Helen Yu of Tgon Advisory is a good friend who lives in Henderson. We attended the Indy Autonomous Challenge together, and Helen Yu has introduced me to Paul Mitchell, the Chairman, President, and CEO of the Indy Autonomous Challenge. That’s the power of connections. Reputation and relationships drive everything. Opportunities often come through the people you know and the trust you build.

Helen has interviewed some truly important people, and her ability to ask the right questions is a testament to the power of strong relationships and thorough research. Unlike asking absurd hypothetical questions—such as whether AI-powered cars will turn into Terminators with guns—Helen focuses on meaningful insights. She provides real value
When Helen interviewed Paul. I was impressed by the quality of the questions she had outlined for the interview. I could freeze-frame them just to analyze their depth. If you’re interviewing people, it’s not about being well-spoken, looking good, or having perfect English. What truly matters is research and the strength of the relationship.
Helen’s questions reflect years of knowledge about the Indy Autonomous Challenge. She didn’t just ask surface-level questions like, “How fast do the cars go?” Instead, she brought invaluable context, mentioning the universities involved and major car manufacturers participating.
If you want to be the top expert in your industry, study what Helen is doing. Of all the people companies could turn to, they choose her. That leads to the key question: How do people become the Helen of their industry?
Influence isn’t just about reach—it’s about authenticity and mastery. Helen Yu, a mega-influencer in the tech industry, shares a key insight: Be authentic, excel at what you do, and add value in every conversation. When you bring deep knowledge and meaningful contributions, people notice. That’s how true collaboration and recognition happen.
Success isn’t limited to a specific field. Whether you work in retail or lead a company, excellence builds reputation. People refer those who consistently deliver value.
Take Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, as an example. He once worked as a server at Denny’s, serving Grand Slam breakfasts. Today, he leads one of the most valuable companies in the world. At his recent keynote, the line to hear him speak stretched nearly a mile—bigger than a Taylor Swift concert. That level of influence comes from innovation and vision. Tech leaders draw crowds not just for their status but for their ideas. People want to hear their grand vision. It’s an exciting time to be part of the tech world.
Helen’s network and credibility open doors, proving that influence isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about the strength of your connections.
Indy Autonomous Challenge: A Leap Forward in Autonomous Racing
CES is a major tech event, and the Indy Autonomous Challenge is a leader in autonomous racing, featuring fully robotic Indy cars with no human drivers. Paul Mitchell’s team has set land speed records, reaching 196 mph, and is aiming for even higher speeds, with four autonomous cars racing together for the first time.
This challenge goes beyond racing; it’s about advancing autonomous technology. Today, AI-driven cars will implement “push to pass,” deciding the optimal moments to accelerate for overtaking. High-speed autonomy must be safer and faster than human-driven vehicles. The development focuses on high-speed decision-making, while robo taxis and delivery vehicles focus on urban navigation.
The merging of these two approaches—high-speed racing and urban navigation—will create safer, faster, and more efficient autonomous systems. Autonomous racing shapes the future of mobility.
Challenges in High-Speed Autonomous Driving
At high speeds, challenges like latency (GPS signal loss) and sensor fusion (switching between GPS and onboard sensors) arise. These issues make real-time decision-making harder. AI needs to adapt quickly, even in challenging conditions, to prevent accidents and save lives. By solving these problems in racing, we’re paving the way for safer, more reliable self-driving technology for everyday use.
AI vs. Human Drivers: Who Wins?
For now, the human driver would win. However, AI-powered cars already have advantages that humans don’t. These cars can drive at 120 mph in complete darkness without headlights. They can also detect approaching vehicles from 40 to 60 meters away, something human drivers rely on spotters for.
Where humans still have the edge is intuition, risk assessment, and overtaking strategies. AI is learning these skills, and within a few years, it will likely reach the level of top human drivers. Right now, AI drivers are far better than the average person but still not on par with elite professionals like Max Verstappen. The gap is closing, and when AI fully masters strategy and risk-taking, it could surpass even the best human drivers.
Advice for Students: The Future of AI and Robotics
Paul Mitchell encourages students to go beyond digital AI (like ChatGPT) and explore physical AI—the combination of robotics and machine learning. His advice:
- Get into robotics—join a club, try drone racing, or experiment with RC cars.
- Learn both software and hardware—understanding both gives you a major edge.
- Think about real-world applications—AI isn’t just for automating homework; it’s shaping industries.
The Future of Autonomy
Paul believes autonomous technology should be high-speed and superhuman. If AI can safely operate at 150+ mph, it can revolutionize transportation, delivery, and mobility. Imagine:
- Amazon deliveries in seconds instead of a day.
- Traveling from Vegas to LA at 150 mph while watching a movie.
Paul and his team are pushing the boundaries with support from major auto manufacturers, universities, and even DARPA. Their next big milestones?
- Setting a new speed record at Kennedy Space Center in February.
- Racing at the F1 track in Monza in June.
Stay ahead of the curve—explore the latest innovations in AI and robotics, and connect with experts like Helen Yu and Paul Mitchell.