work. Companies bring me in to implement solutions I’ve developed and refined over time, and then, without fail, their competitors start knocking on my door because they’ve seen the results firsthand. More recently, I’ve even been asked to speak at conferences because business leaders are genuinely curious about how they can achieve similar outcomes. The fact that people are willing to pay for my methods and actively seek them out tells me we’re truly tackling fundamental problems, not just chasing fleeting trends.
In practical terms, what does AI and automation integration look like for a typical business owner working with you?
Let me give you a concrete example. Traditional sales processes involve extensive manual work: lead qualification, follow-up sequences, customer segmentation. I help businesses identify which touchpoints can be automated without losing the relationship-building aspect that creates trust. Instead of a business owner spending 60% of their time on administrative tasks, they focus on strategy and customer relationships. The AI handles the routine, humans handle the growth.
Given this recognition from Mayor Adams, what’s the next phase for your consulting practice and your work with Force Business Ecosystem?
The Mayor’s Award reinforced our expansion plans. We’re seeing demand from entrepreneurs across all backgrounds who want to understand how to implement these technologies effectively. The goal isn’t just to grow bigger, but to create more success stories that contribute to New York’s reputation as a global hub of innovation. We want the SkillED Business Academy to become a model that other cities can replicate.
What’s your advice for someone starting a business in New York who wants to actually make money, not just get press coverage?
Start with a problem you can solve better than anyone else, then prove it works on a small scale before you try to scale up. Too many people get caught up in the startup theater—the networking events, the pitch competitions, the social media presence. None of that matters if you can’t deliver real value to real customers. Focus on revenue from day one. If you can’t explain how your business makes money in one sentence, you’re not ready to launch.
This industry announcement article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
